Duane Irving Preston of Ivor, VA died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, due to an aortic abdominal aneurysm.

Mr. Preston was born Jan. 30, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, the second of seven children of the late Warrant Officer Roy W. Preston and Dorothy H. Preston.


Commander Preston served honorably in the United States Coast Guard for more than 26 years until his retirement in 1987. He was commanding officer at various duty stations, and captain on several Coast Guard cutters during his career. His service to our country took him and his family from coast to coast, but he loved his job and being at sea. He also retired from Moran Tug and Towing in 2004 doing in civilian life what he loved to do – drive boats.


He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the great outdoors. He passed this love of the outdoors to the next generations at shooting events at 4-H camps and Ducks Unlimited exhibitions. He received great joy by sharing his time, talent and resources. He was a lifetime supporter of natural resources with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He was also a lifetime member of The National Rifle Association and was target shooting with his newest "toy" just the day before with his friends.

His love of history lead him to the Archeology Society of Virginia where he described himself as an "armchair archeologist." He attended many meetings and enjoyed the learning process.


Commander Preston was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara.


He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Teresa; his sons, Dan Preston of Roanoke Rapids and David Preston of Ivor; his brothers, Retired Colonel Curtis Preston and his wife, Apryl, of Florida, Teddy Preston and his wife, Patricia, of Connecticut and Patrick Preston of Florida; his sisters, Judy Preston Clark of Virginia and Debbie Preston Harris of Florida; and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends and close as family.


The family would like to thank the heroic efforts of the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad and the emergency room staff at Sentara Obici Hospital.


A memorial service will be held Friday, September 12, 2008 at 6 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, Va., with military honors. Assistant Pastor Mark "Preacher Man" Taylor will be officiating the service. Commander Preston's ashes will be scattered following the service by the pond at the family estate in Ivor.


In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your local volunteer fire department or rescue squad. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.