Gerry Lee Preston

Gerry Lee Preston was born on April 24, 1938, in Denison, Texas. He went on to become a Captain in the United States Navy, an accomplished engineer, and a lifelong traveler. He was the center of a large family whom he loved very much, and who were just as devoted to him in return.

Gerry and his sister, Peggy Powell Preston, enjoyed their childhood in Denison. Their parents raised them in and around the family business, Preston Shoes on West Main Street, where his father, Willis, was the salesman and his mother, Virginia, kept the books. No matter how far he traveled, Gerry always returned to Denison.

Gerry dedicated himself to math, science, and the clarinet at Denison High School, where he was an officer in the school band. He traveled to Washington, D.C., to march and play in the 1953 inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, another son of Denison.

His intellectual gifts carried him to Rice University (then called the Rice Institute) in Houston. Gerry earned both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees there and served as President of the Rice Marching Owl Band (MOB), which included performing at football games across the state. While at Rice, he was a member of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE). He was a die-hard fan of the Rice Owls, always rooting for an upset win.

Gerry began his long and successful Navy career in the NROTC program at Rice. He was active in the Midshipmen’s Club called The Sextant. He enthusiastically embarked on summer cruises to learn about the service, before earning his commission as an Ensign. He served his country for more than 26 years, including time aboard the USS Outagamie County and the USS Vogelsang. Gerry was also posted to California, Alaska, Iceland, Rhode Island, Florida, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. He earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and attended the Military Officers Cryptographic School.

Gerry kept himself almost as busy in his years after the military. He worked as a retirement financial planner, helping fellow veterans and other clients establish stable lives. He pursued a wide range of interests and passions. He was an avid ham radio operator, known by the sign K5SG. He was a talented photographer, a technology enthusiast, and a licensed, instrument-rated private pilot. He filled his home with pictures of his family and his adventures and filled his garden every year with roses. He attended the Unitarian Universalist Church and strongly believed in the diversity of America. He and his beloved wife Mary traveled to countries around the globe, visiting their far-flung family and creating a web of friendships along the way.

Above all, Gerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He was unfailingly kind, gracious, gentle, and patient with his loved ones. He lived the values of dignity, honor, and integrity. He was a good man who inspired his family to be good people.

Gerry Preston is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Preston; his sons, Thomas Preston and Michael Preston; and his daughters, Dana Wagner and Lisa Dorfmeister. He was a proud grandfather to Isabella Volpe, Lt. Jacob Dorfmeister (USAF), Joshua Dorfmeister, Theodora Volpe, Bennett Lewis, Adah Ardyson, and Walker Ardyson. He was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Powell Preston, his mother Virginia Preston, and his father Willis Preston.

A visitation will be held at Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75033, on January 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with a service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial honorarium may be sent to the Red River Railroad Museum, which preserves community memories from Gerry’s childhood and sits just a few blocks from the site of his parents’ shoe store.