Keith Lester Conrad, age 85, a recent resident of Baton Rouge, and long term resident of Lake Charles, La., passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2022.
Keith married his spouse and spiritual rock, Virginia Sarah Wood on Nov. 12, 1955, in Mingo, W.Va., and for 66 years they made many wonderful memories as they relocated for career changes and navigated life together. They were continually blessed with new friends and relationships they formed everywhere they lived. They started their family in West Virginia and Pennsylvania having four children, Debra (spouse David) Johnson, Glen (spouse Reda) Conrad, Jeffrey (spouse Danielle) Conrad and Jeanette (spouse Cliff) Fincher; and were blessed with 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Gay Conrad.
In his early years Keith graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and he is a lifetime Alumni of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. Keith was a lifetime learner, reader, and pursuer of knowledge. He has a patent for a “Method of controlling density in gas-sensitized aqueous explosives” among other accolades from Atlas, Ciba Geigy and Kronos corporations. His love for education was a strength he used to pass his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. It came with much humor, shenanigans, singing and love of life.
Keith loved to fish and play golf. Many stories and memories originated on the water and the golf course. Keith became an avid Christian and man of faith at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church where he served as a choir member, deacon, and committee member.
Visiting hours will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home, Monday, July 18, visitation from 12:30 – 2 p.m. with the service at 2 pm. Burial will be on Friday, July 22, at 11 a.m., graveside service by Tomblyn Funeral Home at Mingo Cemetery, in his birthplace of Mingo, W.Va.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 4020 Hodges St., Lake Charles, LA 70605.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com or www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.