Robert Paul Preston, age 70 of Fort Stockton, Texas passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. Known as Preston to family and friends, he was born on May 31, 1953. He is survived by his wife Reba, also of Fort Stockton, and his daughter, Brandy Waldrop and her husband Howard Waldrop of Fort Worth, Texas.

After high school Preston joined the Marine Corps, where he was sent to Vietnam. After leaving the Marines he went to Tarleton State University where he met the LOVE of his life, Reba Harris. Reba and Preston were married on Dec. 30, 1978. In April 2009 he and Reba bought Big Bend Welding Supply from her parents and opened Double R Welding Supply. Preston was a loving father to their daughter Brandy Preston Waldrop of Fort Worth. He was also a great dad to his fur babies, Mick, Gus, Bubble, Peanut and many more. Preston’s love of history led him to join the Reenactment Unit at Historical Fort Stockton. He was the Sergeant Major of the Historical Fort Stockton Living History Unit for 20 years. He was also an instructor for the Loyal Train Goods Light Artillery Team under Ray Johnson to teach the safe way to fire cannons. His time with the Living History Unit lead to his reenactment wife, Sandy Young. Sandy and Preston were together at so many reenactments that everyone thought they were married to each other. He also inherited three daughters: Crystal Young Beinhauer, Randi Cooper Whitehead and Melinda McConnaughy.

Preston was a life member of Masonic Lodge #1022 and a life and charter member of the Tranquility Lodge on the moon. Preston was also a past member of the Fort Stockton Masonic Lodge.

A family outing led Preston to discover he was part of the clan McDuff. Preston and Reba started hosting a clan McDuff tent at the fairs in Midland. He also learned that the Prestons were a clan of their own, with an angel on the crest.