Flags will be flown at half-staff in Missouri on Monday in honor of the late former Congressman Ike Skelton.

Skelton died Monday in a Virginia hospital. His funeral is Monday in Lexington. Governor Jay Nixon today ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings be flown at half-staff.

Nixon also issued this statement:

“From his earliest days as Lafayette County prosecuting attorney, during his 17 terms in Congress where he dedicated himself in a bi-partisan way to serving Missouri and those in our nation’s military, and through his final work on public commissions to honor our veterans, Ike Skelton’s life embodied service done not for self, but for the greater good.” Nixon adds, “I was honored to present him with Missouri’s highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Medal, and even more honored to call him my longtime friend.

“Our country is more secure because of what Ike Skelton accomplished in Congress in a manner that was intelligent, humble and dignified,” the Governor said. “By lowering the flags, we remember his legacy and pay our respects to this great American. The First Lady and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family as they are joined by Ike’s many friends in mourning his passing.