Obituary of Robert Ramon Conrad

Robert Ramon (Bob) Conrad, 94, of Bridgeport passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport after a brief illness. Bob was born in Keyser, WV, on March 27, 1928, the son of the late Edith Wolfe Conrad. Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bernice Miniard Conrad; daughter Deborah Owens of Vienna, WV; daughter Ramona Sheets and husband, Paul, of Clarksburg; four grandchildren, Daniel A. Sheets and wife, Johnna, of Richmond, VA; Lucy Owens McKenzie and husband, Jonathan, of Leesburg, VA; AllisonSheets Collins and husband, Chad, of Morgantown, WV; Charles Robert Owens of Ashburn, VA; five great grandchildren, Michael McKenzie, Clementine Sheets, Cade Collins, Aubrey Collins, and Thomas McKenzie; sister-in-law, Clarice Miniard Hatcher of Georgetown, KY; nieces and nephews including Dr. Marion Miniard of Lexington, KY; and several cousins. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by a special aunt, Alberta McIntyre and husband, Mac; and several aunts and uncles. Bob was raised in Clarksburg, WV, where as a young boy he was always working. He loved his first real job at White’s Drug Store on West Pike Street where he first learned about pharmacy and decided to become a pharmacist someday. After graduating with the 1946 class at Washington Irving High School, Bob joined the U.S. Army near the end of WWII and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. He was selected and served in the U.S. Army Band until honorably discharged. Upon discharge Bob was accepted into the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy graduating at the top of his class in 1952. Bob developed a life-long commitment to UK and especially Wildcat basketball. While at UK he met the love of his life, Kentuckian Bernice Miniard, who was also attending UK. They were married on January 26, 1952. Bob would say he got a great education in Kentucky but finding his life partner there was the best. They enjoyed spending time after retirement at the family farm in Perry County, Kentucky. After graduation Bob and Bernice made their home in Clarksburg where they were owners of the Grand Pharmacy beside the Robinson Grand Theater during the 1950s and 60s. Many local businessmen and doctors enjoyed the five-cent cups of coffee at the fountain and became great friends. After the business closed Bob worked at Thompson Pharmacy in Buckhannon. Bob was soon back in the area to open and manage the new White Cross Pharmacy in Hills Plaza in Bridgeport. White Cross Pharmacies were purchased by Revco Pharmacies and then by CVS Pharmacy. Eventually the store relocated to Route 19 South near the old United Hospital Center where Bob retired after over 50 years of service to the pharmacy profession. Bob was a 50-year Master Mason of the Herman Lodge No.6 in Clarksburg. He was a 32-degree Scottish Rite member; and member of York Rite Adoniram No.11 and Clarksburg Commandery No.13, Knights Templar. Bob was a member of the Nemesis Oriental Shrine Band for many years traveling throughout the country. He also became involved with the Shriners Childrens Hospital program to provide free care for children with physical conditions. He organized several clinics to identify children in need and made 188 van trips to the Shriners Childrens Hospital in Lexington, KY, to transport children for medical attention. He was awarded 2002 Shriner of the Year for his service to these children. His friends will certainly remember Bob delivering “Shriner onions” to their front door. Bob was also awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel by the governor of Kentucky. For many years after retirement Bob enjoyed serving his community as a volunteer with VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) which aids the Bridgeport Police Department. Bob was a member of the Central Christian Church in Clarksburg for many years serving as a deacon and usher. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at United Hospital Center and Hospice who provided excellent care for Bob during his illness. Also Dr. Dominick Woofter and Dr. John Manchin for their care and support during this time. In honor of Bob’s request, a private family service will be held at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum on Wednesday, January 18. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at LovetotheRescue.org or by mail to Shriners Childrens Hospital Lexington, Philanthropy Dept., 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY, 40508. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.