Preston Latchum Dyer, decorated firefighter
Preston Latchum Dyer, 94, of Rehoboth Beach, went home to be with The Lord Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family and caregivers.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday May 18, at 11:30 a.m., at the Carlisle Fire Company, 615 NW Front St., Milford, to honor the legacy of his faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior; his love for his family and friends; and his dedication and commitment as a fireman.
"Pret," "Pres," " Pop Pop" was born at home in Milford to Mabel E Dyer and Albert Fitzgerald Dyer April 16,1924. He graduated from Milford High School, and immediately enlisted in the Army. As a veteran of World War II, he received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and European Campaign Medal.
He married Ann L Dyer Nov. 12, 1949, in Rehoboth Beach. In 1961 he joined the Carlisle Fire Co, received Life Member Status in 1982, and became a Delaware State Fire Policeman in 1977 and received Life Member status in 1992 and Fire Police Captain Emeritus in 2017. He joined the Rehoboth Fire Company upon moving to Rehoboth and as 86-30 he received awards for most alarms and Fireman of the Year and Life Member status.
His civic and community commitment was evidenced by participation in the Milford Lions Club, American Legion, VFW, Methodist Men's President and recently as a member of High Tide Church.
Preston L Dyer is preceded in death by Mabel E Dyer, his mother; Albert Fitzgerald Dyer, his father; Lillian Dyer his paternal grandmother, and Frank Dyer, his paternal grandfather.
Pret is survived by his wife, Ann L Dyer; his son Preston Lynch Dyer and his wife Debra C. Dyer; his three grandsons Preston Lynch Dyer Jr. and his wife Lindsay M Dyer, Mason Taylor Dyer and his wife Deanna L. Dyer, and Madison Ward Dyer and his wife Summer A. Dyer; his two great-grandsons, Preston Lynch Dyer III and Ford Fitzgerald Dyer; and Howard W. Hitchens, his cousin and longtime best friend.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Andy Ehlers and members of High Tide Church, the love and devotion of his caregivers, and Delaware Hospice nurses, doctors and staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mr. Dyer's memory to Rehoboth Beach Fire Company, 219 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, Carlisle Fire Company, 615 NW Front St., Milford, DE 19960, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Mr. Dyer's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
