Born in Spring Creek, he and Evelyn Koeneman were married in 1941 in Dallas She died in 1979. He was a teacher in Olney schools during the 1940's. He moved to Deaf Smith County in 1981 from Dallas. He had worked as director of disaster services for the American Red Cross.

He was a veteran, serving in the Army during World War II. Graduate of NTSTC. Entered AAC, 1942, trained at Sheppard Field, Tex., Cal. and Mo. Served in Aleutians. Awarded APO, 1 Star, ATO, GC and Vicory Medals. Discharged in 1945.