For more than 90 years, First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. has been Southeast Missouri's trusted community banking partner. As a locally owned financial institution serving Caruthersville, Sikeston, Dexter, Hayti, Portageville, Charleston, and Matthews, we're committed to providing personalized financial services with local decision-making at every branch.

• Locally owned and independently operated since 1934

• Ten convenient branch locations across Southeast Missouri

• Employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan

• Strong community involvement and local management

• 90+ years of financial stability and trusted service

On March 29, 1934, seven visionary leaders met in the law office of Robert L. Ward Sr. to establish First State Bank of Caruthersville. During the Great Depression, when three local banks had already closed, these 34 original stockholders saw an opportunity to restore financial stability to Southeast Missouri.

 

Our Founding Board of Directors:

• Robert L. Ward (President)

• M.R. Rowland

• John L. VanAusdall

• Joe Kohn

• Walter Bernard

• S. Crews Reynolds

• Charles G. Ross

Robert L. Ward, our first president, witnessed the area's transformation through World War I, the economic struggles of the late 1920s, and the determination to rebuild. His vision helped establish the financial foundation that continues to serve our communities today.

 

Leadership Through the Decades

Throughout our history, First State Bank & Trust has been guided by dedicated local leaders:

• 1930s-1950s: Robert L. Ward established our commitment to community banking

• 1950s-1987: Morrison R. Rowland, John L. VanAusdall, S. Crews Reynolds, and Horace Dunagan Jr. expanded our services and reach

• 1987-Present: Under Duane S. Michie's leadership as Chairman and President, we've grown from one location to seven branches while maintaining our community-focused mission

Growth & Expansion Timeline 

1995 - Opened our second branch in Sikeston at 750 S. Main St., bringing community banking to more Southeast Missouri families

2003 - Expanded to Dexter with our third location at 710 W. Business Highway 60

2004-2005 - Strategic consolidation strengthened our regional presence:

• Merged with Farmers Bank of Portageville (est. 1905) at 301 E. Third St.

• Merged with Bank of Hayti (est. 1902) at 805 E. Washington St.

2017 - Acquired Montgomery Bank's Dexter branch, enhancing our service capabilities

2018 - Acquired Mississippi County Savings and Loans in Charleston, MO

• Completed a brand refresh with updated logo and contemporary design

2023 - Opened our Matthews, MO branch, completing our seven-location network across Southeast Missouri

2026 - Acquisition of Senath State Bank, expanding the bank's footprint to ten locations across Southeast Missouri.

What Makes Us Different: Employee-Owned Community Banking

First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. remains 100% locally owned by First State Bancorp, Inc. What truly sets us apart is our unique ownership structure: one of our largest shareholders is the First State Bancorp Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This means our employees aren't just team members—they're owners invested in your success and our community's prosperity.

Many of our 87 current shareholders are descendants of the original 1934 founding families, maintaining our deep roots and long-term commitment to Southeast Missouri.

Our Commitment to Southeast Missouri Communities 

Caruthersville: Where It All Began

Caruthersville became Pemiscot County's seat in 1898, and we've been proud to serve this historic community since our founding. Named after Congressman Sam Caruthers who helped establish the town in 1857, Caruthersville represents the heart of our banking heritage.

Ten Communities, One Mission 

Today, we're privileged to serve customers across ten Southeast Missouri locations:

Each branch maintains local management and decision-making authority, ensuring you receive personalized service from people who know and care about your community.

Modern Banking with Traditional Values

While we honor our 90+ year heritage, we're committed to providing modern banking solutions. Our 2018 brand refresh represents our evolution—maintaining the professionalism and banking excellence you expect while embracing contemporary design and innovative financial services.

Our Mission: Providing the best in financial services while supporting local economic growth and community development throughout Southeast Missouri.

Thank You for Banking Local

We're grateful to our loyal customers and community partners who have supported First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. for over nine decades. Your trust helps us continue growing Southeast Missouri's economy while maintaining the personal touch that only a local community bank can provide.

Ready to experience the First State Bank & Trust difference?

Visit one of our ten convenient locations or contact us to learn how we can serve your banking needs.

First State Bank & Trust Co., Inc. | Locally Owned Community Banking in Southeast Missouri Since 1934