January 9, 2024 

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Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Senator Doug Cruce 

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, January 10 to honor and remember former state Senator Doug Cruce. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of Cruce’s internment. 

“State Senator Doug Cruce was a thoughtful public servant and leader,” said Governor Whitmer. “He delivered for his constituents in Oakland County as a member of both the Michigan Senate and Legislature, where he focused on commerce, labor, veterans, and so much more. He also served our nation in uniform, had a successful career in insurance and real estate, and was a loving dad and grandfather. My thoughts are with Senator Cruce’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.” 

Doug Cruce, a graduate of Wayne State University and Villanova University, served in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan State Senate. Additionally, he was president of the Michigan Insurance Federation. Prior to that, he served in the U.S.M.C. as a Marine Guard in Moscow and Bonn, becoming a member of the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, and the Marine Embassy Guard Association. Cruce is survived by his wife Anne; children Jean McCord, Laura Keyes, and Charles Cruce, Jr.; grandchildren William and Joseph Kordenbrock, Patrick, Ruth, and Timothy Keyes, Charles and Robert Cruce. 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Doug Cruce by lowering flags to half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Thursday, January 11. 

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