Gary Wayne Preman

Gary Wayne Preman was born October 16, 1948 in San Diego, California. While surrounded by his loving family and in the comfort of his home Gary peacefully departed this world to enter into eternal life on January 24, 2024.

Gary was educated in San Diego schools. In high school, he was a member of many clubs engaging in various activities, including golf and tennis at which he was a natural. After graduating from Santana High School in 1966, he attended Grossmont College.

At a young age he met the love of his life, Paula Rovanek. They married June 21, 1969. To that union were born four children. Later in life God saw fit to bring two other children into their lives Ashlee Beck (Mason, Logan, Isla and Faye) and Kayla Beck.

After getting married, Gary joined the U.S. Army and became a part of the ASA (United States Army Security Agency), whose motto was “Vigilant Always”.

After completing his assignment in Karamasel, Turkey, he returned back to San Diego. In 1975 at the age of 26, he was baptized into the Church of Christ in Spring Valley, California.

Having a love to spread and keep the Gospel Truth alive, Gary moved his family several times to establish and strengthen churches. He established two new congregations that remain alive until this day. In September 1976 he established the congregation in Boise, Idaho. After getting that Church rooted and grounded, in 1981 he started and built up the congregation in Denver, Colorado, before returning back to the San Diego area to lead and guide the Spring Valley congregation, where he remained faithful until death.

Gary was a humble man who walked in his integrity, led by example, encouraged unity and honored the small, and the great. He was a good man that did great things, positively impacting the lives of all who knew him.

Of his 49 years as a Christian, he spent 45 years serving as an evangelist, going about to establish, strengthening and visiting congregations, helping men to be grounded and settled in their faith in responding to their abilities which he encouraged them of all they could do with them. He inspired many to reach to greater heights.

He was a devoted husband and loving father. As Paula stated “He was the Best Father to our children and the best husband I could have ever asked for”, always taking care of their needs and showing up when needed the most. One of his greatest joys in life was family time. He loved Bass fishing with his sons, grandsons and often worked with his sons in their Roofing Businesses as a Safety Officer.

In addition to the care of his family, he was a full time minister and evangelist, never allowing anything to interfere with his love for God, Christ, Family and The Church.

He is preceded in death by his mother June Joyce Doyle and stepfather Robert Doyle, father Wayne Preman, step mother Patricia Preman, Grandparents William Greenleaf and Sarah Greenleaf.

He leaves to cherish and honor his memories, his devoted wife of 54 years Paula, sons Shawn, Aaron and Joshua, daughter Katie-Grace, Granddaughters Sayli (Mario) and Baylee, Grandsons Christian (Lydia), Preston and Brody, Great Grandchildren; Garrison, Mario, Madlee, Dakota and Alaska, and his cousin and best friend James (Laurie) Hawn, Brother-in-law Jack Rovanek, Sister-in-law Irene Borer, Nieces and Nephews.

His fellow laborer in the Lord, Evangelist Thomas Cornforth and special friend Kim Smith, will miss his invaluable input, along with a host of brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

He will greatly be missed by all!