01/30/2009
Michael George Filliman, 78, of Litchfield Park, Ariz.,
died Jan. 30, 2009, of cancer.
Colonel Filliman was born April 22, 1930, in Oskaloosa,
and moved to Arizona in 1977. Col. Filliman graduated from Knoxville High School,
class of 1948. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s of political science and a Master’s
degree.
He enlisted in the USAF at age 22 and was trained as a fighter pilot. He
had a distinguished Air Force career as a fighter pilot, serving in both the Korean
and Vietnam conflicts. During his later career, he was Wing Commander of Myrtle
Beach AFB in South Carolina.
After 25 years in the USAF, he retired, returned to
Litchfield Park, Ariz., and had a second career in real estate. He spent much of
his retirement enjoying golf and working on house repairs and building projects
for the entire family.
He was a source of kind wisdom and thoughtful advice. His
grace and humor will be greatly missed by all family and friends.
He was preceded
in death by his sons, Matthew George Filliman and Michael Paul Filliman, and his
granddaughter, Angela Isenhour.
Col. Filliman is survived by his wife Peggy Filliman,
of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; daughters Amy Isenhour of Sherills Ford, N.C. and Beth Farmer of Durango, Colo.; son Mark Filliman of Albuquerque, N.M.; siblings Marie
Gions, Kathy Ohnemus and Paul Filliman; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be sent
to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014.