"Lit a candle in memory of Aaron C. Preece"
In loving memory of
Aaron C. Preece
January 12, 1927 - March 7, 2016
Aaron C. Preece
Aaron Charles Preece, of Peoria, formerly of Canton.
Aaron C. Preece, ballplayer, loving husband, father, grandfather, avid jokester, STL Cardinals Fan, and candy enthusiast passed away March 7, 2016 in Peoria, IL. He was 89 years old.
On January 12, 1927 Aaron C. Preece graced the world with his presence in Canton, Illinois to parents Anson Pryce Preece and Sophia (Stanfel) Preece. He married the love of his life Mary O. (Myers) Preece in Canton, Illinois on June 8, 1947. Together Aaron and Mary had three wonderful children Pam, Steve, and Diana.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary O. (Myers) Preece and his children: Pamela (Keith) Dunblazier of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stephen Charles Preece of Mapleton, Illinois, and Diana (Curtis) Roe of Winlock, Washington. Surviving also are six grandchildren: Kristen Dunblazier of Indianapolis, Indiana, Scott (Sarah) Dunblazier of Greenwood, Indiana, Travis (Courtney) Miller of Sheffield, Illinois, Marie Miller of Vancouver, Washington, Kellie Preece of Pekin, Illinois, and Brock Bower (Preece) of Mapleton, Illinois. Five great-grandchildren also survive: Nolan Dunblazier of Greenwood, Indiana, Addelynn, Waylon, Warren and Weston Miller of Sheffield, Illinois.
Aaron graduated a star athlete from Canton Senior High School in 1944. He then went on to enlist in the US Navy in 1945, stationed in Gulf Port, Mississippi, and serving aboard the USS Wallace L. Lind DD703 Destroyer. After serving his country, Aaron went on to continue his education at Bradley University, where he graduated in 1951. While at Bradley, he was on the National No. 1 ranked 1949-1950 Bradley Mens Basketball Team, by the Associated Press in the final regular season. The team then went on to finish as a runner-up in both the NIT and NCAA Tournament.
In 1951, Aaron was honored with the very first Watonga Award (later named the Charles Orsborn Award), which is highest honor Bradley University bestows upon a graduating senior student-athlete that recognizes the ability of the winner to combine athletic and academic success with community service. Aaron also received the A.J. Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award on March 22, 2005, which honors a former member of the mens basketball team.
He was inducted into the Bradley Basketball Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his outstanding basketball achievement at Canton Senior High School and Bradley University. Aaron was also inducted on the Bradley Basketball Team that was inducted into the Bradley Basketball Hall of Fame.
Aaron retired from Joe McCarthy BMW-Oldsmobile in 2001. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion in Canton, Illinois, and the B Club at Bradley University. Aaron was the past president of the Canton Country Club and one of the founders of the Junior Achievement in Canton, Illinois.
Aaron and his wife Mary loved to travel, take family vacations, and play golf. One still might find one of the clubs Aaron threw hiding in some untrimmed hedges after a bad wedge shot.
A devoted sports fan, Aaron was known for his long time love of the St. Louis Cardinals, and never missing a Bradley University Basketball game.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion in Canton, Illinois.
Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"I was sorry to hear about Aaron's passing. He was a good person. I had the opportunity to play for coach Aaron on the Canton American Legion baseball team. Aaron also took me to Bradley University to interview with their football coach Billy Stone, to be a member of their football team in 1961. I sure appreciated that. A friend, Frank Ruffatto"
"For the many years......68.......so many wonderful memories you left me with. So happy you are walking with the Master. I loved you and will miss you until we are together again:heart: Your Devoted Wife, Mary"
"I will miss him deeply and will remember him forever He was a great man. I Will never forget the time I got to spend with him. Loved him and he will never be forgotten. Robyn"
"My condolences to Mary, Steve, Kelly & family."
"My Condolences to Mary and family. I used to live a couple of blocks away when Aaron and Mary lived in Cedar Bluff Estates near Lake of the Woods Plaza. I also knew Aaron through business. From all our conversations over the years, I could tell Aaron had a great heart and always enjoyed kidding around with people. He will be sorely missed. God Bless!"
"Steve - sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to the Preece family. Ron and Joan Fahnestock"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Preece family. I am a member of the Bradley B-Club of which Aaron was also a member. I volunteer in the B-Club ticket window at the Bradley basketball games and I often visited with Aaron and Steve as they came to pick up their Bradley tickets. Aaron was always so appreciative -- he often brought gifts to thank me for the tickets, which of course was not necessary, but he was such a kind man. I remember he was always smiling! I have missed him over the past several years when he was no longer able to attend the games. Steve----please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Cherish your memories of your dad! Love, Sue (Picl) DuBois"
"I will never forget your kindness to me and always witnessing about the Lord. Even in your end days you were joking. Rest in peace until I see you again in our eternal home. I will watch over your Mary:heart:"
"I just wanted to tell you and your wife as I only met you twice during the years that I coached your grandson Brock that I was very impressed with what values had been instilled into Brock and your son Steve. I thank you for your service to our country. My wife and I offer our condolences during this time"
"What a wonderful collection of Grandpa! Thank you Marie for posting them!"