Thomas Edward Conrad, 61, of Edwardsburg, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at his home unexpectedly, from natural causes.

He was born May 2, 1949 in Niles, the youngest child of Clarence Edward and Marguarite Irene (Shafer) Conrad. He graduated from Western Michigan University and the University of Notre Dame, and was a former professor at Southwestern Michigan University in Dowagiac.

He lived on the family farm on Conrad Road all his life. The Conrad Road was named for the family many years ago. He served his country in the United States Army and he was a member of the Notre Dame Club.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley (Leo) Kirsch of Niles, and four of Shirley’s children, Pamela Ann, Tamara, Becky and Stephen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister, Margaret Ann Conrad.

Cremation will take place and cremains will be interred at Adamsville Cemetery in the spring of 2011, when a graveside memorial will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard. This will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.