LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of former state Sen. Joe Young Jr., who had a fatal heart attack June 12. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday. 

“My thoughts are with Sen. Young’s children and entire family during this time,” Snyder said. “He will be fondly remembered as a positive, committed and strong advocate for the people of Detroit and Michigan.” 

Young represented Detroit and its nearby suburbs in the Michigan House and Senate for more than 20 years. He and his father, Joe Young Sr., served in the House from 1983-92, making Michigan history as the first black father and son to serve in the Michigan Legislature simultaneously. Before he was elected, Young served as the administrative staff assistant to former House Speaker William Ryan and as a legislative assistant to former U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee.

He graduated from Nativity Diocesan High School in Detroit and Michigan State University and earned his master’s degree in public policy from Western Michigan University.

In recent years, Young moved to Madison, Wis., where he was very active in the community and worked as the weekend supervisor for Madison Metropolitan School District’s Madison School and Community Recreation Department. 

A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Monday at Nativity of the Lord Parish in Detroit. 

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.