Four months ago, Missouri Governor Mike Parson became an author.

He wrote a book called, “No Turnin’ Back,” which chronicles his journey as governor. He shared his experiences of writing the book in front of a large audience at the Annual Lincoln Day Banquet on June 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Montgomery City. Copies of his book were available for purchase at the banquet, which was hosted by the Montgomery County Republican County Committee.

“You never think that you’re going to have a book written about you when you come from a town of Wheatland, Missouri, a town of 356 people,” Parson said. “I finally decided to write the book because I do believe there is a story to be told about it after I started going through my life.”

Parson was the keynote speaker of the banquet, which also included appearances from State Rep. Bruce Sassmann, State Senator Travis Fitzwater and Steve Etcher, a consultant of the Greater Montgomery County Economic Development Council. During his 30-minute speech, Parson talked about being raised by sharecropping parents and growing up with three brothers.

“My mom and dad were simple farmers,” Parson said. “There’s no doubt about it. They loved doing what they’re doing. The thing they taught all of us boys is they taught us about faith at a very early age, they taught us what it’s like to be a good neighbor and be respectful to people.”

Parson also talked about his interest in fast cars, chasing girls and playing basketball and baseball. He never went to college.

“I worked hard all of my life and I tried to use common sense,” Parson said.

Parson’s term as the state governor is coming down to its final months. He took over office in 2018 following Eric Greitens’ resignation. He cannot seek re-election to a second full term in office since he served more than two years of Greitens’ unexpired term.

“He’s going to be sorely missed when he’s done at the end of this year,” Fitzwater said.

Parson had several accomplishments during his run as governor. He created a plan to fix the state’s roads and bridges as I-70 will be extended to six lanes across the state. He signed a law that eventually allowed Missouri to ban almost all abortions. He helped Missouri make the largest investment in broadband in the state’s history.

“As governor, one of the proudest moments I ever did was I signed one of the most pro life bills in the nation when I was governor,” Parson said. “Today, there are zero abortions in the state of Missouri.”

Parson credits his wife, First Lady Teresa Parson, for his success as governor.

“I had somebody who stood by my side for 38 years all the way from being a sheriff, working in gas stations and pumping gas, working as a foreman to working at a bank,” Parson said. “She has been by my side for over 40 years. I would not be able to be the governor I am today without the First Lady of the great state of Missouri.”