Carl Bismark Preston

Carl Bismark Preston was born to Bismark Preston and Bernice Yvonne Edgerson on May 1, 1947, in New Orleans, LA. On June 25, 2025, he succumbed to the will of God, who whispered to him, “Your work here on Earth is done. Come, take your rest.”

A lifelong resident of Mandeville, he completed his elementary education at Mandeville Rosenwald School in Mandeville, LA, and completed his high school education in May 1965 at Chahta-Ima High School in Lacombe, LA. During high school, Carl played the saxophone in the band. Carl enlisted and served in the United States Navy from June 1965 until honorably being discharged in June 1971. While in the Navy, Carl was a boilermaker and developed a love for cooking.

On April 5, 1971, Carl B. Preston married the love of his life, Sandra Renia Anderson. They moved to Covington, LA, and were happily married for 53 years before she departed this life on June 16, 2024. To this union, three sons were born: Duane, Gerald, and Adrian. Carl was employed for many years at Avondale Shipyard in Avondale. Later, Carl and Sandra owned and operated Preston’s Transportation Company, at times allowing their sons, Gerald and Adrian, to join in the business as drivers.

Carl loved to cook and eat. He would spend hours preparing meals to be consumed by his family. In his spare time, he loved to fish and spend time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him PawPaw.

Carl was introduced to and accepted Christ as his personal Savior under the leadership of his grandfather, the late C.C. Edgerson, and his uncle/godfather, the lateRev. Leo P. Edgerson, at the First Free Mission Baptist Church in Mandeville, LA. He was later ordained as a deacon and committed himself to serving God and others. He continued to serve under the leadership of Rev. Mallery Callahan II following the death of both former pastors. Even after the loss of his beloved wife, Sandra, and as his health began to decline, he remained a faithful servant of the church.

Deacon Preston leaves to cherish his memories three sons: Duane Preston (Yoshiko) of Pensacola, Florida; Gerald Preston of Mandeville, Louisiana; and Adrian Preston of Covington, Louisiana; seven grandchildren: Duane Jr. (Alecia), Rache, Rena, Jordan, Adrian Jr., Javin, and Kenzleigh; four great-grandchildren: Acaira, Cairo, Caile, and Rocky; one sister, Joyce Winston of Mandeville, LA; one stepbrother, Robert Thomas of Marrero, LA; two sisters-in-law, Avis Anderson of Mandeville, LA, and Dorothy Thomas of Marrero, LA; three beloved godchildren: Kelvin Edgerson, Derek Penn, and Kandiss Scott; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandra Reina; his parents,Bismark Preston, Bernice Edgerson Thomas, and Elijah Thomas; grandparents, Rev. C.C. Edgerson and Beaulah Eugene Edgerson; five brothers: Ronald, Bruce, Charles, Herbert, and Lionel (Andre) Thomas; three uncles: Theodore, Rev. Leo P., and Lloyd C. Edgerson; four aunts: Dorothy Gloris, Julia Edgerson, Rose Mary Scott, and Dorothy T. Edgerson.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl Bismark Preston, please visit our floral store.