Dr. Richard Jack Hidalgo

Richard Jack Hidalgo, DVM, MS, PhD, age 87, of Opelousas, Louisiana, passed away on March 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. A native of Opelousas, he was the son of the late Horace M. Hidalgo and Jane Richard Hidalgo.

Richard began his academic career at Texas A&M University, where he served on the faculty for eleven years and attained the rank of Professor. He then moved to Mississippi State University, where he played a key role in founding the new College of Veterinary Medicine. Over eight years at MSU, he served as Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, Director of Research for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and in other administrative roles. In 1985, he joined Louisiana State University as Associate Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. During his twenty years at LSU, he also served as Director of Computer Resources while contributing to numerous administrative positions across the school and university. Throughout his distinguished career, he conducted research, published books and scientific papers on animal diseases, and served on many state and national committees.

In retirement, Richard remained active in the Rotary Club of Opelousas Sunrise, the St. Landry Crimestoppers, the St. Landry Parish Cattleman Association, and the Lafayette Cattleman Association.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Sherry Ann Hidalgo; his sons, David Wayne Hidalgo and his wife, Patricia, and Donald Lance Hidalgo and his wife, Nicole; his daughters, Elaina Marie LeBlanc and her husband, Brent, and Jill Suzanne Thibodeaux and her husband, Mark; his grandchildren, Caitlin, Connor, Logan, Hunter (Sidney), Hailey (Jacob), Cole, and Hanley; two great-grandchildren, James and Dottie Jane; his sister, Ivy Lou Fontenot; four nieces and nephews; and a host of other beloved family members.