Charles Walter Preston

Charles "Chuck" Walter Preston, age 69, of Norman, OK passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital South in Okla. City. Chuck was born August 6, 1946 in Woodward, OK, the youngest of three children born to Cecil Monroe Preston and Faith Hallie (Holmes) Preston. He grew up a farm boy in Laverne, OK. While in high school during the summer on June 6, 1963, Chuck suffered a broken neck in a swimming pool accident. This injury left him paralyzed most of his life, however he never considered himself handicapped. Chuck graduated high school in Laverne in 1965. He then attended the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, later a Master's Degree in Social Work. Chuck began working as a professional social worker at the Ft. Supply State Hospital in Ft. Supply, OK. He later moved to Big Spring, Texas in 1978 and went to work at the Big Spring State Hospital. During this time of his life he met the love of his life; his best friend and soul mate, Merrie Lee Roberts. They were united in marriage on January 25, 1985 in Midland, TX. Chuck later owned and operated his own private practice for eight years called "Social Workers Consulting Service" serving the Midland and Odessa areas. In 1993 he went to work at the Big Spring V. A. Center which lead to his transfer to OKC, V. A. Hospital in 1995. Chuck made his home in Norman and worked at the V.A. hospital until he retired in 2006 ONLY, because of his failing health. During his working years, he was a member of "NASW", National Association of Social Workers. Throughout his life Chuck enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends. He was an avid OU sports fan, never missing watching sooner football and basketball. Chuck had a great desire for knowledge and always kept up with current events, both US and world. He daily scoured the news channels and stayed on his phone for hours, staying in touch with his relatives and friends. Chuck had many hobbies, he was artistic and had a wonderful sense of humor. He truly never met a stranger. He was a Christian man and had a strong faith in God, raised up in the Methodist Church. While living in Norman, he had attended Franklin Rd, UMC, and later attended Journey Church. As a lifelong counselor, in his later years Chuck continued counseling from his hospital bed at home. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He also was a good friend to many and will be dearly missed by those who knew him. He was preceded in death by: His parents, Faith Preston in 1986, Cecil Preston in 2002; Brother, Cecil "Bud" Eldon Preston in 2015; An a infant brother; Chuck leaves behind: His wife of 31 years, Merrie Preston of the home; Three children, Josh Preston and wife Yvette, Big Spring, TX, Tiffany Bohrer and husband Joe of Guthrie and Jimmy Cox and wife Amy of Lubbock, TX; Seven grandchildren, A.J. Cortez, Iain Preston and Faith Preston, all of Big Spring, TX, London Whitehead and Hawk Whitehead of Bryon, Michigan, Matti Cox and Mandry Cox of Lubbock; His sister, Patti Gardner and husband Leon of Foss Lake, OK; Two sisters-in-law, Sherry Preston of Alva, OK and Cherrie Johnson and husband Dennis of Norman; Brother-in-law, Rob Roberts and wife Lisa of Santa Paula, CA; One Aunt, Nancy J. Wilson of Neodesha, KS; Many cousins, several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell, OK. Followed by a 2:00 pm, Sunday Funeral Service on Jan. 31, 2016 at the Assembly of God Church in Laverne, OK. Burial will follow at the Laverne Cemetery. Memorials may be to the; Josh Preston Medical Fund, 708 W. 18th St., Big Spring, TX. 79720.

Charles Walter Preston

August 6, 1946 - January 26, 2016