Jones elected District Director @Funeral Directors Association of KY Annual Meeting

Wed, 07/08/2015 - 12:15pm — Diane Dyer

2015-2016 FDAK OFFICERS (l to r) front row – Central District Director: Grant Bolt from Georgetown; Southern District Director: Gerald M. “Marty” Jones II from Morgantown; Southcentral District Director: Brandy Harwood from Tompkinsville; President: Robbie Brantley from Brownsville; Immediate Past-President: Doug Stanley from Williamstown; Eastern District Director: Rusty Preston from Paintsville; Sergeant-at-Arms: Rob Riley from Carrollton

The Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky celebrated their 133nd Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville on June 17-19, 2015. The convention was well attended by funeral directors, suppliers, and their families. As the attendees viewed all the new and improved merchandise, they were able to visit with old friends and vendors.

Robbie Brantley of Brownsville was elected President of the Association.

The Exhibit Hall was filled with 88 exhibiting companies. During this three-day meeting, Kentucky funeral homes were honored for 75, 100, 150, and 190 years of service; fourteen 50 year Kentucky licensed funeral directors were also honored; and continuing education awards were presented to 19 Kentucky funeral directors.

Six hours of continuing education credits were offered each day. The speakers from across the country were outstanding and included the following: Dr. Jacquie Taylor, the Executive Director and Senior Scholar of the New England Institute at Mount Ida College in Newton, MA., presented “It’s Time to Get REAL about Funeral Service Education & Licensing;” Dr. Alan Wolfelt, internationally noted author, educator and grief counselor, presented “The WHY of Meaningful Funerals: Helping Families Make Transformations;” Vernie Fountain, owner and operator of Fountain Embalming Services, Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills and Forensic Investigative Resources of the Midwest, presented “Embalming & Reconstructive Techniques and Tips;” Poul Lemaster, with a unique background in both death care and law provides resources and counsel to all death care professionals, presented “It’s Not Just a Form – The Art, Science & Legalities of Your Forms and Contracts;” Dr. Bill Bass, created the world’s first laboratory devoted to human decomposition: the University of Tennessee’s “Body Farm, presented “Death’s Acre: Inside the Body Farm;” and the President of the National Funeral Directors Association, Rob Moore IV, gave an update on the National Funeral Directors Association.

A large crowd enjoyed “The President’s Reception and Dinner Cruise” Thursday evening aboard the Belle of Louisville. The entertainment was provided by Jamie Higdon during the cruise and was enjoyed by everyone.

The following officers and directors were elected for the 2015-2016 year:
    Officers
    President    Robbie Brantley    Brownsville
    President-Elect    David West    Nicholasville
    Vice President    John Jones    Harlan
    Secretary-Treasurer    James W. Davis    Berea
    Sergeant-at-Arms    Rob Riley    Carrollton
    Immediate Past-President    Doug Stanley    Williamstown
    Chairman of the Board    Marcia Caniff Davis    Ashland

    District Directors
    Central    Grant Bolt    Georgetown
    Eastern    Rusty Preston    Paintsville
    Northern    Bill Mullins    Covington
    Southern    Gerald M. “Marty” Jones II    Morgantown
    Southcentral    Brandy Harwood    Tompkinsville
    Southeastern    Wesley Rominger    Manchester
    Western    Chad Townsend    Dixon