Preston Haley

Preston Eddie Haley, 77, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, in St. Anthony, ID, after a 34-year battle with multiple sclerosis. He was a giant among men and inspired many to live a life of gratitude, never give up hope and to embrace the power of positive thinking.

With the will to win and the heart of a champion, Preston was born on November 13, 1946, in Stockton, CA, to Dorothy Lorene Rowe and Hope Preston Haley. His parents separated when he was a young child so he and his younger siblings, Dolores and Marvin, were raised by their single mother. Preston said his mother was his hero.

Preston began his lifelong love for the game of football at Franklin High School in Stockton, CA. After high school graduation, he went on to play at San Joaquin Delta College. He then played for and graduated from Chico State in Chico, CA. He finished his formal education by earning a master’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.

Coach Haley was a beloved mentor, trainer and teacher. During the span of his career, he coached wrestling, basketball, baseball, golf and football. He was the head football coach at Madison High School in Rexburg from 1978 to 1985. He coached the MHS Bobcats to four football state championships and two golf state championships. He considered his time at Madison the golden years of his career. He then went on to achieve his dream of coaching college level football as an assistant coach at Ricks College in Rexburg from 1985 to 1992. He continued teaching at Ricks College until his retirement in 2012. Coach Haley loved being a teacher and coach. He deeply enjoyed his experiences and friendships with the many coaches, players, teachers and students throughout his career.

He met his wife of 54 years, Mary Margaret Behunin, in 1966, in Stockton, CA. Preston and Mary were married in the Oakland, CA, LDS Temple in 1969. Together they raised five children: Matthew, Sarah, Ellen, Margaret-Ann and Vincent. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Preston took missionary lessons for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when he was 16 years old. He and his brother were baptized in 1963. Preston was committed to the gospel and remained a faithful member of the church until his death. He recently shared that the best decision he had ever made was to be baptized and follow Jesus Christ.

In his 77 years, Preston never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be missed by his family and his many friends and associates.

Preston is survived by his wife, Mary M. Haley, of Rexburg, ID; his children, Matthew (Alison) Haley of Dalton, NE; Sarah Haley Nitta of Cedar Hills, UT; Ellen (Derek) Payne of Lindon, UT; Margaret-Ann (Shane) Wright of Lehi, UT; Vincent (Kalee) Haley of Rexburg, ID. His sister, Dolores (Tony) Haley-Gonzales of Stockton, CA; and 19 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Hope Preston Haley; his mother Dorothy Rowe Haley; his brother Marvin Haley; and a granddaughter, Maddelyn Haley Payne.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 17, 10:00am, at the Rexburg East Stake Center (387 S. 4th East, Rexburg, ID). A viewing will be held and the family will receive visitors on Friday, February 16, from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the Rexburg East Stake Center and prior to the services on Saturday from 9:00 to 9:45am at the Rexburg East Stake Center. Burial will be at the Clifton Cemetery in Idaho.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.