William Henry Avery

Republican Representative of Kansas's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1911 (98 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2009

Death

Served as the 37th governor of Kansas from 1965 to 1967.
Held a position in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1951 to 1955.
Represented Kansas’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1955 to 1963, and then the 2nd congressional district from 1963 to 1965.
Known for his outgoing personality and significant role in Kansas Republican Party politics during the 1950s and 1960s.
Advocated for state aid to education, which he considered a major achievement during his governorship.
His tenure as governor included controversial decisions, such as sanctioning executions that gained national attention.
Attempted to secure a U.S. Senate seat after his governorship but lost in the primary.
Worked in the oil industry after retiring from politics, eventually becoming president of a petroleum company.
Was involved in various community and educational initiatives, particularly concerning junior colleges.
Died at the age of 98, leaving a legacy as one of the oldest living former governors and U.S. Representatives at the time of his death.