Born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas and class of '76 JHS. Graduated Tyler Jr. College in 1978, Stephen F. Austin St. Univ. in 1980 (BS), 1982 (MS) and Texas A&M in 1987 (Ph.D.) all in Biology. Research associate in cell and molecular biology University of Georgia and Texas A&M University then Science teacher at Brenham High School and currently Trinity High School. Married to Marty Sewall, one son, John Newman. Hobbies include shooting, car repair and restoration, woodworking, and metalworking. Freemason and past master of Adam Royder Lodge #778, Wellborn, Texas.