Prince L. Preston

Prince Rowan Preston was born to Prince Albert Preston and Rebecca Fleming Preston on December 10, 1922 in Sumrall, Mississippi. He was the fifth child born of seven children born to this union. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois when Prince was only six months old. Prince attended Ryder Branch Elementary School and was a graduate of DuSable High School, Class of 1941. He earned an Associates Degree from Wilson Junior College, now Kennedy King College. Prince was inducted in the United States Army June 12, 1943 and was Honorably Discharged on December 19, 1945. He was the owner of the Preston Construction Company from 1946 through 1997. Prince started his career as a State Trooper with the Department of Law Enforcement in 1953. He progressed through the ranks achieving the permanent rank of Lieutenant. During his career, he served in five districts in such capacities as Patrol Officer Operation Shift Commander and ended as Administrative Officer in District 3 (Chicago District). In 1981, the NAACP, Jefferson City, Missouri, wrote a letter to the Superintendent of the Illinois State Police requesting that the highest ranking Black or Minority Officer speak at the annual dinner to be given in Jefferson City. Immediately the Supt. contacted Lt. Preston then serving in Dist. 3 to speak and did. He retired in Nov. of 1982, after 29 years. Since he retired he continued to be a member of the Retired IL State Police Association. He continued to receive awards and citations honoring for his dedication, diligence and exceptional service to the IL State Police. During and after his retirement, he continued his social and religious activities. He was president of the VIP Couples Club organized in 1978. He loved square dancing and graduated from several classes. He also traveled with the group especially when they went to Las Vegas. He loved to sing and was always a member of church choirs. He sang in the choir at St. James AME Church (the church in which he grew up in) and Greater Bethesda Baptist Church (presently) where he is also a member. Prince loved the computer and devoted much of his time on learning how to use the compute. He took computer training at Olive Harvey College and became a teacher at Atlas Center. He received many awards and citations from the "Senior Net" organization. Prince was community oriented. He introduced himself and attempted to get telephone numbers and addresses of everyone on the block. He offered his assistance and help at any time, day or night. Prince was a charter member of the Roseland Heights Community Association. In 1950, Prince was united in matrimony to Grace H. Miller and out of this union, two children were born, Ronald and Saundral. He has a daughter Madeline, whom he cherished all of his life. On July 22, 2015, Prince departed this life after a lengthy illness at Little Company of Mary Hospital. He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald on August 17, 2012. Prince leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 64 years, Grace H. Preston; two children, Saundral and Madeline; one daughter-in-law, Felicia G. Preston; six grandchildren, Duane Preston, Renard Preston, Troy Mason, Ciera Preston, Charles Bragg and Pamela Newbill; one great grandchild, Harper Preston; one brother, Jerome Preston; nieces, Judi Johnson and Yvette Lay; nephews, Reginald Preston and Jeffery Preston; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Prince L. Preston

December 10, 1922 - July 22, 2015