Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has ordered flags lowered Saturday in honor of Kansas Supreme Court Justice Robert Gernon of Lawrence, who died Wednesday.

Gernon, 61, died from complications of cancer. His funeral is Saturday.

“Justice Gernon’s fairness and integrity made him a valued member of the Kansas Supreme Court, and his untimely death cuts short a distinguished legal career,” Sebelius said.

“He has served the state, his community, and his profession with great dedication. The state of Kansas will miss his presence on the court,” she said.

Gernon was appointed to the court in 2003 after having served on the Kansas Court of Appeals starting in 1988.