Charles Roy "Bud" Collicott

Charles “Bud” Collicott passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Bud is survived by and was devoted to sharing time with his wife, Sheila; his brother, Skip (Irvene); his two daughters, Cheryl Collicott (Donna Anderson) and Pam Nold (Jim); his two granddaughters Taylor Broadrick (Mitchell) and Morgan Howell; and his great-granddaughter, Daphne.

Bud was born in Kearney, Nebraska and raised in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He graduated from Broken Bow High School and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln before receiving his congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1960 and would later earn a Master-of-Science Degree in Industrial Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.

Following flight training and receiving his call sign “Cowboy”, he was assigned to VF-51, flying F-8s from USS Ticonderoga as CDR James B. Stockdale’s wingman and participated in the first airstrike in North Vietnam. He completed three more combat cruises interspersed with graduate school, a USAF exchange-tour flying F-100s, and an Operations Analyst tour at the Center for Naval Analysis.

Following command-selection, he served as XO/CO of VF-33, flying F-4s. Subsequent assignments included: XO, VF-124 flying F-14s; CO, Technical Assistance Field Team, overseeing initial introduction of F-14s into the IIAF, Isfahan, Iran; XO, VX-4; Air Operations Officer, CARGRU FOUR; and Fighter Weapons System Operational T&E Director, COMOPTEVFOR. Over his career, he accumulated more than 5,300 hours in tactical fighters and 180 combat missions.

Upon retirement in 1985, he landed at NAVAIR, Flight Control Branch, for more than 28 years as an engineering consultant. He played a major role in establishing the Navy’s ability to conduct independent verification, system-integration, and validation of Flight Control Software that included F/A-18A-D, F/A-E/F, EA-18G, X-31, EA-6B, V-22, and CH-53K platforms. He was able to continue contributing to Naval Aviation by mentoring and teaching several generations of engineers about Naval Aviation and the U.S. Navy.

Notwithstanding his many significant professional achievements as a Naval Officer, Pilot, and Engineer, Bud will be best remembered for his commitment to his family and his love for life. He enjoyed scuba-diving, reading, hiking, and skiing. He had a special love for Nebraska football, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, Maryland, is assisting the family with arrangements. Following a private memorial service held in his memory, Bud will be buried-at-sea with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made in Commander Collicott’s name to Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, Virginia 22203 (www.nmcrs.org).

Those wishing may offer condolences to the family at www.akcoffmanfh.com.