Sedalia, MO – In 1948 Mr. Del and Stella Heckart moved to Sedalia to acquire the Gillespie Funeral Home, which was established in 1918. The funeral home has continued as a locally owned, family business with Del’s daughter Sue Heckart continuing the family tradition of fair prices and quality service which is reflected in the firm’s motto, “We Care, We Share, We Love."
Realizing the increasing popularity of cremation, Heckart-Gillespie Funeral Home has been re-named “Heckart Funeral Home & Cremation Services”. In commemoration of the firm’s 90th anniversary, Heckart Funeral Home & Cremation Services has located a traditional street clock on the funeral home site at 903 South Ohio Street. Most Sedalia residents remember the huge blue spruce tree that sat in front of the funeral home for over fifty years. The trunk of the tree was salvaged, and from it was built two large benches which grace the porch on the funeral home chapel. According to Ms. Heckart, “Sedalia residents are very traditional; for many of them the local funeral home is an important part of their family tradition. The street clock is a symbolic gesture to remind people when they visit the Heckart Funeral Home of better days with family and friends.”
Sunday, November 18, 2007, Heckart Funeral Home hosted its ninth annual Wreath of Remembrance Dedication at the funeral home chapel. This event involved over 60 local churches, cemeteries and charities and memorialized family members of local residents who died during the twelve month period from November 1, 2006 through October 31 of this year. During the ceremony the Heckart Family Foundation announced contributions to local caring organizations of nearly $90,000. According to Ms. Heckart, “My father came to Sedalia not knowing anyone. Over the years the community accepted my family and we have had the honor of serving thousands of local families over the past 60 years. The Heckart Family Foundation is my way of giving back to the community, not just for me, but in the memory of my mother and father.”
Keeping abreast of changes in society, and meeting the needs of Sedalia residents is the foundation that has allowed the family business to survive. The tradition of change for improvement continues today. The firm has installed a large selection of cremation urns and other forms of cremation memorilization. “Also, many families today want to memorialize their pets. Being a dog lover with two dogs competing in national competitions, I know how close we can become with our pets. Many funeral homes nationally are introducing special products for pet memorialization, such as cremation urns and other special products.” Sue Heckart.
Perhaps the most important service the Heckart Funeral Home provides is flexibility in services and prices. “My father taught me how important it is to work with families to keep funeral costs within their budget. Because I know price is such an important factor, we encourage families to consider funeral pre-arrangement. By making funeral arrangements in advance of need, families collect the information they need to make wise decisions.” Sue Heckart
For more information contact the Heckart Funeral Home & Cremation Services at 660-826-1750 or visit their web site at www.heckartfuneralhome.com. The public is invited to attend the Wreath of Remembrance Dedication on Sunday, and to visit the Heckart Funeral Home at 903 South Ohio Street any time for a personal tour, and to get answers to questions concerning funeral pre-arrangement, cremation services and funeral costs.
