Former Indiana Gov. Edgar D. Whitcomb, a Jennings County native, has died.

Whitcomb, who was 98, was originally from Hayden. He served as governor from 1968 to 1973 as a Republican.

According to Whitcomb’s biography on the state website, he was born Nov. 6, 1917 and attended Indiana University until the breakout of World War II. After the war he completed his law degree and worked as an attorney in North Vernon, Seymour and Indianapolis. He served as in the Indiana Senate from 1951-1944. He ran for Congress in 1954 and for the Senate in 1964, both unsuccessfully. After serving as Indiana secretary of state, he was elected governor.

Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., released a statement marking the former governor’s passing:

““Gov. Whitcomb rose from a small community in Jennings County to serve Hoosiers in the highest ranks of our state government. A remarkable man who lived an amazing life, Governor Whitcomb was an author, an adventurer, a sailor, a war hero, a committed public servant and, above all else, a Hoosier. His impact on our state will be felt by generations to come, and I join with all Hoosiers in mourning the passing of a true Indiana legend.”

Gov. Mike Pence is directing flags at state facilities statewide be flown at half-staff to honor  Whitcomb. Pence also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff to honor Governor Whitcomb for his service to Indiana and the nation.

Flags should be flown at half-staff for seven days from his passing, through Thursday, Feb. 11.