‘Babs’ Tyrone to be parade grand marshal

"Babs" Tyrone

SIKESTON — The 2018 parade grand marshal for the 74th Annual Cotton Carnival Parade will be Barbara “Babs” Tyrone of Sikeston.

Set for 10 a.m. Sept. 29, this year’s parade theme is “A Salute to the American Legion Post 114 Auxiliary.”

Born in Sikeston where she has lived most of her life, Tyrone is married to Gene Tyrone and has two children, Jessica Guzman of Sikeston and Joey Looney of Seattle, Wash. She is the grandmother of six, and they all live in the Sikeston area except for one who resides in Washington.

One of her favorite passions is scouting. She helps with her grandson’s Cub Scout den and is a Girl Scout leader for two troops. Her oldest troop just accomplished their Silver Award which is one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting.

Tyrone has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 39 years. She worked beside her father, Roscoe Vaughan, and mother, Mary Vaughan, along with others helping get bingo established at the American Legion Post 114. She called bingo for many years and still helps on Friday nights.

Tyrone has helped with most events sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary as well as the events sponsored by the American Legion family. She has held many offices and has been chairman of many programs promoted by the American Legion Auxiliary.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as parade chairman for the 74th American Legion Cotton Carnival,” Tyrone said. “God bless American and God bless our troops.”