Conrad Wilson

Conrad Ray Wilson, 82, of Hot Springs passed away Monday, October 15, 2012. He was born August 30, 1930 to the late Barney & Pauline Wilson in Houston, Texas. Conrad was born with a natural musical talent. He found a bugle when he was 11 years old. He was the only kid on the block who could make a sound on it and ever since has been entertaining audiences with his extraordinary talent and musical abilities. When his father bought him a trumpet he joined the junior high school band and later became proficient enough to join the high school band. His passion for jazz music often led him to sneak in or around clubs such as the Plantation Club in his home town of Houston. While hiding in the bushes to hear his heroes, he was too young to be allowed inside but his ears heard lessons he would later apply to his own performance. His opportunities opened up when he joined the Air Force and was stationed with the 541st Air Force band in Chandler, Arizona and played with the Arizona State College band. After the Air Force Conrad attended the University of Houston performing in the College band and the Houston Symphony. His talent was recognized by many of the traveling big bands and he was offered a position that led him to many cities across the country and performances with Patti Page, Bob Hope, Liberace, McGuire Sisters, Rosemary Clooney and many others. He was the lead player in the trumpet section of the Stardust Big Band as well as a performer with many of the combos in Arkansas. Conrad was nominated to the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame, was a lifetime member of the ELKS Lodge and Owner & Operator of Crawford Pharmacy for 35 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Susan Wilson; one granddaughter, Susan Stough and one great grandson, Ben Fields. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Melanie Wilson; six daughters, Jan Whisenhunt (Jim), Mel Mika (Mike), Lyn Harrison (Barry), Gay King (Derek), Kay Roberts (Bob), Kim Dudley (David); one son, Ray Wilson (Vicki); seventeen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 PM Wednesday at St. John’s Catholic Church. Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Bill Elser officiating. Pallbearers are his Grandsons, Adam Hunter, Jake Whisenhunt, Jon-David Dudley, Evan Button, Kyle Stough, Jeb Roberts and Will Dudley. Honorary Pallbearers are Paul Bosson, Tom Ross, Al Wells, Donnie Keck, Jack Keck, Eddie Wethington, Charlie Wilson, Woody Simmons, Dick Kelley and Members of the Stardust Jazz Band. Special thanks to Dr Martin Koehn & Staff of Arkansas Hospice, Mercy Hospital Staff of 3rd floor West and Devin Williams. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic School.