Longtime Oklahoma banker, F&M Chairman Emeritus Johnny Anderson dies at 97

Johnny Vin Anderson, a respected Oklahoma banker and chairman emeritus of F&M Bank, passed away on Saturday, June 7. He was 97.

With a banking career that spanned an extraordinary 78 years, Anderson left an indelible mark on the financial landscape across northern Oklahoma and the greater Oklahoma City area. Known for his integrity, leadership, and deep commitment to his community, Anderson guided multiple banking institutions through decades of change and growth.

His career began at Liberty National Bank in Oklahoma City, where he started as a messenger and rose through the ranks to become senior vice president of operations. In 1970, he took the helm at First National Bank in El Reno before going on to co-found American Heritage Bank, where he served as president and CEO.

In 1972, Anderson purchased Farmers & Merchants Bank in Crescent—now known as F&M Bank—and served as president before transitioning to chairman emeritus. Under his steady leadership and family-oriented vision, the bank expanded to nine locations across the state. His legacy was recognized with his induction into the Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Beyond banking, Anderson was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II, a devoted member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church in Crescent. His faith was central to his life, and he was known for his humility, humor, and love of family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Jo Laverne, just 26 days prior to his passing. Together, they modeled a lifetime of Christian devotion, raising a family and traveling the world.

Johnny Anderson is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 16—what would have been his 98th birthday—at First Baptist Church in Crescent.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crescent Public School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 295, Crescent, OK, 73028.