Retired Major Robert Morgan Killam was born March 8, 1932 to Charles A. Killam and Mary Lee Killam in Enid, OK and passed from this life on March 12, 2012. He graduated from Enid High School and Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He is an alumni of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Maj. Robert Killam served his country for 21 years as an Air Force Pilot, primarily flying the Lockheed AC-130 transport and gunship airplane. He and his family were stationed Air Force Bases in Tucson, Arizona; Sacramento, California; Aurora, Colorado; Tokyo, Japan; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Maj. Killam received many honors and awards for his two combat tours of duty in the Vietnam War. The Distinguished Flying Cross was presented in recognition of "extraordinary achievement as an aircraft commander in the Republic of Vietnam on May 27, 1965, supplying ammunition to troops while under intense ground fire". Other awards included 3 Oak Leaf Clusters to the DFC, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, and 2 Air Force Commendation Medals. After retiring from the Air Force, Robert built a 2nd career in the oil and gas industry as an independent Petroleum Landman, working with many of the most active energy companies in Oklahoma.
Robert had a unique and witty sense of humor; never met a stranger; and, loved to travel with his family and friends. He traveled to Hawaii, Europe, South America, Mexico and Asia, and preferred warm climates with beautiful beaches. He also enjoyed boating and cattle ranching at his Lake Texoma – Thunderhead Ranch, quail and pheasant hunting, and Oklahoma State football games. He was a proud and strong advocate for his family, and for serving our country. He was an example to all about how to selflessly lead our lives.
Robert is survived by his wife, Emma Lee Killam, Jonna Ireson and husband James, Karen Killam, and Greg Killam, children of Robert and Mary Sue Killam; and step-children Christie Friend and husband Doug, and Rick Lepper. Grandchildren Jessica Johnson and husband Brett, Jake Wood and wife Lauren, Calli Davis and husband Wes, Lauren Killam, Landon Killam, and Chevy Thomason and wife Amber, along with 5 great-grandchildren, and many loving friends. Robert is preceded in death by his son Robert Morgan Killam, Jr., his brother Charles Killam, and his sisters Rosemary Harrah and Barbara Unruh.
Robert's visitation will be Sunday, March 18, from 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Fitzgerald's Southwood Colonial Funeral Home, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be 2:00p.m., Monday, March 19, 2012 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Mason Chapel in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org , or St. Francis Hospice, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Fitgerald's Funeral Service, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918-291-3500.