Married Beth Ann Connell, 1974. They have one daughter, Eva. He is a farmer.
Member: California United Church of Christ; Moniteau County Farm Bureau; Jefferson City Rotary. Past chair, Moniteau County Republican Committee. Elected to the House: 1982 (special election), 1982-1988. Former House Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Elected to the Senate: 1990, 1994.