PRESTON PYEATTE, JR., FUHS 1938

Pyeatte, Preston E., Jr, passed away, August 5th from complications of Parkinson's disease.
He was born April 6th, 1920, in Cane Hill, Arkansas to Eugenia Pittman Pyeatte and Preston Earl Pyeate, Sr., the second of four children. The family moved to Fullerton, when Preston was six.
He was a graduate of Fullerton High School and Fullerton College, with degrees in business and agriculture. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps and trained in fire protection and flight engineering. After discharge, in 1946, he was hired by the Fullerton Fire Department and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Batallion Chief in charge of arson investigation and fire prevention. In 1947, he married Bunne Oakley, who he was introduced to by Ruth and Harold Hale, his "other parents". They had one daughter, Cristin. He served on the original education committee that developed the Junior Fireman program, still used in Orange County schools. Preston served on the board of Fullerton Community Hospital, was active in the YMCA and Masonic Lodge. He was a recipient of the Hiram Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Masons, for dedicated service. He also taught fire science at Santa Ana City College before retiring, in 1977, to Lido Isle, Newport Beach, to be close to his daughter's family.
Preston was truly one of the greatest members of the "greatest generation". A kind, gentle, moral man who was loved by all who knew him. After retiring, he spent countless hours in his garage, greeting all who passed, with kind words, a warm smile, and would fix anything that was brought to his "shop".
Bunne, his wife of 50 years, passed away in 1998. He is survived by his daughter, Cristin; son-in-law, Michael; grandchildren, Todd and Nicole, and great-granddaughter, Chloe. You are loved and will be missed by all who knew you. Thank you for your teachings and love.
Pacific View services were private. A toast to a life well lived will be held, August 17th at his daughter and son-in-law's home in Newport Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA would be appreciated.
Published in the Orange County Register on 8/9/2008
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