Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Albert Hays Town, Jr. passed away during the early morning of Friday, July 25, 2025, at the age of 90. He died as he lived, well-grounded in his Christian faith and surrounded by family. Hays was born on February 3, 1935, in Jackson, MS, the second child of Albert Hays Town and Blanche Anita Scharff Town. He lived most of his life in Baton Rouge where he graduated from Louisiana State University. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. At LSU, Hays met his wife of 68 years, Marguerite Gay May Town, who predeceased him.

Throughout his life, Hays was beloved and well-known in the community for his tireless dedication to service and charitable work. In 1988, he and his wife started the St. Elizabeth Foundation, a non-profit adoption agency, providing support and care to pregnant women in Louisiana that has placed more than 600 babies since its creation. While earning his Master of Science in Geography from LSU in 2013, Hays established the Baton Rouge Citizens to Save our Water organization, dedicated to preserving Baton Rouge ground water. He positively impacted countless people - all in meaningful ways, both small and large. For the last several years, Hays spent his mornings between Thanksgiving and Christmas volunteering for the Salvation Army ringing the bell.

Hays earned many honors over his lifetime, including Man of the Year from the national chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Angel in Adoption Award from Congress, and the Leadership for Life Award from Louisiana Right to Life. Hays was honored as an LSU distinguished alumni in 2019, for having made significant contributions in his career, personal achievements, and civic responsibilities.

Hays was known for his integrity, moral character, compassion, generosity and strong leadership.

Hays is survived by his 6 children: A. Hays Town III, George Wilton Town (Emily Hanchar), Christopher Ashley Town (Lisa Files), Gregory Harrell Town (Tammi McCallie), Marguerite Gay May Town Caryl (Theodore Caryl), and Jonathan Adam Town (Molly LaPrairie). He is survived by his 21 grandchildren: Maria Town (Cheryl Lovelady), A. Hays Town IV, John Henry Town (Ana Arnone), Nanette Town Saia (Bart Saia), George Wilton Town, Jr. (Rachel O'Malley), Amelie Town Bernhard (Patrick Bernhard), Mignon Town Kastanos (Jonathan Kastanos), Gabrielle Town Ollendike (Phillip Ollendike, ), Margo Town Mathews (Michael Mathews), Lindsey Town Hardy (Elliot Hardy), Forrest Town (Stefanie Gillett), Mary Claire Town Stickle (Will Stickle), Gregory Harrell (Hal) Town, Jr., Robert (Beau) Webster Town, Leigh Ann Town Podorsky (Micah Podorsky), Matthew Town, Marguerite Gay Mott Baruch (Satyam Baruch), Jonathan Adam Town, Jr. (Caroline Marks), Martha Buckner Town, and Sarah May Town. Hays is also survived by his 28 great grandchildren, his 3 sisters-in-law, Patricia May Dalton (John Dalton, Jr.), George May Jeansonne (Richard Jeansonne), and Mary May Stelly (Harry Stelly) as well as his sister, Blanche Anita Gladney.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 31st and will include visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, followed by mass. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Elizabeth Foundation, 8054 Summa Avenue, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

https://stelizabethfoundation.org/donate/