Preston W. Schellbach's Obituary
Preston W. Schellbach, 74, of Decatur passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2015 in his home.
Mr. Schellbach had thirty years of experience in park and natural resource planning, development, management and administration. He offered consulting services in the planning, development and management of park and recreation areas, open space systems, and nature centers. He also assisted in executive project management.
He was the first executive director of the Macon County Conservation District (Decatur, IL) from August 1968, through April 1991 where he guided its development from nothing to a twelve site system totaling 3200 acres. Today the diversified system of park and recreation areas, natural areas, historic sites and education programs are used by nearly 185,000 visitors a year.
Prior to that, Mr. Schellbach was an outdoor recreation planner and natural resource consultant in Nebraska for a year and a half. It was during that period that he oversaw the preparation of the comprehensive master plan for the Macon County Conservation District. This was a unique twist because few planners have had the opportunity to implement their own plans.
Mr. Schellbach had a B.S. degree in agricultural science from the University of Arizona, where he majored in natural resource management with emphasis in forestry and outdoor recreation. He did post-graduate work at that university and Utah State University in outdoor recreation administration, management and planning.
He held memberships in the American Park and Recreation Society the National Society of Park Resources, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Society of American foresters.
Mr. Schellbach was a charter member and past office holder of the Illinois Association of Conservation Districts. He served on the Governor’s Statewide Task Force on Recreation and Tourism; and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, where he was vice chairman and chairman from 1980 to 1984. He was on the Curriculum Review Committee, Department of recreation and Park Administration, Illinois State University in 1977. He was a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Trails Conservancy.
In 1987, Mr. Schellbach was presented the Conservation Medal by the National Conservation Committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over the years he received numerous commendations for his services in the profession.
Surviving are his brother, Donald L. Schellbach and wife Jo of Wichita Falls, TX; niece, Traci Wyrick and husband Tim of Killeen, TX; nephew, Craig Preston Schellbach and wife Lucie of Burleson, TX; great nephews, Calvin Louis Schellbach of Orlando, FL; and Joseph Preston Schellbach of Burleson, TX.
Honoring Preston’s wishes, cremation will take place at Graceland/Fairlawn Crematory. There will be no public services.Memorials may be made to the Grand Canyon Association in honor of Preston.
The family of Preston W. Schellbach is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the full obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of W.?
What’s a lesson you learned from W.?
Share a story where W.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with W. you’ll never forget.
How did W. make you smile?