TOPEKA – Gov. Sam Brownback has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down today through Friday to honor the passing of former Gov. John Anderson.

His daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Anderson, says Anderson was 97 when he died Monday at an extended-care facility in Olathe. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Anderson practiced law in Olathe and served as Johnson County attorney before winning a seat in the Kansas State Senate in 1952. He was appointed attorney general in 1956 and won re-election in 1956 and 1958.

In 1960, Anderson ran for governor, defeating incumbent George Docking. At that time governors served only two-year terms, and Anderson successfully won re-election in 1962.

After his term ended, Anderson returned to his law practice in Olathe. He again sought his party’s nomination for governor in 1972 but was defeated in a primary election.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Governor Anderson’s passing,” Brownback said. “He devoted many years to serving the people of Kansas, and we are grateful for his dedication to our great state. The lieutenant governor and I, along with Mary and Ruth, extend our heartfelt sympathies to Gov. Anderson’s family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

At the family’s request, all funeral arrangements will be private.