Lawrence Joseph Ernst

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Shelly Olivia Blake Ernst, and their five children: Kristopher L. Ernst, Gregory L. Ernst (Stacy), Lawrie Ernst McConnell (Ray), Philip L. Ernst, and Julie Ann Ernst (Richard); eleven grandchildren, Marissa (Sean), Reid, Daniel, Elizabeth (Clayton), Sophie (Brett), Colette, Luke, Annelise, Josef, William, and Richard; four great-grandchildren, Catherine, Riley, Joseph, and Winifred; one brother, Carl (Linda); his sister-in-law, Leni; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph Henry Ernst and Amelda Manzella Ernst; his mother-in-law, Martha Hoffman Blake; and brothers, Adolph, Weldon, and Bobby.

Lawrence was educated by the Christian Brothers, starting at St. Paul’s in Covington then graduating from De La Salle in New Orleans. He attended college at Tulane University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. While at Tulane, he participated in the ROTC program, and upon graduation in 1958 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Lawrence went on to graduate from Tulane School of Law in 1961 and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. He then entered active duty and served in various locations as adjutant to a transportation battalion until 1963.

Following military service, Lawrence joined the law firm of Christovich & Kearney, where he practiced until retiring in 2012. As a civil defense attorney, he successfully tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts across Louisiana, especially in the areas of maritime, products liability, and railway law. He was an active member of the Federation of Insurance Counsel, and he regularly contributed articles and presented legal updates for continuing legal education. Throughout his legal career, he enjoyed mentoring younger attorneys and sharing his love for the practice of law. In 2009 he was honored to be among those who received the Camille F. Gravel, Jr. Pro Bono Award from the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, in recognition of his postconviction representation that resulted in vacating the death sentence of his client.

Lawrence also devoted substantial time and energy to sustaining and strengthening the family business, eventually developing Lakewood Plaza in Metairie and serving for many years as the corporation’s manager.

Lawrence was a devout Catholic, who cherished his faith, and he found joy in serving others. Both professionally and personally, he exhibited a boundless energy and a selfless nature. He loved his country, but his greatest love was always his family. Shelly was the love of his life, and together they shared an enduring romance that was special to behold to the end.

Lawrence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, love, and integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 in the Lake Lawn Chapel. Interment will be at Metairie Cemetery.

Donations in Lawrence’s memory may be made to the Br. Gale Condit, FSC Scholarship Fund (for low-income students attending Lasallian Schools in the New Orleans area) or Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation (for care of elderly Brothers), 4401 Redwood Road, Napa, California, 94558.