Ronald Joseph Hernandez, 74, of St. Amant passed away on Sept. 24, 2016, after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

A native of LaPlace and 1959 graduate of Leon Godchaux High School (Reserve), he received a B.S. degree from Louisiana State University and an M.S. degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Ronald was described as a “powerhouse athlete” in track and field, football and weight lifting.

He won 45 first places and placed in numerous indoor and outdoor meet competitions. From 1962 to 1964, he earned two SEC discus championships and three shot put championships, the only LSU athlete to earn this distinction.

He was also the only LSU athlete in history to possess 3 SEC Championships in Shot/Discus events in the same year (1963), 1 indoor shotput and 2 in outdoor discus and shotput.

He held the SEC shot put record for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn (Laiche) Hernandez, and his mother, Anitha M. Keating Holmes.

Ronald is survived by his sons, Aaron Hernandez (Melissa Losch) and Jesse Hernandez (Gretchen Fuentes,) and his granddaughter, Brooke Carolyn Hernandez.

He will be sadly missed by his siblings and their families: Sylvia Hernandez Brady (late Milton Brady), Walter Hernandez (Sunny), Walter Holmes (Nan), Suzanne Holmes Mastainich (George) and Thomas Holmes (Cathy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Team Gleason and the ALS Association for their support and assistance, particularly after the recent flooding of his home.

Ronald chose to donate his remains to LSU for research.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ronald J. Hernandez will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at Petra’s Restaurant, 1036 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to Team Gleason to further assist research and support for ALS patients.