The Funeral Service Foundation recently received a $100,000 contribution from the Memorial Classic Golf Tournament. Founded by Tom Johnson more than 40 years ago, the annual event brings together friends in funeral service for fellowship. With more than 135 participants every year, the tournament is a philanthropic force that gives back to the funeral service profession.

Since 2010, the Memorial Classic Golf Tournament has contributed more than $744,000 to the foundation and created its permanently endowed “Memorial Classic Scholarship.” Since 2013, 27 students pursuing mortuary science degrees at accredited institutions have received Memorial Classic Scholarships. Named in memory of some of the funeral profession’s finest – Bill Bischoff, Mike Fleming, Dave Hirt, Steve Mack, John Morrow, Ed Murphy, Mike Stephens, Ed Tuggle and Joe Weatherford – the foundation’s endowed scholarship is funded via proceeds from the annual Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, which is led by Tom and Jake Johnson of Johnson Consulting Group.

“This generous gift – and the continued legacy of giving from the Memorial Classic, the Johnson family and all who participate – continues to open doors for so many who feel called to work in the funeral service profession,” said Mark Krause, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board. “These gifts, which honor and memorialize some of the funeral profession’s greatest advocates, ensure that their legacy lives on in the opportunities for compassion and care that this scholarship creates.” funeralservicefoundation.org