Our Story

Dedicated to families since day one.

Since the first Ford and Young Funeral Home opened in 1949, we have approached life—and death—differently. We see every funeral service as a time for reflection, appreciation, and celebration. We offer families more than a burial ground—we offer them an extraordinary and passionate team of funeral professionals who are dedicated to honoring, sharing, and preserving the memory of their loved ones.

Learn the legacy.

1949

On November 1, 1949, Walter H. "Doc" Ford and Ross Young opened the doors to Ford-Young Funeral Home on Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

1953

In 1953, Walter J. Ford, Walter H.’s son, bought out the Young family interests and the name changed to Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

1957

Four years later, in 1957, Walter J. Ford and his wife Iris took over as acting managers of the funeral home and also opened a branch in Benton, Missouri.

1980

In 1980 Cliff Ford joined his parents in the family business to be followed in 1983 by his brother Kevin.

1986

In order to better serve the community, many additions have been made to the Sprigg Street location over the years. In 1986 Ford and Sons purchased the Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

1988

In 1988 purchased Walther's and Brinkopf-Howell Funeral Homes in Cape Girardeau. Shortly after the purchase, the firm was merged into the Ford and Sons corporation.

1990

The Mt. Auburn Road location was established.

2009

Kevin's son, Josh joined the staff in 2009 and currently serves as Vice President and oversees daily operations at all four locations.

2010

After 30 years of dedicated service Cliff retired in 2010 and now resides with his family in Mississippi.

2015

In March of 2015 Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri was purchased and renamed, Ford & Sons Funeral Home- Jackson. We are excited about serving the needs of the Jackson community.

2019

In May of 2019, Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville and Altenburg was purchased and renamed Ford & YoungFuneral Home. We are excited about serving the needs of the Perry county community.

Who We Are

Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.Together, we make this place amazing.

Walter J.  Ford

Walter J. Ford

Past President/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Kevin  Ford

Kevin Ford

President/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Josh  Ford

Josh Ford

Vice President/ Funeral Director
Kristen Ford LaBruyere

Kristen Ford LaBruyere

Administrative Assistant
Saylor Hardesty

Saylor Hardesty

Administrative Support Manager
Mark Dunaway

Mark Dunaway

Manager/Funeral Director
Alan J.  Essner

Alan J. Essner

Funeral Director
Joe L.  Lowes

Joe L. Lowes

Funeral Director/Embalmer
Tyson Wunderlich

Tyson Wunderlich

Funeral Director/Embalmer
Samantha Bruenderman

Samantha Bruenderman

Administrative Assistant/Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
Shannon Kaelin

Shannon Kaelin

Funeral Director/Embalmer
Mary  Emmenderfer

Mary Emmenderfer

Administrative Assistant
Florence Marshall Harold

Florence Marshall Harold

Pre-Need Consultant
Terrell Weaver

Terrell Weaver

Funeral Home Assistant
Bob Osborn

Bob Osborn

Funeral Home Assistant
Mark Cook

Mark Cook

Funeral Home Assistant
Jim Rudolph

Jim Rudolph

Funeral Home Assistant
Steven Lee

Steven Lee

Funeral Home Assistant
Clark Daniels

Clark Daniels

Office Manager/Grounds Supervisor
Richard Schreiner

Richard Schreiner

Grounds Maintenance
Matthew Daniels

Matthew Daniels

Grounds Maintenance/Funeral Home Assistant
Ruby Voshage

Ruby Voshage

Administrative Assistant/Monument Sales Representative

Explore Our Locations

See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.