I was born and raised in Great Bend, a small town in central Kansas where I went to High School, college, and married my first wife and had three terrific children. My daughter Kim is a Senior Assistant Attorney General and lives with her husband Cesar in Anchorage, Alaska; with their two children Zander and Zoe who are now off to college. My oldest son Alan works for the Target Corporation and resides in Lawrence.  My youngest son John is an engineer for Garmin and lives with his wife Erin in Gardner. Their daughter Alivia has ventured out and is living in Wichita, while their son Rylan is still at home and a Senior in High School.  While living in Great Bend, I worked as an automotive Parts Manger for a local dealership for 24 years.  A few years after my divorce I decided a career change was needed.  I became a computer company software trainer and was given the opportunity to travel the United States.  At that point I moved to Lawrence so I could be closer to the KCI airport for travel and where I made my new home. After four years of living out of a suitcase and not being home, I decided it was time to put down roots and return to work as a Parts Manager for a local car dealership.   I retired in January of 2018, and I am enjoying not going to work every day and a set schedule. I remarried on September 1, 2018, to a wonderful lady named Lisa. She and I both lived in Great Bend and have known each other since 1997. I’m not sure why she said yes, but I thank God everyday she did. After selling both of our houses, we bought a new home and started our life together here in Lawrence.  She is my guiding light, and I am certainly glad to have her with me on this voyage. 

 

I was raised a Master Mason in 1987 at the request of my daughter Kim, who asked me to become a Mason, so she could have the opportunity to be an officer in Job’s Daughters.  She later became a Past Honor Queen, and it was the best decision she ever made for me.  I am a lifetime member of Great Bend Lodge #15 having joined York Rite the same year, I was raised a Mason.  I became Master of Great Bend Lodge #15 in 1992, Excellent High Priest of Mt. Nebo #36 in 2000, Illustrious Master of Golden Belt Council #21 in 1996, and Eminent Commander of St. Omer Commandry #14 in 1995.  I transferred my membership and I am currently a lifetime member of Lawrence Chapter #4, Lawrence Council #14 and DeMolay Commandry #4.  I have been very fortunate in my Masonic career and belong to several organizations.   These include currently; Past Eminent Prior for KYCH Priory #33, Past Very Eminent Preceptor for HRAKTP King David #LX, Past Sovereign Master for Allied Masonic Degrees Blarney Stone Council #360, Past Puissant Sovereign for Red Cross of Constantine St. Augustine Conclave, and Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Kansas.  I am currently Chancellor of the Kansas York Rite College #125 and Deputy Director General Yeoman of York, Kansas City Preceptory.  I also am a plural member of Blue Lodge with a membership at Orient-Topeka Lodge #17; where I was Worshipful Master in 2017, 2020 and 2023.  I am very honored to have served as Grand Senior Steward in 2010 and Grand Chaplain in 2013 for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Kansas as well as DDGM and ADGM.  I have many other Masonic Organizations and offices that are near and dear to my heart, but I will not list them all.  As you can see, I am very active in Masonry and take great pride in serving with my fellow Brothers.

 

In my younger years I enjoyed hunting ducks and pheasants.  Now, I mostly enjoy trying to find my ball on the golf course.  I also enjoy going to sporting events and occasionally attending a Royals and Chiefs Game.  My wife and I like to travel and cruise. Our plan is to fit more travel into our future.  In closing, I would like to leave you with a thought that has made a lasting impression. An older gentleman who’s name I don’t recall, once said to me the greatest thing you can do is “make someone happy.”  I still believe in those words today and have tried to live my live with that in mind.  So, go out and “make someone happy.”