Gregg and Shari Leann Thomas Barron have been chosen as the Grand Marshals of the 2022 Salisbury Steak Festival parade.
Gregg was born and raised in San Pedro, California, but his mother grew up around New Cambria. His father was a flight engineer for TWA, so in the summer Gregg could fly back to Missouri for free and spend some time with his uncles and cousins. He preferred the countryside of Missouri to the crowded California lifestyle, so when it came time to attend college, he packed up his red 1967 Ford pickup truck and, at the age of 17, drove back to Missouri to attend Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville. Shari grew up in Florissant, Missouri, but her mother was from Forest Green, so Shari and her siblings spent a lot of time on their grandparents’ farm and touring around Salisbury while growing up. Shari also decided to go to college at Northeast Missouri State University. It was there that she met this California guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt. He was cute! And he had a truck! As a result, Gregg and Shari will be married for 42 years this month. They have three daughters: Whitney (SHS graduate 2003), Melanie (SHS graduate 2005) and Jody (SHS graduate 2011). Whitney and her husband, Nick Kertz, have three daughters: Elena, Emmalee and Elyssa. Melanie and her husband, Michael West (SHS graduate 2004), have two daughters: Makenzie and Maddie. Jody and her husband, Ethan Dunivent, have two sons: Jude and Revan.
A release says Gregg has been an employee of Regional Missouri Bank for the last 25 years. Before that, he worked in the seed business as a territory manager and frequently traveled and worked in the Salisbury area. Shari is a retired educator. She worked as a guidance counselor at LaPlata for two years, as a counselor at Westran for two years, as a Home Economics teacher at Westran Middle School for three years, and as a high school guidance counselor at Moberly High School for 23 years. After retirement, she was employed in the Keytesville school district as a part-time guidance counselor.
Gregg and Shari have lived in Salisbury for 25 years. During that time, Gregg has been involved in the Chamber, serving as president and vice president, and on the Steak Festival planning committee serving as co-chair for numerous years. The Barron family organized the Steak Festival 5K Stampede for approximately 15 years. Gregg was elected to the Salisbury School Board for 15 years serving as both vice president and president for a portion of that time. He served on the Dulany Library board numerous years and served on the Salisbury City Industrial Development Authority board. Gregg has participated in over 50 Central Missouri Honor Flight motorcycle escorts. He enjoys riding his Harley, honoring and escorting veterans after their day trip to Washington, D.C. Shari is a member of Salisbury Music Club and participates in the community choir Vesper service each year. She is also a member of Chapter BD PEO. Shari participates in the Community Art Players productions as often as she can, either as an actor or doing sound or lights. Shari says, “It is fun to participate in something that brings laughter and entertainment in a time that is not always positive.”
Gregg is an avid deer hunter. As a result, Shari has joined him in this activity and doesn’t miss a season. It was either hunt, or be left at home, so she chose to hunt. Gregg enjoys both rifle and bow hunting, but Shari sticks to the rifle. Although they have not done so in quite a few years, scuba diving was another activity that they greatly enjoyed doing as a family. Their three daughters and two of their sons-in-law got certified and did a lot of diving in Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals, with a few ocean diving trips as well.
Gregg and Shari’s faith in God are very important to them. As a result, they are active members of First Baptist Church where Gregg serves as a deacon, and as chairman of the deacons. He has been a member of numerous committees throughout the years and currently operates the video camera at services so those who are unable to attend can view the service online. Shari sings on the Praise Team and enjoys helping with Vacation Bible School and the after school Club 252. She has served on various committees throughout the years, is currently on the Church Council, and recently co-chaired the “Freely Given” or “No Sale Garage Sale” to help the community.
Having both grown up in “city” environments, Gregg and Shari greatly appreciate Salisbury and the small town friendliness. They enjoy the personalized, kind service of the Salisbury businesses. They love how everyone waves whether they know you or not. It was helpful for them (and maybe their daughters) to know that if their daughters got in trouble, Gregg and Shari were going to find out about it quickly.
Gregg and Shari have many fond memories of Salisbury and the Steak Festival. One time, Shari was helping set up for the steak dinner. The ladies had filled one big container with water and some other big containers with tea. One lady (whose name will not be mentioned) was wiping off tables and talking. Without thinking, she stuck her hands in one of the containers of tea. Shari said, “You do know that you are washing your hands in the tea?” It was a rather hilarious surprise. And yes, that container of tea was dumped out. Gregg spent many late nights walking around and being available to answer questions at the Steak Festival. He enjoyed visiting with people and helping find the best carnival ride companies and dealing with them each year. He helped cook steaks for a lot of years. Gregg says, “The Salisbury Steak Festival and other community activities could not happen without all the volunteers and hours of planning and work. It is truly a team effort.”
Gregg and Shari have obviously been integral parts of the Salisbury team.
Gregg and Shari will lead the Salisbury Steak Festival parade at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10, in downtown Salisbury. The Salisbury Steak Festival runs Thursday, June 9, through Sunday, June 12.
STORY AND PHOTO COURTESY THE SALISBURY STEAK FESTIVAL