OUR LEGACY
About Us
Since 1895, families have turned to Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory for compassionate guidance, trusted service, and unwavering support. We understand that losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and we are committed to helping families navigate that journey with dignity, respect, and care.
As a sixth-generation, family-owned funeral home, we believe in building lasting relationships with the families we serve. Whether you are making arrangements for a recent loss, planning ahead, or simply seeking information, you can expect personalized attention and genuine compassion from every member of our team.
When you walk through our doors, you are more than a client—you are part of a community we have been honored to serve for generations.
Honoring Traditions & Supporting Families
We know that every life is unique and every story deserves to be remembered in a meaningful way. That is why our dedicated team takes the time to listen, guide, and thoughtfully attend to every detail, creating a lasting tribute that reflects the life and legacy of your loved one.
During times of loss, families should never feel alone. Our promise is to provide not only professional service, but also the kindness, understanding, and personal attention that have been the heart of our family tradition for more than 130 years.
Mission Statement:
Every family we are privileged to serve should feel as if they are our only concern
A Tradition of Service & Compassion
1873
Luther W. Barkdull moves from Cleveland to Shelby, enters carriage business with Samuel Shreffler.
1883
Luther marries Margaretha Sutter, becomes partner with his father-in-law Samuel Sutter (Sutter-Barkdull Co. Factory).
1895
Open Barkdull Funeral Co. and Undertaking business.
1914
Horse drawn carriages finished, first automobile purchased.
1918
Earl Barkdull becomes 2nd generation owner of the Barkdull Funeral Home & Furniture Co.
1926
Earl Barkdull purchases current location at 33 N. Gamble St. establishing Shelby's first funeral home.
1929
Albert Barkdull joins the family business representing the 3rd generation of Barkdull.
1941
Furniture business is sold to focus solely on the funeral home industry.
1947
Expansion of original building to modernize the facility and create a better experience for families.
1954
Dick Barkdull joins the family business representing the 4th generation of Barkdull.
1961
Ambulance business ends, services handed to local municipalities.
1976
Eric Barkdull joins the family business representing the 5th generation of Barkdull.
1985
Lesli (Barkdull) Neal joins the family business representing the 5th generation of Barkdull.
1987
Expansion of the building to its current state, with the addition of an 1,800 square foot chapel and an elevator.
1998
Expansion of parking lot to 12,000 square feet, doubling parking capacity.
2013
Carli joins family business as the 6th generation.
2014
Addition of an on-site crematory, the only one located between Mansfield and Norwalk.
2021
Carli becomes owner of Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory.
1873
Luther W. Barkdull moves from Cleveland to Shelby, enters carriage business with Samuel Shreffler.
1883
Luther marries Margaretha Sutter, becomes partner with his father-in-law Samuel Sutter (Sutter-Barkdull Co. Factory).
1895
Open Barkdull Funeral Co. and Undertaking business.
A Tradition of Service & Compassion
1873
Luther W. Barkdull moves from Cleveland to Shelby and enters into the carriage business with Samuel Shreffler.
1883
Luther marries Margaretha Sutter, becoming a partner with his father-in-law Samuel Sutter at the Sutter-Barkdull Co. Factory.
1895
Luther goes into business for himself opening Barkdull Funeral Co. and Undertaking business.
1914
Horse drawn carriages are phased out with the onset of automobiles. The first automobile hearse is purchased.
1918
Earl Barkdull became owner of the family business representing the 2nd generation.
1926
Earl Barkdull purchases the current location at 33 N. Gamble St. transitioning the funeral industry in Shelby from a family home setting to a funeral "home" setting. This is the first funeral home in Shelby.
1929
Albert Barkdull joins the family business representing the 3rd generation.
1941
The Barkdull Furniture business is sold to focus solely on funeral service and in providing families with the best experience in care possible.
1947
Expansion of original building adding a show room.
1954
Dick Barkdull joins the family business representing the 4th generation.
1961
Ambulance business ends, services handed to local municipalities.
1976
Eric Barkdull joins the family business representing the 5th generation.
1985
Lesli (Barkdull) Neal joins the family business representing the 5th generation.
1987
Expansion of the building to its current state, with the addition of an 1,800 square foot chapel and an elevator.
1998
Expansion of the parking lot to 12,000 square feet, doubling parking capacity.
2013
Carli joins the family business representing the 6th generation.
2014
Addition of an on-site crematory, the only one located between Mansfield and Norwalk.
2021
Carli becomes 6th generation owner of Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory.
1873
Luther W. Barkdull moves from Cleveland to Shelby and enters into the carriage business with Samuel Shreffler.
