Mr. Ingram was a retired Sumner High School teacher. He was born April 14, 1917 in St. Louis, Mo. He was the only child of Mrs. Josephine Daniel Ingram and Mr. Preston Nathaniel Ingram. Mr. Preston Ingram, Sr. received his elementary education at Marshall School. He attended Charles Sumner High School for Grades K and 7-12. He entered Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. In 1934 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1938. He wished to pursue his master’s degree. However, racial segregation prohibited him from attending the University of Missouri. The state paid his out of state tuition. Mr. Ingram obtained his Master of Science degree from the University of Chicago.
Mr. Ingram met Ms. Pauline Combs at a Sunday School conference in Louisiana, MO during the summer of 1935. She entered Lincoln University that fall. They became sweethearts and married in Louisiana, MO. on April 12, 1941. Three children were born to this union. They were married for sixty-four years. She predeceased him on May 19, 2005.
Mr. Ingram taught chemistry, physics, and general science at Sumner High School for 47 years. He retired in 1987. Mayor Vincent Schoemehl proclaimed May 22, 1987 as Preston D. Ingram Day!
A former student named his son in honor of Mr. Ingram.
Mr. Ingram was a faithful member of Samaritan United Methodist Church for over 80 years. He taught an older youth Sunday School class. He was a member of the Trustee and Steward Boards, Finance Committee, and Pacesetters. He also worked in the Food Pantry and delivered Meals on Wheels. Samaritan honored Mr. Ingram as the 2010 Father of the Year. Mr. Ingram was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, YMCA Olde Tymers, and Men’s Thursday Bridge Club. He was an excellent swimmer and loved to fish. Mr. Ingram departed this life on July 6, 2010. He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves to cherish his memory children, Mrs. Rosemary (and Atty. Frederick Vialet, Jr.) – St. Thomas, VI; Mrs. Kathleen (and Judge Charles Shaw) – St. Louis, MO; and Mr. Preston Ingram, Jr. – Sylvania, OH; grandchildren, Dr. Sonya Ingram – FL; Dr. Bryan Shaw – San Antonio, TX; and Mr. Frederick III (and Mrs. Tanya Vialet ) –Kearny, NJ; great-granddaughter, Alexandria Vialet; niece, Dr. Annette Gentry – Las Vegas, NV; nephew, Mr. Thomas Humes – Detroit, MI; best friends, Mrs. Marcella Piper and family – St. Louis, MO; and other relatives and friends.