Dennis Smelser Inducted Into The Missouri Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club
J. Dennis Smelser, executive vice president of Midwest Bancorporation Inc. in Poplar Bluff, was inducted into the Missouri Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club on Thursday, June 13, during MBA’s 129th Annual Convention at the Hilton Branson Convention Center.
This recognition from MBA honors bankers who have dedicated 50 years of service to the banking community. Smelser is one of eight bankers who were inducted into the 50 Year Club this year.
Smelser began his banking career in 1969 in the bookkeeping department of Security Bank in
Paragould, Arkansas, while attending Arkansas State University. After graduation, Smelser served as manager of the customer service department and later as the bank’s internal auditor.
In 1975, Smelser joined the audit department at Citizens Bank in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which led to an opportunity with his current employer. In 1976, Smelser moved to Dexter where he was employed as vice president and cashier of Dexter National Bank (later First Midwest Bank of Dexter). He transferred to the bank’s parent company, Midwest Bancshares Inc. (later Midwest Bancorporation Inc.) in 1981. Dennis has served in several capacities throughout the last 38 years and currently serves as executive vice president and trustee of the company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
A native of the Lafe community in Arkansas, Smelser is a graduate of Paragould High School, Arkansas State University (BS 1973), Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU (1976) in Dallas, Texas, and Professional Master of Banking in Austin, Texas in 1997.
Mr. Smelser is a past member of the Paragould Exchange Club, Center Hill Jaycees, Paragould Parks and Recreation Board, Dexter Kiwanis Club, Dexter Zoning Commission, and the Dexter Airport Board. Dennis was also active in the First Baptist Church of Dexter for over 30 years.
Smelser married Janie Morrow of the Stanford community in Arkansas and they have two sons, Brian (deceased) and Shaun, and three grandchildren; Lillianne, Emmett, and Laurel. After living in Dexter, Missouri, for 40 years they recently moved to Jackson, Missouri, to be near their grandchildren. Smelser is the son of the late Faye Smelser Partlow of Paragould, Arkansas.
The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of more than 250 banks and savings and loans in Missouri. MBA serves as the principal advocate for the Missouri banking community and provides educational opportunities, products and services that assist bankers with enhancing their banking operations.
Dexter, Missouri - Through the Walmart Community Grant Program, Dexter Walmart recently awarded the Bernie Parents as Teachers program with a $500 grant.
A large portion of these funds will go towards purchasing children’s books that will be given away during each home visit.
The Bernie PAT program strives to help build home libraries and encourage a love for reading between parents and their children.
Matt Looney, Dexter Walmart manager, is shown presenting the check to Bernie’s Parent Educators, Courtney McGarity and Casey Arnold.
Dexter, Missouri - The American Legion in Dexter will host a BBQ Cook/Meat Sale on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Dexter American Legion Building located at the corner of W. Oak St. and Elder St.
You may pick-up BBQ items from Noon - 5:30 p.m. A box lunch style BBQ sandwich with chips, and water for only $5.00 If you are a Veteran you may stop by and get your FREE box lunch.
You can also pre-order Boston Butts $30, Pulled Pork $35 and Whole BBQ Chicken $15.
Email or call James Kaufman at 573-820-1706 or dexsotl@gmail.com
Veterans supporting veterans who serve our great country!
Bloomfield, Missouri - The Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post #59, their Auxiliary and the Missouri Department of Conservation held their semi-annual Veterans Fishing Day on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
More than 50 veterans enjoyed a beautiful morning fishing with more than 100 people attending the fish fry at noon.
The Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post #59 hosts two Veteran Fishing Days. One in the spring and one in the fall in October.
Other volunteers who make this event possible are the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Missouri State Veterans Home, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Without the tremendous help from these volunteers, this event would not be successful.
If you would like more information about the bi-annual fishing day or if you are interested in joining the American Legion please join them for their monthly meetings beginning at 6:00 p.m. each first Thursday of the month. They also host a DANCE on Monday evenings!!!
