Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, March 11 to honor the life and service of former State Sen. John “Jack” Welborn. The flag honors will coincide with his funeral.

“Our state is saddened by the loss of former state Senator Jack Welborn,” Governor Whitmer said. “He will be remembered for his years of public service and commitment to serve Michiganders. As he is laid to rest, my thoughts are with hisfriends and family during this difficult time.”

Jack Welborn was born on December 20, 1932 in Kalamazoo. He was a graduate of Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan. He represented the Kalamazoo areain the Michigan House from 1973 to 1974,and in the Michigan Senate from 1974 to 1982, and again from 1985 to 1994.

Welborn passed away on Sunday, March 7 at the age of 88 years old.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former state Senator Jack Welborn by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at 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 remain lowered through Saturday, March 20 in accordance with the previous announcement for former Attorney General Frank J. Kelley. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, March 21.