Roy E. Conrardy

Roy Eugene Conrardy of Olathe, KS, passed away on February 22 nd at the age of 81. With family by his side, Roy peacefully joined the Lord after battling cancer and the complications that followed.

Born to parents Bernard and Louise in dusty Dodge City, KS, Roy was the third of five children.   He was raised on a farm and learned the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. He managed to balance chores with healthy doses of mischief and innocent troublemaking. Blonde-haired and perpetually tanned from hours in the field, Roy was an athletic student and excelled at sports at Stratton High School.

Roy furthered his education at St. Mary’s of the Plains and earned a business degree. After college, he taught business, typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping at Bishop Lillis High School in Kansas City, MO, as well as coached boys’ basketball team. Although he was a strict disciplinarian and demanded accountability as an educator, Roy was respected and liked by his students.

One such student caught his attention after her senior year. Brenda and Roy started dating and quickly became sweethearts. They tied the knot on June 7th, 1969, and maintained a loving marriage for an incredible 55 years and never missed a day without an “I love you”. They excitedly started their lives together in their first home in Independence, Missouri.

Roy had a knack for numbers and decided to forego teaching and went to work in accounting for various companies over the years. As his professional career began to grow, so too, did his family. Roy and Brenda brought three special girls into their home. When Roy wasn’t doting on his daughters, he could be found on the fairways mastering his game; he played golf into his 81st year.

As a father, Roy was a stern disciplinarian but was tender and playful. He had high expectations for his girls and instilled in them that love was better than hate. He taught them the value of money but wouldn’t hesitate to wager a dollar on family road trip games. His girls were eager to share their accomplishments with him and he was eager to share how proud he was of them. Roy was a father-figure to their friends and was always present when they needed him to be

Roy was active in the Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for countless events and eagerly helped when asked. He exhibited selflessness with a sincere giving spirit and was always happy to help whoever, whenever. His love of God and willingness to serve others was a hallmark throughout his life.

In his twilight years, Roy became a proud grandfather. Affectionately known as “Papa”, he spoiled his seven grandchildren with love and adoration. He was supportive and ornery, quick to brag on them and just as quick to tease. He loved to hear about their accomplishments, watch them play or perform, and even wagered those same dollars on silly games.

Through his adulthood, Roy made a lasting impression on those that knew him. With broad shoulders, calloused hands, and a 6’2” frame, he was often a man of few words but was quick to smile and laugh. He was honest. He was fair. He was kind. This kindness was experienced by those that knew him intimately or by the waiter that received a generous tip. His sweet tooth was legendary, his compassion contagious, and competitiveness over card games, endearing.

He provided 81 years of amazing memories to those that knew him: he sang “Delta Dawn” on pop-up camper road trips, bowled with Brenda, did tax returns as favors, watched hours of sports, drove the back farm roads of Colorado with Sandy, cried during sad movies, always cleaned his plate at meals, mowed the neighbor’s yard, paid his bills early, made Amber change her own tires, cut in line at the family buffet, loved his in-laws, shared his money, chased Tara up the stairs as a kid, avoided heights, and was never late to anything. He cared deeply and always tried to do right for people. He will be profoundly missed but his spirit will endure.

Roy was preceded in death by his sister Anita, brother Dale, and grandson Patrick. He is survived by his sister Janice Anderson, brother Galen (Judy), wife Brenda, daughters Sandy (Larry) Parks, Amber (Jay) Bright, Tara (Brett) Payton, son Mike (Phyllis) Schmidt, grandchildren Cooper, Kylee, Gavin, Kate, Henry, Jack, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6th at 10:00 am – 10:45 am. The rosary service will follow from 10:45 am – 11:00 am. Mass will be from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. The committal service will immediately follow mass for family only (immediate and extended). All services will take place at St. Paul Catholic Church, 21650 W 115th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66061.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the St. Paul Catholic Church Capital Campaign for construction of their new church: https://www.spcatholic.org/capital-campaign