Preston Gale Mustard

Preston Gale Mustard, age 75, of Jackson passed away Friday, July 10, 2026, while a patient in the Neuro CCU at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. Preston was diagnosed with MRSA and meningitis. The doctors were unable to find the source of the infection and he became critically ill. He was placed in comfort care and passed away surrounded by his wife, Sandy, son, T.J., and daughter, Amber. It was a heartbreaking process to watch and when he took his last breath there was a sense of peace felt by the family, knowing that he was now in the Lord’s hands.

Preston was born on February 11, 1951 in Sinking Spring, Ohio, to the late Bill Mustard and Frances McAfee. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Irvin and Hazel Rhoads. He was a 1969 graduate of Blanchester High School. His graduating class was a very close-knit group. He remained in contact with many of his classmates.

Preston was once described by Ed Clark in his newspaper column as a, “Renaissance Man”, and that was certainly true. During his life he did many different things, including police work, convenience store owner, gun store owner, wrestler, and auctioneer. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. He was always full of energy and ready to start something new. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. One of his special loves was softball and as he got older he started playing senior softball with the Dayton Legends. This was a wonderful time in his life and he became close friends with many of the players.

Preston started his auctioneer career in 1978 as an apprentice auctioneer under the direction of his grandfather. As the years passed, his auction business continued to grow and became more and more successful. During the last 20 years he mainly did gun auctions and developed a long list of loyal customers. These customers became like family members and he formed many personal friendships with them. He was also fortunate to have a wonderful group of people that helped him with each auction.

On September 29, 1979 he married Sandy Duncan. They were blessed to have a son, T.J. (Huma).

Preston was a devoted father and enjoyed coaching, watching, and supporting T.J. in the many sports that he played, starting with t-ball and continuing through high school and college. In the later years T.J. became involved with jujitsu and Preston loved watching and discussing his matches with him. He was also proud of the success that T.J. had in his professional career.

Preston also had a beloved daughter, Amber (Dave) Temple, who inherited her dad’s gift of speed. They both held track records at their individual high schools. He also enjoyed spending time with Amber’s children Gavin Temple and Hayleigh (Brandon) Worley and his two great-grandchildren, Brantley and Keegan Worley. He is also survived by a son, Billy (Tonya) McClanahan , brother David (Debbie) Rhoads, special brother-in-law Greg (Patty) Duncan, nephews Austin (Julia) Duncan and Terry Brewer and special nieces Falicia (Taylor) Dyson and Diane (Craig) Michaud. He will also be greatly missed by his two dogs, Big Boy and Little Girl.

One of the most important things in Preston’s life was reading and studying the Bible. He enjoyed going to Wednesday morning Bible Study at Calvary Church. Knowing that he was ready to meet the Lord was such a blessing to his family during his final hours.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 15 from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Additional calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. followed by the funeral at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Fairmount Cemetery with Pastor Max Stafford officiating.