Grand Marshalls

155TH SCHELL CITY FALL FESTIVAL GRAND MARSHALS – The Schell City Community Betterment Committee is proud to announce Gary and Shirley Vickers as the Grand Marshals of the 155th Schell City Fall Festival. Their lives have been defined by service to their country, devotion to family, and a deep commitment to honoring, supporting, and standing beside the veteran community. Through countless hours of volunteering, attending veterans’ events, and welcoming fellow veterans into their lives, Gary and Shirley have shown that their gratitude for those who served extends far beyond words.

Gary Vickers was born in Harwood, Missouri, and grew up in a military family. As the son of a serviceman, his childhood included traveling throughout the country and overseas. He is one of eight children, with two of his siblings born in Germany following World War II. After his father’s military service ended, the family returned to Vernon County, where Gary proudly graduated from Schell City High School with the Class of 1965.

Following graduation, Gary answered another call to serve. He was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. Assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Gary served as a Platoon Sergeant and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. His courage and sacrifice embody the spirit of the American servicemen and women who have defended our nation’s freedoms.

After returning home, Gary attended college in Joplin before beginning a distinguished 33-year career with the United States Postal Service. He spent ten years working in Joplin, where his three sons were born, before transferring to the El Dorado Springs Post Office. Returning to Vernon County allowed him to help care for his mother while continuing his career, eventually retiring after 33 years of delivering mail throughout the local community.

Not long after moving back home, Gary stopped into a beauty shop in El Dorado Springs for a haircut. With a smile, he still tells the story by saying, “I got a haircut, and I fell in love.” The hairstylist was Shirley, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Gary and Shirley have now been happily married for 35 years. Together they blended their families and raised five teenagers under one roof. Shirley, who recently retired after an impressive 45-year career as a hairstylist, grew up in El Dorado Springs as one of eight children and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1972.

Although Shirley has two biological children, when asked about their family, Gary and Shirley proudly answer without hesitation, “We have five children—Michelle, Jason, the late Gerrad, Mike, and Justin.” Today they are also the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren.

Gary laughs as he recalls Shirley scheduling late Friday afternoon hair appointments because, by the time everyone was home, their house had become what she lovingly called “a three-ring circus.” Those busy years built a home filled with love, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Retirement hasn’t slowed either of them down. Shirley enjoys caring for their farm, tending her beautiful yard and garden, and lovingly caring for Gary—a job she jokingly says is a full-time job in itself. Gary remains an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting deer, turkey, quail, ducks, and geese. Friends also remember him as an exceptional marksman who competed on a shooting team out of Joplin.

One of the Vickers family’s most cherished traditions is their annual Apple Butter Days, held each fall on their farm. Since 1972, family, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans have gathered to make apple butter, share stories, and enjoy fellowship. What began decades ago has become a treasured tradition that continues to bring people together.

Gary and Shirley are also dedicated supporters of America’s veterans. Whether attending or volunteering at veterans’ events in Nashville, Branson, Nevada, Harwood, or throughout southwest Missouri, they are always willing to give their time to honor those who have served.

Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the Vickers family’s patriotic spirit can be seen along Highway AA. More than 50 American flags proudly line their farm, creating a breathtaking display that has inspired countless travelers and local residents. Gary shared that the idea came from their late son, Gerrad, and the family embraced the vision wholeheartedly. Today, those flags serve as a powerful reminder of faith, freedom, family, and the sacrifices made by so many.

Gary and Shirley Vickers exemplify what it means to be true community servants. Through military service, decades of hard work, raising a loving family, supporting veterans, and inspiring patriotism throughout Vernon County, they have touched the lives of countless people.

Congratulations to Gary and Shirley Vickers, our 155th Schell City Fall Festival Grand Marshals. Thank you for your lifetime of service, your love for your country, your dedication to your family and community, and for inspiring generations with your patriotism, generosity, and unwavering commitment to America’s veterans. You truly represent the very best of small-town America.