Born in Dodge City, KS, grew up on a farm West of Dodge. Went to Sacred Heart Grade School, St. Mary of the Plains High School, Dodge City Community Junior College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Ft Hays State College. I was drafted into the US Army and served six years in the Kansas Army National Guard. I farmed and raised cattle until 1990, when I left the farm and took a job with the USDA/Kansas Department of Ag Market News Service in Dodge City, reporting Hay, Grain and Sunflower markets until retiring in December 2015. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Newman University in Wichita, KS in Pastoral Ministry in 2005.
I married my wonderful wife Becky, after we met on a Blind date. Our Lord blessed us with one daughter, Crystal Joy, a wonderful Son-in-law Ben Erickson and two Granddaughters, Olivia Joy and Laina Grace.