Major Lee A Hillard

Retired Major Lee A Hillard 86, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away February 26th 2024 with loving family by his side.

Lee was born to Mary & Fred Hillard June 7, 1937 in Santa Monica, California. He was raised in Sebastopol, CA, where he graduated from Analy Union High School.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957, where he became a fighter pilot. He flew with many squadrons including “Wolf FACs'' and the “Wild Weasels.” He flew 205 combat missions and would proudly proclaim “(he) had as many successful landings as take offs'' In his 20 year flying career he received many commendations including multiple Air Medals, a Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired in 1976 and spent time as an avid genealogical historian and pursuing his passions of hiking and fishing.

He requested his ashes to be spread in the Bob Marshall Wilderness that he loved only second to his time flying.

He is survived by his wife Monna Hillard, his daughters Lisa Carter and Lori Hillard.

His family would like to extend thanks to the wonderful staff at Fresenius Kidney Care and Eden Hospice Care.

Lee asked to include in his obituary a quote from his favorite poem “High Flight”

“I’ve slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter, silvered wings…. (I’ve) put out my hand and touched the face of God”

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