Biography

Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: June 9, 1999, to replace Chris Peterson, who resigned; elected to Legislature 2000, 2004 and 2020

Born Oct. 24, 1947, in Grand Island.

Education: Graduate of Grand Island Senior High School, 1965. Attended Central Community College.

Family: Married Susan Ann Lawrence, Dec. 14, 1973; nine children: Toni, Polly, Scott, Dean, Trinity Christian (T.C.), Ali, Shelly, Audra and Jason.

Occupation: Retired business owner

Former: Building and grounds director, construction supervisor and production manager

Member: St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Former member: Grand Island City Council; board chair, Grand Island Area Clean Community System; board, Third City Community Clinic; National Hispanic Council of State Legislators; NSCL Immigration Task Force; CHAD Community Council; minority advisory member, Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education; U.S. Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs; Central Nebraska Area Health Education Center; Hall County Leadership Tomorrow; American Red Cross; Task Force on Productive Integration of the Immigrant Workforce Population; Adult Basic Education Advisory Board; Juvenile Diversion, Detention and Probation Service Team; Governor’s Task Force on Children; Governor’s Infant Mortality Blue Ribbon Panel; Lincoln School PTA (president); Mayor’s Youth Council; Mayor’s Community Crime Commission; Grand Island Little Theater; Habitat for Humanity, Mayor’s Vision Committee; Hall County Regional Planning Commission.