Harold "Sam" Conrad

IN MEMORY OF: Harold “Sam” Conrad Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Harold Stanley “Sam” Conrad, age 94, of Cape Girardeau, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born on October 30, 1930 to L. Vern (Coonie) Conrad and Naomi (Conrad) Conrad in Sedgewickville, Missouri. He lived in Sedgewickville until 1948, moved to Cape Girardeau and graduated from Jackson HS in Jackson, MO. Until recently, Sam enjoyed monthly lunch reunions with his friends from the Sedgewickville School. He married Mildred Schatte of Advance, MO on June 12, 1951. They were married 67 years until she preceded him in death in 2018. Their union produced two children: Michael Conrad & Julie (Conrad) Phillips and two grandsons: Nicholas Conrad and Hunter Phillips. For over 20 years, Sam drove for Enterprise Car Rental. He loved driving & he loved getting to know new people. He also worked at Fisher Auto Parts, was a salesman for National Temperature Control Center and a bookkeeper for Wiethop Truck Sales. In his younger years, he worked at Borden Ice Cream and in grocery stores in the old Good Hope district. Sam was very proud of being an Army veteran. He served in the US Army 1951-1953 with the 28th Infantry Division during the WWII Germany occupation. He was honorably discharged as corporal. He is a life member of the VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau, the American Legion in Jackson MO and the Eagles Club in Cape Girardeau. Sam was very active in the VFW having served as All State Commander and held several other local, district, state & national positions. During his younger years, he was also active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (awarded the Scouters Key), Franklin School PTA, little league baseball, and played slow pitch softball into his fifties. Bowling gave him great joy – he enjoyed the comradery of many leagues over the years and was elected to the Southeast Mo. Bowlers Association Hall of Fame. He almost bowled a perfect game a few weeks before his death. Sam loved country music. He was a well-known country musician, guitar picker, and leader of several bands including “The Country Express” and “Strat-o-Tones.” From the 1950s to the year 2000, he traveled several states and opened for a lot of big names including Carl Perkins, Elvis, Warren Smith, Bobby Lord, Wanda Jackson, Del Reeves, Onie Wheeler, Porter Wagoner, and Harold Morrison. He made many life-long friends through the bond of music. He was an active member of Maple United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, serving as a lay reader, usher, homily speaker, secretary of men’s club, greeter and assistant to treasurer. He helped with their various outreaches, including their popular fish frys. Later in life he found love again (at Maple Church) and married Gladys Goslin-Wilson on December 10, 2022 – gaining a new expanded family. Gladys and Sam packed a lot of fun, travels and adventures into the 2+ years they were married. He is survived by his wife Gladys, a son Michael (Vicki) Conrad of Pace, FL, daughter Julie (Alan) Phillips of Jackson TN; two grandsons Nicholas Conrad of Bonne Terre, MO and Hunter (Emily) Phillips of Jackson TN, along with several nieces and nephews, lots of cousins and treasured friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mildred; seven brothers; and two sisters. Blessed with many years on this earth with laughter, family and friendships. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Maple United Methodist Church, 2441 Jean Ann Drive in Cape Girardeau with Pastor Jeff Estes officiating. Visitation will be held the day of the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church. A private inurnment will be held at a later time at Bloomfield Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be made to Maple United Methodist Church, 2441 Jean Ann Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Harold "Sam" Conrad

October 30, 1930 - March 5, 2025