John Scott "Chad" Chadwick

John Scott “Chad” Chadwick, 74, Blair, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at his home. A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Bill Libby and Matt Muller officiating. Inurnment of ashes will take place at the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, with full military honors. Arrangements are under the care of the Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Chad was born on August 14, 1947 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to John Francis and Marguerite (Fagg) Chadwick. He graduated from West Caldwell High in Newark, New Jersey and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in History from Montclair State University in 1973. Chad volunteered to serve two tours in Vietnam from June 1966 to February 1969. After completing basic training and Jump School, he served with the 101st Airborne Division in the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP). He also served in the 2nd/502 as a Recondo and regular infantryman. Chad joined the United States Air Force in 1973, completing Officer Training School and pilot training. He flew the C-130 gunship. Before joining the Air Force, Chad earned a private pilots license and performed many aerial loops in small aircraft. Chad married Sherry Robinson in 1979 and celebrated 42 years of marriage last December. They were married at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. They were both stationed at Yokota Air Base at the time. Chad served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, as an intelligence officer, briefing the commanders. He also did a tour in Thailand. Chad received numerous medals including the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Medal, Air Medal, Army and Air Force Commendation Medals, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Chad was baptized as an infant but in March of 1992, he decided he wanted to be baptized as an adult at Crossroads Community Church in Yorktown, Virginia. His daughter was baptized the same day. Chad retired from the military after 22 years. He then worked 10 years for Colonial Williamsburg, as the costumed interpreter, “Mr. Powell.” In 2003, Chad and Sherry moved to Altus to be near Sherry’s family and attended Martha Road Baptist Church. Chad was interested in learning about the ropes of farming, so he worked for a local farming family. He loved history, especially Oklahoma history, and started working for the Fort Sill Museum, welcoming visitors. He also volunteered at the Wildlife Refuge, occasionally dodging a bison here and there. One of his favorite hobbies was pistol target competitions. He also participated in Cowboy Action shooting with the name, “Red River Chad.”

Chad had a lifelong passion for Scottish and Irish music. He could be heard singing a tune, whether he was in Vietnam, during Air Force pilot training, or just spending time with family and friends. One of his favorite tunes was “Whiskey, You’re The Devil.”

Chad and Sherry’s last trip was to Israel in 2020. He was still able to walk where Jesus walked, even with Parkinson’s. The Air Force took Chad and Sherry to many places including Japan, Idaho, Florida, and Virginia. No matter what country he visited, Chad wanted to learn about the people, the language, and the food. Walking into a Japanese restaurant, he would always say “Itadakimasu,” meaning, I want to eat, and I am thankful for the food.

His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, of the home; daughter, Audrey Massey; two grandchildren, Emma and Dylan; and a sister, Kathleen Moore and husband, Dave.

You may watch the Memorial Service live stream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkNQlBj-fWY . Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com