Wartburg flags were flown at half-staff from 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, until 8 a.m. today, following a directive from Gov. Terry Branstad in honor of Marine Corps Master Sgt. Travis Riddick, 40, formerly of Centerville.

Master Sgt. Riddick was killed in action Saturday, Jan. 21, in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.

Flags were flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions were encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Master Sgt. Riddick is survived by his wife, Jennifer Riddick; six children, Victoria Riddick and Levi Riddick and Charles Lovelace, Matt Lovelace, James Lovelace and Zachary Lovelace; his parents, John and Barbara Riddick; and two brothers, Tim and Troy Riddick.

Memorial services for Master Sgt. Riddick were Sunday, Jan. 29, at Centerville High School’s Simon Estes Auditorium.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Master Sgt. Riddick’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.