Oscar Hernandez

Oscar Saurage Hernandez, 97, passed away at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at his home in Watson, where he had lived since 1995. He was born In Baton Rouge on Dec. 17, 1912, to Edward King and Olive G. Saurage Hernandez. He retired in 1966 from the Baton Rouge Fire Department, where he held the position of administrative assistant to the fire chief for 30 years. He was a lifelong member of the Louisiana Firefighters Association. He was a graduate of Catholic High School and salutatorian, Class of 1930. He was the last surviving member of the class. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living CHS graduate. He graduated from Baton Rouge Business College. He pitched for a semi-pro baseball team and was an ardent fan of Major League and LSU baseball. He also enjoyed playing tennis and watching college and pro football. In the 1930s, he coached a basketball team which included a future senator, Russell Long. Music was a favorite hobby and he played saxophone, clarinet and piano. As a young man, he organized an orchestra that played for area dances. In 1936, he married Leona Aucoin, who preceded him in death. Survivors include a daughter, Constance H. Champagne and husband Larry, Sugar Land, Texas, and son, Robert J. Hernandez and wife Dorothy, Watson. He is also survived by a half-brother, Edward K. Hernandez Jr., Walker; six grandchildren, Bambi, Brian and Mark Hernandez, Lisa Champagne, New Orleans, Suzanne Champagne-Anderson and husband Steve, Dallas, and Beau Champagne and wife Patricia, Houston; three stepgrandchildren, Rick Ladnier and wife Matilde, Houston, John Ladnier and wife Trish, Ponchatoula, and Russ Ladnier and wife Vanessa, Lafayette; eight great-grandchildren, Megan, Luisa, Jaden, Baylor, Ollie, Delaney, Ryan and Dillon. Also a sister-in law, Mary Lee Rodriquez, Mandeville, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Julia Mae Nelson and Olympe "Noonie" Cortelloni; stepmother, Stella Langlois Hernandez; and granddaughter, Shawn Leigh Hernandez. The family wishes to thank Life Source Hospice personnel for their attention and care with special thanks to his nurse, Cheri Richard, and aide, Christy Going. We really appreciate the kindness and loving care they showed our father during this time. The family also wishes to thank the employees of Sunrise Assisted Living on Jefferson Highway for their care while Oscar was a resident there prior to returning home to hospice care. Services will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, where Oscar began his Catholic life as an altar boy more than 85 years ago. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Thursday, Aug 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. until funeral Mass at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Monsignor Robert Berggreen, celebrant. Interment in Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Catholic High School or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.