Eric M. Gelarden, 39, of Owensboro, passed away on June 14, 2025. He was born, on October 04, 1985, to Patrick Lee Gelarden and Louanne Seibert.
Eric’s greatest joy in life was his daughter, Lanah Kay, whom he adored and loved deeply. He also found great joy in the outdoors, whether hunting in the woods or casting a line by the water’s edge, and spending time with his dog, Smokey. He also found peace in nature; drawn to the quiet simplicity it offered and the sense of calm it brought him. A true sports enthusiast, he proudly cheered on the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed collecting baseball cards—a hobby that reflected both his love for the game and his appreciation for its history.
Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents, Linda Schneider, Bert (Kay) Seibert, and Merl and Irene Gelarden, and his uncle, David Justice.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Lanah Kay Gelarden; his parents, Patrick Lee Gelarden (Sheila Neyenhaus) and Louanne Seibert (Sal Owens); his sister, Emily (Brad) Kleaving; his aunt, Mary Justice; his niece, Ella Kleaving; his nephew, Noah Kleaving; his cousin, Merek Justice; his friend and mother of his daughter, Lindsay Forsythe; his beloved canine companion, Smokey, and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. A memorial meal will follow services at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and again on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow the memorial meal at Greenwood Cemetery in Tell City, Indiana.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made payable to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at 199 Water St, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 304 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY 40222.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Eric M. Gelarden’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Gelarden and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.