Paul Devin Preston

Paul Devin Preston was born on July 17, 1962, in Norfolk, Virginia, and passed away at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Earl Preston; his mother, Linda Komma Preston Jones; his infant brother, Ricky Lee Preston; his grandparents, Paul and Cleo Komma; and Irene and Laura Preston.

Paul married Karla Kiser on May 26, 1982, and together they had two sons, David and James. They were later divorced. He later married Barbara Ischetter on September 2, 1995, and they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage.

Paul earned a welding degree from UTI and worked non-union jobs for several years as a pipefitter and welder. He joined Local Union UA #441 in Wichita, Kansas, on September 8, 1997. Throughout his career, he served as a pipefitter, welder, welding instructor, quality control specialist, and business agent. Paul retired in August 2023 and celebrated 25 years with the union in 2023.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, David Preston and James Preston; his granddaughter, Paisley Preston; his brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Miah Preston; nephews C.J., Keith, and Alan, all of Delmar, Delaware; his aunts, Kim and Debbie Spore and Paula Komma; and special cousins Lisa and Dave O’Neal, Terri and Scott Siler, and Pat Hendry.

Paul had accepted Christ’s sacrifice for him and held an unwavering faith. He recently celebrated 35 years of sobriety with the Renewal AA Group in Wichita, Kansas, and was also a proud member of the Kaw Tribe in Neskile, Oklahoma.

Paul will be remembered for his quick wit, unforgettable laugh, and his love of “smoking and joking” with co-workers on the job site. He truly never knew a stranger.

Memorials may be made to the Union Rescue Mission. Cremation has been effected. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7th, at 2:00 PM at Smith Mortuary in Mulvane, Kansas.