In Memoriam: Gerald Sides

    A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, and a resident and native of Central, LA, he passed peacefully into his eternal home on Friday, October 17, 2014. He was 87. He was formerly an employee of Copolymer, but resigned his position when his children began playing sports. He often joked that he wouldn't make much money, but he would see a lot of ball games. He went on to be a realtor/developer with Sides Realty, and sold and developed properties throughout the Central community. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a past WM of the Central Masonic Lodge No. 442, and one of the original charter members of Central Private School. He never met a stranger. He had a gift of meeting and easily relating to people everywhere he went. He used this gift as a worship service greeter and in his visitation ministry at Zoar Baptist Church, with his passion being that of visiting shut-ins. He also had a life-long heart for missions, which included providing housing for 2 families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Along with his wife of 62 years, and a faithful group of travel friends, he was able to visit every state capitol, with the exception of Boise, Idaho. He spent many hours telling stories and playing cards with friends and family. He had a quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed the sound of laughter, especially with family. 
    He is lovingly survived by two sons, Gary Sides and wife Gail, and Ken Sides and wife Darlene; one daughter, Kay Sides Greely and husband Jason, all of Central; seven grandchildren, Damon Sides, Amie Sides Cahill and husband Ben, Christie Sides, Brandon Greely and wife Holly, Karen Sides, Alicia Greely Hart and husband Jason, and Joshua Sides; ten great-grandchildren, Kyra and Annalyse Greely, Hayden and Addyson Moore, Kyler, Gracelyn, Dawson and Cooper Hart, and Emerson and Caleb Cahill; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his faithful and loving wife, Nita Evelyn Hodgeson Sides; his parents Alvin L. Sides and Nettie Craig Sides; and his brother Benton Sides.
    Visitation was at Zoar Baptist Church Sunday, October 19, and Monday, October 20, conducted by Bro. Glen Miers. Pallbearers were Damon Sides, Brandon Greely, Joshua Sides, Hayden Moore, Ben Cahill, Jason Hart, and Steve Raborn. The family would like to extend gratitude to Drs. Yakimova, Bonner, and Luikhart for their compassionate care, as well as the staff at Baton Rouge General at Bluebonnet. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Zoar Baptist Church Missions Fund. Funeral Arrangements by Church Funeral Services of Walker (225) 271-4574.