COLUMBUS, Ohio – Members of both parties are remembering a state representative who passed away over the weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • Rep. Kris Jordan died Saturday of natural causes

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags at the statehouse and at public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Jordan's funeral

  • Calling hours will be held on Thursday evening at a funeral home on the west side of Delaware County, and a memorial service would be held on Friday at 11 am. 

Rep. Kris Jordan died Saturday of natural causes. He was only 46-years-old and was well-known in both the House and Senate chambers, where he worked to represent his constituents in Delaware County.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags at the statehouse and at public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Jordan's funeral.

"I did not expect him to die. I was, you know, completely surprised when I got the word," said Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware. "I got the word that a Saturday afternoon or actually early Saturday afternoon, I then called his dad right away to verify what happened and natural causes, you know."

Brenner was like a brother to Jordan, he said. They gave each other advice on politics and cheered on each other's growth. 

"He was one of the first people to push the heartbeat bill," Brenner said. "He was also one of the people who pushed getting rid of the inheritance tax state of Ohio. He pushed for lower taxes and less regulation because he knew the more money that is kept in families' pockets, all the better for families and that was why he did it." 

Jordan started off his career at a young age. He was elected as a county commissioner at 25-years-old. Later on, he went on to pursue a state representative position. 

"He was willing to sit down and talk with anybody and work with anybody," said Brenner. "But you knew kind of where his political position was and, you know, he was pro-life, very conservative, pro-second amendment. And he is just a good guy. And with that in mind, because you have been childhood friends because you've seen him grow."

When news struck on Saturday that Jordan passed away, it left longtime family, friends, and colleagues shocked. 

"Fran and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of representative Kris Jordan. We extend our sincerest condolences to his entire family for this most unexpected loss. Kris will be remembered for his expertise as a legislator and his advocacy for the people of Delaware county," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. 

"There were no two people in the House. More aligned on policy than us," said State Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville."We were what you call small l libertarian, and we had very unique views and personal rights and individual rights were what we held dearly. And I know for him a lot of that stemmed from having a world that he wanted his children to feel proud to grow up in, in the middle lot to me." 

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of State Representative Kris Jordan. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this difficult time," Ohio House Democratic Caucus said in a statement. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday evening at a funeral home on the west side of Delaware County, and a memorial service would be held on Friday at 11 a.m.