The board of directors of Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank has reluctantly accepted the retirement of Brenda Stirl, senior vice president and cashier, culminating a banking career that’s endured for 48 years. She has been with the bank since its 1995 acquisition of the Hamlin National Bank branch where she had been employed since its opening in 1990. Prior to joining Hamlin National Bank, Stirl had served Sweetwater’s Texas Bank & Trust Co. in numerous capacities since 1974. Interestingly, for 46 of her 48 years in banking, she has worked in the same bank building.

Stirl attended Angelo State University and is a graduate of the Bank Operations Institute at Texas A&M University–Commerce. She has attended numerous additional schools and advanced courses in all aspects of bank operations. Active in the Sweetwater and Nolan County community throughout her career, Stirl has served with many organizations, including the Sweetwater and Nolan County Chamber of Commerce, Sweetwater County-City Library, National WASP WWII Museum, Nolan County Crime Stoppers and First Salem Lutheran Church of Roscoe.

“Brenda has been a key player in the success of our bank since our opening nearly 27 years ago,” says Bill Johnson, chairman. “We have always been proud of Brenda and are appreciative of both her loyalty to our organization and her service to the community. Though she has planned and prepared us for her retirement, we will miss her tremendously.”

Established in 1995, Texas National Bank has assets of $175 million and operates banking offices in Sweetwater and Tuscola.