Robert Kenneth Boone

“I started watching my friends die in 1968 as fighter pilot in Viet Nam. I’ve lived a lot longer than I ever thought I would and I’ve had a good life”. These words were spoken by Robert Kenneth Boone to a friend only a few days before he passed away. Known to all as “Kenny”, he died at home peacefully on the morning of May 9, 2010 from complications of a recent illness. He will be missed by all who were honored to have known, worked, and served with him.

Kenny was born December 15, 1944 in Pittsburg, KS. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1962 and entered the Air Force Academy that summer with the class of 1966. At the Academy, he formed many friendships that lasted the rest of his life. Kenny made the Commandant’s List every semester and was also selected as Squadron Commander for the 9th Cadet Squadron spring semester his senior year.

After graduating from the Academy, he attended pilot training at Reese AFB, TX, and then served two tours of duty in Viet Nam as an F4 fighter pilot and received the Purple Heart as a result of being shot down over Laos. After serving ten years of active duty, including tours as an instructor pilot and an Air Liaison Officer in Italy, he left the Air Force in 1976 at the rank of Captain and went to work as an aeronautical engineer in the defense industry that included several years with McDonnell Douglas in the F-18 program and most recently with Northup Grumman in Colorado Springs.

He leaves behind his wife Kathy Ann, whom he first met while she was visiting family in Kansas in 1963. Thirty eight years later, their paths crossed again and they were married in 2002 at the Air Force Academy Chapel. He also leaves behind his stepdaughter Katelyn Elyse Bell.

Kenny was proud to serve his country – being a fighter pilot and war veteran was part of his identity. Also part of his identity was the close camaraderie and brotherhood amongst his Academy classmates and former Air Force squadron mates He was as gracious and warm hearted to new coworkers and new acquaintances he met over the last few years as he was to his older comrades from 45 years ago.

Kenny and Kathy remained active in the Air Force Academy activities as a sponsor family for many cadets. He was a steadfast Falcon Football and Basketball fan – never missing a home game and often traveling to their away-games.

Services will be at the Air Force Academy Protestant Cadet Chapel on Monday, May 17, 2010. Viewing at 9:30 am, service at 10. Internment at the Academy Cemetery will follow.

Arrangements under the direction of Mountain View Mortuary, Colorado Springs, CO.