Herman Andrew Conrad 1926-2021 Obituary
Colonel Herman Andrew Conrad, U. S. Army Retired, age 95 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life early Sunday morning, October 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Monday, September 20, 1926 at St. Louis, MO a son of the late Herman O. and Lydia Bollinger Conrad. He was twice married. First, to the former Verda Jean Maddox, who preceded him in death. Second, on February 13, 1971 at MD he was married to the former Betty Jean Simon, who preceded him in death February 22, 2021. Surviving are his children, William Conrad and wife Lauris of Turlock, CA, Suzanne Grazier of Tampa, FL, Lori Robinson Haines of Plantation, FL, Allen W. Conrad of Elkins, Jerry Daniel Simon and wife Carrie of Akron, OH, Michael K. Simon and wife Allicen of Elkins; sixteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Preceding him in death are two brothers, Allen B. and Warren C. Conrad; and two sisters, Lydia A. Tilley, and Grace Hendricks.
He was drafted into the U. S. Army on September 30, 1944 which was ten days after his 18th birthday at Little Rock, AR and was discharged during October of 1946. He was then recalled in May of 1948 and served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam retiring on July 31, 1973 as Commander of U. S. Army troops assigned to National Security Agency at Fort Meade, MD. He had served as Director of Military Intelligence Collection for MACV, Saigon, Vietnam 1969, and assisted in selecting North Vietnam military targets on the Cambodian border. He received three Legions of Merit, one Bronze Star, one Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals and one Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Colonel Conrad was a graduate of Davis & Elkins College with a Degree in Business in 1974, was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ) and was an Associate Member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkins where he served as a Sunday School Teacher for thirty years.
He was the Co-owner of Cromwell Real Estate from 1974 to 1978 and was Co-owner of Conrad’s Antiques and Collectibles from 1981 to the present.
He was a member of the Democratic Executive Committee from 1982 to 1990, the Silver-haired Legislature, President of the Senate from 1988 to 1991, the H. W. Daniel’s Post # 29, American Legion, where he was Commander from 1976 to 1977, and the Elkins Lodge # 1135, B.P.O.E. for over fifty years.
He also served as a Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 88 for two years, was on the Board of Directors for WV Region 7 Senior Citizens, and was a member of the Randolph County Senior Center where he was a volunteer for thirty-eight years, twenty years as treasurer, four years as President, twenty-six years as Bingo Coordinator and supervised development of nutrition sites in Harman and Mill Creek, WV. He personally donated over sixty wheelchairs, over two hundred walkers and other medical equipment to Randolph County Senior Center for distribution to those in need.
Colonel Conrad’s request for cremation was honored. The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 4 to 7 PM, Friday. A. Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 AM, Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Phillips Cemetery at Jimtown, WV. The Reverend Doctor Basil A. Hensley and the Reverend Brian Seders will officiate and inurnment will follow with Full Military Honors being accorded. Due to COVID 19, masks and social distancing are requested. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to; First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Ave, Elkins, WV 26241 or Tyrand Cooperative Ministries, PO Box 365, Mill Creek, WV 26280. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Colonel Herman Andrew Conrad, U. S. Army Retired. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
