Preston D. Huston

Huston, Preston D., 82, retired Chairman/CEO Associated Advertising, died Thursday, August 23, 2007. Visitation with the family from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. Sunday at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Service will be 1:00 P.M. Monday at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Preston was born on July 17, 1925 in Newton, Kansas, to Lester J. and Ina Vera (Van Huss) Huston. He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1943. He served in World War II and was decorated with three Battle Stars and a Bronze Star. Pres married Barbara Tressler in 1948 and joined the newly formed Associated Advertising Agency in 1946 while attending Wichita University, from which he graduated in 1949. He was elected president of Associated in 1957, being known for his marketing oriented approach to advertising and his deep involvement with growing entrepreneurial companies. His long list of clients include Hesston Corporation, The Coleman Company, Davis manufacturing (now JI Case), Derby Refining, Shangri-La Resort, The Grasshopper Company, Chance Industries and Intrust Bank. Pres retired from Associated in 2003 at the age of 78. He was president of the International Federation of Advertising Agencies in 1963, and awarded the IFAA “Mace of Responsibility” Award in 1968. He was president of the Wichita Advertising Club, 1955-1956; Wichita Ad Man of the Year, 1958 and 1992; and National Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Advisory Board Member, 1999. He volunteered the agency for public service projects to benefit the community, including Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce and the “Stand Up for Wichita” 1993 campaign to defeat casino operations in Wichita. He was a Wichita Downtown Rotary Club member since 1957 and president, 1993-1994, and served on boards of many other community organizations. Among all his accomplishments, his first commitment was his faith and devotion to his Lord. Pres believed his most important contribution was to Metropolitan Baptist Church, which he helped found in 1962, serving as spokesperson for the congregation, friend to pastors, and chairperson for many committees as well as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Preceded in death by his brother, Dick Huston, he is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; daughters, Kathy (James) Wiebe and Karen (Brad) Hubbard of Wichita, KS and Donna (Craig) Walker of Lincoln, KS; brothers, Jay Huston of Oklahoma City, OK and Bob Huston of Eureka Springs, AR; grandchildren, Jamie and Jennifer Wiebe, Kevin and Kayla Hubbard, Christopher, Andrew and Matthew Walker. A memorial has been established with Metropolitan Baptist Church, 525 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67203 Visitation with the family 4:00 ~ 6:00 P.M. Sunday, August 26, Downing Lahey East Mortuary.