Douglas Ray Preston

Douglas Ray Preston passed away of a heart attack on Wednesday, April 14, 2020 in Illinois.

Doug was born March 29, 1958 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Douglas Walter Preston and Eleanor Mae Ellars of Milo, Idaho. Doug didn’t have a traditional home in the last few years of his life. He made his living on the road and driving truck, but his true home was where his sons were.

Doug married Nancy Holbrook and they had two sons, Jason and Juston. He and Nancy later divorced, and Doug became a single parent to two young boys.

He took his sons on the road with him and taught them from a young age the value and honor of a hard day’s work. Doug homeschooled his sons and, as they grew older, he passed on his love of big trucks, taught them to be great mechanics, and shared with them his love of the outdoors.

In all the years Doug drove truck, he trained both of his sons and countless other long-haul drivers. The long drives gave him time to think about what was important in life, and he always called and visited his sons, family, and friends to let them know how important they were to him.

He looked forward to his days spent on the river, fishing with Jason and Juston. He loved being in the outdoors, fixing broken things, wood working,traveling on the road, revving those stacks high, and enjoying time with his sons. He had a gift of making you laugh no matter how down you were. He lived a simple, honest life and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Doug leaves behind his legacy in his two sons. If you didn’t know Doug, spend some time with Jason and Juston. Just like their father, they are always willing to help someone in need, take you fishing, or spend an afternoon just talking, enjoying the company of good friends.

Doug was beloved father, brother, and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will always be loved and never forgotten. He was a truly great man.

Doug is survived by his sons, Jason Preston of Shelley, Idaho and Juston (Kayla) Preston of Shelley, Idaho; his sisters, Tammy Hope of Menan, Idaho and Kathy Preston of Milo, Idaho; and his brother, Mike Preston of Menan, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents and his half-sister, Edith Sue Preston.

Services will be held Friday, April 24, 2020 at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby, Idaho. Interment to follow at the Milo Cemetery.