Commerce Bank mourns loss of John Clevenger, long-time leader in Wichita.

Wichita, KS – John Clevenger, president and CEO of Commerce Bank Wichita, died July 22, at the age of 49 of unknown causes.

"We at Commerce Bank are deeply saddened by John Clevenger's untimely death. John was one of our key teammates and the consummate professional banker," said David Kemper, chairman of Commerce Bancshares.

In 1996, Clevenger, a fifth-generation banker and recent graduate of Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, was recruited by Kemper to join Commerce. At the age of 29, he was named president of the Wichita market and then, in 1999, chief executive.

"John has provided us with smart and focused leadership for over twenty years in the Wichita market and, more recently, throughout Kansas. He was a passionate supporter of the Wichita community and his passing is a great loss for all of us. Our deepest sympathies go out to Kristen and all of John's family," said Kemper.

A tireless advocate of the Wichita community, Clevenger devoted his time to dozens of organizations and served on the boards of Catholic Charities, YPO, Wichita Art Museum and Newman University, among many others.

Marilyn Pauly, vice chairman of the bank's Wichita market, has agreed to serve as interim leader. She will guide the Wichita team as they respond to the sad and sudden loss and navigate the transitions ahead.

"His management team loved working with him," said Marilyn Pauly, speaking to the Wichita Eagle. "He's really going to be missed – it's a tragic loss."

Additional details about Clevenger's life and legacy can be read in his obituary and these recent Wichita Eagle and Wichita Business Journal news articles.