Bradford Lavell Sharp

Bradford Lavell Sharp

October 24,1930-August 11,2025

Following a short battle with metastatic prostate cancer, we announce the passing of Bradford Lavell Sharp, 94, two months shy of 95. Brad died on August 11, 2025, at the Kline Galland Hospice Center in Seattle, WA. He was very active and lived independently up until the last month of his life. His wife, Fern, 95, lived with him until her passing in March of this year.

Bradford will be missed by his family. His children: Wendy Call Kent (Bill), Mountain Home, AR; Daniel L. Sharp (Cindy), Olympia, WA and Terri Fugina Sharp, Mountain Home, AR. His grandchildren: Allegra Call Woodard (PA), Kyla Fugina Sharp (CA), Eric Fugina (CT), Joshua Sharp (Natasha), (LA), Christopher R. Sharp (Alisha), WA. His great grandchildren: Anayla and Amilla Woodard, Ethan S. Lautenslager, Alice Fern Sharp, and Jannah Koetje. Brad was preceded in death by his wife, Fern Coffelt Sharp, his parents, Calvin L. and Lee Norah Sharp (CA), his stepmother, Goldie Sharp (CA), his stepsisters, Betty Nuttall (CA) and Donna Wemple (CA).

Brad was born in Westwood, Lassen Co., CA on October 24,1930. His father was employed by the Red River Lumber Co. as a lineman. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1948. Brad was in love with Westwood, Chester, and Lake Almanor. He had many great community experiences, resulting in great memories. He cherished the lifelong friendships that came from there. He continued his education, taking some classes at Chico State University. He went into the Air Force as an enlisted Airman. The Korean War was heating up. Brad became interested in flying which as an airman he wasn't allowed to do. He did not have a four-year college degree. But as fortune and drive would have it, he was awarded an opportunity to become a pilot. Only one percent of applicants was accepted. He had the call sign "Dagger".

Bradford had an extensive flying career. He lived to fly and was an excellent pilot. He flew many planes over the years. His planes were first training planes, the A-26, T-38, and the T-33. His primary planes were the F-100, F-86, and the F-4. He served one combat tour in Korea and three combat tours in Vietnam. Brad had 750 hours of combat time. At the age of 24, he was an instructor pilot for the F-100's, Super Sabre, at Nellis AFB. He also was an Air Force advisor to the South Vietnamese. Many lives were saved because of Brad's great instruction, skill, and training. Pilot's wives wrote letters to him, thanking him for saving their husband's life. Despite this, Brad was shot down twice and in another incident hit by another aircraft, thus causing him to eject at a very low altitude. For a long while he held the record for the ejection. He was very lucky, but did suffer many injuries, including a broken back. After the war, his career led him to jobs at Luke AFB, Arizona, Incirlik AFB, Turkey, Holloman AFB, New Mexico, Ramstein AFB, Germany, Laken Heath RAF, England and Mather AFB, CA. After 30 years Brad retired from the military in 1981. He moved to Lake Almanor Peninsula, CA, a stone's throw from his loved Westwood community. Soon after he started working for the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, as their commander. He made his wing the number one in the nation in 1986. He worked there for five years. Brad started planning and selling Lindal Cedar Homes around Lake Almanor. After many snowy winters, Brad and Fern moved to Casa Grande, AZ.

Brad continued to fly a private plane. He also had three experimental planes during his life. He enjoyed formation flying with other former military retirees. Brad spent a lot of time at the airport. He loved talking flying, telling stories and enjoying fellow pilots. In his spare time, he volunteered for the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, Mesa, AZ as a docent. For many years Brad and Fern were snowbirds travelling between Arizona and Washington state. They also travelled a great deal in the United States since most of his career had been overseas. His family benefited from that as they got to explore Europe and the Middle East. When the time came for them to be near family, they moved to Olympia, WA. Brad continued to fly regularly at Sanderson Field in Shelton, WA. He made daily trips there until right before he died. He gave up flying when he was 92. He also acquired a replica Model A Ford, which was a copy of the first car that he owned in Westwood. He could be seen driving around Shelton in it.

Bradford was a dedicated patriot who displayed unwavering courage and commitment. His remarkable career was filled with dedication and service to our country. He began his journey as an enlisted Airman and retired as a full bird Colonel, after 30 years of service. During his Air Force career, he was awarded the following medals and citations: Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with seven Oak Leaf Clusters; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with 24 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Expeditionary Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Combat Readiness Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Korean Service Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with four Silver Stars; Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster; Republic of Vietnam National Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device; and the United Nations Service Medal. Brad had numerous news articles written about him over the years. He also can be seen on You Tube being interviewed. Brad Sharp loved his country and was a true patriot!

Brad and Fern were married for 73 years. He married her in 1952 after meeting her at a USO gathering in Sacramento, CA. He was a stepfather to her daughter, Wendy. Daniel was born in 1954 and Terry in 1960.

Brad will be honored and buried in a private ceremony at the Tahoma National Cemetery, in Washington State on September 24, 2025. Fern will also be joining him. Funeral Alternatives of Tumwater is handling the arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Providence Hospital and their Hospice, Olympia, and the kind, caring staff at Kline Galland Hospice Center in Seattle, WA. He received excellent care.