Online Source: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/winn/obits/p/prstre53.txt

Extracted from The Winn Parish Enterprise (Winnfield, LA)
Thursday, February 26, 1953

R. E. Prestridge, Forester, Dies of Heart Attack

R. E. “Bob” Prestridge, about 67, division manager of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, was found dead at his home in Olla late Wednesday afternoon. It is believed a heart attack caused his death.

Mr. Prestridge was well known in Winn Parish, having worked with Forestry Commission crews here.

Funeral services had not been arranged Thursday morning, pending arrival of a daughter from Shreveport and a son from Baton Rouge, according to a daily paper report. Riser Funeral Home of Columbia will have charge of the rites.

Mr. Prestridge's wife died last August. Mr. Prestridge had been employed with the Forestry Commission for about 15 years.
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Extracted from The News-Star (Monroe, LA)
Thursday, February 26, 1953

Rites For Forestry Official Set In Olla

COLUMBIA, Feb. 26. (Special) -- Funeral services for R. E. Prestridge, Sr., division manager of the Louisiana Forestry Commission who was found dead at his home in Olla Wednesday, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. Services are scheduled for the Olla Methodist Church with Rev. J. L. Carroll officiating.

Prestridge, about 67, apparently died of a heart attack early Wednesday. He had been employed by the forestry commission for about 12 years.

Masonic rites will be held at the graveside in the Olla cemetery. Burial will be under direction of Riser's Funeral home of Columbia.

Survivors include two sons, R. E. Prestridge, Jr., of Baton Rouge and Davis Prestridge of Olla; one daughter, Mrs. H. M. Blevins of Shreveport; one brother, Quincy Prestridge of Baton Rouge, and three sisters, Mrs. Clarence Mark of Monroe, Mrs. W. E. Mererith [sic Meredith] of Clarks, and Mrs. W. R. Neislar of Kansas City. Eight grandchildren also survive.