Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be lowered to half-staff Monday to honor the life and memory of former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, who passed away Saturday at age 72.

“We lost a giant [Saturday] – an Oklahoma legend,” said Gov. Stitt. “Dr. Coburn devoted his life to serving others both by way of his career as a physician and by tirelessly fighting for our country as a true statesman.”

Coburn served the Second District of Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-2001 and served the state as a U.S. Senator from 2005-2015, in the seat now occupied by Sen. James Lankford.

“Our state and our nation is better because of the lessons in fiscal responsibility we’ve learned from Dr. Coburn and I pray especially in these trying times ahead of us that we can find ways to ensure his legacy lives on,” said Gov. Stitt.

Coburn was also a physician and continued to see patients during his time in office. He lost a lengthy battle with prostate cancer Saturday.

“Tom Coburn embodied Oklahoma because he stood fearlessly firm on his principles, whether that meant standing alone or standing with the crowd. A true citizen legislator, he was a force for change whose legacy will stay with us always,” said Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. “He was successful in politics, medicine and business, but never forgot his faith in Jesus Christ. My family has his in our prayers during this difficult time.”

A memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks.