About Us

Luther Barkdull

In 1895 Luther W. Barkdull founded the Barkdull Furniture and Undertaking Company originally located at 81 W. Main Street in Shelby. He, along with his son E. Earl and grandson Albert, conducted funerals in the family homes until 1928 when the decision was made that a separate facility was needed. The current location at 33 N. Gamble Street was purchased that year and converted to a "home for funerals".

The current location has been continuously updated and offers visitors the feel of a private home with the conveniences of a modern facility, including full handicapped access.

Earl Barkdull

By 1940, the furniture business had been discontinued and an ambulance service added continuing in service until 1961.

Now beginning their sixth generation of service, the Barkdull's have continued the tradition of caring funeral service, most recently under the direction of Eric Barkdull and Lesli Barkdull Neal. As of 2014, Lesli's daughter, Carli Bailey, became the sixth generation of licensed embalmers / funeral directors.

Over the years there have been many changes in funeral customs. As always, the Barkdull family's main concern is to attend to the immediate needs of each family they serve in arranging a meaningful, personalized service.

Albert Barkdull

Dick Barkdull

Carli Bailey, Lesli Barkdull Neal, Eric Barkdull

The Barkdull family is proud of their tradition of providing caring funeral service to the Shelby area community for over a century. Through six generations their main concern and commitment has been to provide families with quality service in their greatest time of need.