Lou Presnal

Lou Batson Presnal, 78, of Bryan, Texas passed away on May 25, 2017. Her family will receive friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Bryan.

Lou was born on March 19, 1939, in Madisonville, Texas, and grew up in Normangee with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was the daughter of Joe and Maurene (Greer) Batson. She was an accomplished pianist and singer, and lettered three years in volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading. Lou was the valedictorian of Normangee High School in 1957.

Lou is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Henry L. (Sonny) Presnal. Sonny was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, and they were married on June 1, 1957. They were stationed in Germany from 1960-1963 where Sonny served as an Army Aviator. Lou loved being an Army wife. After Sonny’s military service, they returned to Texas, Sonny attended veterinary school, and they raised their family in Bryan. Their time overseas sparked a lifetime interest in travel, and Lou and Sonny traveled to England, Egypt, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Croatia, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Monaco, Russia, and Israel, and all over the United States. She especially loved going to Las Vegas.

Lou was passionate about fashion, inspired by a favorite aunt. She loved music, was a beautiful singer, and encouraged her children to study music. Lou was also an avid reader. She was proud and fiercely protective of her four children. Lou was a loyal supporter of Texas A&M University and Aggie Athletics, and was especially proud that her husband and all four children graduated from Texas A&M. Although she never attended a class, Lou was a true Aggie, and she cherished her Class of 1957 sweetheart ring.

Lou was President of the Auxiliary to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association for two terms (1992-1994), and was a member of The Woman’s Club. She served as an advisor and was a member of the House Corporation Board for Alpha Chi Omega at Texas A&M.

Lou was preceded in death by her mother and father, and is survived by her husband Sonny, her children Jeff Presnal and his wife Sandra of Tomball; Dr. Brad Presnal and his wife Heather of Columbia, South Carolina; Justin Presnal and his wife Jill of College Station; and Tara Slaydon and her husband Damon of College Station. She had nine grandchildren and one great grandson: Ryan Presnal, his wife Holly, and their son Jacob; Alexandra Presnal Van Deman and her husband Dustin; Zane, Garen and Renner Presnal; Mac and Sam Presnal; and Cade and Brock Slaydon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Lou’s honor to the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Ring Fund, 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. All contributions will be used to help veterans get their Aggie rings.