In 1904 a group of De Leon businessmen sought a new charter for a second bank for the community. On January 1, 1905, the State Banking Commission granted that charter to the Farmers and Merchants National Bank In 1964 F & M obtained a state charter which gave it greater flexibility in its operations.
Due to the economics and demographics of the community of DeLeon, the Board recognized the Bank could not grow an appreciable amount while confined to the local market and Eastland was determined to be able to offer a new market. On August 16, 1999, the Bank opened its first branch banking facility in the adjacent Eastland County.
On June 16, 2010, a second branch bank facility was opened in nearby Brown County. Located in the city of Early joining the Brownwood city limits, this location allows the Bank to operate in a much larger community than both of its existing markets.
In February 2013, a third location was opened in nearby Stephenville. At the time two other banks were undergoing major changes in their ownership structure, creating uncertainty in the eyes of the banking public. In May 2014, a 6,000 square foot facility opened serving Stephenville and surrounding communities. The larger market in Stephenville brings in more commercial business customers to the bank and this community continues to grow each year creating a highly competitive marketplace.
In July 2024, F & M Bank opened the doors to their fifth location in a temporary facility while the new 3400 square foot facility was being constructed. The Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting celebration for the completed facility was held March 7, 2025. F &M Bank is proud to bring community banking back to Comanche and surrounding communities by being the only locally owned community bank in the area.
F &M Bank is continuing to grow and expand. In April 2025, the sixth location was opened as Farmers and Merchants Bank acquired Farmers State Bank in Newcastle Texas. F & M Bank welcomes the existing Farmers State Bank family and looks forward to serving Newcastle and the surrounding areas. Newcastle and the surrounding area fit right into both the rural and commercial markets that F & M Bank proudly serves.
