William Avery | Ex-Kansas governor, 98

Former Kansas Gov. William Avery, 98, who served one term in the 1960s, has died.

Gov. Mark Parkinson's office said Thursday that Mr. Avery, a Republican who served as governor in 1965 and 1966, died Wednesday night. He served for 10 years as a congressman from the Second District before running for governor.

Born on Aug. 11, 1911, Mr. Avery grew up on the family farm in Wakefield. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he returned to Wakefield to farm and raise livestock.

He entered politics as a local school board member after a stint as a pilot in World War II. He then served in the Kansas House from 1951 to 1955 before being elected to Congress. - AP