Johnny Wayne Preston, 85, of Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, MO. Johnny was born on June 8, 1941, in El Dorado Springs, MO, to Luther and Earnestine (Tharp) Preston. He married Brenda Joy Hogan on September 2, 1961. Joy preceded him in death in August, 2020.
Johnny was raised in Nevada, MO and Mulvane, KS. He graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1959. After graduation, he spent a few years serving his country in the U. S. Army, stationed in Germany. Johnny was employed by the City of Nevada as a street superintendent for 37 ½ years until his retirement. He worked with his son, Darren, in their backhoe business, Preston Backhoe.
Johnny enjoyed square dancing as part of the Bushwhacker Squares. He loved outdoor activities--hunting, fishing, trapping, and black powder shooting as a member of the MO Osage Territory Muzzle Loaders Gun Club and Black Powder Shooters. He was a lifetime member of BPOE #564.
Johnny is survived by his son, Dennis M. Preston, Raytown, MO; daughter-in-law, Atonka Smith (Brian), Nevada, MO; grandchildren, Katryna Lowery (A.J.), Roseville, MI, and Wyatt Preston, Lebanon, MO; great-granddaughter, Josephine Joy Lowery, Roseville, MI; and sister, Karen Story (Gene), Nevada, MO. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his parents; a son, Darren Preston; and a sister, Alvis Locke Olive.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home, with Roger Beach officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Newton Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00p.m. on Monday, July 13, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.
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