Ronald David Silkey

Major Ronald David Silkey, USAF, Ret., a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, took his final flight on December 4, 2025. The son of Irven and Eleanor (nee Krughoff) Silkey, Ron was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1942 and graduated from the University of Illinois where he was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda social fraternity. U of I is where he met his college sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Fran (née Naughton). Together they had three exceptional children, Colonel Brian Silkey, USAF, Ret. (Dr. Jacqueline), Susan Silkey (William White), and Katherine Benton (Joshua), who have given them nine wonderful grandchildren, Taylor Myers (Jordan), Kacie, Joey, and Kyler Silkey, Ethan and Eli White, Stella, Asher, and Caleb Benton.

Major Silkey served two tours in Vietnam, beginning his Air Force career as a Navigator-Bombardier in the 8th Bomb Squadron, one of the service’s oldest and most storied flying units. Flying the B-57 Canberra on demanding night interdiction and close-air-support missions, he earned a reputation for precision and courage and served as Chuck Yeager’s bombardier, an experience that spoke to both his exceptional skill and the trust placed in him by one of aviation’s most legendary figures. Committed to advancing his flying career, he completed pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma and transitioned from the navigator’s seat to the cockpit. He returned to Vietnam as an F-4 Phantom pilot with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, “The Nite Owls”, an elite unit known for its dangerous night strike missions and extraordinary professionalism. Across his two tours in Southeast Asia, Major Silkey flew 364 missions, demonstrating exceptional bravery, resilience, and devotion to his fellow airmen.

An exceptional aviator, Major Silkey went on to serve as a test pilot at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he contributed to critical advancements in military aviation. Throughout his military career, his skill, discipline, and courage were recognized with two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 19 Air Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, among other honors for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. Ron ultimately retired with the rank of Major from the Texas Air National Guard, concluding a career marked by dedication, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his country.

In retirement, Ron pursued his diverse interests with the same precision and enthusiasm that marked his military career. An accomplished scratch golfer, he demonstrated remarkable skill on the greens, while his sharp mind and strategic acumen made him a formidable opponent at the poker table. Together with his beloved wife, Fran, Ron enjoyed exploring the American Southwest, taking countless trips to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the national parks of Utah, as well as frequent visits to California. Their adventures also carried them across the Pacific to Hawaii, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and other corners of Southeast Asia. Their travels continued onward to Europe, and even to the Naughton family homestead in Ireland.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Irven and Eleanor and his sister Marcia Hazelwood. In addition to his devoted wife, children, and grandchildren, Ron is survived by his brother Rick Silkey and his sister Carolyn Wilson, along with several cherished cousins and treasured nieces and nephews.

Major Ronald David Silkey will be remembered as a courageous fighter pilot, a generous friend, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy of honor, service, and quiet heroism will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ron’s memory may make a donation to the American Cancer Society, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, or any charity meaningful to them.