Edward Durant Conrad

April 16, 1936 - June 1, 2018

Edward Durant Conrad, 82, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Friday, June 1, 2018 in Parker, Colorado. Ed was born on April 16, 1936 in Berry, KY to Thomas Raymond and Sudie (Kendall) Conrad. Ed grew up in Berry, KY on the family farm, helping his father raise tobacco, dairy, corn, and wheat. He attended Harrison County High School in KY and participated in Future Farmers of America. Ed was active in his church, Boyer Presbyterian Church, as a member of the youth group, treasurer of the Sunday school, and attending church summer camp. In 1954, he enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University but took a leave in 1958 to join the United States Army, serving at Ft. Gordon, GA and two years in Japan. Ed returned to Eastern Kentucky University in 1961, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. After earning his degree Ed moved to California, marrying Virginia (Gena Lee) Hill, and becoming a long time resident of Apple Valley, CA. Ed worked as a teacher in the Apple Valley Unified School District for several years. After becoming assistant principal at Rancho Verde Elementary School, Ed enrolled at California State University, Fullerton, earning his Master of School Administration degree in 1970. Having earned his graduate degree, Ed moved into school administration full time, first as principal of Mariana Elementary School and later as principal of Rancho Verde Elementary School, both in Apple Valley, CA. In 1983, Ed became Superintendent of Schools for Apple Valley Unified School District. In 1987, Ed became principal of Baldy Mesa Elementary School in Snowline Joint Unified School District. Ed was elected to the board of the Apple Valley Unified School District in 1988. After 41 years of making a difference in education, Ed finished his career in 1996, retiring from Baldy Mesa Elementary School and the Snowline Joint Unified School District, which recognized his accomplished career in elementary education by placing his name on the auditorium at Baldy Mesa Elementary School. Ed and Virginia moved to Colorado in 2013. Ed was known for his positive attitude and ever-present smile, always approaching life with joy and kindness. He was quick to help others and provide guidance when asked. Ed’s greatest pleasures were spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, playing table tennis, and watching sports, particularly the Cincinnati Reds. Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gena Lee, son Thomas (Deborah) Conrad of Apple Valley, CA; daughter Elizabeth (Steven) Conrad-Posey of Parker, CO; and his son Steven (Noelle) Conrad of Wrightwood, CA. Ed is survived by this grandchildren: Jacob and Thomas Conrad of Wichita, KS, Virginia (Bijen) Shrestha of Wichita, KS, Senior Airman Edward (Jinna) Conrad of Colorado Springs, CO, Kendall Conrad-Posey of Lone Tree, CO, Cameron Conrad-Posey of Tempe, AZ, Hadley and Ethan Conrad of Wrightwood, CA, and a host of extended family and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his brother Charles Ray Conrad and his sister Ruth Ann Parke. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the Pythian Grove Cemetery in Berry, Kentucky, with Woodhead Funeral Home, Berry, serving the family.