Jon Kent Presnell

Jon Presnell was a friend to many – a man who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make his community better. The former Azle Citizen of the Year passed away June 22 after a short illness. Family graveside service is set for 11 a.m., Monday, June 27 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Lane A. White’s Funeral Home of Azle is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jon Presnell’s name to the Azle Memorial Library. He leaves behind a wife, Carol, plus family and friends who benefitted from a relationship with a man with clear ideals and the most generous heart. Presnell, 83, was born on March 6, 1933, to Max and Virginia (Huggins) Presnell of Enid, Oklahoma. He spent most of his youth growing up in the Texas panhandle town of Pampa. His service oriented career began with his enlistment in the US Navy in 1951. He served as Mechanic Foreman Engineer 3rd Class and spent time aboard the USS Mindoro. Presnell’s communication skills were apparent as a top salesman for the AC Delco Division of General Motors. He was named to the company’s Honor Council and earned its top achiever awards. While serving as Regional Manager in Maine, he met his wife, Carol Hubert Presnell. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this March. Presnell’s retirement in 1985 opened the door for his next career move -- community activist. His first volunteer role was serving on the board of directors for the Azle Pastoral Counseling Center. He served on the city of Azle’s Planning and Zoning Board and then took an even more prominent role as City Councilman from 2001 to 2003. He also served as board chairman for the Azle Area Chamber of Commerce and was later named chairman for the chamber’s Ambassadors. He helped organize the first Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser for the chamber. He also showed his support for the Community Caring Center, the Good NEWS Living at Home Block Nurse program and was former treasurer of the Azle Rotary Club. He also served on the Azle Memorial Library Board of Directors. When the Azle Community Golf Course first opened in 1995, Presnell was the course’s first lead Marshall. His work for the community did not go unnoticed. Jon was honored as Azle’s Citizen of the Year in 2007 and Ambassador of the Year in 2004. Azle Masonic Lodge No. 601 honored him with the organizations prestigious Community Builder Award in 2007. Presnell is survived by his wife, Carol, of Azle; daughters, Karen Roy of Nova Scotia and Hollis Smith and husband, Don of Maine; step-daughter, Holly Libby-Croteau and husband, Chris of Maryland; granddaughters, Kirsten Anderson of Texas and Amanda Berard and husband, Matt of Indiana; grandson, Isaiah Smith of Maine; and great-granddaughter, Anora Berard of Indiana. The list also includes countless family members and friends.