Major Brad Hovey

Brad “Slate” Hovey, age 35, died on June 15, 2026, during a B-52 flight test mission at Edwards AFB. Brad was a devoted husband and father whose greatest joy was his family. He was also a distinguished B-52 and B-1 Air Force Experimental Test Pilot.

Brad’s life’s story was woven with threads of bravery, integrity, and service. He lived big and had a profound impact on the people around him. He was cool under pressure and tenacious when presented with a problem. He loved the outdoors and lived in awe of the stars and the sky. He was a protector, defender, and advocate for people. He was never afraid to climb on a roof or pursue a good time, and he always encouraged others to have fun, too.

Born in Algona, Iowa on March 5, 1991, Brad also lived in Casper, Wyoming for three years before moving to Adel, Iowa in 2001. Throughout his childhood years, his enthusiasm for life and passion for learning always stood out to those around him. Brad graduated from Adel DeSoto Minburn High School in 2009, with notable achievements in football, track, choir, band, mock trial, and drama. He earned Scouting's highest rank of Eagle while a member of Adel Troop 152, cementing a love for the outdoors that he shared with his friends and family. Brad met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Megan, in ninth grade band.

Brad’s lifelong love of airplanes led him to Iowa State University, where he excelled in the Aerospace Engineering program and Air Force ROTC with Det. 250. His high performance allowed him to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. Brad and Megan tied the knot in Iowa in 2012 surrounded by friends and family. After graduating from ISU in 2014, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force by his father-in-law. He began USAF Pilot Training at Vance AFB in 2014 and earned his wings in 2015 as a proud member of Class 16-02. His career as a bomber pilot began with his assignment to B-52 initial qualification training at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. His next assignment took him to the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot AFB in North Dakota where he flew, instructed, and led with the Knighthawks for six years. During this assignment, he also became a proud father of his two children.

He served his nation in combat, completing three deployments with over 200 combat flight hours and 20 combat sorties. In 2022, Brad and his family moved to Edwards AFB where he attended the prestigious USAF Test Pilot School with Class 23A. He was then assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB where he flew B-52 and B-1 flight test missions. At the 419th, he increased the safety, lethality, and mission capabilities of aging aircraft vital to our nation’s war deterrence. Over his 12 years of service, Brad logged more than 1,890 total flight hours. His distinguished career includes over 350 sorties across 29 distinct airframes.

Brad expected excellence and integrity of all those around him. To him, there was no limit to dreams. Though his life was far too short, Brad filled it with love and courage. Those who knew him will remember not just what he accomplished, but the way he deeply loved his friends, family, and most of all his wife and children. Brad’s legacy will be felt for many years to come. His family, friends, and Air Force family profoundly feel the loss of Brad.

He is survived by his wife Megan and their children, his parents Kent and Sondra, brothers Lane and Kyle, maternal grandmother Janet Snyder, father and mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephew. Brad was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Richard L. Hovey and Grace A. Hovey, and maternal grandfather, Roger C. Snyder.

“The only way to be truly happy is to choose to do so. Every second, minute, and hour of your life.” -Brad Hovey

Public visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 1:00-7:00 pm at New Hope Church in Adel, Iowa. The family will be present from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral service open to friends and family will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1:30 pm at New Hope Church in Adel, Iowa. A private graveside service will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, you may support the family by contributing to The Brad Hovey Memorial Fund at the link below.

          GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-brad-hovey-family-support-fund

Mail can be sent to:

          The Family of Major Brad M. Hovey
          15 N Muroc Drive
          Edwards, CA 93524

          or

          The Parents of Major Brad M. Hovey
          PO Box 128
          Dallas Center, IA 50063

To share stories of Brad with the family:

          Email: TheSlateStories@gmail.com