Brad Telshaw, USAF Lt. Col (Retired) “Headed West” February 19, 2016
Bradley Telshaw died February 19, 2016, in his home in Clovis, NM. Graveside services were held March 8, 2016, at Fort Sumner Cemetery in Fort Sumner, NM with Peter Jones officiating.
Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania on October 8, 1935. He was raised on a small farm near the communities of South Canaan, Waymart and Lake Arial Pennsylvania.
Brad graduated from Waymart High school in 1954 and joined the Air Force in 1955. He completed flying training in 1957 and was assigned to Clovis Air Force Base. In three separate tours at Cannon, he flew the f-111 for about 500 hours, and the F-100 for nearly 3000 hours, crossing the Atlantic ocean six times and the Pacific four times, serving in Okinawa, Japan, Korea, the Phillippines, Thailand, Vietnam, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Libya.
He was married to Gayle Spitz in 1963. Their daughter Kim was born in 1966 and son David was born in 1970. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. His decorations include the silver star, distinguished flying cross, meritorious service medal (twice) and twenty-three air medals.
Whether in the Air Force or as a businessman, Brad was a “hands-on” person. No matter what the challenge, he developed the skills required for absolute success and in so doing, earned the love and respect of everyone around him.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gayle Telshaw; daughter, Kim; son, David (Christy) Telshaw; five grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Henrietta Telshaw.