Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered all flags flying above state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Dec. 14 to honor Marine Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers.
Summers, 32, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., was killed along with three other Camp Pendleton Marines in a base accident Nov. 13.
As Home Post previously reported, Staff Sgt. Summers, Staff Sgt. Mathew R. Marsh, Gunnery Sgt. Gregory J. Mullins, and Sgt. Miguel Ortiz lost their lives in an explosion as they were conducting range maintenance on base. Part of their duties during maintenance was to "dispose of unexploded ordnance."
All four men were Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines.
Gov. Nixon said in a statement:
"We honor the bravery and dedication of Marine Staff Sergeant Summers, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
All U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in Summers' home county of Butler will be lowered from Dec. 15 to Dec. 20.
