A BACKGROUND ON CHARLES “CHUCK” GNUSE President and CEO of United State Bank As a third-generation banker, Chuck is proud of his family’s banking legacy. His grandfather, Lorenzo H. Gnuse, founded the Durham State Bank in 1922. He was commissioned by the State of Missouri to assist in the liquidation of banks throughout Missouri that were failing due to the nationwide depression. Six years later, the citizens of Lewistown, Missouri, approached Lorenzo to charter a new bank in Lewistown because the two banks in town had failed once again due to the depression. He, with the help of his wife, Ida Gnuse, and brother, Solomon Gnuse, then established the Lewistown State Bank in 1928. Both banks remained open during this financially challenging time, and in 1936, the two banks were merged. In 1973, another branch was opened in Ewing, Missouri and then again in 1991 in Edina, Missouri. With the addition of the Edina branch, the name of the bank was changed to United State Bank. United State Bank currently has six facilities in four Northeast Missouri counties. As a young child, Chuck was blessed to be able to visit his grandparents at the bank every couple of weeks. Running around the bank “probably made my grandfather a little concerned,” he mused. One of Chuck’s favorite memories was watching his grandfather interact with customers. And if he was lucky, he sat in his grandfather’s office when there was something going on and listened to the conversation. Chuck had similar experiences with his father, Donald Gnuse, being able to watch him at work in the bank, interacting with customers and attending board meetings. These experiences provided many learning opportunities and tutelage that many people don’t have. Although his grandfather and father were in banking, there wasn’t any pressure for Chuck to follow in their footsteps. Chuck graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. After graduation, Chuck went to Iowa and worked for an aggregate company that specialized in construction materials. He recalls the internship he had there: “It was an interesting experience; the senior MIBA recently sat down with Charles “Chuck” Gnuse and got to know more about his journey to becoming a banker, his career and his life. We appreciate him for taking the time to talk with us. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about his fascinating life. 16 | The Show-Me Banker Magazine
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