It’s been since 1999 when Gordon Barnes stepped in the locally owned bank, hired at the Antwerp Exchange Bank. Everyone from this area knows Gordon at the bank. He has a jovial attitude (most of the time!) that makes you just want to do business locally. His radiant smile and funny jokes keep you coming back for more, not to mention he holds the keys to the vault!
Though he’s retiring from Antwerp Exchange Bank to spend time with his wife and family, he didn’t start there. His parents (deceased) were George and Nellie Barnes. He graduated from Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School in 1966. For some it seems like a long time ago, but for Gordon it hasn’t been that long at all. He went straight from high school into being drafted for the the Vietnam War where he served two tours in the southeastern Asian country. He came back to the states and started working at the People’s Trust Bank in Terra Haute, Indiana. He then received a phone call from Summit Bank in Fort Wayne and wanted to know if he knew any good banker that might be wanting to work in the Fort Wayne area. He said, “I sure do. Me!” And off went, back to the city of the three rivers.
In 1974, he married Barbara Patten and have enjoyed each other’s company for 40 years. They have three children: Jacqueline, JillAnn (both of Fort Wayne) and son Christopher who lives in Indianapolis. They also have four grandchildren.
1998 came around and Ron Eschbach, President of AEB, called up Gordon and said, “I need a good loan guy. Do you want to work for a small community bank?” Gordon had already gone through mergers and acquisitions of the larger banks in Fort Wayne. Gordon and he talked a while and pretty soon he was planning on working in Antwerp, Ohio, beginning January 2, 1999.
Gordon is currently the Senior Vice President of Lending and Compliance Officer. He was the Vice President of Lending when he started. Coming from a large corporate type bank to a small town community was good for Gordon. “It’s a very different atmosphere. I know the people who come in and they know me. I really want to thank all the friends, clients and co-workers I have known since being here. They have treated me well and accepted me.”
“I plan on traveling more and having a good time visiting with our family.” He and Barbara are planning to take trips out west and maybe a cruise to here or there.
“We’re going to miss him around here.” said Ron. I’m pretty sure Ron is the not the only person who is going to be missing Gordon after 15 years. He’s made a lot of friends here, both in and out of the bank.
Stop in at the Antwerp Exchange Bank and tell Gordon how much you are going to miss him on his last day at work, December 19th. The party starts at 10 am and finishes at 4 p.m. when he’s ready to punch the clock for the last time.
