Bob Bethell, 69, of Alden, formerly of Peabody, died Sunday night in a one-car crash on I-70 in Waubunsee County.

Bethell, a Republican in the Kansas House of Representatives, was alone in the car, headed home from the final legislative session in Topeka. His car went off the road near the Paxico exit, hit several trees, and overturned, ending up on its roof.

Bethell had served the 113th District since 1999. That district covers Rice County and parts of Barton and Reno counties.

In honor of Bethell and his service to Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback issued an order Monday for flags to be flown at half-staff until after his funeral service, which is expected to take place later in the week.

Bethell was administrator of Peabody Memorial Nursing Home in the late 1980s. He and his wife and daughter lived in Peabody at that time.