As part of the Homecoming festivities held on the Truman State University campus each fall, the grand marshal has the special honor of leading the parade as it travels from downtown Kirksville through the campus.
Pat Williams (’80, ’84, ’90)
Pat Williams is a three time Truman graduate having received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1980, a Masters of Arts in 1984 and a Specialist in Administration in 1990. He had a long and successful career in a variety of roles in education, working as a special education teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and Superintendent of the Kirksville Public School System. In 2014, he retired after thirty-three years in public education. As a student, Pat was a four-year varsity Baseball starter and was recognized as All-Conference First Team Outfield with the MIAA and All-Conference Honorable Mention team captain.
Pat is an active volunteer in Northeast Missouri having served as Kirksville Optimist Club Board of Directors, I Think I Can Foundation, Kirksville United Way, Truman State University Alumni Chapter, Truman State University National Alumni Board, Kirksville High School Alumni Board and the Mary Immaculate Church Parrish Council
Pat has been recognized as the MASA New Superintendent of Schools Award, A.T. Still University “Still Spirit Award” Leader of the Year, Kirksville Rotary “Education Professional of the Year” Award, Legislation Liaison with Northeast Area Principals Association and Kirksville Rotary Exchange Team member to Italy.
Pat and his wife Lisa have been married for 45 years and have four children (Kelli, Rachel, Lindsey and Joseph) and five grandchildren
Previous Truman Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals:
2023: Dr. Jack Magruder (’57)
2022: Dr. R. Keith Beeman (’79) & Lu Ann Beeman (’80)
2021:John Garlock (’90)
2019: Russ Sloan
2018: Ray “Ricky” Armstead (’84)
2017: Louis “Lou” Coco (’67, ’70)
2016: Clifton “Dickie” Ray (’69, ’76)
2015: Victor Childers (’55)
2014: Robert A. Dager & Jane Dager
2013: Darrel Gourley (’50)
2012: Edwin C. Carpenter & Nettie (Brown) Carpenter (’76)
2011: Ray Klinginsmith & Judie Klinginsmith
2010: Marietta (Jonas) Jayne (’41)
2009: Larry Moore (’67) & Ruth Ann (Winter) Moore (’68)
2008: Stan Bohon & Doris (Pickens) Bohon (’43)
2007: Dean Rosebery (’41) & Amy (Ayres) Rosebery (’43)
2006: Gerald “Shag” Grossnickle (’42) & Sarah Grossnickle
2005: Judge James Reinhard & Shari (Powell) Reinhard (’58)
2004: Richard “Dick” Erzen (’49) & Edith “Edie” (Ford) Erzen (’49)
2003: Delbert Maddox (’37)
2002: Harry Gallatin (’49) & Beverly (Hull) Gallatin (’49)
2001: Bob Holden & Lori Holden
2000: Dwain Horn (’50)
1999: Charles McClain
1998: Dick Franklin (’56)
1997: Larry Lunsford (’81, ’83)
1996: Steve Gaw (’78) & Fannie (Bowdish) Gaw (’84)
1995: B.D. “Bud” Hunter
1994: Mary Alice Bunney (’38)
1993: Frederick “Fritz” Lauer (’50)
1992: Ruth Warner Towne (’39)
1991: Larry Moore (’67)
1990: Marshal E. L. McNeely (’40)
1989: Martha Decker Blair (’40)