David Francis Preble

SOUTH GARDINER – David Francis Preble, 89, of South Gardiner, died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation, in Augusta surrounded by the love of his family.

David was born on Johnson Street in South Gardiner on April 7, 1936, to Evelyn Spear Preble and Clarence Preble. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Gardiner High School and the University of Maine at Orono. On Feb. 3, 1973, he married the love of his life, Ellen M. Littlefield of Ogunquit.

After college, David spent his working career in local, state, and federal government services working as Gardiner city auditor and then for the University of Maine at Augusta. He served on the Gardiner City Council and Gardiner School Board. When he joined state government, his first job was delivering mail to state offices. Later, he became the first Executive Director of the Manufactured Housing Board, serving in that capacity until retiring in 1996. As Executive Director, he was appointed buy President Reagan’s White House to the National Home Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

After retiring, David provided consulting services around manufactured housing to law firms throughout New England and New York. He also took several part time jobs in retirement including working in the warehouse at LL Bean and being what he referred to as a “professional driver” for Enterprise.

David proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard for over 20 years.

He enjoyed watching his sons participate in sporting events through their childhood, high school and college years and helped them through coaching as well as cheering from the sidelines. He also very much enjoyed watching his amazing granddaughters participate in all their many activities.

David worked as a football official for over 20 years. He was a fan of the New England Patriots, the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins.

He enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends in Maine, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona and especially enjoyed trips to Branson and the Bahamas.

David was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Evelyn Preble, his brother Philip Preble, and his nephew Jeffrey Russell.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen Preble and their two sons Alexander Preble and his wife Kristin of Fayetteville, Georgia and their two daughters Kaylie and Taylor, Jason Preble and his wife Jenn and their daughter Emma of Bangor. Also surviving are his sister Barbara Russell and her husband Phillip of Whitefield and his brother Donald Preble and his wife Leisa of Old Town.

It is with heartfelt appreciation for all that they do, that David’s family would like to thank the staff at Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation for taking such loving care of him while he was with you.

The family invites all who knew and loved David to join them in celebrating his life. Visitation will be held at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner, Maine, on Friday, 13th of March 2026 at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at the same venue. A committal service will take place at Ocean View Cemetery, 1485 Post Road, Wells, Maine, on Friday, 26th of June 2026 at 1 p.m.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.