Norfolk- Preble Staver, 96, of Norfolk, Va., joined the Lord on October 25, 2017. Preble and his bride of 71 years and 8 months and 10 days, Isabell, passed on the same day.
Preble was born October 17, 1921, in York, Maine, to parents Ruth Caroline (Preble) and Leslie Dufour Staver. He grew up in Washington, DC, with memories of keeping his horse in a stable where the Watergate building now stands. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business with a degree in economics in 1943. He served in the US Marine Corps during World War II, in the Pacific. Preble received the Bronze Star with Valor for meritorious service at the Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves, retiring at rank of major.
Preble married Isabel Grayson Whitney on Feb 15, 1946. Together they raised five children in Washington, DC; Palo Alto, Calif.; and Naples, Fla.
During his career, Preble worked at the Civilian Aviation Administration (precursor of the FAA), as an editor at various airline industry publications, and as a lobbyist for Lockheed Martin. He briefly owned a gas station in White Oak, Maryland, and later helped start Coast Federal Bank in Naples, Fla., serving as a vice president.
Preble served as President of Naples Kiwanis, Chairman of the Collier Country Republican Party, and head of the Vestry at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge, GA. An avid golfer, Preble was known for wearing bright pink plaid pants.
Preble and Isabell retired to Blue Ridge, Georgia, in 1987, where they helped found and were active members at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Later they moved to Norfolk, Va. He and his wife, a Navy nurse, went on an Honor Flight in October 2013.
In addition to his long, dedicated marriage and passionate loyalty to the Marine Corps, Preble is remembered for his outgoing personality. His successful public relations career was aided by his ability to make friends wherever he went, always quick with a joke. His flashing blue eyes and wit were strong to the end.
Preble is survived by daughters Leslie, Lynne and Laurie; 3 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Preble was pre-deceased by his brothers Hugh (USN, World War II) and Kent, sons Peter and Whitney (USMC, Vietnam veteran), and the best dog ever, Cuppa Tea.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1821, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.