D. Dwain “Doc” Preston

D. Dwain ‘Doc’ Preston, age 84, of Quincy, died on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on February 21, 1936 in Barry, IL the son of Claude and Nellie (Stewart) Preston. He married Regina A. Higgins on May 5, 1967 in St. Francis Catholic Church, Quincy. She preceded him in death on June 13, 2006. Doc was a graduate of Liberty High School. Later, he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Western Illinois University. He was awarded his Doctorate from the University of Illinois.

Doc served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Doc was an educator all of his life. He first worked as a teacher at Quincy Junior High School. He then later was a professor at Western Illinois University. Upon his return to Quincy he was a teacher at Quincy Notre Dame from 1979 until his retirement in 2006. Even after his retirement, Doc was a frequent substitute teacher at Quincy Notre Dame and many other schools in the area. He also taught classes for many years at John Wood Community College.

Doc was the consummate storyteller. He was a published author, a poet and a beloved mentor to countless students and friends over the years. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Doc was a patron of the arts. He supported the Quincy Community Theatre, Quincy Music Programs, was a member of the Writer’s Guild, the Library Board, and the Liberty High School Alumni Association.

Doc is survived by:
HIS DAUGHTERS: Carolyn Preston Sloan and her husband Michael of Delavan, IL; Cheri Preston Landis and her husband David of Glen Ridge, NJ; Debbie Preston Crowe and her husband John of Racine, WI; and Teresa Preston Peavy and her husband Derrick of River Forrest, IL.
GRANDCHILDREN: Bridget Sloan, Erin Sloan, Amelia Sloan and her husband Will Wyss, and Connor Sloan; Sam Landis; Megan Crowe and her husband Zak Michiels, Alex Crowe and his fiance Brittney Hutchinson, Kristin Crowe and Josh Crowe; Jake Peavy and Caroline Peavy.
THREE SIBLINGS: Lewis Preston, Nadine Preston and Donna Wood and her husband Craig.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Regina and his brother, Ronald.

A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #37 and the Air Force Honor Detail. We know Doc was a beloved member of the Quincy community and how many people would like to honor him in person. As much as we’d like to hug each and every one of you, unfortunately, due to Covid, we will not be able to. The Funeral Mass and Burial will be private; post-Covid, we will host a Doc Preston Celebration of Life in Quincy so save your stories and memories. We want to hear them all. Memorials may be made to the Doc and Regina Endowed Scholarship at Quincy Notre Dame or to the Great River Honor Flight. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

12 Comments

  1. Caroline (Wellman) Collins on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Doc was a unique, wonderful teacher and human being who touched so many lives. I don’t think I ever would have stuck with writing poetry if not for his encouragement when I was a QND student. Cheri and family, my prayers and love are with all of you.

  2. Janis and Alex Cuccaro, Fred and Jeanette Peavy on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    The Peavy and Cuccaro family send our love and encouragement to the Preston and Peavy family. We love you all and will miss Dwain at Christmas time. We know how much he loved German chocolate cake. :0) He was a wonderful friend and a blessing to our family. Love always, Janis, Alex, Jeanette, Freddy

  3. Ryan Zavodnik on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Sending our love to all who considered Dwain (Doc) family. Growing up with the Crowe family, I knew him as Grandpa Dwain. He was such a thoughtful person who was full of life and countless stories. Anna, Joan, Eric, and I have donated to the Doc and Regina Preston Scholarship at QND in his honor.

  4. Jacque Wilson on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Carolyn and All, I drove past your old house yesterday on Riverview Drive and thought of the times I visited as a kid and was so warmly welcomed by your mom and dad. I remember that your dad was always smiling and witty. He may have teased us a few times. Your dad was a wonderful colleague to my dad at WIU, and I think of him as part of that great tradition of educators at WIU including Loren Logsdon, Forrest Robinson, and Charlie Mayer who gave me a sense of the joy of English Studies well before I was old enough to go to college. Just in the last few months your dad and I had become Facebook friends and exchanged a few messages. He talked about his family and how proud he was of his grandkids! I am sending heartfelt condolences to all of you. —Jacque Wilson

  5. Adam Duesterhaus on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    You were more than a neighbor Doc, you were a friend. I’ll miss our conversations together. Rest easy my friend. My condolences to the family. With love, – Adam Duesterhaus

  6. Greg & Linda Howe on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    He taught both of children @ QND I knew from when he taught @ QJHS early 60’s.He will be missed

  7. Susan Denecke on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Carolyn, I have heard fond Memories about your parents from my parents. Thinking of you and all the love that surrounds you.

  8. Kent Adams on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    If all the world’s residents followed the thoughtful kindness this gentleman exhibited each day we could truly achieve “peace on earth”. What a leader!

  9. Jane Peterson on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    I met Doc shortly after Regina died. I shared with him our Bozarth Tradition of celebrating our parents life at the cemetery every New Year’s Day. So when I did see him, he always wanted to see pictures. He said he was going to steal the idea at Regina’s grave. Rest assure Doc the Bozarth Family will find you at Calvary and have a toast to you both. Your legacy will live on in all the hearts you touched. May the angels carry you into paradise my friend.

  10. Susan Duesterhaus on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Cheri and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  11. Jeff & Joanne Bergman on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    To the entire Preston family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Jeff and Joanne

  12. Cindy & Joe Bozarth on November 16, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    Doc was one-of-a-kind and there will never be another like him. Quincy has lost a treasure that can never be replaced, but wouldn’t Doc be proud if each of us that loved him treated each other how he treated us? Our thoughts and prayers are with Doc’s family during this difficult time. God speed kind sir. You will never be forgotten.

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