Joseph "Joe" A Conrad III

In loving memory of Joseph "Joe" Alexander Conrad III, 48 of Overland Park, KS. Joe passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with melanoma skin cancer at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

Born on July 23, 1975. in Kansas City, MO. The son of John Cameron Conrad from Chillicothe, MO and Jan (Paluga) Conrad from Kansas City, MO.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents John and Jan Conrad. Maternal grandparents John J. and Mary E. (Betty) Paluga. Paternal grandparents Dr. Joseph Alexander Conrad and Mary “Dorothy” Cameron Conrad. Cousin Ashley G. Paluga, Uncle Kent A. Paluga, McKinney, TX, cousin Andrew Mason, Lake St. Louis, MO

He is survived by his older sister Natalie E Conrad Gaddy; Overland Park, KS. Nieces: Madison O. Gaddy and Summer E. Gaddy; Overland Park, KS. Aunts and Uncles Conrad’s; Joseph Alexander Conrad II, Mary Gillispie, Helen Livingston and Robert Conrad. Paluga's; Jack Paluga, Robin Dressler, Sally (Sara) Harper, Jeffry Paluga, Chad Paluga and Alice Mason and his 24 cousins that dearly loved ‘Lil’ Joe. 

He attended Queen of the Holy Rosary School and Holy Cross Catholic School 1986 - 1990. St. Thomas Aquinas High School 90-92 and graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1994. Joe attended Butler Community College and was the cameraman for the football team. Joe became a Jayhawk the following year and joined his Delta Tau Delta brothers. In December 1999 he graduated from The University of Kansas with degrees in Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies.

Joe started his career as a camera operator for Fox 4 News Kansas City, KMBC Kansas City News and KCTV5. He was hired at Fox Sports Net Midwest, St. Louis, MO. Joe relocated to Santa Monica, CA in 2003 and started working for FOX Sports Regional News. He found connections in Los Angeles and was a freelance cameraman for ESPN, TruTV ( Jodi Arias Trial), TLC, MTV, Music Minute Videos and Los Angeles sports news stations for 18 years.

Joe stayed in contact with his childhood friends; Brian Cook, Jake Straus, Jamie Pacheco and Marcus Newson. With sports being his passion, he had a spirited commentary while watching sports with his homeboys along with many friends from all over the country. Some participated with him by yelling, cussing, criticizing, analyzing and cheering for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, KU basketball- “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” and the Kansas City Royals.

Joe was known for his kindness, wisdom and having a big heart. He never met a stranger. He loved traveling with family, friends and for work. He had laughable memories playing cards and visiting new places.  Lets not forget the talent of his keen eyes and ability to capturing those moments which bring our memories to life. 

 Joe entered the Immunotherapy, also known as T-cell transfer therapy trial at University of Kansas Medical Center. He was the first melanoma patient at KU Medical Center to be treated with T-Cell transfer therapy. Thank you, Dr. Doolittle and Dr. Powers.

Uncle Joe enjoyed Maddy visiting him in Santa Monica, CA and watching her play softball when he came into town to celebrate the three birthdays- Nanny, 16th, Maddy, 19th and Joe, 23rd of July. He had a special bond with Summer and enjoyed listening to her musical videos.  Joe's longing for a dog came from his soul even though he was not a owner but when he needed a hand he always found a paw to hold. 

He became Coach Joe for the Blue Valley Tigers Football team in 2021. He was awarded the KCFC 2023 Football Sportsmanship Award Blue Valley 6th grade tackle. He fostered a sense of teamwork. He showed compassion, kept a positive outlook and was an enthusiastic, supportive coach with a high emotional connection with his players.

 Visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 1:00pm proceeded by 1:00pm mass at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 2 E. 75th Street, Kansas City, MO on Saturday, August 10, 2024  Live stream on You Tube: St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School, Green Clover emblem, 12:00 pm Visitation and Eulogy and 1:00 pm Requiem Mass. 

https://www.youtube.com/@st.elizabethcatholicchurch6118

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kansascityfuneral.net