State Web Site

Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

War(s) Served:  World War II

WILLIAM H. AVERY was born in Wakefield, Kansas on August 11, 1911. In 1934 he received a B.A. from Kansas University. After graduating he became a farmer and stockman near Wakefied. Public offices include: Wakefield Rural High School Board of Education, 1946-1951; member, Kansas House of Representatives, 1951-1955; member off the legislative council of Kansas from 1953 to 1955; member, U.S. House of Representatives, 1955-1965. Avery was elected Governor of Kansas in 1964 and served one term. He has been a member of Wakefield Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Clay County Farm Bureau, and Kansas Wildlife Federation. After leaving public office, Avery became president of the Real Petroleum Company.