Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to honor and remember former state Senator Joel Gougeon. 

“Senator Gougeon was a dedicated public servant who served his community admirably in the U.S. Air Force and the state Senate,” said Governor Whitmer. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who worked with and served alongside him.”   

Former state Senator Joel Gougeon graduated from T.L. Handy High School and then earned a degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute. After graduating, Gougeon served in the United States Air Force as an F-4 Phantom pilot. When he returned home, he founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. with his brothers, Meade and Jan.  

Gougeon served in the Michigan State Senate from 1993-2002 and also served on the Bay County Commissioners from 1984-1990. During his time in the Senate, he helped rewrite the Mental Health Code to reduce stigma and expand support for mental health research. After retiring from the Senate, Gougeon founded his own consulting company and continued to participate in community service. 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Joel Gougeon by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.