James Preston Ahrend

May 22, 1924 - March 20, 2022

On May 22nd of 1924, James Preston Ahrend was born unto James “Jim” Irvin Ahrend and Mary Artie Missy Harvill-Ahrend of Sasakwa, OK. James, known by loved ones as “Preston”, passed away from this life to his eternal home in heaven on Sunday, March 20th of 2022. Preston grew up in Sasakwa as a sharecropper during the onset of the Great Depression and worked on his family’s farm until age 19. While in school, Preston excelled in all areas and especially enjoyed spelling, geography, and baseball. Preston was scouted by the American Legion Baseball League as a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, but his opportunity to pursue a professional sporting career was pushed aside by a call from Uncle Sam. Shortly after graduating from Sasakwa High School in 1943, Preston was drafted into World War II on July 13th of 1943. Preston served his country as an Army Technician Corporal in the 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion (326th AEB) of the 101st Airborne (101st AB) Division. Several decorations and citations were awarded to Preston for his notable involvement in four major military campaigns/battles in Europe: Invasion of Normandy (D-Day); Central Europe (Western Allied Invasion of Germany); Rhineland/Netherlands (Operation Market Garden); The Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge/Siege of Bastogne). Preston was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946. After returning from the war, Preston obtained an associate degree from Oklahoma A&M. On July 15th of 1948, Preston was hired as an inventory keeper at American Airlines and made his way up to the position of Crew Chief through long hours of dedicated hard work and perseverance. Preston retired in November of 1987, proudly celebrating his nearly 40 year career. Preston enjoyed many aspects of life. Over the years, he’s earned various bowling and softball trophies. Preston loved sporting his red Boomer Sooner wind-breaker and ball cap wherever he could. He shared his love for sports with his children and grandchildren, supporting, sponsoring, and coaching them through youth leagues – or whatever dream they pursued. Aside from sports, Preston enjoyed keeping up with current events, playing multiple rounds of dominos, coin collecting, and most of all –spending time with family. In February of 1953, Preston met the love of his life – Clara Fay Rose – in Dawson, OK. Clara Fay and Preston were married on June 3rd of 1953 and remained sweethearts for almost sixty-nine years until his death. Towards the latter part of his life, Preston became universally known as “Papa” by his family, friends, and even strangers. “Papa” will be forever remembered by the countless lives he touched and his memory will continue to live on through his loved ones. Preston is survived by: WIFE —Clara Fay Ahrend of Broken Arrow; BROTHER — Norman Ahrend & wife, Shelia, of Broken Arrow; SON —David Ahrend & wife, Lois, of Broken Arrow; DAUGHTER — Sherry Oden & husband, Jim, of Broken Arrow; DAUGHTER — Joy Jiles of Broken Arrow. GRANDCHILDREN — Matthew Ahrend; Amanda Oliver; Sarah Thummel; Ty Oden; Jessica Klassen; Troy Oden; Rachel Rose; Jennifay Richardson; Starlee Jiles. GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN — Grady Oliver; Nate Ahrend; Ella Thummel; Ashtyn Oliver; Timmy Thummel; Caden Oden; Kodi Klassen; Levi Ahrend; Gianna Thummel; Abby Oden; CJ Oden; Tatum Klassen; Mason Oden; Gavin Oden; JohnPaul Thummel. Preston is preceded in death by: BROTHER — Garland Ray Ahrend FATHER — Jim Ahrend MOTHER — Artie Harvill-Ahrend SON — Danny Lee Ahrend SISTER — Wanda Lea Fulps-Ahrend The family asks that donations be made to Forest Ridge Baptist Church, 8300 South Oneta Road, Broken Arrow, OK 74014