Larry Wayne Harding Sr.

Larry came to St. Mary Parish in 1968 from Lincoln, Maine. Though Louisiana became his home, Maine always held a special place in his heart—especially the memory of his departed loved ones. His time there inspired him to start Harding’s Canoe and Kayak Rentals, where he became a familiar and friendly face at Lake End Park. A machinist by trade, Larry worked for Cameron Ironworks, Precision Services, and General Oilfield until a major back injury changed his path. He later spent many years with Vinson Guard Services, including several years at Cabot Corporation, where he eventually retired. Larry loved meeting new people and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome; he truly never met a stranger.

Larry will be remembered as a caring and devoted husband—an answer to his wife’s childhood prayers—and a loving father who took a genuine interest in his children’s lives. A "favorite" father-in-law, Larry treated his daughter-in-law as his own. He was a protective and devoted brother, a playful brother-in-law who treated his sisters-in-law as his own, and a fair and funny grandfather who loved all his grandchildren equally. He was a cherished father-in-law, a loving uncle and father figure to his nieces and nephews, and a loyal, generous friend who always put others first. Above all, Larry loved the Lord and never hesitated to share his faith, encouraging others to place their trust in God. He treasured time with his church family and beloved pastor at Baldwin Church, where he regularly attended services. Larry was studying in his spare time to become a minister himself.

Although we know his absence is only temporary, those left to miss his presence are his adoring wife of 55 years, Daria Verrett Harding; his daughter, Johannah Beth; his son, Larry Harding Jr. and spouse, Melanie; his dog, Joshua; his four grandchildren, Abigail Harding, Zoey Harding, Kimberly Scott, and Kenneth Scott III; his sister, Dena Rusak and spouse, Bruce; step brother, Clayton Stockley; his sister-in-laws, Vernie Bayles and family friend, James Rudolph, Veronica Linn, Julia Burchell and companion, Leo Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including his nephew, Kelly Linn who looked to him as a father figure.

He was reunited in heaven with his six children; his parents, Myron and Joyce Harding; his mother, Jeanette Harding; his step mother, Muriel Biefield; his sister, Laurie Olsen Bennett; and his sister-in-law, Kathleen Bowman.

The family requests that a time of visitation be observed on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 11:00am until time of services which will begin at 12noon at Hargrave Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Fitch and Daria Harding officiating. Following services, Larry will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to assist in cemetery expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.