Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home has been serving families of Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area from their Cedar Street location since 2008, but General Manager Ron Fowler brings nearly 30 years of experience to the establishment.
Fowler, along with wife and assistant funeral director, Joyce, and funeral director Dora Burns, have established relationships with families in the area during their time of need.
"They are not only clients, they become like family to us," Fowler said.
After the loss of a loved one, Burns said some come to Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home and don't know where to begin.
"These families come in and they are hurting for the loss of a loved one," Joyce said. "We care about these families."
Fowler added people have told him at different times about the comfortable and warm feeling they have inside the largest chapel in Southeast Missouri and when meeting with staff at the Christian, family funeral home.
"When a family comes in and doesn't know which direction to go, we explain different options that are offered that fit their budgets and wants," Fowler said.
Not only does the staff at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home provide compassion, but they strive to offer competitive pricing for all funeral arrangements.
Burns, also a life insurance agent, said a new program is being offered to help with funding for prearranged funerals.
According to Burns, as long as a person has no major pre-existing conditions, the policy will pay the funeral in full from the first time you make a payment until the final payment, regardless of how much is owed.
"You can write a check today and be covered tomorrow," Burns said.
The policies also have what's called an child/grandchild rider. The insurance company will pay up to the policy amount if the policy holder suffers the loss of a child/grandchild from the ages of 1-17 and the policy holder will not lose any value toward their original policy.
However, a new policy recently instated at Fowler-Sullivan is no cost for funeral home related fees for children 17 years of age and younger.
If that were to happen, and the person held a policy with the funeral home, they would return the money to the family to cover other expenses that might arise.
"When you loose someone that young, a lot of times it's a tragic accident or death and the family is not prepared emotionally or financially to cope with things," Fowler said. "This will hopefully ease their load a little."
In addition, Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home will help file veteran's benefits for families, arrange transportation, accepts life insurance policies, offers cremation services and any type of funeral service a family chooses.
"If a family does not have insurance, we are able to work with them," Burns said.
Fowler-Sullivan now works with a company that strictly lends to family-owned funeral homes.
"You can apply on the phone or computer while here and know within 20 seconds if approved and make payments," she said.
In addition to new policies, Fowler and his staff have noticed many changes in the funeral business over the years.
How music is played with Bluetooth and other technology is a big change Burns has noticed during her time in the business.
Music selection has also changed. While the staff still has a piano available, they don't see it included in as many services as years past.
Fowler added filing death certificates electronically, rather than typing has been a big change he has seen in his nearly 30 years of funeral service.
In addition to having a chapel that can hold 400 people, Fowler-Sullivan is equipped with a parking lot adjacent to the building as well as behind with an entrance.
A lounge stocked with bottled water and television for children is also available for families during services as well as spacious restrooms.
Fowler-Sullivan continues the tradition of having a full selection casket room, rather than just quarter panels.
"When a family picks out a casket, they get what they are seeing," Fowler said. "We don't have to send off for it."
If the family would like to special order an item, the staff is happy to help with the process and have it in office in a few days.
"This gives the family peace of mind by ordering the items while they are in the office," he said. "They are getting what they want and know they will get what they desire when leaving."
Since 2008, Fowler has officiated 152 funerals at the Poplar Bluff location and is available if a family needs his service.
When calling, customers will not get an answering service, but will speak directly with a funeral director.
"We are available 24/7 to serve a family," Fowler said.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 844 Cedar Street. Appointments are available after hours and weekends by request.
The business can be reached at 573-785-1700 and online at www.fowlersullivanfuneralhome.com
"Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home counts it an honor to serve Poplar Bluff and the surrounding areas with complete funeral services," Fowler said.