Donald L. Hernandez

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Leo the Great Church for Donald L. Hernandez, who passed away January 5, 2026 at his residence surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Father Kyle White, pastor of St. Leo the Great, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Lectors will be Josette Savoie and Jennie Banks; gift bearers will be his grandchildren, Shawn Kelly and Lindsey Newton. Jodi Bollich, organist and soloist, will perform "Here I Am, Lord", "To You, O Lord I Lift My Soul", "I Can Only Imagine", "One Bread, One Body", and "How Great Thou Art". Interment will follow Mass in Lafayette Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife, Maggie Hebert Hernandez of Lafayette; two daughters, Pamela Anne (Wesley) Rigsby of Carencro, and Katherine Hernandez of Lafayette; two grandchildren, Shawn Kelly and Lindsey Newton; and four great-grandchildren, Arabella Kelly, Lila Kelly, Thomas Newton, and Olly Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Bella Cormier Hernandez; second wife, Yvonne M. Hernandez; parents, Gussie and Adam Hernandez; and grandson, Jordan Kelly.

Donald was born and reared in Lafayette Parish, and lived in Lafayette for the majority of his life. He graduated from Carencro High School in 1956 before enlisting in the United States Air Force Reserves. In his career, Donald was a highly respected insurance salesman, working for American National Insurance before landing with State Farm for 27 years. He retired in 2003.

He was a member of the Life Underwriters Association for 49 years, having served as secretary and board member, the Sierra Club, and a longtime member of the Antique Car Club.

Donald was active in his Catholic faith. He served as a Eucharistic Minister in various parishes in the Diocese of Lafayette, and administered communion to patients at University Medical Center. He will be missed dearly by family, friends, and colleagues.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Kelly, Wesley Rigsby, Taylor Newton, Justin Ligon, Cory Cormier, and Toby Cormier.

The family requests that visitation be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and resume Wednesday morning at 8:00 am - 10:30 am. A rosary will be led by Father Tom Voorhies at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening.

The family extends special thanks to his caregivers, Jeanne Guidroz, Gertie Taylor, Deb Mire, Bonnie Usie, Albert Celestine, Sharon Castille, and Shantel Charles. Also a special thanks to Greg and Jena Walters.

Memorial contributions made be made in Donald's name to the Diocese of Lafayette / Serra Seminary Berst, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by scrolling to the guest book below.