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Preston Willoughby
October 8, 1936 ~ December 6, 2019 (age 83) 83 Years Old
4 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Preston's family - View on Tribute Wall
Preston F. Willoughby, born October 8, 1936, in Slaughterville, Oklahoma, passed from this earth December 6, 2019, at the Norman Veterans Center. He was a lifelong Oklahoman, attending Lexington public schools until his family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where he graduated from University High School in 1955.
Captain Willoughby joined the 45th Infantry Division, Oklahoma Army National Guard, in October 1953, signing before graduating high school. During his 43 years of service he served in various units including 2nd Battalion 158th Field Artillery, HHD 2nd Battalion 180th Artillery, 180th TOW Battalion and 90th Troop Command HQ STAR OKARNG. Preston earned recognition as an original member of the 2D Battalion TOW 180th Infantry Muster Roll in 1977 as well as a member of the final Muster Roll in 1992. He was very proud of his guard experience and proudly volunteered for the 45th Infantry Division Association where he held several offices including President and Vice President during his lifetime membership and was a long time board member. He also served as general board chairman for the Annual 45th Infantry Division Reunion.
Throughout his adult life, Preston enjoyed sports and outdoor activities like bowling, golfing, boating and fishing. As a young father he enjoyed coaching his son’s sports including Southside Chiefs Little League.
Preston was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan and came by it honestly. Preston’s father, with Bud Wilkinson’s blessing, was responsible for moving the chain allowing OU football players run onto the field. Most recent years you could find Preston enjoying time with his family and friends, tinkering in his garage, volunteering at the 45th Infantry Division Museum, and watching his grass grow while the bunnies played in the yard.
Preston met Trela Jones on a blind date and they were married after dating for a couple of years. During their almost 60 years of marriage they were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Preston is survived by his two children; son Preston Kent Willoughby and wife Susan; daughter Kristin Willoughby Pilcher; grandsons Houston Willoughby, Dustin Willoughby, and Evan Pilcher; granddaughter Katherine Pilcher and six great grandchildren, Kaden, Adrian, Gracie, Ella and Ezra Willoughby, and Isabel Willoughby as well as loved nieces and nephews.
We would like to offer our deepest heartfelt appreciation to all of the medical staff, friends and family who have so graciously given their support and friendship during this last year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Preston’s honor to:
General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn
Purdue Assembly: 1501 N. Purdue, Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Newcastle Assembly: Church of the Firstborn C/O Gary Evans, 106 Redbud, Tuttle, OK 73089
Or to the
45th Infantry Association Educational Fund, 2145 NE 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Click here to view a webcast of the service on 12/14/2019 at 01:55 PM, Central Standard Time.
Services
Visitation
Friday December 13, 2019 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Resthaven Funeral Home 500 SW 104th Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Family Present
Friday December 13, 2019 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Resthaven Funeral Home 500 SW 104th Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Service
Saturday December 14, 2019 2:00 PM The Chapel at Resthaven 500 SW 104th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Committal Ceremony
Resthaven Memory Gardens 500 SW 104th Oklahoma City, OK 73139