Central Methodist University has named brothers Don Bagby ’79 and Gary Bagby ’69, both of Fayette, as the Grand Marshals of the 2026 Homecoming celebration on Saturday. The honor recognizes two lifelong members of the Fayette community whose lives, families, and service have been closely connected to both Central and their hometown.

Don and Gary each graduated from Fayette High School before continuing their education at Central Methodist. They later owned and operated Home Oil, a longtime local business that served generations of area residents and reflected the brothers’ deep commitment to the community.

Their connection to Central extends well beyond their years as students. Don played football for the Eagles and later returned to coach at the college, investing in young people and contributing to CMU athletics from both the field and the sideline. Gary has likewise remained a loyal friend and supporter of the University throughout his life.

Together, Don and Gary have been active in the Fayette community and their church, giving their time and support to the institutions and people that have helped define their hometown. Across generations, the Bagby families have supported nearly every aspect of life connected to Central and Fayette. Their collective commitment represents a lifetime of loyalty, service, and civic pride.

“Don and Gary Bagby embody the very best of the relationship between Central Methodist University and the Fayette community,” said CMU President Roger Drake. “Their lives reflect loyalty, hard work, service, and a genuine love for this place. We are proud to recognize them and their families during Homecoming.”

As Grand Marshals, the Bagby brothers will be featured during CMU’s Homecoming festivities, including the Homecoming parade on Saturday, October 31. Their selection celebrates not only their individual contributions, but also the enduring impact of a family whose support for Central and Fayette has spanned a lifetime.

Homecoming weekend runs from October 30 to November 1.

Prior to the official Homecoming events, Central will break ground on the future home of CMU soccer, Alexander Field, on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The official Eagle Pride Groundbreaking will be an opportunity to celebrate with the board of trustees as Central enters a new chapter of Eagle Athletics.

Highlighting the Friday events will be the Homecoming Kickoff Celebration, starting at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Inman Student and Community Center. Alumni are encouraged to come and enjoy an open bar, heavy appetizers, and lots of great company, all for a $20 ticket to the event.

Friday night will also feature ghost tours of some of CMU’s most haunted sites, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Student Center rotunda. Hosted by alumnus Parker Johnson ’17 and Rev. Bill O’Neal, the tour is a perfect Halloween Eve activity for anyone interested in the paranormal.

At 7 p.m., the Eagle volleyball team will take on Missouri Baptist in Puckett Fieldhouse.

On Saturday morning, the annual Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the Fayette Square, with Don Bagby ’79 and Gary Bagby ’69 serving as the grand marshals. Tailgate lots at Davis Field will open at 11 a.m., ahead of the football game against Missouri Baptist at 1 p.m. Several fraternities, sororities, and alumni classes have events planned for the tailgate; find details at www.centralalumnievents.com.

The parade is always a draw for alumni and local citizens alike, filling the downtown square. LaFayette on the Square will begin serving Brandy’s famous bloody marys at 9 a.m., with drink specials a Homecoming menu throughout the day. Food will be served form 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with sidewalk seating available following the parade.

A longstanding tradition on Homecoming is Mac’s on South Main Street. Decades of alumni descend on the storied Fayette watering hole every year. This year, the celebration begins on Friday night with a performance by the Jeff & Noah Collective.

On Saturday, the Bloody Mary bar opens at 9 a.m. with drink specials and commemorative Mac’s glasses offered all day. Outdoor seating will be available as South Main will be blocked off for the celebration.

Mac’s will live stream the football game, which kicks off at 1 p.m., with beer olympics starting after the game.

Since Homecoming falls on Halloween, Mac’s will also hold a costume contest that night.

Other events following the parade include the dedication of Dale Chihuly’s “Rotolo 75,” gifted by the Inman Family, at the Ashby Hodge Gallery of American Art. Delta Pi Omega will also hold tea in Linn Memorial UMC, and the class of 1966 will gather in Assembly Hall with a class picture to be taken at 11:30.

Women’s and men’s soccer will take on Mount Mercy at 5 and 7:30 p.m., respectively, at Davis Field to round out the day of activities.

Homecoming Weekend will wind down on Sunday, with worship at Linn Memorial beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the Alumni Awards Brunch following at 11:45 in the Student Center. The Sunday service will gather alumni and friends for remembrance and hope, acknowledging and honoring those who have died. A candlelight memorial will be open in the church throughout Homecoming Weekend as well.

In addition to the special events each day, a number of attractions and services will be open throughout the weekend, including special hours for the Eagle Store, the Central Museum of History, and the Ashby-Hodge Gallery. Details on those hours and even more activities, as well as ticket and registration for a number of events, can be found at www.centralalumnievents.com.