William Avery TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Former Kansas Gov. William Avery, who served one term in the Statehouse in the 1960s, has died. He was 98. Gov. Mark Parkinson's office said Thursday that Avery, a Republican who served as governor from 1965-66, died Wednesday night. He 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. ___ Lou Filippo LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Lou Filippo, a World Boxing Hall of Famer who judged 85 world champion fights and had small roles in the "Rocky" movies, has died. He was 83. Hall of Fame Treasurer Josie Mejia (JOH'-see me-HEE'-yuh) says Filippo suffered a stroke and died Monday at a hospital in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, where he lived. He had judged a fight only two weeks ago. Filippo was the hall's former president. He was in more than 250 amateur fights and had a professional record of 28 wins, nine losses and three draws before retiring in 1957. Filippo later became a referee and judge. In 1987, he favored Marvin Hagler in a controversial championship fight that Sugar Ray Leonard won by split decision. Filippo played the fight announcer or referee in five "Rocky" films. ___ Stewart Ledbetter BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) _ A former U.S. Senate candidate who once served as Vermont's banking and insurance commissioner has died. Stewart Ledbetter died Thursday. He was 76. Continued... |