Preston Allen “Mutt” Park, beloved brother, uncle and true friend to many, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 9, 2025, as the result of an accident. He was 53.
Preston was born on January 12, 1972, in Alpine, Texas, to Steve and Kate Park. The youngest of the six Park children and arguably the most spoiled, Mutt was the neutral peacekeeper of the siblings when squabbles broke out. His kind and caring personality made it easy for him to make friends, and he showed them the same love he had for his family. He welcomed them to “Park Manor” and expanded his family circle to include them all. He maintained a close connection to his friends throughout his life just as he did his family.
Mutt was blessed with natural athleticism, enjoying all sports as a youth. As an ambidextrous pitcher for Little League, he kept the opposing team frustrated while trying to guess what he would throw next. Once he started high school, his interest turned to music. His oldest brother Pat introduced him to heavy metal music. Mutt was an instant convert and quickly learned to play the guitar. He was a founding member of Hades, Marfa’s version of Metallica. The Park family warehouse became the gathering place for high school students who would show up to listen to the band practice almost every night.
After high school, Preston was the bar manager for his oldest brother Pat’s bar at Carmen’s in Marfa. He relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he managed his brother Perry’s pizza delivery place. He was a conscientious manager for both brothers and was loved and respected by his employees. While in Denver, he also worked as a film technician and security guard.
When Mutt was diagnosed with MD, his lifelong friend, Felipe “Flipper” Cordero, asked him to live with him and his wife Robie. In the 10 years of their shared lives in Arizona, Mutt brought the Cordero family the same joy a new child brings to a family. He filled the house with music, wit and laughter.
Preston never married or had children but was the best Uncle Mutt to his many nieces and nephews, never forgetting their special days and always choosing the best gifts for each. He was a mentor, guide, and always listened without judgement to them.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kate Davis Park; his father, Steve “Parky” Park; his oldest brother, Patrick S. Park; and his nephew Todd De Palma. He leaves behind his brothers Paul Park and wife Sam of Arlington, Texas; Perry Park of Denver Colo.; Flipper and wife Robie De Palma Cordero of Lake Havasu, Arizona; and his sisters Pam Park Ozfidan of Richmond, Virginia; and Penelope Park Bankston of El Paso, Texas. His nieces and nephews are Amanda Bankston, Brooke Bankston Henderson, Blair Park, Jett Ozfidan, Jocelyn Ozfidan, Dorian De Palma, Zack De Palma, Destini De Palma and great nephew Camryn Henderson. His cousins are Noel Davis Rodriguez and Trey Davis. We would like to acknowledge Mutt’s extended family: Gee Fellows, Rusty Fellows, Daniel Roland, Ralph Mediano, John Elston, Rene Rivera, Craig Roberts, Eddie Barraza, Eric Pierce, Robby Nunez, Robbie Melendez, Jaimie Quintana, Michael Subia, Hank Gonzalez, Leslie Stevens, Priscilla Cordero Martinez, Katrina Campbell Thomason, Joanie Elston, Rachel Jurado Cardenas, Brenda Silva Bentley, and Lee Nora Ceniceros Plasentillo.
Mutt lived life being kind, considerate, funny, sarcastic and loving — just like the music in his book of life. The musical notes were never out of place and like a well-played song, his song of life will play on.
