(MSC News)--Flags fly at half-staff across Kansas in honor of former Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, Marvin William Barkis.

Kansas Governor Kelly, on Tuesday, gave the directive to fly flags half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until sundown on the day of interment for Barkis, which is not yet finalized.

Kelly, in the release, calls Barkis a champion of "legislation throughout his career that propelled [Kansas] schools forward," adding that his contributions to Kansas will not be forgotten.

Barkis died Friday at the age of 81.

The rural Miami County native was elected to the Kansas House in 1978 and served until 1992 as a Democrat. He served as Minority Leader from 1984 to 1990, and Speaker in 1991 and 1992.