Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Aaron Preece


Aaron Charles Preece, of Peoria, formerly of Canton, 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 Men’s 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 men’s 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 oakshinesuneralhome.com

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