Mr. Elton James Preston Jr.

The world was blessed with Elton James Preston, Jr. on September 27, 1952. He was born the second child of six, and only boy, to Elton James Preston Sr. and Mildred Thompson Preston in Beaumont, Texas. He was educated in the public schools of Beaumont Independent School District and graduated from Charlton Pollard High School, Class of 1971.

At a young age, June (as he was affectionally called by many) attended CCD and received his First Communion and Confirmation, as well as served as an alter boy at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Beaumont, Texas.

Upon graduation, June enlisted into the United States Air Force Base in 1971 and completed his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Through his years in the military, he traveled many places and was a Military Police (MP).

A beautiful courtship was formed with June and Sherry Taylor when he returned from the Air Force. After the courtship, they were united in holy matrimony where they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Natasha (Tasha) and Nedra (Pinky) who he gave the world to. He prided himself on being the best husband and daddy to his girls. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep a smile on their faces.

June was a phenomenal provider with an exceptional work ethic. While employed at Houston Lightning and Power, he obtained an Associates of Business Management from San Jacinto College. He retired from Houston Lightning and Power (Reliant Energy), and joined the work force again where he gained employment with AT&T. Between HL&P and AT&T, he ambitiously established his own hotshot company, known as Presto Express, where Sherry and his girls were his employees. Business took off and he extended employment to his faithful sister-in-law, Patricia Taylor. Though business was successful, he decided to go back into the work field with AT&T.

June’s favorite past times were football, BBQ-ing, cooking, watching movies, fishing, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. He looked forward to traveling, whether by plane or car, but understood the importance of living life and allowing his family to see different places. His most important past time was RV-ing with his family where they were members of the Texas Rollers RV Club, as well as the Southwest Trail Riders Association. One of his proudest moments were refereeing and coaching youth sports. He was also a loyal and dedicated member of his Masonic Lodge.

Whenever he was around, you knew there would be lots of laughs and stories. He had an infectious laugh, and his smile would light up any room. His jokes and humor would keep everyone in stitches.

Elton leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Sherry Preston; two daughters, Natasha Preston Bess (Warren) and Nedra Preston Calvert (Larry); sisters, Mary Dent, Delores Preston, Ruby Preston, Cecile Pete (David), and Irene Preston; brother-in-laws Troy Dent Sr., Andrew Jackson, and John Harris; three grandsons: Dezra Shaw II (Boosie), Jalen Bess (Cat/Dog), and Myles Calvert (The President/ Chilly); bonus granddaughters: Dezarre Caldwell, Tasia Calvert, and Alisha Bess; he extended his love and title to Devion Livings (Pimpin’) (great nephew/grandson) and his Honorary daughter, Shanda Edwards and granddaughter, Tamia Hendricks; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Mildred Preston, sister, Carolyn Marie Preston, parents-in-law and sister-in-laws, nephew, John Austin III, and son-in-law, Raymonte Bess.