William H. "Bill" Avery Sr.

As a young news broadcaster, Governor Avery joined me in an election night broadcast on KWBB in Wichita. It was shortly after he left office. He provided political insight into the election. He was one of the most gracious and knowledgeable people I have every worked with. My heart felt prayers and sympathy to his family.
Chuck Schechner
CBS Radio

Governor Avery was a terrific example of a man with character and culture, who enjoyed friendship and advanced justice through the political system. Our fraternity, Delta Upsilon at KU, enjoyed his visits to the Chapter House to enjoy the alumni and undergraduates at our annual spring banquet. He was always such a gentleman and made everyone feel very special. Our sympathy to the family.

I just wanted to offer my sympathy to the family. I am Sue Greenleaf, daugther-in-law of James O. Greenleaf. When he was governor, he appointed James O. to the Kansas Corporation Commission. They remained friends and Bill came to Greensburg for James O.'s funeral in 1994. At that time he walked to the bottom of the Big Well. He was a nice man and it was my privilege to have met him.

Governor Avery had the type of courage you do not see in many politicians. He answered the call for financing in higher education through taxation and he saved the wonderful educational system in Kansas. It seemed as if everyone wanted to save our schools but no one was willing to pay for it. His dedication to education cost him the next election for a second term.

I was one of three district court judges that were appointed by Governor Avery and I will always be thankful for his...

Bill was a great friend and neighbor!! I grew up on a farm across the road from his farm near Wakefield. He was about 10 years younger than my parents He always looked out for his older nneighbors in the Republican River Valley! I will never forget how he would visit with my parents and other neighbors at least once a week when they were in the Nursing Home. He was my insiration to run for the Kansas Legislature. He will be missed!! Jim Braden

To the Avery family,
I still have little pamphlets with enclosed newspaper clippings that your father sent me when I received honors from Centralia High School in 1958. I so appreciated his thoughtfulness. He truly was a member of the greatest generation.