09/12/2026
HAROLD RIDEAU ⚜️⚜️⚜️
On the 80th birthday of a grand family patriarch, Harold “Bud” Rideau, we want to recognize his heritage and contributions to the community. He is a descendant of Dupre, Goudeau, Lacour, Metoyer, and Rideau ancestors (and more!). Prayers for many happy, healthy years ahead as you share history, heritage, faith, and wisdom to all ready to listen. God Bless You!
ABOUT HAROLD RIDEAU:
Harold M. Rideau is a man that has lifelong ties to the Goudeau (Avoyelles parish) community. He was born in his Grandfather's home September 12 1946. He started school in a two-room schoolhouse in Goudeau before transferring to Bunkie Colored High School. He attended St. Anthony Catholic School in Cottonport from 5th to 8th grade. He graduated from Carver High School in 1964. He graduated from Southern University and A&M College in 1968, with a degree in Business Management and a Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He also received a Master's Degree in Communication and Instructional Technology from Southern in 1977. He is a Vietnam Veteran where he managed Field Wire Proiects in 3rd and 4th Corp in the Republic of South Vietnam. He was awarded the Army Accommodation Metal and the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam. He also served in the 769th Engineering Battalion as Company Commander, Battalion Maintenance Officer, and Battalion Supply Officer.
He retired from ExxonMobil with thirty-five years of service in June 2004 as a Certified Vibration Specialist III, Acoustic, Oil and Stress Analyst in the Engineering Department. Over the course on his career with ExxonMobil He moved from Operation, Mechanical, Instrument and Electrical Departments. He was involved in unit startups and supervised projects. He taught "Introductory Vibration Analysis and Advance Vibration Analysis" classes at Southern from 1989 to 1999. In both courses, emphasis was placed on analysis, documentation, communication and failure analysis. He worked on a joint research project with Southern University and Alexandria University in Egypt titled: "The Effects of Vibration on Rotating Machinery Energy Usage." The article was published, and he also presented the paper at a seminar in Shenzhen, China.
He was elected in 2004 and served as Mayor for three terms, and served in an executive capacity, supervising and directing the operations of all departments of City Government while enforcing applicable Louisiana State Laws, the City Charter, and City Ordinances. He prepared and submitted to the Baker City Council pay plan, operations, and capital budgets annually. As Mayor, he executed all contracts, agreements, instruments or debts that the city was obligated to pay.
He did over 12 million dollars of Capital outlay projects to include a state-of-the-art fire station alone with Veteran Plaza, gazebo, and playground, working with "Kids Around the World," at no cost to the taxpayers.
He was a registered leader with Istroma Area Council Boy Scouts of America for 24 years serving on the district board, Tiger Cub Den Leader, Troop Committee Chairperson, and Scout master. Over the years, he was able to provide numerous merit badge counseling for the boys to earn their Eagle Scout Rank.
He received the prestigious "ExxonMobil Presidential Community Service Award" for projects that enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of north Baton Rouge in 1993, 1999 and 2002. He received the YMCA Black Achieves Award in 1996-97.
Harold has been married to Juanita Richard Rideau of Opelousas, LA for over 55 years. They have four children: Daughter Alecia M. Rideau, M.D., and three sons Lieutenant Colonel Alphonse T. Rideau, Kyle A. Rideau, and Harold Jacob Rideau, ESQ. They are the proud grandparents of Mariah, Abbie, and Noah Rideau.
c/o. HMG
