TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more
On March 5, Spearman-based First National Bank and Guymon, Oklahoma-based Bank of the Panhandle announced their intent to merge and become Panhandle First Bank. The two banks have frequently partnered over the past 39 years to serve their communities, and have determined that the communities will be better served by combining the two institutions into … Read more
A tornado tore through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton last Thursday evening, June 15, killing three people, injuring dozens more and causing widespread damage. Perryton’s banks—including FirstBank Southwest, First National Bank, Perryton National Bank and Interstate Bank—were affected to varying degrees. While First National Bank was able to remain open the day after the … Read more
Longtime banker Emmet Ross Harris, affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren, passed away on October 10. He was 75. In 2010, Harris was diagnosed with liver cancer. After exhausting other treatment options, he received a liver transplant in 2012. He was fortunate to receive this gift of life from an unknown organ donor, … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2021 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and four other states traveled to the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions … Read more
Spearman-based First National Bank has hired Buster Davis to serve as senior vice president. He has 33 years of experience working in all areas of community banking, including many years as a senior lender. Davis earned a BS degree in ag business and economics from West Texas State University. He also attended the Texas Tech University … Read more
Former Texas banking executive Richard T. Sharpe, 80, passed away after a brief illness on November 30. A graduate of Texas Tech University and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, he began his banking career in 1962 as vice president of First National Bank Weatherford. In 1965, he moved to Brownwood and … Read more
This month, David Kelton Monk is celebrating 50 years in the Texas banking industry and he’s not done yet. He launched his banking career in September 1970 as a teller at Citizens State Bank in Malakoff. From 1972 to 1980, he served as vice president at First Savings & Loan in Athens. He then worked … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored 17 Texas community banks with Best of Community Banking Awards. This year marks the 29th annual celebration of the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks and the critical role they play in communities across Texas. “Community banks do so much for their customers, neighbors and employees, … Read more