Preston Gilbert Gaddis II

Having lived 99% of his 85 years to perfection, Preston Gilbert Gaddis II, affectionately known as Gil or “Mr. Gaddis,” died peacefully on May 23, 2024. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 127 NW 7th St., Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 9th at 6:00pm; reception will follow in the church’s cloister garden.

Gil was born in Tulsa, September 20, 1938, to Preston and Gladys “Boots” Gaddis. He spent his childhood in Bartlesville, where he and his younger brother Dick and their horses Smoky and Billy Boy explored the land around their farm. Gil graduated from College High, Bartlesville, then went to The University of Oklahoma where he pledged Beta Theta Pi. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1960 and Bachelor of Laws in 1962, graduating as a member of the Oklahoma Law Review and prestigious Order of the Coif. 

While an undergrad at OU, he met Dorthlynn Dent on a blind date, the woman who would be his wife for nearly 50 years. Dorthlynn and Gil were married at St Paul’s Cathedral, July 21, 1962, the same day he learned he passed the bar. They then moved to Alexandria, VA, where, from 1963-65, he served in the Pentagon as a captain in the U.S. Office of the Army, Judge Advocate General in Washington, D.C. During these years, Gil also attended Georgetown University Law Center, receiving his Master of Laws, 1965.

Gil and Dorthlynn moved back to Oklahoma that same year. Gil joined the law firm, Crowe and Dunlevy, specializing in commercial aircraft financing; he principally represented clients in the purchase, sale, leasing and financing of aircraft. During his 57-year career with the firm, he became known worldwide as one of the leading attorneys in aircraft financing: speaking at numerous conferences on topics in his expertise. He was the author of the Aircraft Financing Chapter in Mathew Bender’s Commercial Finance Guide and many other articles that appeared in the AirFinance Journal. He also served as the Banking and Business Law Chairman of the Oklahoma Bar Association and was an editor for the Federal Bar Journal.

Gil had a way of making lifelong friendships. His laugh made everyone smile; his eyes lit up a room. He was generous; as one friend said, “Gil always had room at the table for one more.” His love for gourmet food and fine wines were the center of many friendships: he was president of and instrumental in cultivating membership in the Oklahoma Chapter, “Le Confrérie de La Chaîne des Rôtisseur”; a charter member of the gastronomic society "Les Frères du Mercredi,” their Burgundy wine connoisseur and much beloved. 

Gil never did anything halfway. He loved the Old World and frequently toured  Europe, usually with his gastronomic friends. Most especially he loved the United Kingdom, where he was known as the "Gentleman of the Colonies." His impressive collection of antique silver tea caddy spoons was the talk of the collectors at their annual gathering. After he was gifted a bonsai tree, he not only joined the Central Oklahoma Bonsai Society, but served as their treasurer. For many years he sought out nurseries around the world for unique trees. Said one cherished friend, “God, he loved spending hours meticulously tending to his bonsais.”  His children fondly remember the acquisitions he made on trips around the world. Arriving in US Customs with Gil was an adventure. 

Gil believed in giving back to his community. He served as a trustee of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Heart of Oklahoma Camp Fire Council, and on the Board of Directors Bizzell Library Society, University of Oklahoma. A devoted, generous member of St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, he served many years on the parish vestry, frequently ushering at 9am Sunday services. He was also a long-time member of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, often a passenger on the club bus to OU football games.

Having been widowed suddenly, Gil was fortunate to find love again, marrying Jamie Davis in 2010.  Equally familiar with Europe, Jamie was comfortable with Gil’s many interests. A former gourmet caterer, she brought the four adult children together for “Family Sunday Meals”- elegant spreads, with food enough for twice those at the table - where they shared amazing stories full of laughter, love, and friendships, moments that will last a lifetime.

Gil is survived by his beloved wife Jamie; daughter Lynn Gaddis Denne and son-in-law Eric, St. Petersburg, FL; son Preston G. Gaddis III, Oklahoma City; younger brother Dr. Richard Gaddis, Broken Arrow; niece Jennifer and husband Emilio Castillo, Jr. and their sons Maverick and Emilio III, Jenks; stepson, Joel, his spouse Brandi and son Everett, of Oklahoma City; stepdaughter, Elizabeth and spouse Bruce, Edmond. He was preceded in death by first wife, Dorthlynn, parents Preston and Gladys, stepmother Paddy, and sister-in-law Janet.

The family thanks the doctors and staff at Mercy Hospital, and in particular AMG Specialty Hospital at Mercy, for their loving care.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Paul’s Cathedral, 127 NW 7^th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, https://www.stpaulsokc.org/give# (Memorial Gift – Fund: Building & Grounds Endowed Fund).