Judge Larry Lolley dies

Retired Judge Larry Lolley of Monroe, who spent decades on the bench, died Sunday after a short illness. He was 71.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Lolley grew up in southern Monroe and worked his way through Loyola Law School by driving a cab in New Orleans, often talking about his days "as a hack" with his friends.

Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Milton Moore of Monroe served with Lolley on both the appeals court in Shreveport and the 4th District Court bench in Monroe.

"He was a great colleague and a dear friend who took his work seriously and was a great public servant," Moore said. "He was also very proud of his South Monroe roots."

Lolley was a Ouachita High School and University of Louisiana at Monroe graduate.

Lolley began his judicial career after being elected to the Monroe City Court bench. He was then elected to serve on the 4th District Court before winning a seat on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in 2003.

He retired from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in 2017.

Lolley served as chief prosecuting attorney for the city of Monroe from 1973-78 before being elected city judge.

Lolley also served 27 years as an officer in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, retiring in 1995 as a colonel.

"He served his country with great distinction," Moore said.

Outside of the courtroom, "Judge Lolley loved to talk about Major League Baseball and tell stories," Moore said. "He was a great storyteller."

Lolley is survived by his wife Diana and their two children.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1