Hall of Fame
John Waldron began his career with the Pepsi Cola Company in 1946 while attending the St. Joseph Junior College. He left school in 1947 to join the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company full time. He served as plant foreman and sales supervisor until 1953, when he was named Vice President. In 1962 he became the President and Chief Executive officer of Pepsi-Cola. He served as president until his retirement in 1984.
John first got involved in Missouri Western Athletics in 1969 when Charlie Burri (MWSC Director of Athletics, 1969-1985) recruited him to help in the formation of the Gold Coat Club. His fundraising efforts were vitally important in the completion of the Stadium Club for Spratt Memorial Stadium. John was appointed to the NAIA National Baseball Tournament committee in 1975. In 1987 served as co-chairman for the pacesetter group organized to solicit donations and volunteers from the community in the first phone-a-thon to support the Missouri Western Alumni Association.
John realized the value of Missouri Western State College to the community of St. Joseph. He played an important role in establishing a partnership between Pepsi-Cola and Griffon Athletics, a relationship that is still going strong.
John was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages, Optimist Club, and the Knights of Columbus.
