Herman "Homer" Preston, Sr.

A veteran of the United States Army, he worked in the coal mines while living in West Virginia, moving to the Mansfield area in the late 1950's. Following moving to the Mansfield area, he worked on automobiles as a mechanic and body man. He was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses East Congregation and the American Legion Post 676 in Mansfield. He was a fan of the Cleveland Browns, loved to dance and enjoyed blues music.

He is survived by his children, Linda Preston of Mansfield, Herman (Catherine) Preston, Jr. of Mansfield, Calvin (Marilyn) Preston, Sr. of Mansfield, Christopher (Cassandra) Preston, Sr. of Columbus, and Tim (Lynn) Preston of Mansfield; 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Shirley Belcher of Mansfield; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Danny) Rawls and Wyzoetta White; and numerous nieces and nephews including Janice (Rev. Michael) Phillips of Washington, DC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doretha (Reed) Preston in December 2004; four sisters, Irene, Dorothy, Mattie and Lena; and three brothers, Richard, Lincoln and Willie.

Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2016 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Service.