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Wayne Davis
Wayne Davis celebrates 50 years of service at Casey State Bank  Share
After working on an oil rig for six months following his high school graduation, Wayne Davis decided he wanted to do something else with his life. He chose a career in banking and evidently made the right choice because he's been enjoying it for a long time, 50 years to be exact. Wayne 's career began on July 1, 1959 when he was hired as a bank teller by the Casey National Bank, now Casey State Bank. Wayne had graduated from the one-year business program at Lockyear University in Evansville, Ind. and over the years, his responsibilities at the bank grew, and he worked his way into several positions. In February 1967, he was promoted to Assistant Cashier and began making and servicing loans. He was promoted to Cashier in February 1973 and one year later was promoted to Vice President and Cashier, primarily working with loans as senior loan officer. He was elected to the Board of Directors in February 1981 and still serves on the bank's board and holds the title of Senior Vice President. Prior to his wife's death in March 2002, Wayne had considered retirement but after her death, he decided to scale back a bit but keep working, going to three days a week which he continues to do today. He still makes and services loans but basically works with farmers. After 50 years in the business, he finds he is now dealing with some third generation families. Wayne pointed out he is astounded by the amount of money it takes the average farmer to operate in today's world.
''When I started making loans, farmers borrowed about $10,000 to put a crop in the field,'' Wayne said. ''Today it can cost $500,000 plus.'' By the same token, when Wayne began his career in 1959, the bank had a little over $5 million in assets. ''Today, we're looking at $200 million in total assets, with all branches included.'' Strides in technology with debit cards, internet banking and check imaging are other changes Wayne has witnessed in his career. When asked if he had kept up with the technological advances, Wayne said, ''I've stayed up with it enough to get by. I have enough knowledge to get what I need out of a computer. I'm not as good at putting things into a computer.'' Wayne has maintained an active lifestyle his entire life. An avid horseshoe pitcher, Wayne serves as chairman and treasurer of the Casey Horseshoe Club and is a member of the Illinois Horseshoe Pitchers Association State Board and ILSHPA Jr. Director. In fact, he will be pitching in the World Horseshoe Tournament in Springfield on August 3, 4, and 5. Thirteen hundred plus pitchers will be at the Convention Center in Springfield over a two-week period. In addition, Wayne is an elder at the Casey White Oak Church of God, treasurer and director of the Midwest Region Churches of God Foundation, Inc., and treasurer and director of the Pastoral Service Program--Illinois Churches of God General Conference. He also serves as treasurer for the local Cub Scouts of America Pack 84, helps out at Markwell Funeral Home as needed and is an active member of the Casey Lions Club. Wayne said he has probably seen 100 plus different employees come and go, but he has no plans to retire, adding ''it's been quite a ride, and management doesn't seem in any hurry to get rid of me.'' Since 1968, the year that Stan Grothenuis purchased the bank, he has worked for the Grotenhis family, and he expressed his appreciation to them. ''I feel pretty fortunate to have been able to work in the Casey community with an outstanding staff of employees and outstanding owners,and of course, outstanding customers. Without them I wouldn't have a paycheck,'' Wayne said. ''I've been able to spend my whole life in Casey, and I can't imagine living anywhere else.'' Wayne's children plus his six grandchildren are all in Casey. His daughter Carmel and her husband Pete Todd live across the street from Wayne as do his son Todd and his wife Laurie. His daughter Melanie and her husband Ed Blome live a few blocks away. ''I've appreciated the opportunity to work for the bank as well as the opportunity to serve the community,'' he continued. ''It's not about me but about the whole community and what we've been able to accomplish.'' The community, in turn, will have an opportunity to show their appreciation to a man who has served his employer and his community for 50 years. An Open House is planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 3 at the Casey State Bank. Everyone is invited to attend. Sharon Durham is a staff reporter for the Casey Reporter.
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