Obituary of Frank Bishop Preston

Frank Bishop Preston (92) was born in LaSalle, Illinois August 30, 1930. He was the only child of Burt and Mary Preston. A 1947 graduate of Joliet Township High School he attended Iowa State and later graduated from University of Nebraska.

Frank’s passion was flying. He spent his entire career in the cockpit of a plane. He joined the Air Force in 1950 flying fighter jets during the Korean War. He had a tour in Germany flying air evacuation flights all over Europe and Africa. During the Viet Nam War he was on the Tet Offensive flying C-123s. During his service he received many accommodations including: The Distinguished Flying Cross, Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired a Full Colonel in 1973 ending his Air Force career as Commander of the Special Air Missions Unit at Andrews AFB, home to Air Force One and Two.

After retiring Frank moved the family to Ridgefield, CT and began his second career in the Aviation Department of Mobil Oil Corporation. He retired from Mobil as their Chief Pilot responsible for flying the Corporation’s Executive Team. He logged over 45,000 flying hours before retiring a second time to play golf and relax in their new home at University Park in Sarasota, Florida.

In retirement he continued his love of running and later biking. He ran multiple marathons including London in 2005. His bike was retired with over 40,000 miles on the road and more bike rides and races than can be listed.

One final move in 2019 brought Frank and Beverly to the Cypress on Hilton Head Island Plantation.  They have enjoyed all the activities and friendships the Cypress has to offer.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Beverly Allen Preston, his daughter Cynthia Kreisher (Steve) of Chatham, MA, and son Kent Preston (Shelley) of Bluffton, SC and Green Bay, WI, grandchildren Kelly Kreisher Pickett (Terry), Lindsey Kreisher Buonomo (Richard), John Preston Kreisher, Kendra Preston White (Miles), Candace Preston, Kali Preston and two great grandsons, Nolan Pickett and Julian Buonomo.

Frank passed on Thursday, August 17, 2023. His burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington Cemetery later this year. Donations can be made in his memory to The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (residential schools for at-risk children). He supported their program for over 25 years. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064.