Darren Wayne Preston

Darren Wayne Preston, 45, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., following a two year bout with multiple myeloma cancer. He was born on Sept. 28, 1964, in Nevada, to Johnny and Joy Hogan Preston. He married Atonka Elaine Crane on July 8, 1983, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Darren was a lifelong resident of Vernon County. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1982. He has owned and operated Preston Backhoe Service for the past 10 years. He was a member of the BPO Elks Lodge No. 564 in Nevada, a lifetime member of the Missouri Trappers Association and also a member of the Missouri Osage Territory Muzzleloaders Association and the National Muzzleloader Rifle Association. Darren had a passion for building muzzle loading rifles, enjoyed trapping, and skeet shooting. He had received numerous medals and awards throughout the years. He was also was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved riding his motorcycle.

Survivors in addition to his wife Atonka of 26 years, include his parents, Johnny and Joy Preston, Nevada; one brother, Dennis Preston; his niece Katryna and nephew Wyatt all of Lebanon, Mo.; his grandmother, Arvilla Louise Hogan, Nevada; his father and mother-in-law, Roger and Velma Crane, Nevada; two brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law and numerous other nieces and nephews and his many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada, with Dr. William Cox and Roger Beach officiating. Family and friends may visit at the home of Darren and Atonka at 1401 N. Olive in Nevada from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family or to Vernon County Cancer Relief or the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.