Sam Conrad

Harold Stanley “Sam” Conrad, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Landmark Hospital.

He was born Oct. 30, 1930, to L. Vern "Coonie" and Naomi Conrad Conrad in Sedgewickville. He lived in Sedgewickville until 1948, moved to Cape Girardeau and graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson. Until recently, Sam enjoyed monthly lunch reunions with his friends from Sedgewickville School.

He married Mildred Schatte of Advance on June 12, 1951. They were married 67 years until she preceded him in death in 2018. Their union produced two children: Michael Conrad and Julie Conrad Phillips; and two grandsons, Nicholas Conrad and Hunter Phillips.

For more than 20 years, Sam drove for Enterprise Car Rental. He loved driving, and 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 a U.S. Army veteran. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 with the 28th Infantry Division during the World War II Germany occupation. He was honorably discharged as corporal.

He is a life member of the VFW Post No. 3838 in Cape Girardeau, American Legion in Jackson and Eagles Club in Cape Girardeau. Sam was very active in the VFW, having served as All State Commander and several other local, district, state and national positions.

During his younger years, he was also active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (awarded the Scouters Key), Franklin School PTA and Little League baseball, and he played slow pitch softball into his 50s.

Bowling gave him great joy — he enjoyed the camaraderie of many leagues over the years and was elected to the Southeast Missouri 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 Presley, Warren Smith, Bobby Lord, Wanda Jackson, Del Reeves, Onie Wheeler, Porter Wagoner and Harold Morrison. He made many lifelong 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 Dec. 10, 2022 — gaining a new expanded family. Gladys and Sam packed a lot of fun, travels and adventures into the two-plus years they were married.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; a son, Michael (Vicki) Conrad of Pace, Florida; daughter, Julie (Alan) Phillips of Jackson, Tennessee; two grandsons, Nicholas Conrad of Bonne Terre and Hunter (Emily) Phillips of Jackson, Tennessee; along with several nieces and nephews, lots of cousins and treasured friends.

He was 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 at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at Maple United Methodist Church, 2441 Jean Ann Drive in Cape Girardeau, with Pastor Jeff Estes officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11a.m. the day of the service at the church. A private inurnment will be held at a later time at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

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.

Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missourian