I grew up in Lincoln County Missouri, where I lived outside of Troy with my parents and three brothers. As a family we attended the First Assembly of God Church in Troy. I attribute my personal belief and value system to the fact I was raised in a Christian household, and that a big part of my social life as a young person was deeply rooted in our church. My fondest childhood memories are of camping with my parents and grandparents on the Mississippi River, or at Table Rock Lake, and the many fishing and hunting trips with my brothers and parents.

In 1989 I married Cindy Roettger who was also from Troy. We had been dating since our junior year in high school. Cindy has been a hair stylist in Troy since 1986. Together we have made Warren County our home. In July of 1994 our daughter Stephanie was born, and then in December of 1998 our son Kolton was born. Stephanie graduates from high school in May of 2012 and plans to immediately begin college to pursue certification as a Registered Nurse. Kolton is in junior high and is very active in band, playing football, and baseball. My interests outside of work are fishing, hunting, target shooting, going to the movies, and any activity that involves time with my wife or children. In January of 2011 we added a male black Labrador retriever named Chance to our family. Participating in the training of Chance and entering him in both AKC and UKC hunt test competitions has become a family adventure and hobby.