Bradford Zahn

The always incredibly amazing, sometimes exciting and occasionally miraculous life of Bradford Kent Zahn (affectionately known as BAD BRAD) ended on this earth Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at approximately 1:00 am. Many people now have a hole in their heart.

He was born in Valparaiso, Indiana on August 16, 1949, and was predeceased by his parents and his dear sister Danyelle. He is survived by his beloved Tina Marie, his son Corey, his brothers Drew and Mark and an unknown number of Nam, VFW and American Legion brothers and sisters and union brothers and sisters. He loved them all, but most of all, Tina Marie.

Brad was inducted into the Army on July 8, 1969 and served with distinction in Bravo Company, 1/15 Calvary Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Division of the United States Army. He fought every battle with everything he had, earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was proud to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a soldier’s soldier.

Following Vietnam, he became an Iron Worker and proud member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworker’s Union Local Number 7. He built the skyline of America and no task was too fearsome. He was a man’s man.

His stories of those days were often hilarious and occasionally showed that when you’ve faced death before, it loses its power over you. He spent the last couple of years with that specter and he faced it with dignity and bravery. He fought that battle well, but in the end the effects of his service in Vietnam became more than he could withstand.

Brad loved life, and those of us who love him and Tina will gather for viewing and visitation at Cully Meadowood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, on March 25, 2022 at 11:00 am, EDST. Interment, with the military honors befitting a hero, will follow at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee at 1:00 PM.

A celebration of his life, and with the life he lived it will have to be a hell of a celebration, will be held at the American Legion Post 82 on Oak Street in Lanark Village on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Fall in at 1600. Mongoose Bravo, Brother!