Wichita Falls and surrounding communities have lost a great man.  Theron Conrad Staley passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness Wednesday July 5, 2023.  Staley was born January 19, 1935, in Vernon, Texas.  Following his graduation from Vernon High School, he attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he studied architecture.  He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and moved to Wichita Falls to join the firm of Dixon and Dixon whose work he respected.  Wichita Falls has been his home for more than seventy years.  During that time, he has been a devoutly religious family man, an influential community leader as well as the consummate professional.

Moving to Wichita Falls with his wife and best friend Janis Sue Connor whom he married December 25, 1953, they began a family and made Sacred Heart Catholic Church their religious center.  They had two sons and felt Wichita Falls was a great place to raise a family.  Furthermore, it proved to be the perfect place to begin his career.  He chose the Dixon and Dixon architectural firm since he admired the work the elder Dixon had done.  Furthermore, he felt fortunate to be able to learn under such a gifted designer.  Staley volunteered and coached all three levels of little league sports.   This included baseball, basketball, and football.  Still today the young men and their families refer to him as "Coach".

He was an active member and leader of his community. He proudly served on the MHMR Board for twelve years, the Helen Farabee Board for sixteen years as well as the YMCA Board for four years.  Staley enjoyed his time with Rotary International as well as the community group known as the Mavericks.  He believed in the works of these organizations and stepped forward to lead the community in each of the missions.

Staley, the consummate professional, paid attention to every detail in his projects.  As his career progressed, the Dixon and Dixon firm changed.  With the retirement of the elder Dixon, the firm was named Dixon and Staley.  Forward a few years and it became Conrad Staley and Associates followed by Staley, Baker, Munson Architects. Along with the architectural firm, Staley created CAGE Construction Company and served as its president.  Throughout the years, Staley designed many office buildings, hospitals, medical offices, fire stations, as well as schools all over Texas.  Several court houses originally designed by the elder Dixon were renovated by Staley, including those in Montague and Midland Counties to name a few. The MPEC Exhibition Hall was designed by his firm.  However, his creative and most personal project was the renovation and addition of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  The church's beauty and reverence instill pride in its worshippers.

Many people have said, "Conrad Staley was the best architect in Texas."  His legacy will live on in the community and around the state.

Staley is preceded in death by his son Theron Charles (Chuck) Staley in addition to his parents Theron Clarence Staley and Willie Nancy Thompson Staley.  Others include brothers-in-law Allan Houston Brookshire and James Argus Connor, Jr. as well as uncle, Charlie Merle Staley and aunt, Fleta Gwendolyn Staley Hawk and nephew David Allan Brookshire.

He is survived by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of almost seventy years Janis Sue Connor Staley as well as his devoted son James Christopher Staley.  Others include his sister Joy Camille Staley Brookshire and sisters-in-law Mary Eleanor Connor Climes as well as Trudy Beth Connor Haub and husband Tom.  Staley was blessed  by many cousins, nieces and nephews from around the country.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.  Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00 at the funeral home. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The Rosary will begin promptly at 1:20 p.m.  The funeral itself will begin at 2:00 p.m.  Father Joseph Moreno will lead both.  Burial will be Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the family plot at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon, Texas with Deacon David Bindel presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund.