Ronald Victor Katilius

Senior Master Sergeant Ronald "R.K." Katilius passed away Tuesday October 11, 2016. SMSgt. Katilius was born on October 2, 1950 in Little Rock, AR to Victor and Dollie Katilius. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his aunt, Naomie Jordan; two siblings, Kenny Katilius and Vicki Katilius; sons, Shane Katilius and wife Brittany, Brian Katilius and wife Lindsay, Todd Baker, Clint Baker, daughter Shayna and husband Kieth Hula; and five grandchildren, Evelyn, Gia, Elijah, Tristan, and Kinsleigh. He joined the United States Air Force in 1968 and later went on to join the Air National Guard. He was first assigned to Lackland Air Force Base where he began his military career of 37 years. During the course of his service he received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, an Air Force Outstanding Unit award with four devices, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with eight devices, a National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star, a Global War on Terror Service Medal, and an Arkansas National Guard Service Ribbon with six diamonds. He was awarded an Air Force Longevity Service award with eight devices and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a gold hourglass for over 30 years of dedicated service to our country. He was discharged with honors from the 154th Training Squadrant (AETC) as a C130 Aircraft Loadmaster. As an avid deer hunter and member of the G & L Hunting Club Inc. Ron loved the outdoors. He will be sorely missed by his family and countless friends. Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 8:30am. Burial will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood, Ark. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.