Branson Bank co-founder dies at 87

Branson Bank co-founder J. Wes Strange has died. He was 87.

Strange died May 24 at Forsyth Nursing & Rehab "after a long and challenging health journey," according to his obituary posted to the website of Greenlawn Funeral Home. He had been a resident of the long-term care center.

A statement provided to Springfield Business Journal this morning by Branson Bank indicates Strange was the organization's first CEO upon its founding in 2000. He founded Branson Bank with Bill Jones, the company's current CEO, and retired from banking in 2007. His banking career also included serving as director and chair of Branson Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Branson Bank.

"Wes was instrumental in starting the company and it simply would not have happened without him. He worked diligently to help build the company during its early years," Jones said in the statement. "I have so many fond memories of Wes. I will always be grateful for the opportunities he provided for me personally. His wisdom and insights were invaluable to me and helped shape my career in banking."

Strange in 2015 was inducted into the Missouri Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club for 50 years of banking industry service. His career started with Farm Credit Association, according to Branson Bank officials.

Branson Bank, which operates five branches in Stone and Taney counties, had $366.6 million in assets and $327.3 million in deposits as of Dec. 31, 2024, according to data on file with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.