SOUTH OTSELIC – Gordon L. Preston, 84, of South Otselic, passed away Saturday at the Norwich Nursing Center after a long illness.
He was born in New Woodstock, the son of Lester and Jennie Preston. His grandfather, Alfred Preston, played a special role in Gordon's life.
In 1950, Gordon married Doris Kenyon of Pitcher and bought a dairy farm in South Otselic where he remained throughout his life. Gordon retired in 1987 from the N.Y.S. Department of Conservation fish hatchery in South Otselic. In retirement Gordon enjoyed raising and dealing in cattle and gardening. He was devoted to his children, grandchildren and his beloved dog, Tootie.
He was a member of the South Otselic Methodist Church. Surviving: daughter Janice ( Robert ) Haines of Aurora, Co. sons Robert ( Lorrie ) Preston of Mechanicsburg, PA and Raymond Preston of South Otselic; grandchildren Nicole Sofranka and Matthew and Mark Preston; great grandchildren Brett, Kylie, Shane, and Jaden; sisters Marie Oliver of N. Chili and Martha Davis of Cincinnatus; brothers Harold of South Carolina and Ralph of Hilton.
He was predeceased by his brothers Howard and Bernard.
Services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, DeRuyter.
Burial will be in Valley Veiw Cemetery, South Otselic. Calling hours will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the Valley View Cemetery Assoc. South Otselic, NY 0 13155.