R. Crosby Kemper Sr. (1892-1972) transformed City Center Bank into United Missouri Bank in Kansas City during his tenure from 1919 to 1967.

He contributed substantially to philanthropies in the Kansas City area and Kemper Arena is named for him. Kemper Arena American Royal Center is an 19,500 seat indoor arena in Kansas City, Missouri that has hosted NCAA Final Four basketball games, professional basketball and hockey teams, the 1976 Republican Convention, and is the ongoing host of the American Royal livestock show. ...

Rufus Crosby Kemper was born in Valley Falls, Kansas. Valley Falls is a city located in Jefferson County, Kansas. ...

His father William T. Kemper bought City Center Bank (which was founded in 1913) during World War I. Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead: 5 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total of dead: 8 million Military dead: 4 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total dead: 7 million The First...

The senior Kemper first appointed Crosby's younger brother James M. Kemper (James Madison Kemper) president of the bank in 1919. James resigned a month later and went on to become president of rival Commerce Bancshares. Crosby became president of the bank, a position he held until 1950 when his son R. Crosby Kemper Jr. took over (who in turn was succeeded by his son Crosby III). Crosby Sr. stayed on as director until 1967. Commerce Bancshares is a Kansas City, Missouri based bank with branches in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. ...

The rivalry between the brothers and their descendents defines much of Missouri financial and philanthropy history.

Crosby also served as a regent at Rockhurst University, president of Interstate Securities and director of Kansas City Title & Trust Company. Rockhurst University is a private, co-educational Jesuit university located in Kansas City, Missouri. ...

James died at age 70 in 1965. Crosby died in 1972 at age 80.

External links

• Kansas City Public Library History
• United Missouri Bank History