SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota governor's office says former Gov. Walter Dale Miller died Monday night at the age of 89.

Miller, a Republican, served as the state's 29th governor from 1993 to 1995, taking over the office after Gov. George Mickelson was killed in a plane crash in Iowa.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard says Miller was a friend who provided a steady hand as South Dakota mourned the loss of Mickelson.

Miller was born near the town of Viewfield and spent his life on his family's ranch. He served for 20 years in the South Dakota House of Representatives, and is the only person in state history to serve as speaker of the house, speaker pro tempore, majority leader, assistant majority leader and majority whip.

Governor Daugaard has requested that all flags be flown at half staff effective immediately and continue as such until Miller's interment.

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