Benjamin L. Preest, 87, of Walbridge, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017, surrounded by his family. Ben was born in Corning, Ohio on March 27, 1929 to Aloysius and Mary (Lawrence) Preest. Ben was the oldest of three children. At age five, the family moved to Toledo, Ohio where he attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Waite High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a radio operator for three years promoting to the rank of sergeant. Ben married Evelyn Berning on April 7, 1951 and raised five children. He worked at Sun Oil Refinery for 39 years while simultaneously establishing a tax business which he operated for 35 years. Ben was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later St. Jerome Catholic Church. He was an active member in both his community and church. Ben earned the rank of Eagle Scout and as an adult, served as commissioner of Troop 33. He supported the Special Olympics and enjoyed traveling the world. Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn; children, Susan Munch, Sally Engle, Nancy Preest, Michael Preest and Daniel (Joyce) Preest; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Zaremski. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gean Ann Preest. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 10:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Jerome Catholic Church, 300 Warner Street, Walbridge. Private interment will take place in Lake Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Jerome Catholic Church. Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.egglestonmeinert.com