Many students of FHN know Al Preston as the one who smiled a lot, or the one who was always there at lunch to greet them.

On Feb. 2, principal Darlene Jones received phone call from Preston’s daughter, Donna Chapin, that Preston has passed away.

“He was so close to some people on faculty,” Jones said. “Some went to his house to see him, we are going to miss him. Students saw him a lot and they will miss him just as much as faculty. The office was close, he would come and sign in everyday and say hello to everyone in the office.”

Preston turned 90 in November, A couple weeks after, Preston fell and had to go to the hospital. He never recovered.

“We were all sad,” Jones said. “We knew he may not heal, but we were sad. It was hard to get that kind of a message.”

Preston has been part of north for 15 years and may will miss the wonderful things about him.

“He always had cheerful remarks and a positive outlook.” Jones said. “He had arthritis in his back, I know he was in pain but he never complained.”

During lunches students can sign a paper with a picture of him on it. To remember Preston a plaque will be placed where he sat along with his cane.

“He was happy to get up every day and good to a good place like North,” Jones said. “He always counted his blessings and never looked at the negative.”

Funeral Arrangements: Albert Preston

Visitation: Friday, February 5 4:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Young and Son
Perryville, MO

Visitation: Saturday, February 6 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Young and Son
Perryville, MO

Visitation: Saturday, February 6 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Bethlehem Baptist
Crosstown, MO

Funeral: Saturday, February 6 10:30 a.m.
Bethlehem Baptist
Crosstown, MO

Memorials: Francis Howell North Scholarship Fund

Editor’s Note: Share your stories about Al here in the comments below.

Al Preston tribute page.