David Wayne Bradshaw, MSgt., USAF (Retired)
April 23, 1956 – January 09, 2017

MSgt. David Wayne Bradshaw, U.S. Air Force (ret.), 60, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2017, surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing. David was born April 23, 1956, in Lafayette, Ind., to James and Phyllis Bradshaw.

Dave grew up with a passion for swimming, which carried on to swimming competitively in high school, where he set national records. Dave served honorably as a special operations pararescueman (PJ) for nearly 23 years. Dave was a veteran of deployed combat operations including Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort I and II. His many awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters and he was an expert marksman with a pistol and rifle. He held multiple supervisory roles including advising the headquarters air rescue service commander on pararescue operations and tactics. He was responsible for standardization, evaluation and testing of the entire worldwide operational pararescue force. Since retirement from active duty in 2000, Dave was the west coast regional manager for Phantom Fireworks. He was involved in the Las Vegas Celtic Society for six years and served as vice president in 2016.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 36 years, Elaine; children, Trevor (Jessica) and Tara (Casey); five grandchildren, Ethan, Madison, Carter, Bronson and Daxton; and two older sisters, Judy (Gary) of Indiana, and Peggy (Steve) of Ohio. Dave had a passion for the outdoors. He loved anything and everything to do with his children and grandchildren.

He never met a stranger and always had a smile. His love for life, positive attitude, bravery and kindness will be dearly missed by all.

Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Southern Hills Community Church, 9230 Manhattan Road. Burial following at 1:20 p.m. at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City. “Hoo Yah Shaw.”

~ GUEST BOOK ~

January 17, 2017
Dear Elaine and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I went to High School with Dave. He was a guy that was well liked by everyone. With a smile on his face always, whenever he was around, he livened up the place. I for one as well as Dave’s classmates are very proud and thankful for his heroic service. My heart and prayers go out to you Elaine and your children and family. Sincerely, Charlene Poster Shoemaker
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Charlene Shoemaker, Lafayette, IN

January 17, 2017
Mark and I send our deepest sympathies to David’s family. I am thinking of you especially Peggy. We are so sorry for your loss and are wrapping you all in prayer. Julie Risk Pope
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Julie Pope, Lutz, FL

January 16, 2017
Rest Easy MSgt Bradshaw…thank you for your service to this nation…… share January 16, 2017 May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Debi Simpson, Lafayette, IN

January 16, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for the Bradshaw Family. We had many double sessions on the swim team. Pete shaped our minds and hard work for the future. Dave was a kind funny upbeat dedicated swimmer. Always a winner. Until we meet again.
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Tim McCormick, FL

January 15, 2017
From some of the rest of the “Dakota Drive” clan, we had a lot of great times, & David & his family were a big part of that. Heavy Hearts today– Our best to you & the rest of the Bradshaw family.
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Laura Washington Russell

January 15, 2017
Elaine, So sorry to hear of David’s passing. We still have fond memories of our visit with both of you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Pam Barsh Pat Waymire.
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Ron Barsh, Kokomo, IN

January 15, 2017
I served with Dave in the US Air Force while at Nellis AFB, NV. We were both assigned to the 422d Test & Evaluation Squadron; I had the honor and privilege of coordinating his military retirement. He and I are both Hoosiers from Indiana. Dave was a class act individual dedicated to his family. He was also the life of the party and very humorous! I am shocked to learn of his passing. Aim High Dave!
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Richard Pratt, Dyer, IN

January 15, 2017 Dave was my best child hood friend. Our days were full of constant fun and play. Constant sandlot whiffle ball, basketball, cowboy and Indians, hide and seek, hopscotch , riding bikes, making snow men, snowball fights, watching Batman, Superman, the Popeye and Janie show, and the Bill Jackson show. Our mom even took us to Indianapolis for the Bill Jackson show and Dave was selected from the audience to play the game of guessing the cartoon character Jackson was drawing on his easel stand. He won a box of Clark candy bars which we ate on the way home. Dave found a golden egg at the Easter egg hunt one year and won a brand new Schwinn stingray bike. I was so jealous. We invited Dave to dinner one time at a local Chinese restaurant. After his first bite into the fried rice, he said it tasted like rubber which made us laugh. Do not know if he ever liked Chinese food in the future. Our family moved from Dakota Dr. in 1968 which broke up our friendship. Saw him off and on in high school. Between his dedication to swimming and school, Dave was always busy. Condolences to the family.
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Richard Horswell, Lafayette, IN

January 15, 2017
David, I cannot believe what has happened! You were our neighbor on Dakota Dr. Your sister’s babysat us. Your parents and my parents went to dance club together. I am in shock this early morning reading this. You and I just spoke out of the blew. But, we spoke. Though it was approximately 2-3 years ago. It seems like yesterday. I am so sad for your family, your sisters and all of your many friends. I’ll never forget the friendship. Gods speed David! Rest In Peace.
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Kathy Washington-Rosenfeld, Atlanta, GA

January 14, 2017 Dave, just can’t believe it! You have been my brother-in-law and my friend for over 36 years. Thank you for all the great memories, I will always cherish them. I will never forget how you so respectfully and lovingly cared for my husband’s ashes when we scattered them. You are missed like crazy and will never be forgotten. I’ll keep my ears open for your jokes and messages! Love ya Bro! XOXO ~
Sandy Taylor, Sacramento, CA

January 14, 2017
Dave, I have many great memories of us swimming in Pete Schug’s distance lane. You worked hard then and it set the stage for the rest of your life. Thanks for the memories and RIP. John “Moose” CasaSanta
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John CasaSanta, Charlotte, NC