In Memory – Lewis & Preston PLLC

DWIGHT PRESTON
One of Hardin County's Finest

1949-2024

Prominent Hardin County Kentucky Attorney, Dwight Preston, left this earth on June 8th, 2024. His loss will be keenly felt by many. He had a great big personality and a great big heart.

From his Sister, Carol Moll

I am devastated to post that my beloved brother, Dwight Preston, passed away from lung disease this morning about 5 at HMH. He has been struggling with this bravely for about two years but it just suddenly rapidly progressed. He was suffering so much since April 11 and had been in and out of the hospital 3 times. He had been told he would be on oxygen this rest of his life. He was so brave about that but now I realize he must have been hysterical about it inside but he would not let us see that. He was my closest confidante as well as my brother. He always knew what to do about everything. I do not know how I can go on without him by my side but he left me a lot of instructions of things he wanted done so I will try to fulfill them. He wanted no funeral or visitation only a small family graveside service but he did allow us to plan to have a celebration of life in August or September. He loved RIneyville School sooo much and he told me one of the worst things that ever happened to him was not getting to graduate from Rineyville. He liked West Hardin very much too but he LOVED RIneyville. Please pray for us all. We are having a really hard time with his loss. With love, Carol Sue

From Fellow Attorney, Greg Thompson

Dwight Preston, a remarkable lawyer and my friend, passed away this morning. His legacy extends beyond legal proceedings; he embodied justice, compassion, and unwavering commitment to fairness. Dwight's legal prowess rivaled that of legendary figures like Clarence Darrow, Daniel Webster, and Atticus Finch. Yet, it was his compassionate heart that truly set him apart. He treated everyone—clients, colleagues, and adversaries—with respect and kindness.

In Dwight's office, creativity thrived amidst chaos, justice was sought, and hope was kindled. Working alongside his sister, Carol, Dwight exemplified the power of collaboration, integrity, and unwavering commitment to clients. For them, it was about making a difference in people's lives, not just winning. Over the last 30 years, I co-counseled cases across the state with Dwight, content to be his wingman. Every successful case I handle has a little of Dwight in it.

Dwight Preston's legacy will forever resonate in the halls of justice. His unwavering dedication touched lives, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

From Adam Cart, Attorney of Counsel

My mentor.

You did it the right way. Working alongside you was the greatest honor of my career and I’ll miss you more than words can express. Thank you for helping so many people in every way imaginable. You changed my life, Dwight Preston, and I owe you everything.

From Long-time Friend, Wayne Ray

It has taken a few days to cope with the reality that Dwight Preston passed away last Saturday. I will use the term “My Good Friend”. Many of you can use that term when speaking of Dwight. He was genuine and loyal to the max.

Dwight and I graduated together from West Hardin High School in 1967. The photo of our graduation shows us walking in together to get that diploma. We were friends back then but became very close friends many years later.

I have so many stories about Dwight and some of our adventures and perhaps misadventures, that it would take a small journal to compile them. Most are funny and kept us laughing for years. One such story had to do with Dwight’s training track on his farm. I was still having to do the annual 2-mile PT run for the military. While Dwight was working out a new filly, I used the track to practice my run. I was on the back side as he came riding by on the horse and passed me easily. I finished my run and we walked back to the barn. The next weekend we were at River Downs with the horse waiting to race her. One of his horse friends walked up and asked Dwight if the horse was any good. Without missing a beat Dwight simply replied “She beat Wayne”. We both laughed and the guy had no idea what we were laughing about.

Dwight was one of the most loyal, honest, intelligent and generous people I have ever known. He never met a stranger and always quick to honestly get to know people. He showed genuine interest in their lives.

Dwight was, without a doubt, one of the finest attorneys ever. He knew his business and was worthy of the honors bestowed on him.

The last several years, I spent a lot of time with him. In his office, on his boat, in his home, in my home, at the various race tracks, and even in New York and Canada. Dwight and I were partners in several race horses. They never made us rich, but we had fun and collected a wealth of memories. Dwight, Jackie Bruner and I would go to the training track in Lexington almost every weekend.

I am attaching several photos of Dwight including our high school graduation, relaxing on the boat, working with the horses and our trip to New York and Canada.

Dwight has left us with a legacy of a true friend. He will certainly be missed.

Offical Obituary

Dwight Preston, 75 of Elizabethtown, Kentucky passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown. Dwight was the son of Keenus and Corine Edlin Preston. He attended elementary school at Rineyville until 1962, which he always said helped form his success later in life. He was a 1967 Graduate of West Hardin High School. He received his BA from Western Kentucky University in 1971, where he coined his famous private joke phrase, "I'll go along with Clarence." He graduated from University of San Diego School of Law with the following achievements: J.D., magna cum laude, 1974, Chief Justice Honor Court 1973-1974 Phi Delta Phi and San Diego Law Review. After completing his legal education in San Diego and being admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1974, Dwight returned to Elizabethtown to practice law. Paul Lewis took him under his wing and gave him hands-on experience in the court room. He served as the Commonwealth's Attorney, Hardin County, from 1982-1992; he served as Hardin County Attorney, from 1978-1982. Dwight was a true renaissance man of many talents. In addition to being a brilliant attorney and litigator, he was a skilled horse trainer and rider, excellent golfer, champion swimmer and diver (he loved being a lifeguard in his teens) and his dancing skills were incredible. His wit was extraordinary. His passions in life included horses and his children and grandchildren and Kathy Ryan his fiancee but another great passion was working. His work ethic and knowledge of the law were unequaled. His ethical considerations were the highest level. His kindness and generosity also knew no bounds. He has left a legacy of legal expertise through the younger attorneys he mentored, including Shane Young, Adam Cart, Evan Spalding, and a host of others. Dwight was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Keenus and Corine Edlin Preston; his son, Roby Preston; beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles; cousins and his lifelong friend and partner in mischief, Jackie Bruner. Dwight is survived by his long time fiancee, Kathy Ryan; his children, Patrick Preston (Sarah), John Cory Preston (Renee), Megan Preston Barisik (Murat); grandchildren, Case Preston, Ricki Preston, Annalee Rose Preston and Lina Barisik; Kathys grandchildren; his sister, Carol Sue Preston Moll (Frederick); his brother, Richard Keenus Preston (Alane) and former wife, Shelia Preston; former sister in law, Brenda Preston; a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins, and his devoted staff at Lewis and Preston, led by Cathy Hammond, his chief paralegal for 40 years. There will be a private graveside ceremony and a celebration of life is planned for later in the year perhaps in August, 2024 or September, 2024.

Farwell Dwight, Until we Meet Again.

DWIGHT PRESTONOne of Hardin County's Finest