East Central Illinois lost three well-known bankers — Stephen Drake, John Dukeman and Dan Eaton — within a week, and associates remembered them for their effectiveness, generosity and community involvement.

Stephen Drake, executive vice president of Heartland Bank and Trust, died May 3 at age 59. He played a big role in developing the Bloomington-based bank's presence in Champaign-Urbana, where it has five branches today.

"Once he had a goal set and had something on his agenda, it was not off his agenda until his ultimate goal was accomplished," said Aaron Johnson, a senior vice president at Heartland who worked with Mr. Drake for more than a decade.

"He always had a to-do list and would have reminders to make sure he'd stay on task," Johnson said.

Mr. Drake was a third-generation banker, and his dad, uncle and cousins were all involved in banking, Johnson said. Whenever the family went on vacation, they made a specific effort to notice banks, he said.

"Steve was a very caring and generous person," Johnson said. "Most people have no idea of the amount of things he would do for organizations and individuals. He always wanted to remain anonymous."

Mr. Drake provided people with contacts for new jobs and helped them find places to live, Johnson said. Mr. Drake's office was near the front of the bank, and he often came out to greet people.

Johnson said Mr. Drake suffered an aneurysm while he and his wife were traveling near Mount Sterling, Ky. His wife was able to take the steering wheel and was not injured, Johnson said.

John Dukeman, former president and chief executive officer of the State Bank of Arthur, died Wednesday at age 77. He worked for the bank for 40 years and was a director nearly 50 years. One of his sons, Van Dukeman, is CEO of First Busey Corp., the holding company for Busey Bank.

"I will remember him for his honesty, his integrity and his respect for his fellow man," said James Winningham, chairman of the State Bank of Arthur.

"There probably isn't any activity in the community he was not involved in or did not touch," said Winningham, who had known Mr. Dukeman since 1960.

Bank President James Jurgens said Mr. Dukeman "made good loans" and considered more than credit scores.

"He looked at the person; he was a good judge of the person," Jurgens said.

C. Daniel Eaton, former vice president and trust officer for First National Bank in Champaign, died April 29 at age 70.

After retiring from First National, Mr. Eaton became director of the Parkland College Foundation and later worked for Central Illinois Bank and Hickory Point Bank.

For several years, he was district director for SCORE, a not-for-profit organization that counsels and educates entrepreneurs about how to start and build a business.

Jim Welch, former president of First National Bank in Champaign, remembered Mr. Eaton as "a wonderful guy, a caring individual."

"The staff loved him. Customers loved him," Welch said. "He was the most compassionate, caring, wonderful individual we had."

Mr. Eaton had a background in law and worked with the bank's trust customers, Welch said. He was good in dealing with people who had problems, and helped them feel more secure about their dealings, Welch said.

Though he was relatively young when he joined the bank staff, "he was extremely good with elderly people," Welch said.

Welch noted Mr. Eaton's obituary said "he would (and did) talk to anyone."

He was never in a hurry, the retired banker recalled.

"He was very humble, never blew his own horn and did a lot of good for the community," Welch added.