David William Van Gelder Jr.

David couldn’t wait to get here, so he arrived nearly two months early, on March 23, 1952. He grew up in Baton Rouge, lived in Omaha, NB and Miami Beach, FL, before returning home. And he left us too early.

He was a business owner and old-fashioned merchant. He owned Dearman’s and was dedicated to its sixty plus years as a community institution. A frequent diner once said, “David was a friend, a mentor and sometimes a counselor to generations of faithful Dearman’s customers who came for much more than a burger.” Watches were his hobby and he spent years traveling to watch shows and building lasting friendships. He researched, purchased, and sold watches through his other company, Perpetual Time.

David was a brother and a sweetheart. He was ornery, opinionated, and sensitive. He possessed a heart of gold that was often hidden. Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was almost forty years of sobriety. He proudly served on the board of O’Brien House and helped many others with addiction challenges.

David was predeceased by wonderful parents, (Frances and Dr. David) Van Gelder. He is survived by his sister, Adrienne Moore (Jim) and dear family friends, Brian and Wendie Zganjar. Special appreciation to Lindsey Spiller, David’s lifelong friend, Jennifer Eplett Reilly, who was more like a sister than a friend, and Drs. Michael Barraza, Kelly Boussert, Barrett Johnston, and Mark Kantrow, and Hospice of Baton Rouge. At David’s request, there will be no funeral service. Instead, please take a moment right now, to look around and enjoy the beauty in your world. If you would like to honor David, please consider Hospice of Baton Rouge or an organization doing good work.