Robert Milstead

Robert E. Milstead, a career Air Force officer and command pilot with more than 5,500 flying hours, died on December 6, 2024.

He was born December 12, 1927 in Wichita Falls, Texas and attended grade school and high school in Abilene. He graduated from North Dallas High School in 1945. He held a BBA degree from the University of Texas, 1950 and a MBA degree from the University of Miami, FL 1962. He was a distinguished graduate of USAF Officer Candidate School, 1951 and selected for appointment in the Regular Air Force. He was awarded his pilot’s wings, 1953, at Reese AFB. Later he graduated from Jet Qualification School at Randolph AFB.

 He retired from the Air Force in 1975 after tours of duty in England, Taiwan and Vietnam as well as many stateside assignments including the Air Staff at the Pentagon and attendance at the Armed Forces Staff College.

Robert's military decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and various other service awards including an honorary pair of Chinese Air Force pilot wings awarded by the Republic of China. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians, honorary military flying fraternity dating back to the early flying days preceding World War 11. At the University of Texas he was selected as a Goodfellow, served on the student assembly, member of Silver Spurs, president of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity, and member of Delta Sigma Pi, business and commerce fraternity. In graduate school, at the University of Miami, he was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, scholastics honor society. Following his service career he joined First State Bank, Abilene, Texas, as vice president and later as executive vice president.

 He was a graduate of the National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. Active in civic affairs he served twice as president, Abilene Philharmonic Association; president Abilene Exchange Club; president and campaign chairman, United Way of Abilene; president Abilene Cultural Affairs Council; president, local chapter of the University of Texas Exes; chairman Abilene Goodfellows; past board member of Abilene Fine Arts Museum and Fairway Oaks Golf and Racquet Club.

 He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Texas for exceptional and distinguished volunteer service. He was a member of First Christian Church- Disciples of Christ, Abilene Country Club, XXV Club and a life member of the University of Texas Ex-Students Association.

 Robert is survived by his wife of 74 years, the former Jane Simms. They met while both undergraduates at the University of Texas; two sons, Lt General Robert E Milstead, Jr. (USMC, Ret) and wife Suzanne of Wilmington, NC, and Randall Milstead (Austin Police Department, Ret) and wife Margie, of Dripping Springs, TX, seven grandchildren and twenty great grand children.

A private graveside service for the family, with full military honors, will be held at a later date at Abilene, Texas Veterans Cemetery.