Born February 25, 1957, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Educated in the Dexter Public Schools; received his B.S. in Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau, Missouri; received his J.D. in 1996 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri.

Married Nancy Tuley in 1978 and has three sons: Jason, Dustin, and Daniel.

Practices as an attorney at law and cattle farmer. Was elected to the House of Representatives (R) for the 2000 and 2002 terms. Elected to the State Senate (R) in 2004.

While serving as State Representative for the 159th District he served as the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Chairman; served on the Agriculture and Judiciary Committees.

As State Senator, he serves on the Agriculture, Conservation, Parks and Natural Resources, Appropriations, Education, Joint Committee on Education Committees and serves as Vice-Chair on the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

He is a member of the Dexter First Baptist Church, Missouri Farm Bureau, Dexter Kiwanis Club, Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, Dexter Chamber of Commerce, Dexter Elks Lodge, NRA, American-International Charolais Association, Missouri Delta Center Advisory Board, and Missouri Veterans Home Foundation Board. Received the Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award in 2002 and 2004; named the 2003 Legislator of the Year from the Missouri Police Chiefs Association; received the 2003 and 2004 Legislator of the Year Award from the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association; received the 2005 Alumni Achievement Award from the UMKC School of Law.