KAUFMAN, Texas — If you’ve got business to conduct at the American National Bank in Kaufman, you’ll have to get past the peanut gallery first.
Four days a week, people pack a small, corner office for one reason: Guinn Godwin. “We treat you so many ways you’ll like one of ‘em,” Godwin told one visitor.
At 95, Godwin is the oldest working banker in Texas. “It’s hard work man,” Godwin said. “Sometimes I sweat.”
Godwin started working at the bank in 1941, when he was just 17. “I remember Pearl Harbor like it was yesterday.”
After the attack, Godwin joined the army, fought in World War II and eventually came back to the bank as a loan officer, where he’s been for the past 78 years. “I had a ‘36 Ford Coupe and $70 and I ain’t got either one of ‘em now,” Godwin joked.
He tried to retire in the 1980s, but that lasted just three days. “That retirement ain’t worth a damn,” he said. “It’ll drive you nuttier than a peach orchard boar.”
Guinn stopped handing out loans years ago and started taking in friends. Now, his days consist of hobnobbing and drinking at least two Coca-Colas each day. “They say Cokes will kill you,” Godwin said. “This is my second one today. I ain’t dead yet.”
Fellow employees said Godwin still brings in a lot of business — not only because he’s a good banker, but simply because he’s a great person.
“He really doesn’t treat them as a customer,” said one employee. “A lot of times you’ll hear him say they’re family.”
When kids in the community needed money for the livestock show, Godwin raised it. When area businesses were down on their luck, Godwin made sure the doors stayed open.
“I’d rather be your best friend,” he said.
Godwin admits he’d actually prefer not to come to work, but the same people he’s spent decades helping are the same reason he can’t walk away. “'Cause I love people,” he said.
Godwin said no matter how many deals he closes or accounts he opens, what’s truly valuable is that he’s made so many loving friends along the way.
“Yes, yes, yes. To know that I’ve helped people and people love me,” Godwin said before pausing. “And my wife won’t have to hire pallbearers.”
Hopefully, that won’t be for a long, long time to come.