Uvaldo Herrera, 56, Bloomington, died Sunday (Aug. 21, 2011) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Uvaldo was born July 19, 1955, in Los Pinos, Durango, Mexico, son of David and Rosalina Lopez Herrera. He came to the United States with his family when he was 11 years old, speaking only Spanish. With no official assistance in place, he mastered the English language and went on to complete high school. He obtained his bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Illinois in 1981, and obtained his juris doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law in 1988.

He began working at State Farm Insurance Cos. in March 1981 in a number of positions, working in auto claims, corporate law, and most recently, the Multicultural Business Development Group.

He gave of his time and talents throughout his life. He served as a member of the District 87 School Board and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2009. He served as a member of the board of directors of the United Way of McLean County, a member of the board at the Western Avenue Community Center, a member of the board of the National Association of Hispanic Appointed and Elected Officials, National Council of La Raza, National Hispanic Corporate Council, and was a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association. He served for over a decade, with distinction, on the board of governors of the Hispanic National Bar and was elected vice president of programs. He also served as the Hispanic National Bar’s general counsel. In recognition of Uvaldo’s leadership, dedication and service to law students and the law, the Hispanic National Bar Association named its celebrated national moot court competition after Uvaldo, calling it the Uvaldo Herrera National Moot Court Competition.

Jimmie Reyna, a former president of the Hispanic National Bar Association and current circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. noted, “With Uvaldo’s passing, we who had the privilege of working with him have lost a dear friend; the legal profession has lost a great leader; and America has lost a contributor whose positive influence will endure beyond generations to come.” Uvaldo was well-known for his clever wit, calm demeanor, and gentle and powerful inner strength. His devotion to his family, dedication to serving his community, and his passion for life will leave a spirit that lives on in those who knew and loved him.

Uvaldo is survived by his wife, Tasha, of 10 years; their daughter, Isabela; and his two sons, Brent, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Bre, Los Angeles, Calif. Other survivors include his father, David Herrera, Chicago; three sisters, Etelvina Herrera, Odila (Jaime) Suarez and Clementina Herrera, all of Chicago; and two brothers, Jesus “Chuy” (Lupe) Herrera, Chicago, and David (Vivianne) Herrera, Hollywood Beach, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalina Lopez, and his sister, Rosita Herrera.

Memorials may be made to District 87 Promise Council or Illinois Cancer Care Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiblersmith.com.