Obituary of John Michael Conrad

John Michael Conrad, 72, of Fairmont, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024 in the Tygart Center in Fairmont. He was born in Fairmont on November 15, 1951. A son to the late Hoy “Jake” Conrad and Freda Mae (Minigh) Conrad. He is survived by his brother, Bill Conrad and his wife Althea of Fairmont, his nephews, Jeff Conrad of Clarksburg, Steve Conrad of Pleasant Valley, and Jason Conrad of Fairmont, and his niece, Sara Downey of Pricketts Fort Community. John is also survived by his close friend, Scott Reppert of Morgantown. John was what was known in the industry as a "radio lifer". Having listened to the radio from the earliest of ages, John could tell you instantly about a station's tower height, transmitter power, signal patterns, formats, ownerships, and announcers...all from just being told the call sign or frequency. When he eventually entered radio, John worked for several regional stations. He began at WRGT, Clarksburg (1976) and moved on to WVVW, Grafton (1977). Then began his most notable run of stations including: WTCS, Fairmont (1978-1979, 1981-1985), WFGM, Fairmont in the "Stereo 98" days (1980-1984), WJCF, Morgantown (1986), WMQC "Magic 101", Morgantown (1987-1995) followed by a period of alternating between WRLF/WMMN, Fairmont and WPDX, Clarksburg during the last 25 years of his career. His most well-known show, WPDX's "Trading Post", was continually a top-rated broadcast for its time slot during the length of the shows run. John was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates and NEVER missed a Notre Dame football broadcast...always on the RADIO, of course! He also was a student of rock 'n' roll and Country music, focusing on and enjoying the years 1955-1990 (with many of his favorite songs coming from 1966, which he proclaimed many times as "the greatest year in rock 'n' roll history"). Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation service will take place. A committal service will be held in the Mt. Zion Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.