Obituary of Charles "Poppy" Baxter Preston Sr.

Charles “Poppy” Baxter Preston Sr., 89, of Fairmont passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020, at the John Manchin Sr. Healthcare Center. He was born in Clarksburg on November 29, 1930, a son of the late Chester Raymond Preston and Zona Alveretta Payne Preston. Charles is survived by his children, Charles and his wife Sharon Jones Preston, L. Steve Preston, Carol Marie Preston and her wife Connie Preston, Jeff and his wife Jenny Preston, Patrick L. Preston and his companion Gina Belcastro, and CharLee Jo Francis and her husband David; a brother, Robert Preston; and a sister, Dolores Frazier. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife, Columbia Oleta Smith; a brother, Gene Edward Preston; a sister, Barbara Ann Swiger; and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Pinnel Preston. Charles was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He delivered ice as a teenager in Clarksburg and also worked for Mountain State Auto Auction and Shaffer Amusements. He worked all of his life and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Clarksburg. Charles enjoyed his flower garden, watching westerns and MASH, and being with his dog, Gomez. His biggest joy was his family and he was very proud of his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and especially his granddaughter, Kari. Charles was always excited to share with everyone his love for his family “all over the country”. Due to his love of Gomez, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Charles’ memory to Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412 or at pethelpers.org/donate. Our dear father deserves a beautiful tribute. However, we appreciate in the unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic that attending a visitation may not be in your best interest. Please be with us in prayer. If you are able to join us in celebrating Charles’ life, we will receive friends at Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554, on Thursday, July 2, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Friday, July 3, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, July 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. with Kim Haws officiating. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1036 Mount Clare Road, Clarksburg, WV 26301. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.