Prestridge

Elton “Neal” Prestridge, 79, of Winchester, died Friday, June 15, 2018. Neal was born at St. Joseph’s Maternity in Houston on March 29, 1939, the son of Elton Aubrey Prestridge and Blondine Ottilie “Tillie” (Handrick) Prestridge. He was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Houston and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Houston in 1952 by Pastor Elmo Miertschin. His confirmation verse was John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Neal grew up in Houston Gardens where his family lived on a 3 ½ acre farm. He learned how to raise animals and food and learned to appreciate that kind of life. He would later retire to the farm where his Mother grew up. He spent a lot of time in the Winchester area, visiting his grandparents and his many aunts and uncles. At the age of fifteen, his father died of pancreatic cancer. Even though he wanted to attend a public school, his parents insisted that he attend Lutheran schools. He was always proud of the fact that he knew everyone in school and had a very good knowledge of the Bible. He graduated in 1959 from Lutheran High South in Houston. In 1963, he joined the Coast Guard and spent his time in California. Neal attended the University of Houston where he studied art and business. He went to work for East Texas Motor Freight and eventually started working in the oil supply business. He spent almost 25 years in that business most of them at South Coast Supply in Houston. In 2000, on a Houston Lutheran Chorale trip to England, he met his future wife. They married in 2001 and lived in Deer Park while spending time in Winchester getting a house ready for retirement. In 2007, they made the move to the farm. Neal loved to sing and was a member of the Houston Lutheran Chorale for 26 years. The Chorale was his family and he loved all of the trips that they made spreading the word of God through music. In his younger days, he loved to play baseball and was an excellent pitcher. He was also quite artistic, teaching himself calligraphy and producing stained glass art. Neal loved animals and someone once remarked that he had the best fed animals around. Cattle, cats, dogs and birds, he fed and enjoyed them all. He enjoyed watching Houston sports, especially University of Houston basketball, the Rockets and the Astros. Neal was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church where he served as an elder. He loved and trusted his Lord and Savior and no matter where you met him, he made sure you knew about Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Marceil; step-daughter, Nicole and husband, Larry Hernandez; step-grandchildren: Chloe, Taylor and Lauren Hernandez; brother, Paul Lee Prestridge and wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Jean Weber and husband, Curvey; as well as a niece, nephews and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 700 Frio St., in Winchester at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Burial will follow at Winchester City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas, The Houston Lutheran Chorale, Hospice Brazos Valley or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.  Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.