In The Beginning

Founded in 1898 by Samuel Whitlock, Whitlock & Sons Funeral Home began as a modest carriage house on the edge of town. Samuel, a skilled carpenter, first built sturdy pine caskets for neighbors in need, then expanded to offering funeral services when he realized how much families appreciated a guiding hand during difficult times.

By the 1920s, Samuel’s two sons, Edward and Joseph, had joined the business, converting the original property into a Victorian-style funeral parlor complete with horse-drawn hearses. During the Great Depression, the family often provided services at little or no cost, solidifying the firm’s reputation for compassion and integrity.

In the 1950s, Edward’s daughter Margaret Whitlock-Reed modernized the facilities, adding a chapel and arrangement rooms. She also helped introduce the area’s first pre-planning program, encouraging families to record their wishes in advance.