WALLER AND MARKHAM HONORED. John Waller and Carol Markham were honored as 50-year employees with the Bank of Sullivan on Friday. Among the many awards and gifts they received, the two were read a Senate Resolution in their honor and were presented a photograph book printed in their honor with many memorable pictures. Pictured presenting the book, from left to right: Milt Branum, bank president; Carol Markham, senior vice president; John Waller, board president; and Annette Isgriggs, marketing director.

By James B. Bartle
An emotional celebration was held at the Bank of Sullivan downtown branch on Friday morning as the bank honored Board President John Waller and Senior Vice President Carol Markham, who both reached the 50- year milestone of service and dedication to the Bank of Sullivan.
Bank president, Milt Branum, served as emcee for the event providing some great stories on both Waller and Markham.
Branum recalled the first time he became acquainted with Waller was in 1972 at the Franklin County Courthouse in Union. According to Branum, court had just broke for lunch and Waller had stepped outside the courthouse and was quickly caught up in conversation with another attorney and before long several attorneys gathered around Waller in a big crowd as he was speaking on a topic of interest. Waller was observed rocking back and forth on the courthouse steps as he was discussing an issue with fellow lawyers and, at one point, was asked to go to lunch with someone. Waller quickly replied that he had to get back to Sullivan as it was the best place in the world.
Branum, who’s been with the Bank of Sullivan since 1990, began reading the many recognition letters and certificates presented to Waller and Markham honoring their 50 years of service with the bank.
“This is a true milestone for not only one, but two, employees to spend 50 years with one employer,” said Branum.
Branum presented a certificate from the Missouri Bankers Association, the Independent Bankers Association.
Branum also read two Missouri Senate Resolutions requested from the Missouri Independent Bankers Association. The Resolutions honored Waller and Markham for not only their 50 years of service to the Bank of Sullivan, but for their 50 years of dedication to their community and country.
Sullivan mayor, J.T. Hardy, presented a Proclamation from the City of Sullivan honoring Waller and Markham. As Hardy began to address the two honorees, Waller quickly turned to the mayor, similar to his wise words spoken in 1972 when Branum first heard Waller speak and address a crowd.
Waller stated to Hardy, prior to his proclamation reading, “Bear in mind that the city has spent the hospital money and we need to replace those funds cause we’re gonna need that money for industry when it comes.”
Waller was referring to the sale of the former community hospital several years ago to Missouri Baptist, which he played a key role in development of the hospital for Sullivan. The city used some of the funds for construction of the Elmont Overpass.
Waller also went on to say, “Sullivan is a wonderful city.”
Hardy then presented Waller and Markham with their proclamation honoring their 50 years of service to the Bank of Sullivan and the community.
Following the Hardy presentation, Branum along with Marketing Director Annette Isgriggs presented Waller and Markham with a special gift that was prepared by Isgriggs. The two each received a book which covered their 50 years with the bank that was highlighted with several pictures that brought Waller and Markham to an emotional point in the celebration.
A tearful Waller glanced through the book, smiling and shedding tears, when he observed pictures of his life through the book and photos of his late wife.
“This is wonderful. Thank you for this wonderful organization and letting us be a part of it,” said Waller.
Markham stated, “I appreciate being able to work with the bank for 50 years. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. The years have gone by very fast. Everyone here is like family at the bank.”
Waller echoed this statement as well stating, “Being here at the bank is like being with your family and I hope that never changes. I really appreciate everything that’s been done here today. Sullivan has a lot of wonderful people in this community.”
More than 150 people were gathered at the Bank of Sullivan on Friday morning and were able to visit with Waller and Markham following the celebration presentation.