St. Charles’ Linder Devore was ‘George Bailey’ of his time

Linder Durell Devore was a stranger to no one.

As president of the St. Charles National Bank, customers in the 1970s and 1980s could rely on him as being a man of integrity, trust and community involvement.

The St. Charles National Bank, which was bought out years ago, was one of two banks in town, and Mr. Devore did his best to provide regular folks with loans they needed to better their lives.

“He was the George Bailey of that era,” recalled former St. Charles Mayor Fred Norris. “Linder was the ideal person at the right time. It was still a community bank.”

Mr. Devore, 92, died Monday, three days after his wife, Jeanne, passed away peacefully at their St. Charles home. Mr. Devore was at her side.

Born Aug. 1, 1919 on a farm near Altamont, Ill., Mr. Devore served as an Army intelligence agent in Europe during World War II. He also studied at Eastern Illinois University.

After a brief stint as a teacher, he went into the banking business for 44 years before retiring in 1986 as president of the St. Charles National Bank.

He also served as chairman of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in 1972, and was a member of the Baker Memorial United Methodist Church and St. Charles Episcopal Church.

Norris remembered Mr. Devore as being highly involved and engaged in the community and the right person to lead banks when they were looked to as leaders in the community.

“He knew everybody by first name. He knew local banking is one of the important elements of a growing community,” Norris said. “He had a very unique personality. He was a friend to everyone. He was always first to extend a hand to new people in the community. He was the ideal bank president.

“Linder was always there with a friendly smile and a hand on your shoulder. He was a person of the community.”

Mr. Devore is survived by four children and two stepchildren; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne; his first wife, Martha Gene; a brother; and Jeanne’s son.

The family has planned no visitation nor funeral service.

Contributions in Mr. Devore’s memory can be made to the St. Charles Episcopal Church, 994 N. Fifth Ave., St. Charles, 60174; or the Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, 60174.