Obituary for Richard Conrad

Richard Starr Conrad, longtime Shidler resident joined the Lord February 24th, 2015. Richard was born to parents Ralph and Viola (Sanders) Conrad in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on January 15, 1942.

At an early age, he was given the nickname “Tally Ho” by a childhood friend. To this day, friends from Tahlequah and Moody still use this term of endearment. Richard received his early education in Moody, Oklahoma. He continued his education at Tahlequah High School where he graduated in 1960. He pursued his love for learning at Northeastern State University by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1964) and later a Master’s Degree in Administration from Oklahoma State University. Mr. Conrad’s career in education spanned 27 years as a teacher, a coach, and a principal for Shidler Public Schools. He also was an elementary principal in Yale, Oklahoma for one year.

In 1965, Richard met a local hairdresser named Billie Gayle Smith. They fell in love and were married April 15, 1966. Later the couple had three children, Leah, Lance, and Kimberlee. Richard was proud to be a Veteran of the Armed forces. He was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisianan for basic training. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division. He was a decorated officer with many awards: Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Sharp Shooter Rifle M-14. After retiring from education, he worked for Hughes Lumber Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma for ten years.

Richard was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. He enjoyed attending the annual Cherokee National Holiday each Labor Day in Tahlequah with his family. This was a fun time for the kids, grand kids, and cousins to join as one family to enjoy the festivities of the holiday. Every year the entire family stayed together at Flint Ridge Resort and held the famous Conrad Olympics. Over the three day weekend, all family members enjoyed playing basketball, tennis, softball, and swimming. Then they traveled to the Pow-Wow to watch the dancers, listen to the singing, admire the arts and crafts and sample Indian Tacos and meat pies. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, visiting friends in nursing homes, and helping other people. He loved attending sporting events to support his students. Richard also enjoyed eagle watching, collecting various items and taking walks with his beloved companion, Elvis the dachshund. He was a well-respected member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He also was a member of the American Legion, D.A.V. and V.F.W.

Richard Conrad is survived by wife Gayle, of the home, daughter Leah and husband Bill Long of Shidler, son Lance and wife Marcie Conrad of Fort Worth, and daughter Kimberlee Conrad of Norman, Oklahoma. Grandchildren Devin, Dominic, Christian, and Cameron Conrad. His siblings, Jim Conrad of Coarsegold, California, Elouise Ogle of Tahlequah, Deloris Rucker of Miami, Oklahoma and Robert Conrad of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

The Conrad Family would like to thank everyone for the loving visits, cards, and prayers over the past several months. They also want to extend their gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and ambulance crew for their continuous care.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2015 in the Shidler High School Auditorium with Don Huddleston of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, Ponca City, presiding. Interment will follow at 4 p.m. in the Greenleaf Cemetery West of Tahlequah. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers are Devin Conrad, Dominic Conrad, Christian Conrad, Cameron Conrad, Ralph Earl Conrad and Kevin Ogle. Honorary casket bearers are Dean Crane, Butch Harmon, Keith Chesser, David Howell, Todd Rowe, Landon Roe, Matt Holland and Bill Long.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Conrad’s name to Hope Harbor Children’s Home and Family Ministries, P.O. Box 1047, Claremore, Oklahoma 74018.