If you notice flags flying at half mast today, July 25, and wondering why… Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half mast on all state buildings, grounds and facilities until sundown the day of interment, in honor of former Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, Marvin Barkis. Barkis was a native of rural Miami County, living the farm life. When it came to choosing a career, he realized that farmers work cold in the winter and hot in the summer, so he decided to study law. He attended Ottawa University and went on to Stanford Law School, graduating in 1968.
He was elected to the Kansas House in 1978, serving as minority leader from 1984 to 1990, and speaker in 1991 and 1992. A news release from the House Minority Leader’s Spokesperson stated Barkis was proud of the legislature’s work on children’s issues, school finance laws and property tax reforms during his time as Speaker. He passed away at a care facility in Paola on Friday, July 19th, at the age of 81. A celebration of life will be held October 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Paola Town Square Events Center in Paola.
