Preston Sterling Stinson

Preston was born in Hillsboro, TX, and reared in Louisiana. He was the beloved husband of 59 years to the late Shirley Mae Rivero Stinson; Loving father to Delaney Lynn Poteet, and her partner in life Gary Ammons; and Proud grandfather of Symone Poteet of Nine Mile Point, LA (both are Tulane alumni). Son of the late Raymond A. and Opal Hester Stinson; brother of Martha Blouin, of Raceland, Patricia Alexander of Temple, TX, and the late Myra Edens and their families. He was the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews and their families.

In high school he was the quarterback of Worley / West Jefferson. Preston enlisted in the United States Navy spanning over 30 years serving his country on active duty and reserve; retiring as Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Petty Officer. He served at the end of the Korean Conflict, and the Cuban Crisis receiving multiple awards and commendations. His education was as a Machinist’s Mate and later a Compressed Gasses Engineer. When he retired, he returned to reside in New Orleans. Boasting, “I have seen the world twice while sailing on many ships of duty.” He also served as the local Navy Recruiter in New Orleans / Metairie area for several years. Giving many young people the opportunities and education he had.

His Engineering degrees afforded him the opportunity to work in the city of N.O. He worked at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, National Supermarkets Warehouses over several years. His last was Avondale Shipyards encompassing 20 years as a HVAC mechanic. His love for fishing, boating and classic / antique cars kept him always busy with restoration projects. He never met a stranger and helped everyone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Paincourtville, LA on Monday, July 14, 2014 from Noon until 2 pm. Services will be provided by Rev. Andrew Merrick prior to entombment in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will include Larry Breaux, Gary Ammons, John Wesley Hawley, Ricky Combel, and John “Jack” Wild.

Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville will be handling funeral arrangements. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursodonaldsonville.com.

Those who knew Mr. Preston Stinson were blessed to have had him in their lives, and he will be greatly missed.