Preston Havens, Jr.

P reston Havens, Jr., of North Platte, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at the age of 81.

Preston was born to Preston, Sr. and Edith Havens in Montgomery, Alabama, on June 23, 1939. The family moved to North Platte in 1948 and Preston went on to graduate from North Platte High School in '57.

After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1960. He later returned to North Platte where he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad, working as a Switchman then Conductor until eventually retiring in June 2001.

Preston married Mary Jane Furches in Maryland and the couple lived in North Platte where they had three children and later divorced. In 1979 he married Carolyn Jo Griffin and they continued living in North Platte.

Preston was a member of First Christian Church, V.F.W. #1504, Eagles #2839, Elks #985 and a car club. Preston loved being outside, grilling or working on his cars and was a Nebraska football fan. He especially enjoyed visiting and spending time with his daughter, Angie.

Preston was preceded in death by his son, Preston Havens III, daughter, Beth Havens, and his wife, Carolyn Jo; parents, Preston, Sr. and Edith; and siblings, Wylie Havens and Laura Ruth Anthony.

He is survived by his daughter, Angie Havens-Snyder (Thomas Snyder), of LaVista; grandchildren, Zach (Elie) Mapes, Zane (Abby) Mapes, Rush Puls, Marybeth Anderson, Crystal (Jordan) Vigil, Jessica Anderson, David (Sarah) Caudy, Samantha (Justin) Zurnig, Levi (Lindsay) Caudy and Tanya Fairweather; great-grandchildren, Guinevere Mapes, Jeremiah, Judah, Jericho and Joey Anderson, Tinsley, Trax and Tobias Vigil, Piper and Rebel Anderson, Liam Caudy, Jordan, Jayden and Jayli Zurnig, and Ian, Evan, Ibalene, Connor, Trevyn, Jaycee and Kinlee Caudy; his faithful companion, Nancy; and other family.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.