Why are flags being lowered to half-staff in Kansas?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff statewide in honor of a former speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Kelly issued the order on July 23 for Marvin William Barkis who passed away on July 19 in Miami County at the age of 81. Flags are to fly at half-staff effective immediately until sundown on all state buildings, grounds and facilities until Barkis' burial.

“Speaker Barkis championed legislation throughout his career that propelled our schools forward and supported Kansas families,” Kelly said. “His contributions to our state will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.” 

Kelly's flag order will be updated once the date of Barkis' internment is scheduled. Updates can be found on the Governor of the State of Kansas website.

Barkis graduated from Ottawa University in 1965 and from Stanford University School of Law in 1968, according to the Kansas Historical Society. He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1978 and re-elected to six additional terms, serving through to 1992. He served as speaker of the House in 1991 and 1992.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf