Kenneth P. Miles

1928 - 2014

Kenneth P. Miles

Major General Kenneth P. Miles passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014, from prostate cancer, in his Palm Desert, Calif. home with his loving wife, Karen and close family members around him. He was born on February 29th, 1928, to James and Irene Miles in Capital Heights, Md. After graduating from John Marshall High School in Richmond, Va. he enlisted in the Navy at a young age, but soon found his calling as an aviation cadet. He was commissioned and received his Air Force pilot wings in 1949, always having dreamed of flying. During his time in the Air Force, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science degree from Stanford University. Ken bravely served his country in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, flying over 337 combat missions in the F-100 fighter jet in Vietnam. He enjoyed many loyal Air Force friends and comrades - and was known fondly by his squadron as "The Show Dog." Ken was a command pilot with over 7,000 hours of flying time. His military decorations and awards include the Silver Star (the third-highest honor given to military members for valor in combat), Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Emblem, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with Combat V and three oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with silver star and two bronze stars. (To learn more about his Military Service, please see http://1.usa.gov/1jZK1Zv.) He followed his military career with further accomplishments in aerospace, leading ARGOSystems, a high-tech electronics firm with his fellow Stanford alumni, to great commercial success. He was instrumental in its successful merger into the Boeing Company and continued as President of ARGOSystems, and as a Senior Executive of the Boeing Company, until his retirement in 1991. Ken and Karen moved to the Coachella Valley in 1997 where he became involved in community service and philanthropy. He was active on the Palm Springs Air Museum Board, with the Aviation Science Center dedicated in his name, served on the McCallum Theater's Board of Trustees, and contributed to the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony. He has been celebrated as Korean and Vietnam War Veteran through a number of patriotic honors, including the California Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor, and the California 42nd Assembly District Veteran of the Year. General Miles is survived by his devoted wife Karen, who was the love of his life. He treasured his three children and their family -- retired Col. Ross Miles and his wife Karen of San Antonio, Texas; Douglas Miles of San Francisco, Calif.; and Wendy Miles-Brower and her husband, Charles Brower, of New York City, N.Y.; and was proud of his three grandchildren, Daniel, Nicole, and Lauren. Ken's big heart and generous spirit will always be remembered. From his love of aviation, sailing on the "Sea Eagle," enjoying his fast, exotic cars, to his membership in the "Way Too Much Fun Club," Ken's passion for life will always be admired. He always lived his life by his motto "No Trick For a Show Dog" His family asks those who remember him to celebrate his life by raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held May 3, 2014, at 2:00 PM at the Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs. Donations can also be made to the Palm Springs Air Museum (Korean and Vietnam-era Air Hanger). Lastly, the family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Bill Page, Dr. Lisa Lindley and Dr. Dan Petrylak (Greenwich, Conn.).

Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cathedral City is in charge of arrangements.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit desertsun.com/obituaries.