In Memoriam & Biography
(Charles) Wayne Preston, 85, of Somersworth, NH died peacefully at home on April 25, 2026.
Born on August 9, 1940, in Louisville, KY, he was the son of Samuel Wayne Preston and Lucille Watkins Preston.
After serving 3 years in the U.S. Army, Wayne attended and graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in math. He spent most of his career in the computer industry, working for IBM and Honeywell, as well as some smaller IT companies. He spent the latter part of his career in the mortgage and financial services industries.
But Wayne's greatest joy and fulfillment came after he semi-retired and became a teacher at Tri-City Christian Academy (TCCA) in Somersworth, NH. Wayne taught there until December 2025, when he had to retire due to his health. His love and passion for his students was overwhelming. His wife Chris always told him his greatest gifts from God were wisdom and teaching. He considered being able to exercise those gifts at TCCA as the highlight of his life.
Wayne's hobby, from the time he was an adult, and until his passing, was woodcarving. He was a member of the Seacoast Woodcarvers Club. In previous years, he taught woodcarving classes at adult education classes, Woodcraft in Newington, NH and local retirement homes. One of his best students was a woman who started carving at 90 years old. When she said she didn't know if she could carve, Wayne's response was, "If you can peel a potato, I can teach you to carve!"
Wayne was a member of Grace Church of Dover in Somersworth, NH. He loved participating in their Saturday morning men's Bible studies.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 30 years, Chris, his daughters Amanda Preston Lowe of Kansas City, KS and Jill Preston Putzier and her husband Mike Putzier of Shawnee, KS, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born on August 9, 1940, in Louisville, KY, he was the son of Samuel Wayne Preston and Lucille Watkins Preston.
After serving 3 years in the U.S. Army, Wayne attended and graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in math. He spent most of his career in the computer industry, working for IBM and Honeywell, as well as some smaller IT companies. He spent the latter part of his career in the mortgage and financial services industries.
But Wayne's greatest joy and fulfillment came after he semi-retired and became a teacher at Tri-City Christian Academy (TCCA) in Somersworth, NH. Wayne taught there until December 2025, when he had to retire due to his health. His love and passion for his students was overwhelming. His wife Chris always told him his greatest gifts from God were wisdom and teaching. He considered being able to exercise those gifts at TCCA as the highlight of his life.
Wayne's hobby, from the time he was an adult, and until his passing, was woodcarving. He was a member of the Seacoast Woodcarvers Club. In previous years, he taught woodcarving classes at adult education classes, Woodcraft in Newington, NH and local retirement homes. One of his best students was a woman who started carving at 90 years old. When she said she didn't know if she could carve, Wayne's response was, "If you can peel a potato, I can teach you to carve!"
Wayne was a member of Grace Church of Dover in Somersworth, NH. He loved participating in their Saturday morning men's Bible studies.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 30 years, Chris, his daughters Amanda Preston Lowe of Kansas City, KS and Jill Preston Putzier and her husband Mike Putzier of Shawnee, KS, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Obituary courtesy of Legacy.com by Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home - Dover on Apr. 28, 2026.
TCCA Website Biography
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