TOPEKA – Gov. Sam Brownback has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down Wednesday, in honor of former state Sen. Ross O. Doyen.

“Sen. Doyen spent his life serving his fellow citizens,” Brownback said. “He joined the United States Navy during World War II, right after graduating from high school, and served his country with distinction. Later, he brought that same commitment to his work in the legislature. Senator Doyen was a true Kansan, and we are grateful for his service. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends and will keep them in my prayers.”

Doyen served in the United States Navy for 21 months in World War II, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic on C-54 transport planes. He began his political career in the Kansas House of Representatives 1959 and later was elected to the Kansas Senate in 1968.

He served as president of the Kansas Senate from 1975 to 1984.

Doyen’s obituary can be found HERE.