Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky(FDAK) held its 140th Annual State Convention June 7-8 at the Kentucky Expo Center and Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville. Its theme, “Kentucky Proud,” mimicked the state’s push for pride in Kentucky, participating in Kentucky businesses and using the state’s products and services. The convention attracted attendees from six states.
On Tuesday afternoon, FDAK President Grant Bolt (Johnson’s Funeral Home, Georgetown) and his wife, Pam, cut the ribbon on the “Kentucky Proud” exhibits to officially open the trade show. The annual President’s Party was a sold-out event and included a “Kentucky Proud” buffet provided by the Kentucky Funeral Supply Sales Club.
Kentucky’s own nationally renowned comedian Etta May performed after dinner with her down-home Kentucky humor. FDAK board members donated Kentucky-themed gift baskets, which were given away as door prizes during the festivities.
Continuing education offerings included “All Stressed Out and Ready to Blow” and “Community Outreach: Building Connections to Your Business,” presented by Nancy Weil; “Book Smart: An In-depth Look at PRE-Embalming Analysis,” by Carrie Harris; and “Online Reviews: How to Get Good Ones/Fix Bad Ones” and “Turning Clicks Into Dollars” by Daniel Hug of Ring Ring Marketing.
Bill Mullins of Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Homes was sworn in as new FDAK president Wednesday afternoon by his wife and business partner, Nancy Mullins.
In his last official capacity as FDAK chairman of the board, Rob Riley of Carrollton swore in the remaining FDAK board members and district directors. Board members include Marty Jones, Morgantown, chairman of the board; Grant Bolt, Georgetown, immediate past president; Wesley Rominger, Manchester, president-elect; Brandy Harwood, Scottsville, vice president; Chad Townsend, Dixon, secretary/treasurer; and John Hill, Owensboro, sergeant-at-arms.
District directors include Louis Linnemann, Erlanger, Northern; Billy Butcher, Versailles, Central; George Sparks, Grayson, Eastern; Tony Floro, Hustonville, Southcentral; Kyle Wolfe, Hyden, Southeastern; Frank Giles, Hopkinsville, Western; and Lee Muster, Calhoun, Southern.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued a proclamation honoring the Kentucky funeral homes that served the families of the December 10, 2021, tornadoes that devastated western Kentucky. He also presented each of these funeral homes with a plaque of appreciation: Bandy Funeral Home, Nortonville; Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, Madisonville; Beshear Funeral Home, Dawson Springs; Bevil Brothers Funeral Home, Beaver Dam; Blalock-Coleman & York Funeral Home, Murray; Brown Funeral Home, Mayfield; Byrn Funeral Home, Mayfield; Campbell-Fisher Funeral Home, Lebanon; Collier Funeral Home, Benton; Cone Funeral Home, Bowling Green; Dogwood Funerals & Cremations, Hopkinsville; Gatewood & Sons Funeral Chapel, Bowling Green; Goodman Funeral Home, Princeton; Harrod Brothers Funeral Home, Frankfort; Hornbeak Funeral Home, Fulton; Hughes Funeral Home, Paducah; J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapel, Bowling Green; Mason & Sons Funeral Home, Madisonville; Milner & Orr Funeral Home, Paducah; Morgan’s Funeral Home, Princeton; Pettus Rowland Funeral Home, Paducah; Stoess Funeral Home, Crestwood; Tucker Funeral Home, Central City; Vanover Funeral Home, Clay; and Young Funeral Home, Russellville.
During the convention, FDAK also honored 50- and 60-year-licensed directors, as well as firms that have been in business for 50, 75 and 100 years.
Finally, Marcia Caniff Davis, new scholarship chair, awarded the $5,000 Pat R. Caniff FDAK Scholarship to Anna Mattingly of Versailles. fdaofky.com