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Lamar Bank & Trust Company Welcomes

Matt Brown as Vice President

 Lamar Bank & Trust Company (LBT) is proud to announce that Matt Brown has joined the team as Vice President, bringing more than two decades of lending experience and a strong passion for serving local communities.

Brown holds a degree in Agricultural Education and began his career in the classroom before transitioning into roles within the agricultural industry. His 15 years in the equipment sector gave him extensive experience in financing, ultimately leading him into community banking, where he has spent the past nine years building relationships and helping customers achieve their financial goals.

Throughout his banking career, Brown has developed a well-rounded lending portfolio. While his passion remains rooted in serving agricultural producers, he has experience across a wide range of lending areas, including consumer loans, home loans, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending, as well as agricultural equipment, land, and operating lines. In his most recent role, he specialized in larger, more complex commercial credits.

A longtime resident of Lamar, Brown and his wife, Heather, have called the community home since 2005, where they have raised their three children. He is actively involved through his church, local organizations, and even broadcasting Brotherhood football games on Friday nights. Brown values the spirit of rural communities like Lamar and Barton County, where individuals come together to support one another and contribute to what makes the area special.

“Matt is a great addition to our bank. His strong community involvement, along with his background in banking, agricultural sales, and education, makes him a perfect fit for who we are and what we stand for,” said Pat O’Neal, President and CEO of LBT.

“I have always admired LBT’s community-focused approach and have considered many of the employee’s friends for quite some time. It’s a great work atmosphere with a talented team of professionals at every level, and I am excited to have a role in continuing the legacy of great service they have provided customers for 100 years,” said Brown.

Brown is committed to helping customers navigate their financial journeys with honesty, transparency, and strong communication. With 21 years of lending experience, he takes pride in working with a wide range of customer needs and building lasting relationships.

“I want to do what I can to help our local families, farms, and businesses grow, succeed, and reach their financial goals,” he added. 

For Immediate Release - April 10, 2026

 

Progress 2026: Growing to Serve Our Communities

Lamar Bank & Trust (LBT) continues to build on its long-standing commitment to
community banking through strategic growth, expanded services, and continued
investment in the communities it serves.

2025 Was A Year of Growth and Expansion
2025 marked an exciting year of progress for LBT, highlighted by the opening of its
new full-service branch in Lockwood. This expansion extends the bank’s footprint
beyond Barton County and allows LBT to better serve customers throughout the
surrounding communities with convenient, personalized banking.
The Lockwood branch represents LBT’s ongoing commitment to meeting customers
where they are while maintaining the relationship-focused service that community
banking is known for.

Enhancing the Customer Experience
In addition to expanding its physical presence, LBT also focused on improving digital
banking services. Upgrades to online banking and bill pay introduced a refreshed
design and improved functionality, making it easier for customers to manage their
finances securely and conveniently.
These enhancements reflect LBT’s dedication to combining modern banking
technology with the trusted service customers expect.

Investing in Community
While 2025 was a year of growth, it was also a time to celebrate the bank’s 100th
anniversary. As part of the milestone celebration and as a way to thank the
community for a century of support, LBT renovated one of the park shelters at Lamar
City Park. The updated shelter now provides a welcoming space for families, friends,
and community members to gather and create new memories for years to come.
Beyond special projects, LBT remains deeply involved in supporting local
organizations, schools, events, and programs that strengthen the communities it
serves.

Thank You to Our Customers
We are grateful to our customers for the trust and support they continue to place in
Lamar Bank & Trust. Your loyalty allows us to grow, expand our services, and
continue serving the communities we are proud to call home.

Thank You to Our Team
The continued growth of Lamar Bank & Trust is made possible by the dedication of
our employees and the leadership of our Board of Directors. Their commitment to
excellent service, strong relationships, and community involvement helps ensure we
continue providing the personalized banking experience our customers value.
We sincerely thank our staff and Board for their hard work and continued support of
the communities we proudly serve.

Executive Leadership:
• Patrick O'Neal, President & CEO (NMLS # 484798)
• John Gilkey, EVP & Chief Lending Officer (NMLS # 637376)
• Garry Robinson, SVP & Springfield Community President (NMLS # 710918)
• Kent Morey, SVP (NMLS # 476675)
• Brad Williams, VP (NMLS # 637545)
• Erin Harvey, VP & Compliance Officer
• Reece Lehman, VP & Cashier (NMLS # 1528492)
• Roman Lehman, VP (NMLS # 1263226)
• Jenni Oeltjen, VP & Lockwood Community President (NMLS # 1135329)
• Tripp Tucker, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst (NMLS # 2531044)
• John Bary, AVP
• Carla Barnes, AVP
• Stacy Bilyeu, AVP
• Ciara Garfield, AVP & Loan Dept. Assistant Manager
• Robin Turner, AVP & Teller Supervisor
• Crystal Wolfe, Marketing Officer / Director of Marketing & Communications

Tellers: Robin Turner (Teller Supervisor), Lorie Forkner, Whitney Forst, Pattie
Mezel, Tammie Rawlings, Monica Willis, Brooke Day, and Megan Junker.

Lockwood Tellers: Hannah Snyder and Jessica Baker.

CSRs: Lindsay Todd (CSR Supervisor), Kimber Gastel, Melissa Messer, and Allison
Morris.
Lockwood CSRs: Katie Infield and Taren Polodna

Loan Assistants: Shauna Rodebush, Penny Robertson, Jessica Norwood, Megan
Wheeler, and Jaycee Belew.

Operations: Amy Cook, Belinda Shoff, Devon Copsey, and Lindsay Rice.

Board of Directors: Pat O’Neal, Jim O’Neal, Tom Main, Kevin Little, Gailand
Johnston, Garry Robinson, George Nichols, Paul Stefan, and Mike Pittsenbarger. Kent Morey serves as Board Secretary.
Lamar Bank & Trust Announces Promotions to Assistant Vice Presidents
 
Lamar Bank & Trust Company (LBT) is pleased to announce the promotion of Ciara Garfield and Robin Turner to the role of Assistant Vice President, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and long-standing service to the bank.
 
Ciara Garfield has been with LBT for 11 years and has held several roles during her tenure, including Teller, Loan Assistant, Human Resources Officer and most recently Loan Department Assistant Manager. “I’m thankful for this opportunity and appreciate the confidence that Pat, the board, and others have shown in my growth here,” Garfield said. “This would not have been possible without the support of my co-workers and family. I am excited for new challenges and to continue to grow and learn new things in this company.”
 
Robin Turner brings nearly 22 years of service to her new role. She began her career with LBT as a Teller and later served as Teller Supervisor, where she worked closely with and supported the teller team. “I have really enjoyed working with my team of tellers through the years,” Turner said. “I feel very honored to have been given the opportunity to serve in this new role.”
 
President & CEO, Pat O’Neal shared praise for both promotions, stating, “I’m very happy for these two and much appreciate what they do here.”
 
For Immediate Release - February 4, 2026
 
 

Lamar Bank & Trust Company (LBT) is proud to announce that its second branch, located at 514 W. Fourth St. in Lockwood, MO, is now officially open and serving customers. LBT marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on 
Monday, November 24th.
 
The new Lockwood branch brings the same personalized service and innovative banking solutions that customers have come to expect from LBT. Community members can enjoy customized financial guidance, competitive lending options, user-friendly digital tools, and quick, friendly service from a team that knows them by name. The branch is also committed to supporting local businesses and offering financial education opportunities, further reinforcing LBT’s dedication to investing in the community and delivering A Better Way to Bank.
 
“We are excited that our new branch in Lockwood is officially open! We couldn’t be happier with how it’s come together,” said Pat O’Neal, Lamar Bank President & CEO. “As we celebrate 100 years of serving Southwest Missouri, it’s exciting to grow and invest in a great community like Lockwood. We’ve got an outstanding team—Jenni, Hannah, Jessica, Katie, and Taren—ready to welcome everyone and carry on our tradition of friendly, hometown banking. We are ready to become a part of your community.”
Founded in 1925, LBT has evolved from a small local bank into a trusted financial institution that has long served Barton County and, as of 2025, now proudly extends its services to Dade County. Throughout its history, LBT has remained deeply committed to the communities it serves.
 
“With our new branch now open, I want to thank the Lockwood community for welcoming us with open arms,” said Jenni Oeltjen, Lamar Bank Vice President & Lockwood Community President. “I’m thrilled to bring exceptional, personalized service to my hometown and look forward to serving the people who make this community so special for many years to come. It’s good to be home!”
 
For Immediate Release - November 26, 2025
 

As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Lamar Bank & Trust is proud to announce the renovation of the beloved Park Shelter at Lamar City Park. This project, sponsored entirely by the bank, reflects its deep-rooted commitment to giving back to the community it has served for a century.
 
Following the renovation, the shelter will be officially renamed the Lamar Bank & Trust Company Centennial Park Shelter – a tribute to the bank’s 100 years of service and ongoing investment in the future. The renovated shelter will offer a welcoming space for families, friends, and future memories. Construction is set to begin this month, with improvements including new concrete, structure, and lighting.
 
“For a century, we’ve grown alongside this community,” said Pat O’Neal, President & CEO. “This renovation is our way of saying thank you – and giving back to a place we all value.”Lamar Bank & Trust remains the only locally owned and operated bank in Lamar, dedicated to supporting local spaces that bring people together.
 
For Immediate Release- May 7, 2025
 
 
 Lamar Bank and Trust, the only locally owned and operated bank in Barton County, is thrilled to announce plans for a new branch in Lockwood, Missouri. This will be the bank’s first expansion beyond its single branch in Lamar, where it has proudly served the community since 1925. Scheduled for completion in 2025, this expansion marks a historic milestone for the bank as it grows beyond its single-branch roots to serve even more customers.

“For nearly a century, we have been dedicated to serving the financial needs of our community, building lasting relationships, and empowering our customers,” said Pat O’Neal, President & CEO. “Our decision to expand to Lockwood reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and prosperity of our neighboring communities. We’re confident that Lockwood will view us as more than just a bank—we’re a dedicated partner in schools, community events, and local initiatives.”

The new branch in Lockwood will offer the same personalized service and innovative banking solutions that customers have come to expect from LBT, led by Jenni Oeltjen, Vice President and Lockwood Community President. With 25 years of comprehensive banking experience, Oeltjen brings unparalleled expertise and a strong commitment to serving the Lockwood and Dade County communities.

Ground has officially broken on the Lockwood branch, estimated to be completed later this year. As construction progresses, additional details about the grand opening will be shared.
 
For Immediate Release - February 3, 2025
 
 

Lamar Bank and Trust (LBT) is pleased to announce the promotions of two valued team members, Ciara Garfield and Crystal Wolfe. They have both demonstrated outstanding dedication and growth during their time with the bank.

With 10 years of service at LBT, Ciara Garfield began her journey in 2014 as a part-time teller while attending college. She quickly transitioned into the role of Human Resources Assistant / Loan Assistant in 2017. Through hard work and commitment, Ciara has developed a strong foundation within the bank and steps into her new role as Human Resources Officer and Loan Department Assistant Manager.

Crystal Wolfe’s journey with LBT spans nearly nine years. She started as a Customer Service Representative in 2016 and advanced to the role of Accounts Payable/Operations Assistant in 2022. With 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Crystal found her passion for marketing when she joined the bank’s Marketing Committee, leading to her promotion to Marketing Officer and Director of Marketing and Communication.

Both Ciara and Crystal expressed their gratitude for the opportunities and support provided to them by LBT. “I am thrilled for the future and excited to contribute even more to the success of LBT,” Ciara shared. “It’s been a pleasure to work here, and the guidance and encouragement I’ve received have played a significant role in my growth. I truly appreciate the trust the bank has placed in me.”

Crystal reflected on her career path, saying, “LBT has offered me a wonderful environment for growth. When I first started, I was encouraged to join the Marketing Committee, which sparked my passion for marketing. It has allowed me to harness my creativity while working to support the bank’s marketing goals. I’m excited for this new opportunity and look forward to playing a key role in the continued growth of LBT.”

Pat O’Neal, President & CEO, expressed his enthusiasm: “Could not be more pleased with the contributions of Ciara and Crystal. Congratulations to both of them on their deserved promotions and responsibilities.” Both promotions reflect Lamar Bank and Trust’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing employees with opportunities to grow professionally while continuing to provide excellent service to the community.
 
For Immediate Release - January 31, 2025
 
 

Lamar Bank & Trust announced the retirement of Danny Little, a long-time board member and past president, and the appointment of Mike Pittsenbarger to the board of directors. This transition is pivotal as the bank approaches its milestone 100th anniversary in March, marking a century of dedicated service to the community.

Danny Little has been a dedicated member of LBT for 47 years, serving as a past president and providing invaluable guidance and insight throughout his tenure. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the bank's success, and his legacy will remain a part of its foundation.

Stepping into Danny’s position is Mike Pittsenbarger, CPA and owner of his own accounting firm in Lockwood, MO. With extensive financial expertise and a strong connection to the local community, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board.

“Danny has been a part of this bank either as an employee or director since 1978. He has been instrumental in many of our accomplishments, and for that, we are thankful. At the same time, we are excited to get started in Lockwood. The addition of Mike to our board of directors only increases that excitement. His business knowledge and familiarity with the community will be an asset to our board and bank,” said Pat O’Neal, President & CEO of LBT.

For Immediate Release - January 24, 2025


Lamar Bank and Trust Company (LBT) is pleased to announce the addition of Jenni Oeltjen as the new Vice President and Lockwood Community President. With 25 years of comprehensive experience in all areas of banking, Oeltjen brings a wealth of expertise and a solid commitment to the Lockwood and Dade County communities. 

Pending the required regulatory approval, the bank plans to construct a new full-service banking facility In Lockwood. Groundbreaking is anticipated before year end with an estimated completion during the summer of 2025. 

“I am excited to bring my 25 years of banking experience and focus on hometown banking back to Lockwood and Dade County,” said Oeltjen. “For nearly 100 years, LBT has steadfastly committed to the Barton County area. I look forward to continuing the relationships I have built with members of this community and growing new ones.” 

Oeltjen began her career in the fall of 1999 as a part-time teller with Bank of America and quickly advanced through various positions, gaining invaluable experience in teller services, customer service, branch leadership, and consumer lending. After the Lockwood branch of Bank of America was acquired by Arvest in 2013, Jenni took on the role of Branch Manager, a position she held until 2017, when she became the Community Bank Lender. 

Pat O’Neal, President & Chief Executive Officer of LBT, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition and highlighted the bank’s strong ties to the community. “We are 100% confident we have picked the right community to open our first branch facility,” said O’Neal. “I have always admired Lockwood as what I perceive as a very tight-knit community. We are confident that Lockwood will see us as more than a bank—they will notice our participation in the schools, community events, and community projects.”  

“Jenni Oeltjen is the perfect person to lead us through this process,” O’Neal continued. “Her knowledge, experience, and community involvement are what we are all about at Lamar Bank and Trust. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team, and we know she will be a valuable resource for our customers and the communities we serve.” 

For Immediate Release - October 10, 2024