Philip Alan Preble

February 11, 1931 – March 29, 2025

Philip (Phil) Alan Preble passed away after a short illness on March 29, 2025, in the Hospice Wing at the VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona. He recently celebrated his 94th birthday.

Born on February 11, 1931, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, he was the son of Clarence and Jennie Preble. He was raised in Gardner, Massachusetts, and moved to Mansfield, Ohio, during his senior year of high school.

Phil proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. He earned a degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in Boulder, Colorado, graduating in 1954. He was a civil engineer in Mansfield, Ohio, until retirement, when he fulfilled his dream of moving west.

A lifelong mineral, gem, and rock collector, Phil built an extensive collection that began in childhood. He enjoyed rock hounding throughout his life and was a founding member of the Prescott Gem and Mineral Club in 2003. He also grew award-winning roses and loved hiking the scenic landscapes of the Southwest. For many years, he was an active member of the Elks, the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club, Kiwanis, and the Prescott Hiking Club. He was deeply devoted to the First Congregational Church, serving both the Mansfield and Prescott congregations. In Mansfield, he served as assistant treasurer for many years, and in Prescott, he continued his service by assisting with financial duties and serving on the Foundation Board.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Preble (Gertrude); his first wife, Margaret Preble; his beloved wife of 49 years, Muriel Preble; and Muriel’s son, Clifton Alexander.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Patrick (Roy, deceased) and Susan Madura (Jim Sloan); and his niece and nephews, Martha Vance (Michael), Bill Preble (Marci Gray), Mark Arnold (Linda), and many friends and great nieces and nephews.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and dedicated care provided by the staff at the Prescott VA Medical Center and in their Hospice Wing during his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 May 17, at the First Congregational Church, 216 E Gurley St, Prescott. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.