William Preston McLeod

William †œPreston†� McLeod September 29, 1939 to November 23, 2015 Preston McLeod of Westminster, Colorado, died on Monday morning November 23, 2015. He was born in Salina, Kansas where he resided throughout his childhood. He was the only child of Mary Graves and Wallace McLeod. He worked in and was devoted to the trucking industry for over 50 years, starting in his early teens for Graves Truck Line. Preston was born in Salina, Kansas and educated in Salina schools. In 1962, he graduated from Fort Hays State University, with a degree in business administration. During his school years he worked for Graves Truck Line as a freight handler and city driver. Following military service, he went to work for his uncles as a sales representative for the Salina-Kansas City area. In 1965 Preston was appointed Terminal Manager in Kansas City and served as such until December 1974 when he became Vice President and General Manager of Capital Truck Lines, Inc., a subsidiary of Graves. In 1979, following the acquisition of Graves by ANR, Preston was appointed Regional Vice President of Operations and on April 14, 1980, was promoted to Director of Sales, a position responsible for sales training, developing sales programs, customer contact and acting as liaison between the field organization and general office. He served as president of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association for the term of 1988-1989. Following his long association with Graves Truck Line, he worked in sales for American Freight System, Tollie Trucking Company, Churchill Truck Line, and Bullocks Express Transportation. Upon retiring from his sales career, Preston went to work driving for Voyager Express and Keeter Transportation. He enjoyed being on the road again in an 18-wheeler, proving that trucking truly is in the blood of the Graves family members. Preston was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Graves and Wallace McLeod, and his wife Marilyn of 34 years. He married Vicki Lynn Collins of Westminster, Colorado in 2000, where they continued to reside. He loved that she had grand children and the prospect of more in the future. He liked to take the kids fishing, feed the ducks at the lake, and he was even caught learning cheers with the twin girls. He so loved the grandkids and all of the children were drawn to his kind heart, happy spirit, and contagious laugh. Preston was an avid sports fan, especially football and the Kansas City Chiefs. He remained a devoted Chief†™s fan, even though he was residing in Bronco†™s territory and married to a Bronco fan! Those he met knew about his love for the Chief†™s. He retired from driving an 18-wheeler in 2012. He then worked part-time as a hobby for Spears Security. He did this to satisfy his desire to be around and converse with people. He was a very social person and he always had a story to tell. He was well liked and remembered by everyone he met. He has left us all with the memory of his contagious laugh and beaming smile. He is survived by his sons, Tim and Jason McLeod of Overland Park, Kansas, his wife†™s children, Tricia and Craig Manning, Kristi and Jon Melling, Trevor and Janelle Byrne, Brian and Lacey Byrne and six Grand children: Lyndsey and Amanda Melling, Mitchell Manning, Hunter Byrne, and Dodge and Cannon Byrne. All of them with the exception of one grandson reside in the Denver area. He also had three extended family grand children, Zach, Alex and Emma Turner, of Westminster. He was extremely proud of his two sons and was a much loved †œPaPa†� by all the grandkids. Preston†™s celebration of life will be held at Aspen Mortuary in Arvada, Colorado at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015. Reception immediately following, location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Preston†™s family suggests donations to Merlin†™s Kids in Honor of Preston†™s Grandson, Dodge Byrne. This foundation provides service animals for special needs children and Dodge†™s family has been approved for and is awaiting their dog, as it is being trained specifically for Dodge†™s needs. Preston was just tickled about this opportunity for Dodge. You can donate directly to this secure site in Memory of Preston/in Tribute of Dodge by copy and paste the link below: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/lacey-byrne/adopt-a-service-dog-recipient-by-joining-their-team or Checks can be mailed to Merlin†™s Kids P.O. Box 21 Midland Park, NJ. 07432 Make sure to note †œIn Memory of Preston in Tribute to Dodge Byrne†� Merlin's kids Tax ID #26-3493804 Please join the family for a reception following the service at the American Legion Post 11-11, 9959 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021