funeral director and owner, Simpson Funeral Home, Webb City, Missouri, died February 8, 2026, at age 73.

Simpson attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. After graduating, he returned to the family business as a second-generation funeral director.

Simpson was very active in the American Legion. He also was a past president of the Webb City Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, and Boys and Girls Youth Baseball Association.

Simpson is survived by wife Stefanie, sons Austin and Adam, daughters Stacey and Sarah, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

funeral director and former owner, Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, Texas, died February 4, 2026, at age 90.

Kubena attended St. Mary University in San Antonio, Texas, and was part of the ROTC program. He graduated from mortuary science school, then worked in the family business for 71 years. He provided ambulance services to Lavaca County until 1971.

Kubena was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville, the Sacred Heart Parish Board, SPJST and the Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department; a life member of 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus; a member and past president of the Rotary Club and Lavaca District Flood District; and a member and past vice president of the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, which named him “Man of the Year.” He worked and held several positions with the Boy Scouts of America. He received the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service. Additionally, he was a past president of both the Golf Association of Morticians and the Hallettsville Golf Association. He did get one hole-in-one in his lifetime. He accepted the Community Builder Award from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas.

Kubena is survived by children Eugene, Beverly and Andrew; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

retired funeral director, Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes, Morris, Illinois, died February 8, 2026, at age 79.

Hexdall graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He taught at the local high school for a year before he was encouraged to pursue funeral service as a career. This pivotal moment led him to Worsham College of Mortuary Science and, ultimately, lifelong service in the profession. He joined the Fruland family, with whom he faithfully served his community for decades. In 2000, he assumed ownership of the funeral home.

Hexdall was a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris.

Hexdall is survived by brother Kenneth, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

former senior vice president and funeral director, Coker-Mathews Funeral Home, Greenville, Texas, died January 3, 2026, at age 77.

Davis graduated from East Texas State University and dedicated 60 years of service to Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. He was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church.

Davis is survived by wife Janice and daughters Allison and Amy.

retired funeral director and former owner, Cook-Rosenberger Funeral Homes, Sunman, Indiana; former NFDA district governor; and Indiana Funeral Directors Association past president, died January 26, 2026, at age 81.

While operating the original location in Sunman, Cook also worked alongside his parents as the owner and operator of the Brookville branch of Cook Funeral Homes. He also served as a volunteer, leader, coach and mentor throughout Franklin County, Indiana.

Cook was a founding member of the local EMS, a president and dedicated supporter of the 4-H Program and Fair Board, an active member of the Whitewater Canal Byway, a volunteer at the Rileybrook Art Center, and the longtime voice of the Franklin County High School basketball program.

Cook is survived by daughters Alicia and Adrianne, son Adam, and seven grandchildren.

funeral director, Harder Funeral Service, Brookfield, Wisconsin, died February 8, 2026, at age 84.

Clark graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, as well as the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science.

He was an active member of Christ King Parish, Knights of Columbus Bishop Brust Council 3702 and Bishop Henni Assembly 4th Degree. He was a past member of the Shamrock Club and Marquette Minutemen.

Clark is survived by wife Katie, daughter Katherine and grandson Chip.

retired funeral director and former owner, Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, Illinois, died January 28, 2026, at age 80.

Brintlinger served in the U.S. Air Force. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a mortuary science degree from Worsham College. He then joined the family business, where he eventually became president. He helped lead the funeral home until his retirement. Brintlinger was a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and a board member of the International Order of the Golden Rule. He served in leadership roles with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Elks Club. 

For nearly 20 years, he served as a volunteer photographer for the Decatur Fire Department. He was a member of the Professional Car Society and the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America. Brintlinger served on the advisory board of the Decatur Corps of the Salvation Army. He also was a life member of the Air Force Association.

Brintlinger is survived by wife Nedra, sons Dr. Todd and Kirk, stepson James, and four grandchildren.

retired funeral director and owner, Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum, Texas, died January 2, 2026, at age 89.

He attended St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston, Texas. He worked for more than 60 years as a funeral director, beginning at Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum.

Thiele was a member of both the Knights of Columbus and Lion’s Club for more than 65 years. He was involved with the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce (from which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991) and Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

Thiele is survived by wife Mildred; sons Kermit Jr., David and Michael; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

retired funeral director and owner, Baggott and Schacht Mortuary, Anaheim, California, and past president, California Funeral Directors Association, died December 28, 2025, at age 81.

Schacht began his career at Hilgenfeld Mortuary. He then partnered with Don Baggott to create what would become Baggott and Schacht Mortuary. The company eventually joined the Service Corporation International family.

He was a member of the Lion’s Club and Anaheim Convention Center Authority Board, as well as an elder at Anaheim First Christian Church.

Schacht is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.

funeral director and owner, Naegele, Kleb & Ihlendorf Funeral Home, Norwood, Ohio, died December 10, 2025, at age 85.

Naegele served in the military during the Vietnam War and as Norwood Civil Service Commissioner for many years. He belonged to numerous organizations, including the Norwood Moose, Norwood Eagles, Shamrock Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post #123, Masonic Lodge #576, Knights of Columbus, Valley of Cincinnati A.A.S.R., Shriners and Kolping.

Naegele is survived by daughters Michelle and Lisa; grandchildren Ben and Matthew; and Linda Haines, who was by his side for the last 25 years.