Gene Kenneth Hill

    Family and friends are deeply saddened by the passing of Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Gene K. Hill.

    Chief Hill, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, died January 26th, 2023, at the age of 73. He was born November 12th, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Betty Hill. He attended Knob Noster High School in Knob Noster, Missouri, and graduated in 1968.

    After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed with the 81st TFW RAF Bentwaters, England as an F-4 Crew Chief. In June of 1975 he joined the Nevada Air National Guard as an F-4 Crew Chief, and in March of 1985 he joined the 114 TFTS at Kingsley Field, Oregon, which was later designated the 173rd Fighter Wing.

    Chief Hill served for over 32 years and spent over 17 years in the Oregon Air National Guard. He was assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing, Klamath Falls, Oregon as a Crew Chief, Phase Dock Chief, Flight Line Element Supervisor, Production Superintendent, Aircraft Generation Squadron Flight Chief and 173rd Fighter Wing Command Chief. His efforts directly contributed to the 173rd Fighter Wing’s successful transitions from the F-4 to the F-16 in 1991 and from the F-16 to the F-15 in 1997. He was also instrumental in the Fighter Wing’s support of Operation Noble Eagle up until his retirement in January of 2003.

    Family, friends, and his brothers-in-arms describe Gene as a kind and loving man who always put others first, and who did the right thing when no one was looking. He had a direct impact on many people’s lives, especially those he served as the Command Chief.

    Chief Hill’s awards and decorations include the AF Commendation Medal, AF Achievement medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Award, Armed Forces Reserve medal, Oregon Faithful Service Award, and Oregon Air National Guard Thirty-year medal.

    Gene is survived by his daughter, Cora Boothe; sisters Karen DeCarlo, Born in Parsons Kansas and currently living in Parlin New Jersey; Sandra Will Born in Parsons Kansas (Deceased); Peggy Hill, Born in Cocoa Beach Florida and Currently living in Kansas City, Missouri; Gina Hill, Born in Cape Cod Massachusetts and Currently living in Flower Mound, Texas; brother Clyde Hill, Born Long Beach California and currently living in Reno, Nevada, and many family members and friends.

    A service with Military honors will be held at 1000 hours on Feb 22nd, 2023, at Eagle Point National Cemetery (2763 Riley Rd, Eagle Point, OR 97524) with a reception to follow location to be announced at the service. Family, friends and military members are welcome to sign the online guest book.