Donald E. Preston; Ex-Public Works Employee
Donald Edgar Preston, a Ventura County resident for 45 years, died Saturday in a Ventura hospital after a brief illness. He was 79.
He was born March 23, 1919, in Hastings, Neb.
After working in his family’s drugstore in Superior, Neb., Preston moved to Ventura in 1953. He became an engineering inspector for the city’s Public Works Department and worked there 35 years until his retirement in 1992.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Rita Preston; a sister, Dorothy Durfee of Ventura; four sons, John G. Preston of Springfield, Ill., Thomas C. Preston of Waco, Texas, Stephen D. Preston of Joplin, Mo., and Lane Preston of Ventura; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Carl Preston and Maree Pudun Preston; a brother, Max Preston; and a grandson, Sean Preston.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant St., Ojai, CA 93023, and the Native Daughters of the Golden West Children’s Foundation, 60 Thackery St., Ventura, CA 93003.
The Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, is in charge of arrangements.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
