KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Funeral Arrangements for Former Kansas Governor Bill Avery Set

Funeral Arrangements for Former Kansas Governor Bill Avery Set

Funeral Services: Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Wakefield, Kansas.

Visitation: 6-8 PM Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Wakefield United Methodist Church

Memorials:  Wakefield Methodist Church or Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org)  c/o the funeral home

By Eyewitness News & The Associated Press (TOPEKA, Kan.)

Former Kansas Governor William Avery has died. He was 98.

Avery served as governor from 1965 to 1967. He died Wednesday night. Avery served for 10 years as a congressman from the 2nd District before running for governor.

Born Aug. 11, 1911, 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. Avery 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 1951-55 before being elected to Congress.

Funeral services haven't been announced by the family.

Governor Mark Parkinson has directed flags across Kansas to fly at half-staff from now until sundown November 14 in recognition of Avery's death.

"Governor Avery led our state during a time of tragic loss and national attention; Kansas honors his long life and service to our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and family," Parkinson said in a statement.

Kansas Executive Order 07-22 states that ‘Upon the death of the Governor or a former Governor, the flag of the United States shall be displayed at half-staff throughout the State of Kansas from the day of death until interment.' Governor Avery's services are expected on November 14^th in Wakefield.

More Online:

• Read Avery's Congressional Biography
• Complete List of Kansas Governors