Carlton says that “At Nellis, worked with Fred Schwab, Waymand Nutt, and Hoot Gibson. At Luke worked with Bob Messerli, Mike Filliman, John Back, Gus Hendry. Gene Butler, Carl Schneider, and others I cannot recall. Proud Associate member of the Super Sabre Society. Flew in the F-105 at Mt. Home AFB, and one night bombing mission at Mac Dill AFB in the F-4. Loved flying and working with guys who are now my heroes.
I have flown all missions ( in training, and in the back seat) of the F-100. Civilians I know are envious of the career I had. And what a career!”
Carlton B. Stoddard, Capt USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on February 17, 2016.
Carlton “Bud” Stoddard
We celebrate the outstanding life of “Bud” Stoddard. We will miss his contagious friendly and positive attitude and his love for his family. Carlton Blakeslee “Bud” Stoddard, 94, passed away February 17, 2016. He was born in Louisville, Ohio on May 17, 1921 to Blakeslee Owen and Ledah Irish Stoddard.
Growing up, Bud lived in the depression era and loved to tell stories of hard work through difficult times. He peddled papers as a young lad to help make ends meet. He strove to make the best out of his life. He excelled in school, was captain of the track team and was senior class president in high school. He served as Captain in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 in WWII. Bud earned B.A. and M.A. degrees majoring in education, taught public school, then became Civil Servant Education Specialist for the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command (TAC)) for 28 years.
He served at Shelby AFB, Burtonwood AFB in England, Nellis AFB, Luke AFB, and Langley AFB. He lent his expertise as TAC pioneered the application of the emerging Instructional System Development (ISD). He was re-assigned in 1973 as the TAC Senior Education Specialist at TAC Headquarters, Langley AFB, Virginia, where he worked in the Training Development Division (DOOS) engaged in the MAJCOM management of Instructional System Development (ISD) and Simulators for 14 major weapons systems.
He was an associate member of the F-100 Super Saber Society. Bud held numerous volunteer positions including AARP, FBI, Richmond and Chesterfield County Police Department, and Oro Valley Police Department. He was honored as one of President Reagan’s “1000 Points of Light” and is honored at the National Air and Space Museum. He was loved for his contagious friendliness and positive attitude. He had a passion and love for his Christian faith and family and flying. He would commonly state that he is a Christian…not perfect…just forgiven. He fiercely loved flying, and also enjoyed gardening, hiking and fishing.
He is survived by wife of 42 years, Patricia How Abell Stoddard of Tucson; daughter, Sally Jo Stoddard Gray (Michael); granddaughter, Heather Gray Lewis (Patrick); granddaughter, Kelly Gray Gallagher (John); grandson, Shaun Gray (Hannah); great-granddaughter, Lynlee Gray; stepdaughter, Linda Abell LaBelle (Michael); stepson, John Abell (Becky); stepson, Michael Abell (Cyndi); numerous step-grandchildren and step-great- grandchildren, sister, Joyce Lipman; sister, Joan Robertson; and brother, Gary Stoddard. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife, Mary Ellen Stoddard; sister, Madalynne Jaeger; sister, Sally Schraeder and brother, Blaine Stoddard.
A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church in Catalina. His final wish was to donate his body to medical research. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Oro Valley Police Department, Lodge 53; or Vista de la Montana Methodist Church where he is a charter member.
Body was donated but a portion was also buried at his church memorial garden.
