Benjamin Day Craig Jr.

Benjamin D. Craig, Jr., 87, well-known banker and community leader, passed away on August 5, 2016 after a brief battle with cancer. Ben was the youngest of five children born to Benjamin D. Craig, Sr. and Orpha (Cox) Craig, in Hockerville, Oklahoma. He grew up and attended school in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Much of his free time was spent playing sports, particularly baseball, including pitching for a popular regional team known as the Baxter Whiz Kids. After high school, he spent the next four years attending the University of Kansas with detours to pursue his minor league baseball career, playing for the NY Yankees and St. Louis Browns.

In 1950, during the Korean War, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Tripoli, Libya for 18 months. Shortly after returning to the States, he married Evadean Talbot and they spent the remainder of his years in the Air Force stationed at Sewart Air Force Base near Nashville, Tennessee. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1954 as an E-5 Tech Sergeant. Ben was a proud American and valued the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.

After leaving the service, he accepted a position with the Chamber of Commerce in Cassville, Missouri where he was hired as their first paid Manager. In 1956, Ben accepted a position with the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the family moved to the Kansas City metro.

Ben began his banking career with Exchange State Bank in KCK in 1959 and after four years, was hired by a newly-chartered bank in Overland Park, Metcalf Bank. Beginning on January 1, 1964, he served as President of the Bank for thirty-five years and then as Chairman of the Board until 2007. After the sale of the Bank in 2007 to Central Bancompany, Ben continued to office at the Bank, serve on its Board of Directors, and remained as Chairman Emeritus until his death. Ben always expressed his appreciation and affection for his associates and friends he made through his banking relationships.

Ben was a dedicated public servant and gave freely of his time. He served as President, Chairman, and as an officer of numerous charitable and service organizations’ boards, community development committees and political campaigns too numerous to list here. He was recognized as an influential leader on a local and state level and was bestowed with many honors and awards. He was instrumental in the establishment of much of the area’s landmark infrastructure, including Johnson County Community College, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Deana Rose Farmstead and was a founding member of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. He was a champion of economic development in Johnson County and throughout the State of Kansas. If Ben committed to something, he gave it his all as was recently witnessed by his celebration of 52 years of perfect attendance in the Overland Park Rotary Club. He hoped that his legacy would include being remembered as a contributor to the outstanding quality of life enjoyed in the community. For those interested, a complete listing of his accomplishments will be posted at where visitors may also leave remembrances and condolences.

Survivors include daughters Denise Koonse (Charles), Kellee Hearst (Rex), granddaughters Amanda Lubiewski (Michael), Kelsey Houchen (Andrew), and great-granddaughters Abigail and Emily Lubiewski. Ben also leaves his friend and companion of the last 10 years, Vivian Sirratt. Ben was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Evadean.

A Memorial Service honoring Ben will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection on August 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. The family will receive visitors before the service beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ben and Evadean Craig Scholarship Fund in care of the Johnson County Community College Foundation, 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas; or to Olathe Hospice House in care of OMCCF, 20375 W. 151st, Suite 363, Olathe, Kansas.

BIOGRAPHICAL OUTLINE

BEN CRAIG

Professional:

Chairman of the Board, President and Trust Officer, Metcalf Bank, Overland Park, Kansas: January 1, 1964 to February 15, 1999 – Chairman of the Board and Trust Officer Metcalf Bank and President of Metcalf Bancshares, Inc., 1999 – 2009 – Chairman Emeritus, 2009 to present

Vice President, Exchange State Bank, Kansas City, Kansas: 1960 – 1964.

Assistant Manager, Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce: 1956 – 1960.

Manager, Cassville, Missouri Chamber of Commerce: 1954 – 1956.

U.S. Air Force, 1950 – 1954. Tech Sgt., Personnel Supervisor, including 18 months in Tripoli, Libya, North Africa.

Education:

1946 – 1949, attended the University of Kansas majoring in business administration.

Numerous certificates for attendance at professionally related courses, seminars, etc.

Lots of on-the-job training.

Past Presidencies:

Overland Park Heritage Foundation – 2014 - 2015

Overland Park Chamber of Commerce – 2 terms – 1968 and 1969 (2nd & 3rd years of its existence).

Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry – 1972. Overland Park Rotary Club – 1968.

Charter President, Johnson County Water Resources Association – 6 terms – 1968 – 1974.

Charter President, Johnson County Community College Foundation – 1970.

Charter Commanding General, Kansas Calvary – 8 years appointed and reappointed by three Governors (Docking, Bennett, and Carlin) – 1973 – 1981.

Kansas City, Kansas YMCA – 1963.

Kansas City, Kansas Lions Club – 1960.

Johnson County Bankers Association – 1970 – 1971.

Kansas Bankers Association – 1987.

Santa Fe Trail Council, Girl Scouts of America (2 years 1959 – 60).

Minnesota Avenue Merchants Assn., Kansas City, KS (2 years 1962- 63).

Past Chairmanships:

Chairman of Shawnee Mission Medical Center Capital Campaign – 1965 – 66.

Chairman of the Citizens Committee that promoted passage of the original $12.9 million bond issue to establish Johnson County Community College (passed by 2 to 1 margin) – 1968.

Johnson County Cancer Crusade – 1981.

Chairman of the Citizens Committee that unsuccessfully sought a sports arena for Johnson County – 1976. (It would have housed NBA & NHL teams.)

Charter Chairman of the Johnson County Water Resources Association that unsuccessfully sought voter approval for three Blue River Basin Lakes for Johnson County – 1966-1973.

Various chairmanships up to and including Assistant General Chairman, Heart of America United Way in Wyandotte County - 1960 – 1964.

Ben and Evadean Craig, Co-Chairpersons of Summer Gala 3, Johnson County Cancer Society Auction (raised $165,000) – 1984.

Johnson County Airport Commission - 1991 – 1997, Chairman last three years.

Johnson County Business Tech Center (now known as Enterprise Center of JoCo.) (Charter Chairman) – 1988 – 1998.

2009 – 2011 Chair of The Salvation Army’s “Hope for the Homeless” capital campaign to construct a new family lodge in Olathe, KS. Completed $2.2 million goal. Groundbreaking April 2013.

Charter Chairman of Heartland Business Capital (formerly known as Johnson County Certified Development Company) 1987 – 1991.

Citizens Committee that successfully sponsored referendum creating the Johnson County Community College.

Decades-Long chairman of Johnson County delegation on U. S. Highway 69 Association.

Past Officer Positions;

Missouri – Arkansas River Basins Flood Control and Water Conservation Association (MO-ARK), Kansas Vice President - 1968 – 1974.

American Bankers Association, Kansas Vice President.

Kansas Bankers Association, Regional Vice President.

Johnson County United Community Services, Charter Treasurer – four years.

Greater Kansas City Sports Commission, Vice President – six years.

Metropolitan Planning Commission representing Overland Park – four years (Now called Mid-America Regional Council, MARC).

Prime Time Steering Committee of Greater Kansas City (Now called KCEDC) – five years.

Board of Education, Wyandotte County, Washington Unified School District No. 201 – 1960 – 1964.

Treasurer – Citizens Committee that successfully promoted bond issue resulting in creation of Heritage Park.

Kansas State Banking Board – 1989 – 1993.

Honors and Awards:

“Outstanding Young Man of the Year” by Kansas City, Kansas Jaycees – 1959.

“Man of the Year” Award by Kansas City, Kansas YMCA – 1962.

“Johnson County Citizen of the Year” by United Community Services – first time it was awarded – 1971.

National Education Association of Shawnee Mission “Friends of Education” Award, awarded jointly with wife, Evadean – first time it was awarded – 1972.

Lifetime Membership Award, Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry (now Kansas State Chamber of Commerce) – 1973.

Governor Samuel Crawford “Silver Stirrup Award” presented by Kansas Cavalry for leadership in economic development – 1974.

Rotary International’s “Paul Harris Fellow” presented by Overland Park Rotary Club – 1975. Received an additional ten times.

“Honorary Lifetime Member of Board of Directors” of Faith Handicap Village – first time it was awarded – 1983.

“Johnson Countian of the Year” by Johnson County Community College Foundation – second time it was awarded – 1988.

“SBA’s Small Business Financing Advocate for Kansas” – 1988.

Elected to the Squire’s “Suburban Hall of Fame” by its readers. One of three elected first time it was conducted – 1989. Dr. Bob Menielly and Don Pipes were the others.

“Founder” designation by Johnson County Community College on 20th Anniversary of the College’s founding, 1989.

Named by Ingram’s magazine as one of Greater Kansas City’s “Power Elite” described by the publication as “Kansas City’s Most Influential”. March 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 2001.

Named by President Bush as a “Point of Light” in the State of Kansas – 1992.

Honorary Alumnus – JCCC Alumni Association – 1992.

Overland Park Rotary Club Distinguished Service Award – 1968 & 1992.

Certified Development Company Director of the Year Region VII, National Association of Development Companies – 1992.

Honorary Life Member, American Cancer Society, Johnson County Chapter – 1992.

“Mr. Kansas” by Kansas Banker magazine – 1993.

Kansas City Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Economic Development” – 1995.

Kansas City Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Banking” – 1995.

Recognized his 1964 arrival in Johnson County as one of “The Best 45 Things That Have Happened to Johnson County” by Sun Publications in its 45th Anniversary Edition – 1995.

“Chairman’s Award” for distinguished service, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce – 1995.

Honored for thirty years of community service by the United Community Services (UCS). As a charter Board Member, chaired the Recreation Committee whose efforts led to formation of Johnson County Park and Recreation District (resulting in the expansion of recreational programs) – 1997.

“Mr. Johnson County” by Sun Publications – 1999.

“First Commanding General Emeritus”: by Kansas Governor and Kansas Cavalry Commander-in-Chief, Governor Bill Graves 1999.

The “OP” Award – 1999 – by Overland Park Chamber of Commerce for his tireless efforts to enable the “21st Century Parkway” to be built in south Johnson County. It still has not been started.

“Volunteer of the Year” by the Volunteer Center of Johnson County – 2002.

Dr. Hugh W. Speer Award for Distinguished Service to the Johnson County Community College – 2003.

“Mr. Johnson County for the Century” – The Squire’s February 2000 special edition, celebrating 40 years of publication.

After months of research and writing, the Kansas City Star published a special 150-page edition May 21, 2000 to commemorate Kansas City’s 150-year sesquicentennial. Pages 130 – 141 are devoted to the Top 150 Most Influential Persons still living and among us in the metro area as chosen by readers, panelists and Star representatives. Ben Craig is included in this list.”

THE SQUIRE’S list of Greater Kansas City’s “Untouchables” – 2004.

In observance of Ingram’s Thirtieth anniversary, the magazine profiled thirty individuals, including Ben, in Greater Kansas City as “Living Legends” – 2004.

Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees recognized the leadership and involvement of Ben and Evadean by naming the campus auditorium the “Craig Community Auditorium” – 2004

Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau named Craig as 2006 recipient of its “Edwin C. Eilert Converge” award for a lifetime of leadership in identifying communitywide needs and bringing sometimes divergent parties together for solutions.

Kansas City Catalyst – One of thirty-nine individuals from throughout the metro “who have had outsized roles in the story of this area because of their immense talent and influence”. These individuals were featured one each week during the Kansas City Business Journal’s 25th anniversary celebration – 2007.

2008 Overland Park’s Economic Development Council initiated an annual award recognizing an individual for outstanding achievement in the City’s economic development and job creation. Beginning in 2009 it was renamed the “Ben Craig Vision Award”.

“Alumnus of the Year” – 2009 KU’s Kansas Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the nation’s largest campus fraternity.

Kansas Bankers Association’s 2009 induction into its “50 Year Club”.

2012 William Booth Award by The Salvation Army’s Territorial and Divisional Commanders. This award is the highest honor to be conferred by The Salvation Army as recognition for the spiritual dedication to serving others. William Booth was the Founder and First General of The Salvation Army. The award honors outstanding humanitarian efforts within the community.

2012 Overland Park, Kansas, Mayor Carl Gerlach issued a proclamation designating May 14, 2012, as “Ben Craig Day” in recognition of his decades of multiple leadership roles that positively affected Overland Park’s quality of life.

2012 the Baxter Springs, Kansas, Heritage Center declared Ben Craig a “Hometown Hero” and added his photograph to that community’s “Wall of Fame”. He joins seven other notables for their achievements in their respective professions, their philanthropy and leadership qualities.

2012 “The OP” Award, awarded to Ben Craig by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his outstanding commitment to equitable legislative representation for Johnson County during Kansas redistricting.

May 24, 2012: The Overland Park Rotary Club re-named its annual “Distinguished Service Award” to be the “Ben Craig Distinguished Service Award”. The recipient is selected on the basis of leadership in their profession, the community and Rotary.

December 2013: The “OP Award” presented by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding commitment to Overland Park as Co-Chairman of Yes4OP, the referendum campaign to renew the City’s 1/8th cent sales tax for transportation infrastructure.

April 5, 2016: Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the naming of the Ben Craig Leadership Center as part of updating and remodeling the Foundation’s Corporate Woods Offices. Located in full view of the entryway, the Center is a glass enclosed conference room useable for multiple groups and purposes but primarily for training.

Note: Activities, positions held and honors/awards received from numerous political roles, K-12 and post high school public schools and participation in the religious denomination of choice are omitted for brevity purposes.