Preston Heath "Blue" DeBord's Obituary
Preston “Blue” Heath DeBord, 53, passed away on February 10, 2026. Born on March 1, 1972, in Waco, Texas, Blue lived a life marked by faith, hard work, deep love, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people.
From an early age, Blue was full of energy and surrounded by friends. He played every sport he could and spent summers in Stratford helping his uncle farm — summers that produced stories of hard work, laughter, and more than a few unforgettable shenanigans with his cousins. He graduated from Randall High School in 1990, where he proudly played football as a Raider, memories he carried fondly throughout his life. He later graduated from West Texas A&M University.
Blue’s love and loyalty to family were shaped early in life. His mother, Ethel, sacrificed tirelessly, working multiple jobs and doing whatever it took to ensure that he and his sister had a joyful and stable childhood. He often spoke with deep admiration and respect for her quiet endurance and strength as she navigated life as a single mother. Her resilience left a lasting imprint on him, and he carried that same work ethic and devotion into his own life.
Gary entered his life during his junior high school years, Blue gained a father, mentor and a steady example of what it meant to be a man. Gary treated Blue and his sister as his own, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. Blue loved and respected him deeply and was grateful for the role he played in shaping him during those formative years.
Blue’s career path reflected his adventurous spirit and wide-ranging talents. Over the years, he managed a feed yard, owned a pest control company, trained cutting horses, taught and coached, and eventually founded his own residential construction company. Wherever he went, he built more than businesses — he built relationships.
He spent ten impactful years teaching and coaching at Bowie Middle School and Caprock High School. Blue demanded excellence from his students and athletes because he saw their potential. He pushed them to work hard, but he also showed them compassion, encouragement, and belief. He had a profound impact on hundreds of young lives and would often receive messages, from former student athletes, to that effect. His fellow coaches became lifelong friends, and he was deeply loved by faculty and staff.
As a cutting horse trainer, Blue was a natural. He had a deep respect and love for horses, and they for him. In any weather, you could find him in the saddle, fully alive and doing what he loved. He passed that love on to his nephews, Taylor and Kadyn. His connection with horses reflected his character — steady, patient, and strong.
Later, as a general contractor, he poured himself into his work. By the end of each project, his clients were more than customers; they were friends. Blue had a gift — he never met a stranger. He made people feel seen, important, and valued. His circle was wide and diverse, spanning all walks of life, because his heart was open to everyone.
Above all else, Blue loved his family fiercely. He was a devoted husband and an intentional, affectionate partner. He could have taught clinics on how to make a wife feel cherished. Heather never went long without flowers, sweet notes, or thoughtful gestures, and he never let a day pass without telling her he loved her. His hugs were legendary, and his smile rarely left his face.
His daughters were his pride and joy, and being their dad was one of the greatest callings of his life. With Alexis, his oldest, sports became their language of love. Before she ever wore a school jersey, Blue coached her club basketball teams, pouring into her not just as an athlete, but as a young woman. After her games, he would replay every move she made, breaking down plays with excitement and pride. He admired her hustle, her speed, and especially the way she lifted up her teammates. He loved watching her run track and would jokingly remind everyone that she got her speed from him. But for Blue, it was never just about the scoreboard. It was about the car rides, the practices, the conversations, and the memories they built together. Sports gave them time — and time with his girls was what he treasured most.
One of Blue’s greatest joys in this past year was becoming “Poppy.” When his oldest daughter, Alexis and husband Blake, welcomed their daughter Collins into the world, something in him softened in the most beautiful way. Holding Collins for the first time took him right back to the moment he first held Alexis — a full-circle memory that overwhelmed him with gratitude and awe. He marveled at the mother Alexis had become and spoke of how naturally motherhood came to her and how perfectly it suited her. Watching her love, nurture, and guide Collins was yet another source of immense pride for him. Becoming a grandfather wasn’t just a new title — it was a deep joy that completed something in his heart.
Lukaycee, his youngest, carried a gentle spirit that Blue treasured deeply. Much like her dad, she has a rare tenderness for people — a natural care and compassion that sets her apart. Blue often spoke about how special she was to possess such empathy at a young age. He admired not only her kindness, but her strength. She faced challenges with grace and carried a quiet determination to push through trials. He loved how strong she was — steady, resilient, and courageous in her own way. Anyone who knew Blue understands exactly where that beautiful balance of gentleness and strength came from.
At the age of five and with Blue as her coach, Lukaycee gave basketball a try, but the yelling wasn’t for her. In time, she found her place on the golf course — something Blue loved deeply. Though they only had about a year and a half to play together, those days were rich and meaningful. He cherished walking the course beside her, offering guidance, encouragement, and steady support. She can see him in the fairways and greens, and she will hear his voice for the rest of her life — calm, confident, and cheering her on. He loved watching her grow in the sport, but even more, he loved simply being with her.
Blue’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. He believed deeply that God’s Word was alive and active, and his relationship with the Lord guided his decisions, his relationships, and his purpose. He didn’t just speak about his faith — he lived it. He wanted others to know God, and he showed Christ’s love through kindness, integrity, and compassion.
Despite ongoing health challenges, Blue prioritized physical fitness and was a regular at the gym, where he formed yet another community of friends. Everywhere he went, he created connections.
He is survived by his wife, Heather DeBord, and their daughter, Lukaycee DeBord; his daughter and son-in-law, Alexis and Blake Weaver, and granddaughter Collins Weaver; sister-in-law Jennifer Winters and husband Cody, nephew Jack and niece Finley; brother-in-law Glen Stephenson and his fiance, Kate Heartsill, and nephew Kadyn Stephenson; father and mother-in-law Tony and Cheryl Stephenson; his parents Gary and Ethel Maxwell; sister Yvette DeBord; nephew Taylor Coon and wife Kelsey and great-niece Quincey; and niece Skylar Linker and husband Kohlton.
Blue’s life was one of impact. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, laughter, mentorship, friendship, and unwavering love. The world is better because he was here. Though he will be deeply missed, his influence lives on in the countless lives he touched.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, February 20, 2026 at Hillside Christian Church Chapel in Amarillo with Greg Corona, officiating. Burial will follow in Claude Cemetery in Claude.
Viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00-10:30 Friday at the church.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors.
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