On November 30, longtime West Texas banker John E. Grist acquired a controlling interest in Snyder-based West Texas State Bank, according to the Odessa American. Grist assumed the positions of chairman and chief executive officer. Mark Williamson will remain as president and continue to serve on the board, while Darryl Calley will continue to serve as executive vice president/chief financial officer. Joe R. Grist will join the bank at a later date as executive vice president. John Grist’s son, Jackson E. Grist, will serve on the bank’s board of directors, as will current board member Jimmy McMillan.

For 20 years, John Grist served as president, chairman and CEO of Andrews-based Commercial State Bank, with branches in Andrews, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock and Seminole. The bank was acquired by College Station-based American Momentum Bank in 2019. A Canadian native and Texas Tech University graduate, Grist served two years of active duty as an officer with the Second Armored Division stationed at Fort Hood. He resigned his commission after six years with the rank of captain. He was a national bank examiner in the Amarillo sub-region and has been active in banking ever since.

Grist is a member of the Texas Bankers Association and has been active with the Andrews Chamber of Commerce, the advisory board of the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Odessa, Lions Club, Keep Andrews Beautiful and 4-H Club.

“I plan to continue the bank as a viable financial institution serving the needs of the citizens of Snyder and Runnels counties with an expanded availability of financial services,” Grist told the Odessa American.

Established in 1950, West Texas State Bank reports assets of $156 million and has locations in Snyder and Rowena.