Gerald Dale Harding

September 6, 2024, at home with his loving wife, Kris, by his side. Despite an almost 20-year

battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he never lost his sense of humor and gentle heart, finding ways

to connect with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren even when words became hard to find.

Fondly known to friends and family by his middle name, Dale was born on November 30, 1948.

He grew up in a house built by his father on Sycamore St. in Baton Rouge and was an Eagle

Scout. He graduated from Istrouma High School in 1966 and was a Nawaganti Indian dancer

there. During the Vietnam War, Dale joined the Naval Reserve and served as a Hospital

Corpsman stationed in Japan. While there, he made the trek to the top of Mt. Fuji. After

returning from deployment, Dale resumed working for Exxon, completing two apprenticeships.

Starting first at the Refinery and then later at the Chemical plant as an analyzer technician,

Dale’s career with Exxon spanned over 35 years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing

with his brothers and backpacking in the Collegiate Peaks backcountry in Colorado with friends

and family. As a self-taught guitarist, Dale found music a source of expression. Church, his faith,

and the community that came with attending St. John’s UMC were important parts of Dale’s life

for many years. He served on the trustees' committee for many years, was in the praise band,

sang in the choir, both services every Sunday, and especially loved to sing in the sunrise service

on Easter. He accompanied the St. John’s youth group on the Appalachian Service Project

several times and always found meaning and joy in the experience. He was a simple and

straightforward man with a big heart who will be missed by all who knew him. Dale’s loving spirit

is carried on by his wife of 50 years, Kristen, his two daughters, Jennifer Harding (Ben Owens)

and Meghan (Chris) Audler, and three grandchildren, Wyatt Audler, Hayes Audler, and Atticus

Owens. Dale leaves behind two brothers, Cliff (Connie) Harding; their daughters Alicia (James)

Jarreau and Cathy (Todd) Jackson, and David Harding; his children Ryan Harding, Erin Harding

(Candace O’Brien), and Mattie Harding and their mother Debbie Stout-Harding. He was

preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Martha Jean Harding. The family would like to

extend special appreciation to his caregivers, Nakesha, Sime, and Demetric, for their patience,

compassion, and good humor, as well as to the Hospice of Baton Rouge staff. A celebration of

life will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 2 pm-4 pm, at the LSU Arboretum. In

lieu of flowers, please make a tribute donation in his name towards finding a cure for

Parkinson’s Disease at www.Parkinsons.org