TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down throughout the state of Kansas in honor of the passing of State Representative Bob Bethell from now until his interment expected later this week. Rep. Bethell died Sunday evening in a car accident in Wabaunsee County.

“Representative Bob Bethell was a man of deep faith and passion for his family and state. The community of Alden, and the entire state of Kansas lost a passionate and motivated public servant yesterday,” Gov. Brownback said. “In the Kansas Legislature, Bob lead by example. He leaned in and poured himself into issues and causes important to Kansas and was a voice for our state’s most vulnerable citizens. Those who knew Bob will remember him as warm and affectionate, and that his family, friends and state always mattered more to him than anything else.”

“Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife Lorene, and the family and friends who he loved so dearly. He will be missed in the State Capitol, in Alden, and in our hearts.”

Rep. Bethell joined the Kansas Legislature in 1999. Representing the 113th House District, he served in numerous leadership roles, most recently as the Chairman of the House Committee on Aging.