Clyde Preston

Clyde N. Preston, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Heritage Manor in Houma, LA. He was born February, 17 1927 in Smackover, Arkansas to Jesse V. and Theo Docia (Perdue) Preston. He was a graduate of Smackover High School. He married Virginia Gray on June 11, 1949. Together, they had five children. Clyde spent over 40 years in oil field related services and upon retiring in the mid 1980s; he opened Preston Gun Repair and Tool Design. He spent the next 20 years repairing guns while designing and building custom rifles. Clyde’s interests included reading, hunting, shooting, working with his hands, talking and sharing oil field or hunting stories with friends, and spending time with his family and his beloved dogs. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Houma, a 32nd degree Mason with membership in Unity Lodge #267 of Houma and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; three sons, Rodney Preston, Houma, LA, Terry (Dalinda) Preston, Houma, LA, Danny (Kim) Preston, McKinney, TX; two daughters, Paula (Steven) Shewmake, Justin, TX, Patti (Kirk) Hill, Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren, Darah (Brandon) LeBlanc, Preston and Brandon Hill, Lauren and Leah Preston; two great grandchildren, Alayna Mason, Sophia LeBlanc; sister, Wilna Potvin; sister in law, Nancy McGee; nephews, Del Basinger, Preston Potvin; nieces, Sharon Lea, Angela McCullough. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jesse Preston; sister, Dorothy Basinger; grandson, Terry Preston, Jr.; granddaughter, Emily Claire Preston; niece, Vicky Buehler. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 10:00 AM until service time at Chauvin Funeral Home. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Gray, LA. The family would like to thank Dr. Ray Cinnater, the staff at Heritage Manor of Houma and St. Catherine’s Hospice of LaPlace, with special thanks to Christy, Lois and Chaplain Mike of St. Catherine’s, for their attentiveness and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Clyde’s name may be made to St. Catherine’s Hospice of LaPlace or First Baptist Church of Houma’s building fund.