David Wesley Spainhour
Our beloved David left us on May 27, 2023, to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. David will be greatly missed by Carolyn, his wife of almost 70 years, daughter Kathy Kerstiens, son David Brent Spainhour (Janelle), grandchildren Brian Kerstiens (Thalia) and Kara Korte‐Nahabedian (Mark), and great‐grandchildren, James, Liliana, Liam, and Michael.
David Wesley Spainhour was born to Ralph and Lillie Belle Spainhour in Wilmington, California. He received his education from Glendale College, UCLA, and Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, where he was named to the school’s Hall of Fame in 1998 for his personal achievements and contributions to the financial services community.
David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950. He served four years, most of that time aboard USS Tolovana AO‐64 and the USS Ashtabula AO‐51 during the Korean War. He was aboard the Ashtabula in Sasebo Harbor, Japan in November 1952, when the ship was seriously damaged by a deadly explosion of gasoline fumes in the forward hold.
David joined Santa Barbara Bank & Trust in 1966 as Controller and was named Vice President & Cashier three years later. This was followed by him being named Senior Vice President in 1973, elected to the bank’s Board of Directors in 1974, and named Executive Vice President in 1980. In 1989, David was elected President of the bank and served in this capacity until 1996 when he was elected Chairman of the Board. He was named Chairman of the holding company in April 2000 and retired in April 2004 after a 50‐year banking career. Prior to joining Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, he spent 12 years with the former Security Pacific National Bank in Los Angeles.
Throughout his long fruitful career in banking, David was upright and trustworthy in all his dealings and loving and faithful to his family. He was a humble man, never boasting about himself.
David served on a variety of community boards with a wide range of responsibilities and led numerous capital campaigns to successfully reach their goals.
David faithfully attended church all his life. At age fourteen, he committed his life to God and served the church in several capacities, including as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, elder, financial secretary, and treasurer.
Always a hard worker, David demanded the best from himself. He was our strong rock, who quietly went about his work to provide for his family and community. He has left a legacy we shall always be grateful for.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Westmont College or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
