Donald Anthony Preston Sr.

May 10, 1944 - December 4, 2025

Safe in Jehovah's Memory

Whether you knew him as Don, Donald, Donnie, Uncle Don, Dad, Papi, Papi 2, Brother Preston, or as his beloved wife Barbara called him, "Hon", then you had someone in your life who wanted the very best for you. If you were greeted with a, "Hey guy!" or "Hey lady!" Then you were on the receiving end of true care and kindness. If you heard his jokes, or better yet his laugh, his famous bird whistle or his ability turn anything into a full drum set, then you're aware of his inexhaustible supply of energy.

Never afraid of the dance floor or the basketball court, Don was more active, and in better shape, than most men half his age. His love of the arts and of food reflected a man who truly enjoyed life. But those things pale in comparison to his love for his God Jehovah and his family. So if you worked in the ministry with him, or heard him teach from the Bible in public discourse, then you witnessed someone that was committed and dedicated to bringing glory and honor to the Most High for some 54 years while also serving as an elder and full-time minister. He loved his work with the Hospital Liaison Committee and Patient Visitation Group where his gift for empathy served as a source of encouragement for many.

Donald was an accomplished musician and as a professional drummer was a successful touring and recording artist. He instilled this love and passion for music in all of his children. As a creative Don mastered drawing and sketching as well as upholstery. He never hesitated to use his gifts to help others, a reflection of his generous heart.

Donald is survived by his wife Barbara of 56 years, his four children, one grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a community that will cherish his memory. If you're reading this, then you already miss him, and you were touched by his warmth, wisdom and unwavering love. And we hope you share our unwavering hope, we WILL see him again!

Donald Preston

Videos

Special moments and memories

Don and Barb's 50th Anniversary in Africa

Don's Interview

Music

The following songs were composed and produced specifically for Don. The songs are based on God's word the Bible which Don lived by. We hope you enjoy them.

song_for_a_father

John 11:23

Original composition

Photo for song_for_a_father
song_for_a_father [verse 1] From the streets of Philadelphia Trying to get your spirit healthier Cared not about the mundane things Only the joy that serving brings [verse 2] Loved your wife and all your children Put them on a path That healed them Just wait a while in His mem'ry And One day soon again you'll feel them [Pre-chorus] Father figure, hero, mentor Master drummer and inventor You Gave it all your all Got up from every fall [chorus] We'll see you when you rise again To love and to embrace your kin When He calls out RISE MY FRIEND The way you ran is the way you win We'll hear you when you play again The way you ran is the way you win [bridge] We saw you preach And heard your teaching And all the hearts that you were reaching Your harvest fields were ripe for reaping And now there's more God's kingdom seeking [pre-chorus] Kingdom preacher, shepherd teacher Faithful elder, gifted speaker You Gave it all your all Got up from every fall [final chorus] We'll see you when your rise again To love and to embrace your kin When He calls out RISE PRESTON! The way you ran is the way you win We'll hear you when you play again The way you ran is the way you win We'll hear you when you pray again The way you ran, is the way you win The way you ran, is why you won And your day will come Your day will come

You, New

Revelation 21:5

Original composition

Photo for You, New
You_New [Verse 1] Your battle leaves a mark I wish I could erase, Your struggles etched upon your weary eyes, If I could shield you from pain's embrace, Or all that dims your light, I'd pay the price [Pre chorus] I wanna be here when All is made new, I want it for me, but I need it for you, not just a dream though I dream of it daily, It'll be real and not just a maybe [Chorus] And I wanna be there when you're made all new I want it for me but especially for you You paid when your wages became due So It's a dream that I know will come true [Verse 2] The weight you bear you weren't designed to hold, Yet somehow it became your daily load, I'd take each burden so you can reach your goal, To get to the end of the narrow road [Bridge] Death rules as King, Sickness the Prince Adam's evil cost us, Eve's ever since The price we pay is high, the cost is steep Christ paid, so you will wake from sleep [Chorus] And I wanna be there when you're made all new I want it for me but especially for you You paid when your wages became due So It's a dream that I know will come true [Outro] Cause I wanna be there when you're made all new, I want it for me but especially for you, You paid when your wages became due So It's a dream I know will come true

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