William H. "Bill" Avery Sr.

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University of Kansas

William Avery Obituary

WAKEFIELD- William H. (Bill) Avery, Sr., heretofore the eldest surviving former member of Congress, was born and reared in the Wakefield community. On August 11, 1911, Bill was born to Herman and Hattie (Coffman) Avery in Clay County, Kansas. He passed away November 4, 2009 at Wakefield, KS at the age of 98. He attended the University of Kansas, where as a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, he served as president of the Inter-Fraternity Council. Following his graduation in 1934, he returned to Wakefield to assist with the family farming and livestock operation, and during this period, he entered politics as a member of the local school board. In 1936, he met a young teacher who had moved to Wakefield from Junction City, Miss Hazel Bowles, and by 1940, they were married. Bill subsequently served two terms as a State Representative in Topeka, and in 1955, voters of the Second District elected him to the U. S. Congress, where he served for five terms through 1965. He was elected as the 37th Governor of Kansas in 1964 and sworn in on January 11, 1965. Bill later returned to Washington, D.C., serving at the Department of the Interior from 1974 until 1977, at which time he and Hazel made the decision to build their family home in Wakefield. He thereafter served as Vice-President and Chairman of the Board for the Farmers and Merchants State Bank and pursued a variety of avocations, including expanding his collection of antique farming equipment and raising teams of Belgian Giant horses. Bill was also active in the Masonic Lodge, the Farm Bureau, and the Lions Club. Following a lengthy illness, Hazel preceded Bill in death in 2004. His survivors include two sons, William H., Jr., and wife Alice Avery, Indianapolis, IN and Brad and wife Sharon Avery, Topeka, KS; two daughters, Barbara Avery, New Orleans, LA and Sue Avery, Winchester, MA; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren Funeral Services will be on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Wakefield, Kansas, with Rev. Diana Stewart officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Friday, November 13, 2009 at the church. Memorials may be made to Wakefield United Methodist Church or Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org) c/o the funeral home Online condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com.

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Nov. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Avery

Sponsored by B. Avery.

6 Entries

Chuck Schechner

November 11, 2009

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

Lewis Gregory

November 10, 2009

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.

November 9, 2009

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.

Robert Stephan

November 8, 2009

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 kindness and his sincere concern for the people of this state.

Bill Avery was a great Kansan whose impact on our state has not received the appreciation it deserves.

Jim Braden

November 8, 2009

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

Nancy Dannevik Boston

November 8, 2009

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.

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