Lewis Edward McAtee

ELLSWORTH

  Lewis Edward "Lew" McAtee, 88, of Ellsworth, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 6, 1936, in Ellsworth, Kansas, Lew lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to his faith, family, and community.

  After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1954, Lew served his country in the United States Navy as a petty officer 3rd class signalman where he developed his strong sense of discipline and service. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1957, Lew attended Fort Hays State University, where he was a college letterman in tennis and graduated with a business administration degree in 1961.

  In October 1959, he married Carol Daniels, and they shared many happy years together before her passing in 1982. Together, they raised five children: Jeff McAtee, Jennifer Fleming, Machelle Van Trump, Jamie McAtee, and Natasha Crawford. Lew began his career as a national bank examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, where he worked until 1966. He then joined Citizens State Bank and Trust Co. as head cashier. He graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University in 1970. He held various positions at the bank, including executive vice president and cashier beginning in 1979 and President and CEO from 1992 thru 2004. He also served as chairman of the board from 2002 thru 2021.  He officially resigned his board position in July of 2023. His dedication and commitment to his customers and colleagues left a lasting impact on the local community. He was very proud that he assisted multiple generations of farming families with their banking needs. He was recognized by the Kansas Bankers Association for the 50 year club award in 2012 at the CEO Convention at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.

  Lew later found love again and married Cindy White Thompson in 1988. Together, they also raised two more children: Kris Thompson and Brooke Boland. Lew was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather known for his kind heart and unwavering support for his family.

  Lew's greatest joy and pride in life were his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family, creating lasting memories through gatherings and celebrations, and numerous sporting events. He took immense pride in their achievements and cherished every moment spent with them.

  Lew was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, often using sarcasm to bring smiles and laughter to those around him. His lightheartedness and quick comebacks were a hallmark of his personality, endearing him to friends and family alike.

  In addition to his professional endeavors, he took great interest in civic affairs and was an active servant in the community. He served as the mayor of Ellsworth, Kansas, and president of the Chamber of Commerce where he dedicated himself to improving the town and the lives of its residents and businesses. He served on the Local Hospital board for 8 years where he was instrumental in turning the hospital into a profitable county hospital with a new clinic. He was very proud of his involvement in transitioning the golf course into a public entity. He was also instrumental in the development of Krizek Park and the tennis courts. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth, where he served as a deacon and participated in numerous outreach programs. Lew was a strong supporter of agriculture and 4-H, reflecting his commitment to the community's youth and future. He served as Treasurer on the Board of Ellsworth Development which developed the Kunkle Addition neighborhood and housing.  In 1996, Lew was awarded the Ellsworth County Citizen of the Year.

  Lew had a deep love for golf and enjoyed visiting casinos, particularly the game of roulette. He spent many happy hours on the golf course and at the roulette table with friends and family. In retirement he also enjoyed traveling with Cindy and spending winters in Arizona.

  Lew is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Cindy White McAtee; his children, Jennifer Fleming (Steve) of Kansas City, MO, Machelle Van Trump (Randy) of Grain Valley, MO, Jamie McAtee (Kim) of Manhattan, KS, Natasha Crawford (Lynn) of Lansing, KS, Kris Thompson (Elena) of Annandale, VA, and Brooke Boland (Kevin) of Andover, KS; 20 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way. He is also survived by his brothers, Patrick McAtee (Sandy) of York, South Carolina and Mike McAtee (Sue) of New Castle, Indiana, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol, his parents, Frank and Bernice (Talsky) McAtee, his brother, Frank McAtee Jr., and his son, Jeff McAtee.

  There will be a visitation 4-6 p.m. Friday February 28, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church friendship hall. A service celebrating Lew's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth. Graveside military burial will follow the service. A celebration of Lew's life will continue at the Ellsworth Legion Hall 5-8 pm.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth, Ellsworth County Hospital, or the Ellsworth Golf Course, causes that were close to Lew's heart.

  Lew will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, humor, generosity, and dedication will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

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