Dollars and cent(enarian): F&M celebrates customer of 65 years

[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Screen-Shot-2016-08-11-at-4.27.06-PM.png” credit=”Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Lawrence D. Funk (second from left), turned 100 on Aug. 11, and employees at the Bixby Knolls Farmers & Merchant hosted a surprise birthday celebration for the centenarian by singing “Happy Birthday to You” and presenting him with a cake and a framed letter of thanks from F&M executives. Also pictured (from left) are: Lawrence’s son Dan Funk; senior teller Melanie Drummer; and branch manager Kim Searles.” captionposition=”left”] [aesop_character name=”Cory Bilicko” caption=”Managing Editor” align=”center”] The Farmers & Merchants Bank in Bixby Knolls helped one of their longtime customers usher in his 100th birthday Thursday afternoon.
Lawrence D. Funk, who turned 100 on Aug. 11, tagged along with his son, Dan, into the branch at 4545 California Ave. to do some banking, but the centenarian was met by several bank employees who wished him a happy birthday and presented him with a cake, a framed letter of thanks from F&M executives and balloons.
Funk, who has been a customer with the bank for 65 years, has lived in Long Beach for 70 years. He attended Lowell Elementary School in Belmont Shore and graduated from Banning High in Wilmington.
After being drafted into the Army, he served for five years, then worked as a trainer and delivered gas for Mobil Oil for 35 years.
Now, in his retirement, he spends time with his children and grandchildren, but he’s not dependent on them too much— he still drives. In fact, he recently purchased a brand-new car.
When asked to what he attributes his longevity, Funk said, “Just being nice to people and doing what’s right.”