Preston H. Webb, loved music
Preston H. Webb, 101, of Bethany Beach passed away peacefully at home Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.
Preston was born in Lewes, son of the late Harry and Leah (nee Davidson) Webb. He had lived for many years in Perry Hall, Md., and in 1994 moved full time to his residence in Bethany Beach.
Preston graduated from University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He worked for CJ Langenfelder in Baltimore, Md., for many years, retiring as a supervisor.
Preston was a veteran of the U.S. Army and member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He served in Bora, Bora during World War II, and was assigned to work hand in hand with the U.S. Navy Seabees with construction, design and rebuilding.
As a child his family had a love of music. Preston (who loved playing the guitar and harmonica), along with his brothers, would perform on various stages and venues. His love for music took him to performing with Back Bay Strummers, which he did until the age of 95. He has now been honored with the status of member emeritus. He even played a tune on his harmonica and sang with the Back Bay Strummers at his 100th birthday celebration.
Preston was a very active member of St. Matthew’s by the Sea in Fenwick Island, where he also was responsible for maintaining the lovely grounds.
In addition to his parents, Preston is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Marie (nee Abbott) Webb; a son, John Webb; brothers, Ralton and Nelson Webb; and sister, Hazel Dodd; a granddaughter, Kathleen Jones; and great-granddaughter, Rachel Searle.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law and caretaker, Dolores Webb; five grandchildren, Richard Webb and wife Lyn, Terry Searle, grandson-in-law Geoff Searle, Cynthia Arsenault and husband Robert, Robert P. Webb and wife Joanne, Kristine O’Neill and husband Bruce; and their mother, Janet Webb; four stepgrandchildren, Eva Marie Hamper and husband Tom, Brian Stephens and wife Karen, John Stephens and Cheryl Huff; 28 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Preston was also close to his extended family, especially nieces and nephews, Donna Dodd and her son Richy, David Dodd and wife Dorothy (and their children, Jeannie and David), Charles Webb and wife Gail, and their families.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where a time of visitation for family and friends will be held after noon. Burial will be in Milford Community Cemetery.
