We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lieutenant General Kenneth Minihan, USAF (Ret.). Lt General Minihan played a pivotal role in the founding of the National Cryptologic Foundation (formerly the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation) during his tenure as Director of the National Security Agency.
A steadfast advocate for the National Cryptologic Museum, he recognized that sustaining and expanding the Museum’s mission would require support beyond what NSA alone could provide.
Lt General Minihan’s dedication to preserving and promoting cryptologic history endured long after his government service. As a longtime member of our Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Founders’ Group, he helped shape the vision that has guided the Foundation since its inception.
We are profoundly grateful for his leadership, his service to our nation, and his unwavering commitment to the Foundation since its founding in 1996. His obituary is provided below.
Obituary
Lieutenant General Kenneth A. Minihan, United States Air Force (Retired)
December 31, 1943 – November 1, 2025
Ken Minihan headed west on his final mission Saturday evening, rejoining his parents, Chuck and Shirley. He fought heroically till the end, surrounded by his wife, children, and one granddaughter, and when the timing was perfect, he let go like the gentleman he was, with grace and dignity.
Born of the Air Force, Ken was raised by a World War II B-26 bomber pilot and his bride, Colonel and Mrs. Chuck and Shirley Minihan, alongside his brothers Tim, Steve, and Chick. Together they shared a life of service, adventure, and unshakeable loyalty to each other.
As the oldest of four boys, Ken’s leadership qualities emerged early. He captained his high school football team in Florida and carried that same drive into college, where he served as President of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, President of the Interfraternity Council, and Cadet Colonel and Wing Commander of the Air Force ROTC detachment.
Commissioned through ROTC at Florida State University, Ken entered the Air Force as an officer and never stopped serving. He lived his life like every mission mattered and every person did too. Loyal to his country, loyal to his craft, and loyal to the men and women beside him, Ken embodied the best of his generation.
He fancied himself a spy, and he was. A master of intelligence, command, quiet resolve, and an insatiable, aggressive drive to make things better, Ken served at the highest levels of the Air Force and the Department of Defense, culminating as Director of the National Security Agency. A Vietnam veteran and Cold War warrior, his service stretched across three decades of conflict and change.
After the Air Force, Ken continued to serve. His passion for defending the nation endured as he fueled American innovation and industry, investing in and guiding companies that strengthened America’s cyber, intelligence, and national security foundations. His life’s mission never changed: to keep the nation safe, strong, and ready.
Ken leaves behind a legacy measured not only in stars and commands but in the family he led, loved, and strengthened. He devoted every ounce of energy to loving Barbara, his bride of 59 years, his compass, his constant co-conspirator in every joy and challenge.
He poured that same unrelenting devotion into his children, Mike, Tom, and Katie, as a loving and firm exemplar and coach. That devotion extended fully to their spouses, Ashley, Ginny, and Trevor, whom he loved as his own, proud of the families they built together and the strength they brought to his legacy.
The strongest reflection of Ken and Barb’s love can be seen in their grandkids, who exhibit the finest qualities of his spirit: Adair, Mikey, Brianna, Kyle, Marley, Morgan, Keegan, and Tyler. To them, he was simply Papa, a larger-than-life source of laughter, strength, and unconditional love.
Only recently, after decades of hiding, did his Vietnam war wounds reveal themselves — Agent Orange in the form of Parkinson’s disease. He never once complained, never once gave in, never once surrendered despite the pain. If the nation called tomorrow, he would be first in line.
Ken was a gentleman and a champion of mission and people whose passion had no end. He was wise and thoughtful, his advice powerful, comforting, and correct.
At every opportunity, he chose to serve, to love, and to give.
Spiritually we are joyous, and physically we are devastated and heartbroken. Life is not complete without you here. We love you, we miss you, and we are forever grateful for your love.
Good Night Papa…Good Night Papa…Good Night Papa…We hate to see you go!
Mission complete, Papa. You are cleared to rejoin on high.