Bruce Trimble, Citizens State Bank
Congratulations to Bruce Trimble on an incredible achievement: 50 years of service in Kansas banking. Bruce began his banking career while attending college, working at what is now Kaw Valley Bank (formerly First Motor Bank) in Topeka, Kansas. He officially joined The Citizens State Bank on June 1, 1974, starting as a Teller, marking the beginning of a career defined by steady leadership, growth and commitment to community banking.
When Bruce first started at Citizens State Bank, assets were modest, and operations reflected a much different era of banking. As the industry evolved, Bruce advanced through the organization, serving as Cashier by the mid-1980s, later taking on the role of Board Secretary and ultimately being named President/CEO in January 1995. Under his leadership, the bank experienced significant growth in both assets and geographic reach.
Bruce played an integral role in the expansion of Citizens State Bank over the decades. In 1982, the bank constructed a new main office building in Gridley, relocating to its current site on East Main Street. As community needs grew, additional branches were established in New Strawn, Hamilton, Madison, Lyndon and Burlington, followed by the acquisition of First National Bank of LeRoy, further strengthening the bank’s presence across multiple Kansas communities.
Beyond physical expansion, Bruce oversaw major milestones in the bank’s history, including Citizens State Bank’s 100th anniversary in 2011, celebrated with community-focused events across all locations. Growth continued into the Flint Hills region in 2012 and later with the merger of Olpe State Bank in 2021, bringing Citizens State Bank to 10 locations and reinforcing its long-standing commitment to serving rural Kansas.
Throughout his 50-year career, Bruce has witnessed — and guided — tremendous changes in banking, from manual processes to modern financial systems. His leadership, vision and dedication have had a lasting impact on Citizens State Bank and the communities it serves. Congratulations to Bruce Trimble on this remarkable achievement and for five decades of service that exemplify the very best of Kansas community banking.
Charlie Chandler, INTRUST Bank
Congratulations to Charles Q. “Charlie” Chandler IV on an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of service to the banking industry and the Kansas banking community.
After earning a business degree from Kansas State University and an MBA in finance from Northwestern University, Charlie began his banking career in 1976 through the management training program at First National Bank in Wichita, now INTRUST Bank. From the start, he demonstrated leadership, vision and commitment to relationship banking that would define a distinguished career spanning five decades.
In 1996, Charlie was elected Chairman, President and CEO of INTRUST Bank, becoming the fourth generation of the Chandler family to lead the organization. He later assumed the role of Chairman, President and CEO of INTRUST Financial Corporation in 2009. Under his leadership, INTRUST has remained one of Kansas’ premier financial institutions, known for its strong values, community focus and commitment to serving customers and employees alike.
Beyond the bank, Charlie has dedicated significant time and energy to civic, educational, healthcare and economic development initiatives. His leadership has helped strengthen countless organizations throughout Wichita and Kansas, reflecting the community-minded spirit that has long been a hallmark of both INTRUST Bank and the Kansas banking industry.
A lifelong resident of Wichita, Charlie is widely respected for his character, humility and devotion to family and community. This year is especially meaningful as he and his wife, Marla, are also celebrating 50 years of marriage. Together, they are proud parents of four children and grandparents of eight.
Throughout his 50-year career, Charlie’s leadership, service and stewardship have left a lasting impact on INTRUST Bank, the Wichita community and the broader Kansas banking industry. Congratulations to Charlie Chandler on this remarkable achievement and for five decades of service that exemplify the very best of Kansas community banking.
Dean Simon, Fusion Bank
Congratulations to Dean Simon on his exceptional 50-year career in banking! After graduating from Hutchinson Community Junior College in May 1975, Dean’s banking journey began in November 1975 at First National Bank in Pratt, Kansas. Starting as a Head Teller, he quickly progressed through several leadership roles, including Operations Officer, Consumer Loan Officer, and Compliance and Cashier Officer. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in the bank’s growth and success during his tenure.
Dean earned his Bachelor of Science from Friends University in December 1996. In October 1997, Dean joined First National Bank of Medicine Lodge as Vice President and Loan Officer. During his tenure, he managed a wide array of lending, including agriculture, commercial, real estate and consumer loans.
On April 15, 2002, Dean returned to Pratt and joined Fusion Bank in Pratt, Kansas, as Vice President and Loan Officer. With his extensive knowledge of both lending and agriculture, Dean was promoted to Senior Agriculture Lender.
Dean’s influence extends beyond the walls of the bank. Each year, he helps plan the Pratt Fourth Grade Ag Days. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Pratt Kiwanis and Pratt Rotary, serving in many different capacities.
Dean’s career exemplifies leadership and dedication in the banking industry. Congratulations, Dean, on this incredible milestone and thank you for your 50 years of exceptional service.
Dean Simon, Fusion Bank
Congratulations to Dean Simon on his exceptional 50-year career in banking! After graduating from Hutchinson Community Junior College in May 1975, Dean’s banking journey began in November 1975 at First National Bank in Pratt, Kansas. Starting as a Head Teller, he quickly progressed through several leadership roles, including Operations Officer, Consumer Loan Officer, and Compliance and Cashier Officer. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in the bank’s growth and success during his tenure.
His responsibilities extended well beyond the teller line. Don painted the bank, hauled supplies and assisted with any task that needed to be done, experiences that grounded him in humility and gave him a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up.
Don continued his education at the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1976. Shortly after graduating, he began his professional career at Planters State Bank in Salina. There, he advanced steadily through key leadership roles, progressing from Loan Officer to Vice President and Head of the Consumer Loan Department. His dedication to developing his expertise led him to pursue advanced training at the Consumer Lending School in Colorado and the Commercial Lending School in Oklahoma — education that strengthened the foundation of his future leadership in the industry.
Don joined the National Bank of America in 1984 as a Commercial Loan Officer, rising through the ranks to serve as President of UMB/NBA until 2006. His leadership was defined by strategic expansion, deep community engagement and a steadfast commitment to people-first banking.
He continued his career at Sunflower Bank as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, a role he held until 2013. On July 1, 2013, he returned to his roots — Bennington State Bank — where it all began, now serving as EVP in Commercial Lending. His return wasn’t just a homecoming; it was a testament to the enduring relationships and values that have guided him for half a century.
With 50 years of service, Don has not only shaped the banking landscape in Kansas but also mentored generations of bankers, supported local businesses and remained a steadfast advocate for community banking. This award celebrates a legacy built on hard work, heart and hometown pride.
Congratulations, Don, on achieving this milestone and thank you for 50 years of exceptional service.
Jim Moore, Farmers State Bank
Congratulations to Jim Moore of Farmers State Bank in Westmoreland on an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of service to Kansas banking. Jim began his banking career in 1976 after serving six years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. A graduate of Kansas State University and Wichita State University, he returned to his hometown to join the family bank, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, who also served as bank presidents.
Over the next five decades, Jim helped guide the bank through significant industry changes, from handwritten records and the bank’s first computer system to the modern technology-driven environment of today. His commitment to teamwork, innovation and community banking helped shape the culture and success of Farmers State Bank for generations of customers and employees.
Jim was named President and CEO in 1996 and led the organization for nearly 30 years before retiring from that role at the end of 2023. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to serving the people of Westmoreland and the surrounding communities, building lasting relationships and earning the trust of customers who became lifelong friends. He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board, providing guidance and support to the institution he has helped lead for half a century.
Beyond the bank, Jim has devoted countless hours to civic and community leadership through local government, charitable organizations and his church. His dedication to both banking and community service has left a lasting impact on the region and exemplifies the values of community banking.
Congratulations to Jim Moore on this remarkable achievement and for 50 years of service that represent the very best of Kansas community banking.
Joe Bahr, Citizens State Bank
Congratulations to Joe Bahr on an incredible milestone: more than 50 years of dedicated service to Kansas banking. Joe began his banking career in April 1969 at Peoples National Bank in Burlington, Kansas, where he served as a Loan Officer for 10 years. His commitment to community banking and agricultural lending quickly established a strong foundation for a career marked by leadership, integrity and service.
Following his time at Peoples National Bank, Joe continued his banking career at First National Bank in LeRoy, serving as a Loan Officer and Owner for five years. He later worked with Hamilton Bank before joining Citizens State Bank in 1985, where he has continued to serve as a Loan Officer and Director for the past four decades.
Throughout his career, Joe has remained deeply connected to the communities he serves. In addition to his work at Citizens State Bank, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for Peoples State Bank of Cherryvale, continuing his long-standing involvement in Kansas community banking.
Outside of banking, Joe has built a successful career as a farmer and cattleman and has long enjoyed hunting and other outdoor interests. Family has also remained an important part of his life, as he and his family are proud of their two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Over the course of more than five decades in banking, Joe Bahr has exemplified the values of community banking through his leadership, dedication and commitment to serving rural Kansas communities. Congratulations to Joe Bahr on this remarkable achievement and for a career that reflects the very best of Kansas banking.
Roxanne Zoeller, Farmers State Bank
Congratulations to Roxanne “Roxie” Zoeller on celebrating her 50-year career in banking!
After graduating from Westmoreland High School, Roxie attended Manhattan Technical College and then began her banking career. In June of 1976, she started working at Farmers State Bank of Westmoreland as a Teller and Proof Operator. She has also served as an Assistant Cashier and Vice President and is currently a Senior Vice President and Cashier.
Roxie has spent all 50 years working at the same bank, in the same town, and has seen many changes throughout the years. Not only has the bank building and her office changed over time, but everything about banking has become automated. She used to be able to type a signature card for a new account or a certificate of deposit, but now she has to create it on a computer. She also remembers how interesting it was to add ATMs and branch locations.
Her biggest challenge used to be the manual processing of checks — looking at each check, posting it and filing it away — all on a daily basis. Then she’d have to match checks with statements and mail them out every month. Today, her biggest challenge is all the rules and regulations and the amount of fraud and scams.
Roxie has attended several training programs and graduated from the Schools of Banking’s Operations School. She has also served on the bank’s marketing, IT and Farmers Appreciation Night committees. She has been involved with the youth in the area, teaching a class on the fundamentals of banking and in the Book Buddy program at the local elementary school.
Her favorite memory over the past 50 years was creating floats for the local parades. Each year, employees and their families would gather in the evenings and work on putting a float together. It was a fun time with some awesome floats!
Congratulations to Roxie on this incredible milestone and her commitment to Farmers State Bank!
Tom Davies, Security Bank of Kansas City
Congratulations to Thomas (Tom) J. Davies on achieving 50 years in Kansas banking! Tom began his banking career in July 1973 at First National Bank of Olathe, where he served in roles including Messenger, Bookkeeping, Teller, Saturday Manager and eventually Vice President of Operations. In 1979, he transitioned from full-time teaching to full-time banking while he and his wife, Joyce, raised their three children.
In 1984, Tom became Vice President of Operations at Corporate Woods State Bank, and in 1985, he joined Olathe State Bank. Over the next two decades, he held a range of leadership roles across Olathe State Bank, The Olathe Bank and Hillcrest Bank. His positions included Vice President of Operations, President of Olathe State Bank, President of The Olathe Bank, Market President for Olathe, Chief Operating Officer and ultimately CEO of Hillcrest Bank from 2006 to 2009. During this time, he also helped pioneer in-store branch concepts and banking locations within retirement centers.
In 2011, Tom joined Security Bank of Kansas City, where he has continued to make a lasting impact. His roles have included Vice President of Retail Branches, Senior Vice President of Retail Branches, Executive Vice President-Manager of the Retail Banking Network, and his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer.
Tom’s career also reflects strong community involvement. He served as Chairman of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, spent more than 20 years on the Olathe Health System Boards, and served on both the Overland Park and Kansas City Kansas Chamber Boards. He was named a Kansas City Business Journal Up and Comer, served as President of the Olathe Noon Optimist Club, and volunteered as treasurer for Johnson County Old Settlers. He has also been an active member of the Kansas Bankers Association and served on the Membership Committee.
Congratulations to Tom on this remarkable milestone and for his five decades of leadership, dedication and service to Kansas banking.
Sharon Bieker, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Colby
Congratulations to Sharon Bieker on reaching an extraordinary achievement: 50 years of dedicated service in the banking industry. After graduating from high school, she started working at a local grocery store. When presented with an opportunity to apply at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Colby, Sharon responded that she “would not make it in banking and would not be hired.” At the age of 19, Sharon was hired at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Colby and worked her entire career there.
Sharon started in the bookkeeping department in 1975 and then moved to the Proof Operator position until 1995, when she was moved into the loan department. Being the Proof Operator remained Sharon’s favorite job in banking. When a proof machine mechanic visited the bank, he often referred to Sharon as the best Proof Operator in the area. When Sharon started working in banking, everything was paper and completed manually. Sharon adjusted to the computer age and assisted the bank by running the bank’s in-house computer for several years. Sharon remained in the loan department until her retirement in April 2026, working as a Customer Service Representative in Loan Operations.
Sharon moved to Colby when she was 6 months old and has called it home ever since. Sharon’s knowledge of the Colby community and its residents was of great assistance to the bank during her career. Sharon was a team player and consistently displayed a positive attitude, earning her the appreciation of Brent Wiedeman, President and CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank. Throughout her career, Sharon assisted in nearly every department at the bank.
Sharon has two children, Heath and Tisha. Heath works for the Kansas City Royals as the Manager of Finance, and Tisha is an Accountant for Adams Brown in Colby. Sharon also has six grandchildren and keeps herself busy following their many activities.
Working for a community bank, Sharon displayed a strong commitment to serving within the Colby community. She served 26 years as the Colby Alumni Association Treasurer and continues to serve as a member of the association. Sharon has also worked with the Colby Methodist Church as the Administrative Council Secretary for 30 years. While working at Farmers & Merchants Bank, Sharon represented the bank annually by volunteering at the Thomas County Fair and the Colby Home and Garden Show.
Congratulations, Sharon, on this incredible 50-year milestone, and thank you for your contribution to the banking industry and to the Colby community.
