Ernest Lowell Preston, age 80, of Utica, died Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Licking Memorial Hospital.

Ernest was born November 13, 1942 in Paintsville, Kentucky to Ernest Hubert and Sara Francis (Butcher) Preston. Ernest graduated from Meade Memorial High School. Ernest served as a crash rescue firefighter in the United States Air Force for 8 years. Ernest married Betty Carol Montgomery March 9, 1965. They moved to Columbus in 1965 and Utica in 1975. He was employed as a truck driver.

Surviving Ernest are his wife, Betty (Montgomery) Preston; his sons and daughters in law, Ron (Kimberly) Preston, John (Christy) Preston; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Preston, Lauren Preston, Alex (Tyler) Keith, Grant Preston, Michaela Preston, Daniel Preston; step grandson, Garrett Davis; and great grandchildren, Kohen Keith, Karson Keith & baby Keith due in April; brother, Gary Preston. Besides his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his sister Patsy Preston.

The family will receive friends from 10-12pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Law Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica where a service honoring the life of Ernest Preston will follow at 12pm with Pastor Aaron Boggs officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com .