Joseph A Preston

Joseph A Preston was born April 23, 1926 in Pennsboro, Dade County in southwest Missouri to Joseph Alexander Preston and Gladys Mae Pelts Preston. He lived there until drafted into the Army after the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. He served in the Artillery in Germany, and then in the Military Police at war’s end. He received his doctorate in law (JD) from the University of Missouri in 1951. He married Jeannine Tussey June 6, 1952. Jeannine’s grandfather, Reverend Sherman Tussey, did the service.

They have two daughters: Alice Jo Preston who married Kenneth Fields (living in New Jersey) and Cynthia Lee Preston who married William Schillizzi (living in South Carolina). They have 5 grandchildren: Betsy Fields Smith (married to Daniel Smith and living in England), Alexander Preston Fields (married to Nadia Litterman and living in California), Joseph Salvatore Schillizzi (living in South Carolina with Jessica Patton), Beck Preston Schillizzi (married to Aiden Payne and living in Georgia) and Daniel John Schillizzi who just graduated from Purdue University (and is moving back to the southeast to be with Alexis Nystrom). They also have 2 great grandchildren: Susannah Jo Smith and Hugo Litterman Fields. Joe’s brother Smith Pelts Preston and his wife Jane live in Missouri.

Along with the law, Joe Preston was an avid photographer his whole life. He was also very active in historical and lineage organizations including: the Sons of the American Revolution (he was a former Missouri State President and was a member of the Colonel Richard Anderson Chapter of Greenville), the Missouri State Genealogical Association (he was a former President), and the St. Louis Genealogical Society (where he also served as President). He and his wife taught genealogy classes for a decade in the St. Louis Parks Extension Service. Joe Preston died on April 29, 2018 at age 92 after years of declining health and a bad fall.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at The Greenville Health System and McCall Hospice House for their care.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Sons of the American Revolution, the Missouri State Genealogical Association, the St. Louis Genealogical Society, or the charity of your choice.