Her + Him = THEM
Meet the Bakers, both of whom have been in the banking business for decades.
Susan Baker
Banking: Retired from First National Bank of Conway, with 21 years in banking.
What did you enjoy most about your work in banking: The people.
Current position: Treasurer for First Church of the Nazarene and correspondence course grader for the Center for Financial Training.
Parents: Billy and Shirley Leach of Conway, formerly of Mount Vernon.
Where did you grow up: As an Air Force brat, several places until Dad’s retirement, then to Mount Vernon.
Education: Graduate of Mount Vernon High School, some college and several courses from the former BAI, now the Center for Financial Training.
Community activities: Volunteer youth worker at First Church of the Nazarene. While that is my main volunteer role, I also help out whenever I can at the many ministry opportunities at church. I volunteer at Marguerite Vann Elementary School and serve as a volunteer member of the North Arkansas District Nazarene Women’s Council.
Hobbies/special interests: Taking Abby around for all of her activities, walking for fun and exercise, swimming during the summer months, scrapbooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, listening to and worshiping with the Youth Fusion Worship band, and playing with my dogs.
How would you describe yourself: Family-oriented and that includes immediate, extended and my wonderful church family; Christian; I am also an animal lover.
Favorite restaurant: Too many to name just one. I really enjoy many of the great restaurants here in Conway.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Attending church and then lunch at Mam-Maw Baker’s house!
Favorite quote: There are a couple that I really like – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33, NLT).
“To show great love for God and our neighbor we need not do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta, A Gift For God
What do you love about living in the 501: There is no better place to raise a family. It’s a place where you can work, serve God and others, give your children a great education, and just enjoy life.
George S. Baker
Job title: Senior Vice President/Lending at First Security Bank in Conway.
What do you enjoy most about banking: The opportunity to help others with all their financial needs.
Parents: Clara Baker of Conway and the late O.T. Baker.
Where did you grow up: Conway.
Education: Graduate of Conway Public Schools and the University of Central Arkansas.
Community activities: Board member – First Church of the Nazarene; board member –Faulkner County 4-H Foundation; chairman/board member Faulkner County Fair Association; board member Young Business Mens Association; member – Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; Watch Dog Dads – Marguerite Vann Elementary.
Hobbies/special interests: Hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, swimming and ATV riding.
How would you describe yourself: A Christian. Good father and family man; a conservative banker, an avid hunter.
Favorite restaurant: “My wife’s kitchen.” No particular favorite. Enjoy all of Conway’s restaurants.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Time with family and friends; hunting, fishing, and watching movies.
Favorite quote: The Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What do you love about living in the 501: The quality of life. It’s a great place to raise and educate a family. Basically, all of my family and friends are here close. A great economic outlook.
THEM
How we met: “We were both working at the bank. O.T. (George’s dad) was one of my customers. He would come by my desk and say, ‘That boy must not be right, if I was him I’d be camped on your doorstep.’ After our first date he came back to my desk and said, ‘Well he must be OK after all.’ We got married six months later!”
Wedding bells: Almost 25 years ago, March 22, 1984. We actually eloped. It was just the two of us and the preacher who also happened to be Susan’s brother-in-law, her sister, Sherry, and their three kids.
Children: Christopher, 23; Dustin, 20; Abby – 10.
Pets: Two dogs, Daisy and Angel, and one cat, Live Wire.
Family activities: Taking walks together with our dogs, family dinners, playing games, hunting, fishing, and attending church functions and activities together.