Mark V. and Kyong Cha "KC" Preston

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of soulmates and devoted spouses, Mark Victor Preston and Kyong Cha “KC” Preston, who passed away together on December 1, 2025. Mark was born on May 26, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late John J. Preston (Fran) of Sparta, New Jersey, and Barbara Starr. He is survived by his brothers, Scott Preston (Linda), Todd Preston (Verla), and Greg Preston (the late Christa Preston), along with a cherished extended family of nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. Mark’s family later moved to Sparta, NJ, where he attended high school and excelled in wrestling. In 1974, he was a New Jersey State runner-up, followed by a State Championship win in 1975. His athletic achievements extended internationally as a member of the U.S. Wrestling Team that competed against Russia in the USSR. Mark went on to attend the University of Arizona on a full athletic scholarship. Mark began his distinguished career in the gaming industry in 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada, becoming the youngest poker dealer on the Las Vegas Strip. He later worked at the Bicycle Club Casino in Los Angeles and, in 1991, helped open Barona Casino—the first Indian reservation gaming venue in California. A year later, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to assist in opening Fort McDowell Cardroom. From 1999 to 2005, Mark served as Chief Gaming Officer of Casino Arizona. With his extensive poker expertise, he played a key role in conceptualizing the future of the cardroom, implementing innovative marketing strategies and strategic planning that helped grow it into a vibrant 50-table poker room. KC was born on November 20, 1949, in Korea and immigrated to the United States at a young age. She lived in Alaska, where she worked in the hospitality industry before transitioning into gaming. KC began her career at Casino Arizona as a cashier and quickly advanced to table games, becoming a respected blackjack dealer and later a poker dealer. Known for her warmth, work ethic, and grace, KC made lasting connections with colleagues and patrons alike. Mark and KC met while working at Casino Arizona in Scottsdale and were married in Fountain Hills, Arizona, in 1997—beginning a partnership built on love, mutual respect, and shared adventure. In 2004, Mark and KC left the casino industry and settled in Lake Mary, Florida, in the Heathrow Community, where they purchased Mulligan’s Restaurant and Bar in Longwood. Mark managed the front of the house while KC expertly handled operations behind the scenes. KC’s famous potstickers remain a beloved menu staple to this day. After 11 successful years, they sold the restaurant in 2015 and retired to enjoy RV travel, golf, and time together. Shortly thereafter, Mark and KC rescued Blue, their much-loved Australian Kelpie, who quickly became a familiar and adored presence at Heathrow Golf Club—so much so that many members knew Blue even better than Mark and KC themselves. Together, Mark and KC touched countless lives through their kindness, wisdom, humor, and gentle spirits. Their love story, partnership, and shared journey will forever remain an inspiration to those who knew them. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida. A Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Heathrow Golf Club, where stories, smiles, and memories will be shared. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in their memory to Pet Rescue by Judy, a local dog rescue organization in Sanford, Florida.