Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On January 25, 2025, the long-awaited McAllen State Bank Reunion finally took place—a gathering nearly a decade in the making. Hosted at a venue generously sponsored by Rio Bank, this momentous event brought together approximately 90 former employees and associates from near and far, all eager to reconnect and celebrate the institution that shaped their careers and lives.
The event was orchestrated by Elva Menchaca Cerda, who fought tirelessly over the years to make this dream a reality. She warmly welcomed attendees who traveled long distances to join the festivities.
“We’ve been trying to do this event since 2014, but obstacles kept getting in the way—venue costs, scheduling conflicts, and COVID-19. Thanks to Rio Bank, Mr. Ford Sasser, and Irma Murray, we finally made it happen. It is a joy to see you all here.” – Elva Menchaca Cerda.
Before the meal, Peggy Miller, former MSB Senior officer, invoked the room, emphasizing the powerful friendships and lifelong bonds forged at McAllen State Bank.
“Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessing this evening among McAllen State Bank employees’ old friends and family. We have so many memories, and everyone here brings up a new story that makes us smile. May we always be strong, may our leaders guide us well, and may the world know peace.” – Peggy Miller.
As plates were filled and conversations reignited, the true significance of McAllen State Bank became clear—this was not just a financial institution. It was a pillar of the community, a training ground for excellence, and a family.
A Bank That Built a City
Ernie Williams, former MSB President/CEO, one of the evening’s keynote speakers, dug into the rich history of McAllen State Bank, painting a picture of a bank that not only handled money but shaped the future of McAllen itself.
“McAllen State Bank wasn’t just about banking—it was an economic engine, a cultural hub, and a political powerhouse. It played a major role in shaping the Valley.” – Ernie Williams.
Founded in 1945 by Vernon Frank “Doc” Neuhaus, McAllen State Bank quickly became known for its commitment to trust, service, and community development. Its original location, near Klink’s, eventually gave way to the iconic Broadway and Business 83 location, where the bank’s influence grew.
McAllen State Bank revolutionized the financial landscape of South Texas, funding local businesses, real estate, and infrastructure projects that helped transform McAllen into the thriving city it is today. Williams reminisced about the days when banking was deeply personal.
“In those days, we knew our customers. We made loans based on a handshake and a promise. You could reach across your desk, write a man’s name down, and approve a $500 loan. That was banking built on character, not just credit scores.” – Ernie Williams.
The bank’s influence extended beyond finance— deeply embedded in the political and business world.
- Joe Kilgore and Kika de la Garza, both prominent political figures, had close ties with the bank, helping shape financial policies in the region.
- Neuhaus was friends with Clint Murchison Jr., the Dallas Cowboys owner, and George Brown of Brown & Root, demonstrating how far the bank’s reach extended.
- The bank also played a significant role in education and philanthropy, particularly in supporting the University of Texas and local scholarships.
The bank’s impact was not limited to business—it was also the cultural heartbeat of McAllen. The McAllen State Bank Tower became a symbol of prosperity and innovation, and its Tower Club was a venue for major social and business events.
The “University of Banking” and the People Who Made It Special
As speakers took the stage, it became evident that McAllen State Bank was more than just a workplace—it was a family.
“McAllen State Bank was the University of Banking. If you had MSB DNA, you knew what you were doing, and every other bank wanted you.” – Rene de la Garza.
Employee friendship fostered an environment of learning, teamwork, and shared success.
- Janice Owens Ciomperlik reflected on how the bank changed her career trajectory and gave her confidence in real estate lending.
- Marisa Morales recalled how she insisted on being hired, offering to work a week for free to prove her worth—and how that persistence led to a fulfilling banking career.
- Edie Holden, who started as a shy young woman, credited McAllen State Bank for shaping her into the confident person she is today.
Beyond work were endless pranks, holiday celebrations, and legendary Christmas parties. Among the most memorable stories were:
- The Rooster Prank – A live rooster was placed under a competitor, the First National Bank president’s desk, leading to an office-wide chase.
- Ernie Williams’ “Quail Swap” – Employees replaced the taxidermied quail in his office with live ones, leaving him puzzled.
- The Fire Extinguisher Incident – A drive-thru fire extinguisher accident covered everything in white dust, leading to a frantic cleanup effort.
“We worked hard, but we had fun doing it. We were a family, and everyone had each other’s back.” – Diana Martinez, Consumer Lending.
The Day McAllen State Bank Changed Hands
Though the night was filled with laughter and nostalgia, a somber tone set in when the conversation turned to the bank’s sale.
“The day McAllen State Bank changed hands; the music died. The heart and soul of the bank were gone.” – Ernie Williams.
As the bank merged with larger institutions, the culture that had made it special slowly faded. Employees who had once operated with trust and independence struggled with bureaucracy and red tape.
While the institution no longer exists, its legacy lives on through the people working there.
A Museum Exhibit to Honor Its History
Elva M. Cerda announced plans for a permanent exhibit at the McAllen Heritage Center to ensure that McAllen State Bank’s story is never forgotten. MHC served as a major sponsor of this historic event.
“This was a historic bank. It was the hub of banking. And we will preserve its legacy for future generations.” – Elva Cerda, Executive Director of McAllen Heritage Center.
The exhibit will feature:
- Photos, documents, and memorabilia from the bank’s history.
- Artifacts from the McAllen State Bank Tower and its iconic Tower Club.
- Tributes to the employees and leaders who made the bank what it was.
The reunion ended with a group photo, a final toast, and reaffirming the lifelong friendships formed at McAllen State Bank.
McAllen State Bank may be gone, but its legacy lives on in every life it touches.
