On March 15, Dallas-based Vista Bank announced that it has “lost a friend, mentor, colleague and banking legend” with the passing of Tony “T-Man” Stephenson, metro market president, adding that he “was best known for his contagious smile and genuine love of others.”
“Tony literally shaped the trajectory of our company through his tireless efforts and amazing reputation, helping us expand our footprint and eventually move our headquarters to Dallas,” the bank noted on its website and Facebook page.
Stephenson joined Vista Bank in 2017 with nearly 20 years of banking experience. Prior to Vista Bank, he served as senior vice president at Veritex Community Bank for seven years. Stephenson graduated from Texas Christian University.
Robert Bruce, a close friend and Vista Bank’s chief financial officer, observes that Stephenson could always be found showing him the latest card trick over their standing daily lunch.
“Tony will be remembered for countless reasons and epic stories, but perhaps most for his passion for life lived on his terms,” the bank wrote. “And what an amazing life it was. When not serving clients at all hours of the day and night, Tony and Lupita enjoyed their home in Mexico, riding bikes together through Uptown, a good round of golf and grabbing a burger with his dear friend Buddy Cramer, Managing Partner of the Katy Trail Ice House.”
Established in 1912, Vista Bank operates more than a dozen banking offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, West Texas and Austin.
