Senator Michael L. Parson, a Republican, represents the 28th District in the Missouri Senate. The 28th District includes Barton, Benton, Cedar, Dallas, Henry, Hickory, Pettis, Polk, and St. Clair counties. Before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, Sen. Parson served as the Polk County Sheriff for twelve years. He also served six years in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany and Hawaii.

Senator Parson was raised on a farm in Hickory County, and graduated in 1973 from Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Missouri. He is a small business owner and has been for many years. He is a third generation farmer and currently owns and operates a cow and calf operation near Bolivar.

Senator Parson serves in a leadership position as Senate Majority Whip. While serving in the House of Representatives, he was chair of the House Rules Committee, which is responsible for hearing legislation that passes out of all public hearings before it can be debated on the House floor.

In addition to his legislative duties Senator Parson is a member of the following organizations:

  • American Legion
  • Optimist Club
  • Missouri Farm Bureau
  • Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
  • Missouri Sheriff’s Association
  • National Sheriff’s Association
  • Missouri State Employee’s Retirement Board
  • Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

Senator Parson is a past board member of the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Justice Advisory Committee for C.J.I.S., and a Commissioner of the Missouri Emergency Response Commission. He also started the D.A.R.E. Scholarship Program for each school in Polk County.

He recently received awards from the following associations:

  • St. Louis Business Journal for promoting small business in the state.
  • Missouri Health Care Association for working with seniors and assisted living facilities.
  • Missouri Children’s Coalition for protecting the rights of children in Missouri.
  • Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture
  • Missouri Sheriff’s Association Award of Appreciation
  • Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Past awards include:

  • Missouri Association of Counties for Budget Procedure.

Born September 17, 1955 in Clinton, Missouri, Sen. Parson currently lives in Bolivar with his wife, Teresa who is vice president of Mid Missouri Bank. They have two children: daughter, Stephanie and husband Jonathan; son Kelly and wife Tara. Sen. Parson also has 5 grandchildren, David, Alicia, Michaela, Benjamin, and Isabella House.