Springfield – Preston Breckenridge Hott, 90, a long-time Springfield resident and educator, passed away from this life at 6:23 PM Thursday, December 2018 in Fishers, IN

Pres was born May 29, 1928, in Pana, Illinois, the son of John F. and Louise Abell Hott.  He grew up in Assumption, IL, and graduated from Assumption High School.  He then attended Millikin University, graduating from Illinois State University in 1950, earning a Bachelor's degree in education, and a minor in music.  Later, he earned his advanced degrees in guidance & counseling and educational administration.  Pres first taught in Mt Auburn, IL, before marrying Joanne Stublefield in Springfield on June 7, 1953.  Together they moved to and taught in East Peoria, IL; later moving on to Springfield, where they both taught for many years in District 186. Pres taught at Feitshans High School, Edison Junior High and Springfield High School, where he served as a counselor, assistant principal, and then principal.  He retired in 1983 from the district office as a curriculum director.

Pres and Joanne were active members of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where Pres was a deacon, elder, board member, and choir member. His favorite years of singing in the choir were under the direction of Miss Esther Duncan.  Pres was also a member of the Vachel Lindsey Association, a docent at the Dana Thomas House, and a Red Coat at Memorial Medical Center.  He also served on the Friends of the Lincoln Library Board.  Pres was a member of Kedron Masonic Lodge, AF&AM, Mount Auburn, IL, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Springfield, and Ansar Shrine.

Pres and Joanne loved to travel.  They enjoyed several trips to Europe, visiting Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Great Britain.  He loved working in his gardens.  He was a voracious reader who especially enjoyed spending time reading to his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne, of Fishers, IN; daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Powell of Westfield, IN; son, Joe (Mary Lou) Hott of Springdale, AR; six grandchildren, Eric (Ashley), and David (Leigh) Powell of Indianapolis, Ryan Powell of Orlando, FL, Michael Powell (Chance Woodward) of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Alan (Ashlee) Hott of Las Vegas, NV, and Rachel (John) Watterson of Lowell, AR; four great-grandchildren, Lilly and Charley Powell, and Casey and Mae Watterson; a brother, Tom (Lois) Hott of Decatur, IL; and six nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean McCoy, and brother, Bill Hott.

Pres's family would like to recognize the unfailing love and support shown them by those who cared for him at Hamilton Trace in Fishers, IN, especially Caprice Walker, Shanita Bates, Jas Kauer, and Tammie Thompson, all of whom went far beyond their normal course of duties to make sure Preston was comfortable and able to stay with Joanne up to the very end.  Also, the family would like to recognize their dear friend and neighbor, Sharon Miller, who cared for Pres and Joanne so that they were able to stay in their home as long as possible.

His family will have a time of visitation, 1:30 – 2:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 26, 2018 with Rev. Rick Irwin officiating, at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, (9700 North State Road 55, Wingate, IN  47994)

Committal services are 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, Springfield, IL with Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin, IL, in charge of arrangements.   Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 700 S. Sixth St, Springfield, IL  62703.  To leave a condolence or sign the guest book, visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com