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

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard Jack Hidalgo, DVM, MS, PhD will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith DeRouen will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park.

Visitation for Richard will be held at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Rosary service will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will re-open on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The pallbearers will be Hunter Thibodeaux, Connor Hidalgo, Cole Hidalgo, Logan LeBlanc, Carl Fontenot and Chuck Fontenot.

Richard began his academic career at Texas A&M University where he served on the faculty for 11 years and attained the rank of Professor. He then moved to Mississippi State University where he assisted in founding the new College of Veterinary Medicine. During the eight years he served at MSU, he held the positions as Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, Director of Research of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and other administrative positions. He moved to Louisiana State University in 1985 as Associate Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. In twenty years at LSU, he also served in the position of Director of Computer Resources and other administrative positions in the school and university. During his academic career, Richard conducted research and published books and scientific publications on various animal diseases and served on numerous state and national committees.

In retirement, Richard was involved with the Rotary Club of Opelousas Sunrise, the St. Landry Crimestoppers, the St. Landry Parish Cattleman Association and the Lafayette Cattleman Association.

Richard 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 daughter, 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; 2 great-grandchildren, James and Dottie Jane; his sister, Ivy Lou Fontenot; his four nieces and nephews; and a host of other beloved family members.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.