Major General Philip G. Killey, age 84, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Scottsdale Arizona.
Born on October 3, 1941, in Monmouth, Illinois, Major General Killey devoted forty years to distinguished service in the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1963 until his retirement in 2003. A lifelong aviator, he achieved the rating of command pilot and logged more than 6,500 flight hours. His passion for flight extended well beyond his military career; he built his own RV-6A aircraft, proudly naming it Falcon One, and continued to fly and accumulate many additional hours throughout his life.
In 1987, General Killey was appointed Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard and promoted to Brigadier General. In 1988, he was named Director of the Air National Guard and promoted to Major General, serving in one of the highest leadership positions within the National Guard.
In 1994, Major General Killey was named Commander of First Air Force and the Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region, becoming the first National Guard officer to hold this prestigious role. This historic appointment reflected the deep trust placed in his leadership, experience, and vision.
In 1998, he again served as Adjutant General of South Dakota, a position he held with distinction until his retirement from military service in 2003.
Throughout his remarkable career, Major General Killey received numerous honors and decorations, including two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Legion of Merit awards, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Order of the Sword, and many other decorations recognizing his exceptional service and leadership.
Following his retirement, Major General Killey continued his service to the nation as a consultant on government and homeland security matters. In 2009, First Air Force and the Continental NORAD Region headquarters was dedicated as the Killey Center for Homeland Operations, honoring his enduring contributions to national defense and homeland security.
Major General Killey was widely respected for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. His legacy of aviation excellence and devotion to country will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.
In his final days, Major General Killey drew deep strength and peace from his Christian faith, which became a central focus and source of comfort for him and his family. He faced the end of his life with grace, hope, and the same steadfast confidence that guided him throughout his career. While he will long be remembered as a highly decorated hero of the United States military, to his family he was simply “Pop” — a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose love, faith, and presence will remain forever in their hearts.
He spent his later years in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is survived by his devoted wife, Ellen Killey, and his loving family.
A funeral service will be held for Major General Killey on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00AM at Scottsdale Bible Church – Grace Chapel, 7602 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Burial will follow at 12:00PM at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 with a reception to follow at Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 E. Thomspon Peak Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
A live-stream of Major General Killey’s burial service with military honors can be viewed here and a recording of the service can be viewed here.
