Downtown Fayette has announced lifelong Fayette residents Gary and Don Bagby as the Grand Marshals of this year’s Christmas Parade, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. around the square, Dec. 7.

Sons of Fay and Evelyn Bagby, the brothers have seen more than 60 years of Christmas parades from their family-owned gas station, Home Oil Company, and now it is their turn for special recognition.

“This honor could not happen to two more deserving and wonderful people. We are so proud of them,” said Vince Hilderbrand, who purchased Home Oil in January 2022.

Gary Bagby

Gary’s roots run deep. In 1964, he began working with his father, Fay, at their gas station, Home Oil Company. A 1965 graduate of Fayette High School and 1969 graduate of Central Methodist, he taught history in the Fayette public school and later joined the US Air Force. Gary and his wife, Sara, raised their two children here and and are now grandparents. Gary can often be seen working a Downtown Fayette street dance, handing out candy at Trunk or Treat, teaching the history of Fayette to the the town’s youth, leading a meeting for the Fayette Area Heritage Association, or offering a heartfelt hug at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home. He is known for saying the kind words, “How can I help?”

When asked what Fayette means to him, Gary humbly replied with one word: “home.” 

“I have lived here 70-plus years, and it is truly where my heart is. It is my everything,” he said. 

Gary shared that his drive to serve and do kind things for the community comes from owing his allegiance and efforts to the hard-working people who have come before him.”

Gary’s advice to the young people of Fayette is to get involved with something they like, and make good memories. “It is ok to leave when you are older, but always remember, coming back to Fayette is a celebration because it is home.”

Gary’s words to live by come from the Boy Scouts slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.”

Don Bagby

Don, or “Donnie” as many people call him, is also a proud FHS graduate from the Class of 1974, and also holds a degree from Central Methodist. He taught elementary school in Brookfield, and coached football, track, and wresting. He began working at Home Oil Company in 1982 and is still there. Don and his wife, Jan, raised two daughters here. Don is called “PaPa Don” by his three grandchildren.  

Don is regularly seen at Home Oil Company helping everyone from changing a flat tire, pumping gas, or washing windows. Everyone is always greeted by name, with a big heartfelt smile, and is always sincerely asked “How are you today?” 

When asked what Fayette means to him, Don humbly replied, “It is home. It is family and a place where everyone is a friend. It is a great place to have grown up and raise your kids. It is a perfect place.”

Don’s advice to the youth of Fayette? “Get involved in your school, make friends through sports, band, whatever you like. Do something you love and live your dreams. If you leave Fayette, always remember the folks who bought your Girl Scout cookies, pizzas for band, cheered for your sports, and the ones who supported you. They will forever be your friends because this will always be your home.

“Look after each other and they will look after you.”