Former State Rep. Donald Ray Kennard of Central died early today. He was 73. LSU says Kennard died following complications from a brain aneurysm. Kennard served in the House from 1976 to 2008, when term limits barred him for running for another term. He was first elected as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party in 1995. Kennard earned a bachelor’s from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s in education from LSU. He was an academic adviser to LSU’s student athletes for more than 20 years and worked for the LSU Sports Radio Network. Kennard authored a “truth in sentencing” bill in 1996 that required those convicted of a violent crime to serve 85% of their prison term. Kennard is survived by his wife, Ramona “Mona” Norris, two children and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Kennard, former legislator, dead at 73
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