Bill Preston, age 76, Duenweg, Mo., passed away at 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2006, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1930, in Omaha, Neb., to the late Frank Preston and Elsie (Stinnette) Preston. Bill had attended school and graduated from Farnam High School, Farnam, Neb. in 1947. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and retired after 21 years of service.

Bill married Erma Wilson on Oct. 30, 1953, in Yuma, Ariz. She survives.

Additional survivors include three children; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The body has been taken for cremation. There are no formal services planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO