Theodore Edward Killion

After graduating from high school, Ted served his country in Vietnam from 1967-1969 where he was wounded in action. He received both the Army Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart. Upon returning home from the war, Ted continued his education in pursuit of his dream to fly airplanes. He earned his Private Pilot Certificate, became a Certified Flight Instructor all while starting and running a clothing business. Several years later, Ted left the clothing business to return to flight school where he earned both a Commercial Certificate and an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certification. He operated a small crop-dusting business for several years before becoming a pilot for American Eagle. Ted retired in 2007, but he didn’t slow down. He bought a ranch in Chino Valley, AZ where he spent his days learning to ride and train horses as well as participate in local cutting and sorting competitions. Ted certainly by any measure lived a full life - entrepreneur, expert pilot, avid fisherman, voracious reader, and gourmet cook who loved his country and his family. Ted never met a stranger and always had a story to tell.

Ted is survived by his loving wife Claudia McGilvray; children Jacob (Suzanne) Killion of Redmond WA, Sarah (Austin) Humes of San Diego CA and Cole (Amy) Killion of Mesa AZ; grandchildren, McKenna Killion, Elana and Leo Humes, Madison, Declan, and Capri Killion; two sisters Theresa (Jim) Umber of Chico CA and Glee (Bob) Farris of Huntsville AL as well as beloved nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Ted will receive military funeral honors on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Prescott National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Saint Mary’s Food Bank.