David R. Gill, 78, of Lawton, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 2, 2026, surrounded by those closest to him. He was born July 12, 1948, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Evert Raymond and Blanche Ruth Gill. As the son of a military family, David spent his childhood living in various places, including Germany, the Philippines, and Fort Sill.

David attended Tomlinson Junior High School and graduated from Lawton High School, where he was active in athletics, running track and playing football. He was also proud to serve as president of the L-Club. Following high school, he attended Cameron University, earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics while also participating in Army ROTC.

Upon graduation, David was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the United States Army in 1971. He served in air defense assignments at Fort Sill, in Korea, Fort Bliss, Texas and White Sands, New Mexico, before being honorably discharged in 1975.

Following his military service, David lived in Houston, Texas, before moving to Denver, Colorado, in 1980. It was there that he met his future bride, Kris. The two later moved to Arlington and then Tyler, Texas, where they were married on September 3, 1983.

While living in Arlington and Tyler, David worked as an insurance adjuster. He and Kris eventually returned to Lawton so David could help care for his parents, a decision that would also lead to the beginning of a remarkable artistic career.

David possessed a tremendous talent for photography. What began as an interest grew into a lifelong passion and career encompassing darkroom and printing techniques, unique portraits, black-and-white and color landscapes, and studio photography. In 1988, David and Kris opened Gill's Framing and Photography. Their business became much more than a place of work-it was a reflection of their shared creativity and the remarkable partnership they enjoyed. They possessed the rare ability to live and work together, side by side, as a team.

David eventually began exhibiting and selling his photography at art festivals throughout many states. His images became part of private and public art collections across the United States and in several countries overseas, and his work received numerous awards throughout the years. As David and Kris traveled together over the years, they enjoyed collecting artwork from the many artist friends they came to know. David especially cherished having their artwork surrounding him throughout his retirement years.

His talent also led to collaborations with corporate and institutional collections in the restoration of historical photographs. His work can be found throughout the Lawton community, including at Memorial Health, PSO, BancFirst, Goodyear, downtown Liberty Bank, McMahon-Tomlinson Nursing Center, City National Bank, the City of Lawton, Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, and the Leslie Powell Gallery, among others.

David's environmental portrait collection, featuring individuals ranging in age from newborn to 100 years, is displayed at the Memorial Health Outpatient Center. His landscape and floral photography can also be found throughout the Apache Hotel and Casino.

In 1991, David and a small group of fellow photographers gathered at his home, where they founded the Wichita Wildlight Photographic Society. More than three decades later, the society continues to thrive, having grown to more than 100 members and becoming an active part of Arts for All, Inc.

After battling a form of dementia and several bouts with cancer, David retired from photography in 2020, allowing Kris to continue the business they had built and loved together. Even in the face of difficult circumstances, David remained true to himself-happy, funny, loving, and appreciative of the people around him. Those qualities remained with him until his final day.

David leaves behind a legacy not only through the photographs he created, but also through the countless lives he touched with his humor, kindness, creativity, and love. His images will continue to tell stories and preserve memories for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Kris; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry Ray and Suzie Gill; his niece Kerrie; and nephews, Josh and Jordan.

David's love for his dogs was another source of joy, laughter, and countless smiles. He would surely grin knowing that Rocky and Finn are included among those who survive him.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Leslie Powell Gallery, 620 SW D Avenue, Lawton.

In honor of David's love of the arts, memorial contributions may be made to Lawton Arts for All, P.O. Box 592, Lawton, OK 73502.