GOOD NEWS: Clara Helen Edwards honored as 50-year banker

AUSTIN The Texas Bankers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Texas Bankers Association, honored Clara Helen Edwards of West Texas State Bank in Monahans with the 50-Year Banker Award during TBA’s 135th Annual Convention on May 3 in Austin.

This prestigious award honors bankers with a half century or more of service and dedication to the banking industry.

Edwards began her banking career at First State Bank of Monahans in 1948 and has been with the bank most of her 70-year career. She has done a little bit of everything at the bank but is known by customers as the friendly face that greets them at the door. She also raises the flag first thing in the morning every morning.

She is also very active in the Monahans community where she helped organize and coached girls’ softball for years. She still serves as treasurer for the league. She has also volunteered for Special Olympics for 30 years; she has been the head delegation coach for eight years. Edwards enjoys volunteering for Meals on Wheels, where she delivers meals every Tuesday.

She was inducted into the Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD Lobo Hall of Honor as one of the first “Loboes for Life.” She was also awarded the 1970 Youth Leadership Award from the Ward County Chamber of Commerce.

Serving Texas banks since 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest and oldest state bankers association in the nation.