Beech Tree News Network

Gerald  M "Marty" Jones II, and Michael Gary of Jones Funeral Chapel recently attended the 132nd Annual Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky's Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville on June 17-19, 2014.   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 as well as new ones.
"We attend the convention to advance our knowledge to better serve the families of our community," said Jones.

Doug Stanley of Williamstown was elected President of the Association. 

The Exhibit Hall was filled with 90 exhibiting companies.  During this three-day meeting, Kentucky funeral homes were honored for 50, 75, 100 and 150 years of service; fourteen 50 year Kentucky licensed funeral directors were also honored; and continuing education awards were presented to 35 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: Brian Dershaw, a partner in Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP’s labor and employment practice group, presented  “What’s Next Under the Affordable Care Act;” Michael Schoedinger, a licensed funeral director and embalmer and owner of Schoedinger Funeral Home and Cremation Service, presented “Tearing Down the Sign: Shifting Funeral Service Culture for Business Growth and Renewal;” Karl Wenzel, embalmer and the Dodge Company’s Coordinator of Technical Education and Training,  presented “How to Analyze & Treat Remains With Conditions Caused by Medical Science, Drugs & Chemotherapy;” Joe Sehee, founder and former executive director of the Green Burial Council, presented “Green Burials-An Overview & Update;” Mary Manhein, holds an MA in anthropology and has over 27 years of experience as a forensic anthropologist, presented “Forensic Anthropology;” and the President of the National Funeral Directors Association, Robby Bates, gave an update on the National Funeral Directors Association.

A large crowd enjoyed “The President’s Reception and Party” Wednesday evening.  It included several buffet lines with a variety of items.  There was a performance by the All American Dueling Pianos that was enjoyed by everyone.

The following officers and directors were elected for the 2014-2015 year:

    Officers
    President    Doug Stanley    Williamstown
    President-Elect    Robbie Brantley    Brownsville
    Vice President    David West    Nicholasville
    Secretary-Treasurer    James W. Davis    Berea
    Sergeant-at-Arms    John Jones    Harlan
    Immediate Past-President        Marcia Caniff Davis    Ashland
    Chairman of the Board        Mary F. Steele    Pineville   
   
    District Directors
    Central    Grant Bolt    Lexington
    Eastern    Rusty Preston    Paintsville
    Northern    Rob Riley    Carrollton
    Southern    Gerald M. “Marty” Jones II    Morgantown   
    Southcentral    Brandy Harwood    Tompkinsville
    Southeastern    Wesley Rominger    Manchester   
    Western    Rick Morgan    Princeton

2014-2015 FDAK OFFICERS   pictured above

(l to r) front row – President: Doug Stanley from Williamstown; Southern District Director: Gerald M. “Marty” Jones II from Morgantown; Southcentral District Director: Brandy Harwood from Tompkinsville; Chairman of the Board Mary F. Steele from Pineville; Immediate Past-President: Marcia Caniff Davis from Ashland; President-Elect: Robbie Brantley from Brownsville; Vice President: David West from Nicholasville; NFDA President Robby Bates from DeKalb, Texas and Western District Director: Rick Morgan from Princeton.

back row - Eastern District Director: Rusty Preston from Paintsville; Northern District Director: Rob Riley from Carrollton; Southeastern District Director: Wesley Rominger from Manchester; Sergeant-at-Arms: John Jones from Harlan; Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Davis from Berea; NFDA Policy Board Member: Shannon Combs from Richmond.

Not pictured: 
Central District Director: Grant Bolt from Lexington.