Investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

History

At the early age of 23, William H. Cooper began turning his childhood vision into a reality, by purchasing his first gas station from his father. It was the oil business that taught him early lessons about being a true entrepreneur. The lessons were instrumental as he later established Copper Oil Company in 1965. Cooper Oil quickly grew to be the largest “jobbership” in southeast Missouri and for 35 years, Cooper Oil Company flourished. Although his success in the oil business played an important role in his career, his love for the banking industry became his full-time focus.

Bill’s journey into banking began in 1964 when he became director of what was known then as First State Bank of Farmington. Utilizing his natural entrepreneurial instincts, Bill quickly established a solid foundation in community banking. In 1980, Bill purchased controlling shares of the locally owned bank and earned the position of Chairman of the Board – a position he held until his passing in 2010.

Through Bill’s visionary leadership, the once small community bank on the corner of Columbia Street and H Highway has developed into a multi-faceted financial mainstay in Eastern, Southeastern and Central Missouri. Serving the state with over 34 locations, Bill’s vision and leadership have led to astounding success for many of his employees or “family members”.

Through this scholarship program, we are able to not only honor his memory, but also his exceptional gift of vision and leadership.  We hope that in time, young leaders throughout our family of communities will also be awarded an opportunity to share in Bill’s passion for success.