Donald Charles Soday, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Charles Soday Jr., known to just about everyone as “Chuck.” He passed away on April 8, 2026, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans after a courageous battle with cancer with his wife Dana by his side. He was 75 years old, born on December 24, 1950, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana—a Christmas Eve gift to the world.

Chuck was many things: a veteran, an electrician, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a motorcycle enthusiast, a Pink Floyd fan, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electrician from 1969 to 1975, and that sense of duty and adventure never left him. After his service, he built a long and remarkable career as an Industrial Electrician, taking his skills to some of the most extraordinary places on earth, from the South Pole to Iraq and everywhere in-between. He finally hung up his tools in 2019, though retirement certainly did not slow him down.

On December 2, 2006, Chuck married the love of his life, Dana Soday, whom he affectionately called "Gladys." Together they built a life full of laughter, travel, and good times, often through Chuck’s sarcasm and bantering of “Yes, dear” and “forever and ever.” While we would give anything to have him here, we find comfort in knowing he is 'running over the same old ground.' A devoted fan of Pink Floyd. Chuck lived life full of adventure traveling to different countries with his wife, Dana. If you were looking for Chuck on any given vacation, you could find him at the closest resort pool or planted on the beach with a white Russian in hand and not a care in the world. Out of all Chuck’s worldly travels, Jamaica, by far, was his favorite. He and Dana loved cruising together, especially with family. Chuck took particular pride in winning Carnival Cruise Line’s Trivia Night, landing his family first place in winning the notorious "ship on a stick" trophy. Chuck never met a puzzle he couldn’t solve or a trivia question he couldn’t answer.

Chuck was the kind of guy who showed up to any occasion in his "formal" attire: a Harley Davidson shirt with cut-off sleeves rocking a wallet chain while wearing combat boots. His custom Harley Davidson motorcycle was never far from his heart. That was Chuck, and we loved him for it. He was genuine to his core, honest, kindhearted, selfless, with endlessly compassion. He was known for his gentle spirit and heart of gold who possessed a warm and giving nature. When he was home, you could often find him watching CNN, Gun Smoke, and Big Bang Theory, or cheering on LSU and Saints football with everything he had.

Above all, Chuck adored his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dana Soday; his bonus daughters, Shaina LaCarbo, Nikki Schindelmeiser, and Lyndsey (Michael) Nguyen; his son, Christopher Soday; his father-in-law: George “Toot” DeArmond; his cherished grandchildren, Sutton James Schindelmeiser, Wiley Nguyen, and Archer Nguyen, who lovingly called him "Pop Pop"; as well a sister, Janie (Bill) Miller and a brother, Ken Soday. He was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Hortense Soday, brother Frank Soday, and his mother-in-law Gwendolyn M. DeArmond.

Chuck lived a full, adventurous, and deeply meaningful life. He traveled the world, served his country, loved his family fiercely, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who he was. The world is a little less bright without him in it, but his warmth and spirit will live on in every person he touched.

Burial services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Chapel Cemetery in Saint Amant on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Chuck to come together and celebrate a life well lived.

'How I wish, how I wish you were here.' -Pink Floyd