Gary Richard Haarala

Memorial services for Gary Richard Haarala will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Bro. Danny Lanier officiating.

Mr. Gary Richard Haarala, age 83, of Meridian passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Haarala was a graduate of the School of Forestry at Louisiana State University.  He served in the United States Army and retired from St. Regis Paper Company.  In earlier life, he attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed watching football, playing softball and tennis, as well as hunting and fishing.  He was “loved” by all who knew him.

Mr. Haarala is survived by his children, Marie Haarala, Karen Fears (Rusty), DeeDee Richardson (Doug), Shari Haarala, Laura Bosarge (Brian), Bo Haarala (J.J.), Ryan Haarala (Casey); his grandchildren, Cassie Brentnall, Rus Fears, Kelli Turbyfill, Hallie Harris, Dave Woods, Haze Bosarge, Ridge Haarala, Lauren Noe, Hamp, Holt, and Hudson Haarala, Kalen Mayatt, and Tyler Richardson; eight great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Jan Lockhart, Lydia Wilson, and Steven Haarala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Haarala, and a twin brother, John A. Haarala.

If desired, the family requests memorials be shared with Blair Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi or ASPCA.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. prior to service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertbarhamffh.com .