Donald Ray Harelson, a native of Baton Rouge and resident of Gonzales, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the age of 79. Donald Ray was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family and telling stories. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Donald Ray is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Waguespack Harelson; sons, Wade Harelson and wife, Catherine, Jody Harelson and wife, Raven, Glen Harelson, Gary Harelson and wife, Missy; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan, Jacob, Chase, and Kyle Harelson; step-grandchildren, Devin and Derek Acaldo, and Brandi Bollinger; great-grandchild, Emmalynn Harelson; sister, Delores Wheat, and numerous nieces and nephews. Donald Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eunice Harelson; In-laws, Clarence and Patricia Waguespack; brother-in-law, Bobby Wheat. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 17, 2017 at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church from 8 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10am celebrated by Fr. Eric Gyan. Interment will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory in Baton Rouge. Jonathan, Jacob, Chase and Kyle Harelson , Jay Lanoux, Randy Porter, Devin Acaldo and Keith Wheat will serve as pallbearers. Memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Hospice The Carpenter House of Baton Rouge. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com . Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales is in charge of arrangements.
Published in TheAdvocate.com from July 15 to July 17, 2017
