A son of previous Democratic governor George Docking, he grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

After the war he established a career as a banker and civic leader in Arkansas City, Kansas, eventually becoming mayor.

[3] Avery had trailed in polling before the election, but was still seen as the favorite due to Kansas's strong Republican tradition and the intense unpopularity of the Johnson Administration in the state.

In 1972, despite the victory of President Richard Nixon in the state, Docking was re-elected to a fourth term, defeating Republican Morris Kay 62% to 37%.

Due to a new amendment in the state constitution, Docking was ineligible for reelection in 1974 and was succeeded by Republican Robert Frederick Bennett.

The 1967 legislative session was dominated by bitter clashes between Docking and a largely Republican legislature on taxes, school finance and highway construction.

In addition, the entire length of U.S. Route 77 in Cowley County, Kansas (which contains Arkansas City) is known as the Robert B. Docking Memorial Highway.