Tennison noted for service in banking

Liberty Bank President Gary Metzger attributes Liberty Bank's success as a small business lender largely to the efforts of Jay Tennison.

Tennison, who served as executive vice president and senior loan officer for Liberty Bank, died April 20 of a heart attack. He was 47 years old.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Tennison worked in the banking industry for 25 years.

He spent 17 years as a senior lending officer for area banks, serving at Ozark Bank immediately prior to joining Liberty Bank in 2000.

Metzger said he considered Ten-nison not only a colleague, but also a good friend.

"We're going to sorely miss him as our executive vice president and senior lending officer, but more, we're going to miss him as a friend, a confidante, his leadership ability," Metzger said.

Tennison is survived by his wife, two sons and two stepdaughters.

Metzger said when Liberty Bank dedicates its new Ozark location June 6, Tennison will be remembered.

"Jay was instrumental in helping to pave the road to Ozark for us ... we will dedicate the building that day to Jay," Metzger said.