Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in honor of former Congressman Dave Curson, who passed away at the age of 75 years old. The flag-lowering will coincide with the date of his funeral.

“Dave was the kind of down-to-earth guy who was always looking out for his fellow neighbors,” said Governor Whitmer. “Originally born in Ohio, we were proud to adopt him as a Michigander. He embodied the auto industry through and through, leading the fight for good jobs and good pay for his colleagues in the UAW. Our state is lucky to have had him on our team. My thoughts are with his family and those who were lucky to call him a friend.”

David “Friz” Alan Curson was born November 4, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from Whitmer High School, he worked at the Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company, while attending the University of Toledo. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps to serve in the Vietnam War.

Curson moved to Michigan where he worked at the Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti as a die cast die maker journeyman. He was heavily involved in the United Automobile Workers, serving three union presidents during his career. Curson helped negotiate contracts for auto workers and played a significant role to save the auto industry during the Great Recession.

In 2012, Curson won a special election to serve Michigan’s 11th District as a United States congressman in the 112th U.S. House of Representatives.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughters, and grandchildren.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of former Congressman Dave Cursonby lowering flags to half-staff.

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, October 2, 2024.