Portsmouth - Pete "Wahoo" Preston, 96, of 419 Shenandoah St., Portsmouth passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth.

He was born on Aug. 23, 1916, and was the son of the late Julia and Pete Anthony Preston, Sr. Wahoo was a graduate of Sheridan High School in WY; and he also attended one year of college for Forestry Service.

Wahoo has resided in the Tidewater area since 1946. He served three years in the U.S. Army; and retired as a Chief Petty Officer and Aviation Ordnanceman, after 30 years of service, from the U.S. Navy; and later retired from the Naval Air Rework Facility as an electronic technician.

Wahoo was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion Post # 1041, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles # 795, and The National Rifle Association.

He attended the Christian Science Church in Portsmouth; and was an avid bowler at the AMF Bowling Alley, Taylor Rd., Chesapeake.

Survivors include two daughters, Antoinette (Champie) Vanstavern and Irene Renee' Morreim, both of California; a sister, Lois A. Trujillo of Sheridan, WY; and a very dear platonic friend, Margaret "Pat" Boucher, who has been a companion to him for many years.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 AM Thursday, February 21, 2013 in Olive Branch Cemetery. Friends of Wahoo will gather on Wednesday evening from 7 - 8 PM at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

Published in The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 20, 2013.