LANSING, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, August 15 to honor and remember former state Representative Tim Sneller who recently passed away.  

“Representative Tim Sneller served his constituents honorably, and I was proud to call him a friend and colleague,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a staffer and elected official, Tim was a fixture in the legislature. He was a strong advocate for working families and a willing collaborator with anyone who wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who served and worked alongside him.”    

Before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, former Rep. Sneller worked at the Flint Truck and Bus Assembly and was active in his UAW local. He began his work in the legislature as a staffer, working for various state representatives and senators in the Genesee County area. He spent nearly 20 years on the staff of John Cherry, Jr. when Cherry was a legislator and then lieutenant governor. He also worked for Cherry's son, now Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint).

Former state Rep. Sneller became an elected official in 2017, representing the 50th District. Throughout his time in the legislature, he worked to address kitchen-table issues that mattered to his constituents and was a leader and champion for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. A fixture of the legislature, he was described to be one of the most warm and welcoming people as both a staffer and a legislator. Throughout his life and career, Rep. Sneller extended this kindness to Democrats and Republicans alike, constantly working to build bridges across the political divide.  

Tim is survived by his sister, five nephews, niece, and many other loving family members and good friends.  

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Tim Sneller by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, 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.

Flags should be returned to full staff within the State Capitol Complex on Friday, August 16, 2024.