Paul Vondell Conrad

Paul was born on April 20th, 1956, in Alton, Illinois. He moved to Costa Mesa in Southern California when he was in grade school. He attended Estancia High in Costa Mesa and College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. He received a diploma in business and computer science from San Joaquin Valley College. Paul enlisted in the United States Army in 1973 and did his first tour of duty in Vietnam. He continued to serve on active duty and in the California National Guard for the next 32 years. He was deployed to Iraq with the 1072nd Transportation Company from 2003 to 2005. He was awarded the Bronze Star alongside many of his brothers in combat for their service. Soon after returning home, he adopted Kady from our local shelter and she became his constant companion and most devoted friend. He retired in 2009 as the First Sergeant of the 756 Transportation Company in Van Nuys, California.

In civilian life, he was an interstate truck driver and he loved the freedom of the open road. Whenever he had the chance, he liked to fish and spend time at the beach. He married Lougene in Jefferson County, Alabama in 1994, but they both actually grew up in Costa Mesa and their mothers were close friends.

He is survived by his wife Lougene, brother Curtis Conrad, sons Chris and Carey Conrad, and family: Bob, Gary and Bonnie Sharpe, Ed Arnold and Crystal Sharpe, and Grandchildren: Christina and Brandon Conrad, Robert, Jordan, Samantha, Kaleb, Katie, Justin, Frankie Lou and Brooklynne.

We will remember his great sense of humor, his courage and his compassion for anyone in need.

A memorial will be held at Pacific View Memorial park in Corona Del Mar, California on November 4, 2016.

In Honor of their service, please support Pets for Vets and help unite a shelter dog with a Vet in need.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.