Community gathers at Mount Zion to remember Senator Selders
Baton Rouge paused Tuesday to remember State Sen. Larry Selders, who died July 7 at the age of 44. Services were held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where a public viewing was scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed immediately by the funeral service.
State Rep. Denise Marcelle announced the timing of the service, and local institutions responded with formal acknowledgements as the city mourned a lawmaker known for close ties to the community.
“Beginning Tuesday, July 14, our flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Louisiana State Senator Larry Selders, who passed away last week. Senator Selders was a steadfast advocate for BRCC, the Baton Rouge community and the state of Louisiana... As we remember Senator Selders and the legacy of service he leaves behind, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who are mourning his loss.”
The statement came from Baton Rouge Community College, which also said it would lower flags in his memory beginning the morning of the funeral. The college cited Selders’ advocacy for BRCC and his broader service to the Baton Rouge area and the state.
Details and immediate impact
Selders reportedly suffered a heart attack at an event the evening of July 7 and was later pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife and two sons. The suddenness of his passing left colleagues and constituents seeking ways to honor his public service.
- Viewing: 9–11 a.m., Mount Zion Baptist Church
- Funeral: Immediately following the viewing
- Community response: BRCC flags at half-staff beginning July 14
| Event | Time / Date |
|---|---|
| Viewing | 9–11 a.m., July 14 |
| Funeral | Immediately following viewing, July 14 |
For Baton Rouge, the loss of a sitting state senator is both personal and civic. Elected officials who work in Baton Rouge often wear many hats — legislator, constituent advocate and community partner — and Selders’ death reverberated across those roles. Institutions that rely on relationships with lawmakers, including community colleges, health providers and nonprofit organizations, publicly acknowledged the gap his absence creates.
As mourning continued, local leaders and residents prepared to mark his life and service at the Mount Zion ceremony, while the practical business of representation and constituent services in the senator’s state legislative role will follow the established procedures for filling vacancies.
The family has not released further details beyond the service schedule and survivors. Community members seeking to pay respects attended the viewing and funeral at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Tuesday.
