Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1936 RJC

Stephen Preslar JUDGE STEPHEN FRANKLIN PRESLAR, 90, died March 2, 2009, Texas Independence Day. Stephen was born to Sanford & Cora Preslar in Coleman County, TX, on March 27, 1918. He was raised in Ranger, TX where he attended Ranger High School and Ranger Junior College later being chosen outstanding Alumni by the class of 1972. From 1940 thru 1950 Judge Preslar worked in Washington D.C. as a fingerprint specialist with the FBI, an Officer for the Capital Police Force, and an elevator operator for Senators at the Senate building. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was a pilot. During this period he graduated from George Washington School of Law. Judge Preslar returned to his beloved Texas where he practiced law in McCamey for 13 years; was elected County Attorney and later District Judge for the 112 Judicial District. In 1963 he was appointed by Governor John Connally to the 8th Court of Appeals in El Paso, Texas where he served for 40 years as Chief Justice. Judge Preslar loved spending time with his friends on the golf course and he enjoyed spending time caring for his home where he maintained fruit and pecan trees. The Judge cared deeply for others and helped many throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his sons Stephen Clifford and Samuel Hardie Preslar. At the time of his death, he was survived by his bride of 62 years, Avis McKelvain Preslar (RHS-1935), son Robert Lee Preslar, and his wife Susan. "Gran Gran" as he was known has four granddaughters, Kim, Alison, Sarah and Kelsey and two great-grandsons, Dean and Vaughn. His brother was Dee Preslar (RHS-1931) and sister Eula Preslar Weber (RHS-1928).