Michael Paul Preston, 68, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Born in Erie, PA, on January 11, 1952, to the late Vernon Preston and Joyce Preston Gronborg, Mike graduated from McDowell High School in 1970.? He served in the US Navy (1972-1975) on the USS Yosemite.? He then worked at Klein Plating Works in Erie until 1994, where he flew as company pilot for a time.? Mike then worked as a programmer for Glovia International and finally for Zurn Industries until his retirement in 2018.
???? Mike enjoyed photography, reading, hunting, cutting firewood, hiking, canoeing, and camping. His life was characterized by his love for God and family.? He was a kind and loving husband to Janet Klepfer Preston, faithfully committed to her in marriage for 47 years.? Mike modeled for his sons how to be a devoted husband and father and modeled for his daughter the qualities she should seek in a husband. He demonstrated a Christ-honoring lifestyle of humility and grace for his family and all who knew him.? Fascinated by the immensity of creation and the incredible power of his Creator, Mike spent hours studying and photographing the stars and nature.? He faithfully served as a teacher and Sunday School Superintendent at Fairview Bible Church for many years. Through everything he did, Mike?s devotion to his children and grandchildren displayed his desire to strengthen their relationships with Jesus Christ through his example and guidance in all aspects of living.? Mike?s biggest aspiration in life was not his own accomplishments, of which there were many, but rather the legacy of godly character he left within his family.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister, and grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Preston, and children Joseph (Christy) Preston of Fairview, PA; Jeremy (Andrea) Preston of Edinboro, PA; Philip (April) Preston of Pataskala, OH; Elizabeth (Jed) Lawson of Cranesville, PA; and Christopher (Kristin) Preston of Fairview, PA; as well as 16 beloved grandchildren and many extended family members.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, December 13, from 3:00-6:00 pm at Fairview Bible Church, 6100 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA.? The funeral service will be on Monday, December 14, at 10:00 am at Fairview Bible Church, with interment to follow, Pastors Christopher Preston and Joseph Preston officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Fairview Bible Church, WLD Ranch, or Institute for Creation Research.
Praying for you all. Praising the Lord for His heart for His creator and faithfulness in living it out.
We are so sorry for your loss, Janet and family. Prayers for comfort and strength.
Dear Janet and Family,
I?m sure there is nothing we can say that you don?t already know regarding the place of suffering and death in the Plan of God. You know full well the hope we have of the resurrection and of spending eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father and loved ones. I?m also sure you know Paul said that, even though we don?t grieve as those who have no hope, we still grieve. Christians can both smile and weep at a funeral ? the smile is one of certain victory over death one day; the tears are those of the pain of separation. We looked at Genesis 50:1 in church yesterday and saw how much Joseph loved his father Jacob and we thought of all of you. Mike struck me exactly as the man described in his obituary ? a good and faithful man who loved God and his family. What a legacy he has left.
So, as you all work through the tears, we trust time and faith in our Good and Loving God will fill you with peace.
John & Michele Chase
Janet and Family,
We are praying for you and your family as you mourn the loss of your husband and father. And we praise God that your time of separation will be temporary and that you know Mike is with his Savior. May you all experience a special awareness of God’s presence and love.
Pat & Linda Dietz
Members of Logos Bible Church
My families prayers are with you Janet. We were so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Austin, Kierah, Ellie, Silas, Shawn and Kristin Steiner
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family that God my place a healing hand upon your hearts?????
Prayers for you Janet and your children at this difficult time. However I know there is much rejoicing as Mike truly believed and you now will have a personal angel watching over you. Much love to you all….Bev (Loomis) Randall
I am so sorry! Praying for you Mrs. Preston!
Liz (Messer) Howell
Janet and family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. When we lived in Erie from 2001-2010, you and your family were a great encouragement and inspiration to us. God’s grace on you and the family as you learn to live with an empty place at the table.
Erica Messer, Wisconsin
for Gideon, Levi, Elizabeth, Caleb, and Leah
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27
Praying for the bereaved family.
Very nice obit. Our sincere condolences. So glad for his certain faith. God’s comfort to you all as you adjust to life with him in glory. Love from us.