Obituary

Mervin Etoy “Toye” Taylor, Jr.

August 24, 1954 – July 4, 2026 

Mervin Etoy “Toye” Taylor Jr., a beloved public servant, devoted educator, and lifelong champion for Washington Parish and the State of Louisiana, passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 71.Born on August 24, 1954, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, he was the son of Deborah Ann Trascher and Mervin Etoy Taylor Sr. 

Raised in Bogalusa, he attended Bogalusa City Schools, graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1972, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.After completing his education, Toye began his career as a teacher at Columbia Street School, where his care for young people and belief in their potential first took root and remained with him throughout his life. That same spirit of encouragement and service led him into public life. In 1982, he was elected Bogalusa City Councilman-at-Large, and in 1986, he was elected Mayor of Bogalusa, serving three consecutive terms and dedicating himself to strengthening the city and improving the lives of the people he loved and served.In 1998, Toye made history as the first Parish President of Washington Parish. He served with integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast devotion to the people who placed their trust in him. After leaving office, he continued his service to Louisiana in the administrations of Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor John Bel Edwards, and later worked as a consultant to local elected officials across the state.He was deeply known for his love of his hometown, his tireless work ethic, and his conviction that public office was a sacred opportunity to serve others. His legacy reaches across education, municipal government, parish government, and state government, and his influence will continue to live on in the communities he helped shape and strengthen. Toye will be remembered not only for the offices he held, but for the kindness he extended, the relationships he nurtured, the wisdom he offered, and the sincere care he showed to everyone around him. His life stands as a lasting example of servant leadership, civic pride, and an unwavering commitment to making Louisiana a better place for generations to come.    

He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Michael Kyle Taylor, a brother, Steven Scott Taylor, and his father-in-law, Charles Marshall Richardson Senior.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Richardson Taylor; his children, Leigh Anne Taylor (Chris Williams), Christopher Ryan Taylor (Angie), Steven Charles Taylor, and William Marshall Taylor (Akira); his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Taylor, Ethan Christopher Williams, Sarah Katherine Taylor, Alexandra Grace Taylor, Ella Catherine Williams, John Robert Taylor, Jackson Henry Taylor, Shyla Marie Taylor, and Braxtyn Gage Taylor; and his mother-in-law, Sandra Pole Richardson. 

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, 216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM and again Thursday morning, July 9, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Poole Ritchie Funeral Home.