Beech Tree News Network

Smith Funeral Home was recently recognized by the Kentucky Funeral Directors Association as  being in service as a funeral home for 130 years. The recognition came during the 134th KFDA Annual Convention, held June 28-30 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
        Smith Funeral Home was founded in 1886 by B.F. Smith and is currently owned by Rachel and Josh Givens and Keith and Penni Lee. The business is the third-oldest business in Butler County and among the oldest funeral homes in the Commonwealth.
        The certificate was accepted by the Lees during an awards ceremony, as they were attending the convention as part of legally-required continuing education.
        The last members of the Smith family to have an active role in the operation of Smith Funeral Home were Don and Dolores Sharer, as Dolores was the niece of Dwight Smith, the grandson of B.F. Dwight operated the funeral home for much of his life. Before Dwight, B.F.'s daughter Edna ran the business.
        Though the Smith family passed from ownership, the name and dedication to the families of Butler County and the surrounding region has remained the same.
        “Compassionate service to our community is what drives the staff of Smith Funeral Home,” said Rachel Givens.  “We are proud of the longevity of this business and are confident the Smith family would be very proud its legacy continues 130 years later. The funeral home has served so many families in Butler County and we are honored to be recognized by the KFDA.”
        Keith Lee said though the building and ownership may have changed through the years, the commitment to service and dignity remains strong.
        “It is not about the name on the building; it is about how families are treated inside the building,” Lee said. “Over the years the people of this community have felt comforted in their time of need at our funeral home and that is a tradition we strive to continue 130 years later.”
        In recognition of the legacy of Smith Funeral Home, many of the state-issued credentials of the Smith family, as well as the funeral home's first hearse – an 1886 horse drawn carriage built in New York – are displayed prominently in the building. As well, in 2015, the staff added the Wall of Honor, which displays the military service portraits of veterans Smith Funeral Home has interred.
        Smith Funeral Home is located at 403 North Main Street in Morgantown.