KALAMAZOO, MI — The recent death of U.S. Army Spc. Bradley Walsh, a Kalamazoo native, prompted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to order U.S. and Michigan flags be lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of Walsh’s service.

The 21-year-old soldier was in his third year of active duty when he passed away on Jan. 8, according to a news release from the governor’s office. He was stationed with the 73rd Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, the release said.

“Our state mourns the loss of Army Specialist Bradley Walsh as he is laid to rest,” Whitmer said in the release. “We are grateful for his selfless service to our state and nation in the United States Army. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

To recognize Walsh’s “duty, honor and selfless service”, Michigan residents, businesses, schools and local governments are encouraged to bring their own flags to half-staff on Jan. 23 to coincide with Walsh’s funeral, according to the news release. Flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day, the release said.

Walsh was born in Kalamazoo, but grew up in the small Northern Michigan town of Hillman, where he enjoyed playing guitar and being outside, according to his obituary from Adams Funeral Home. He moved south again for his senior year, graduating from Otsego Adult Education in 2017 and later joining the U.S. Army.

He was described in his obituary as a kind and supportive man who would put his friends and family first.

Visitation is set for 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave. in Paw Paw.

Walsh’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at First Baptist Church, 32464 E. Red Arrow in Paw Paw. Walsh will be laid to rest at Harwick Cemetery in Mattawan.

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