HUTCHINSON —— Michael K. “Big Mike” Preston took to the heavenly highway on July 29.  The self-proclaimed “King of the Road” was born on April 11, 1947 in Stafford, Kans., to Edgar T. and Monica [DeBusk] Preston.  Mike’s formative years were spent in Macksville, Kans., where his one-of-a-kind personality began to take shape. After graduating from Macksville High School in 1965, Mike volunteered to serve four years in the United States Air Force.  In 1975 he enlisted in the United States Army, and served his country an additional four years.
As a civilian, Mike began a career in automotive sales with Boyd Motors.  His open honesty, and straightforward sales approach (punctuated by his humor) quickly established a clientele whose loyalty spanned generations and crossed car brands.  Over the years he worked for Laird Noller, Hambelton LaGreca, and Midwest Toyota.
Wherever his travels took him, whether around the corner or across the globe, Mike ran into someone he knew. Everyone else was just a friend he hadn’t yet met.  Mike loved cars, motorcycles, history and traveling.  He logged thousands of miles on his motorcycles, traveling the country with friends and family.  Mike was a proud member of the Prairie Pup motorcycle group, the Macksville Chapter of the American Legion, and the coolest coffee club at Spangles.
Mike is survived by his wife, Teresa, and his children: Damon and Tammi Preston with their children Spencer, Savanna, and Cody; Mandy and Scott McVicker; Carin and Dr. Jason Woolard with their twins Londyn and Lilla; Staci Perry and her son Austin; Jayson and Henry Schwaller; and Luci Lyon; his brothers Dr. Richard (Dick) and his wife, Marilyn Preston, David Preston, Dr. Kevin Preston, Kenneth and Beverly Fenwick and Larry and Lyn Fenwick.
Teresa will miss the unconditional love and support of her husband.
His children will miss drinking beer with their Dad and listening to his stories.
His grandchildren will miss playing with their silly Grandpa.  
A celebration of Mike’s life will take place Friday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 pm at Hutchinson Town Club, 200 East Sherman.  All are welcome. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to noon Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mike’s honor to the Hospice House of Reno County or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501. Condolences may be left at www.elliottmortuary.com.

Arrangements made by Elliott Mortuary **
1219 N Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Great Bend Tribune, July 31, 2012