Posted by Terrence Dalton
The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to one of our own members during our Tuesday, February 21st luncheon meeting.  Thane is a Funeral Director and also serves as the Executive Vice President & Treasurer of The Billow Co. Prior to working in the funeral profession, Nathanael worked for Ford Motor Company as a Senior Financial Analyst at Ford's Global Product Development Center in Dearborn, MI. He, along with his sister Stacy, are sixth-generation members of the family to serve at Billow's and Bissler's. Growing up in the family business helped shape his personal belief that working as a funeral director is not only a career but a life-dedicating vocation.
 
Thane provided the Club with some interesting facts about the history of the funeral home industry and the changes that have taken place over the years, including the impact COVID has had on the industry and the individuals served by the industry.
 
Thane began his presentation asking “What is a Good Funeral?” The following were quotes from the book, The Good Funeral:
  • Defined as doing two things:
    • “Get the dead where they need to go” (Logistics) and
    • “Get the living where they need to be” (Ceremony/Ritual)
  • Opportunity to say goodbye “Take physical leave of body”
  • Opportunity to gather and acknowledge:
    • A life was lived
    • A life has been lost
    • Accompanied through the sharing of stories.  The “ministry of presence,” and going through rituals and ceremonies that provide comfort to those who mourn.
History of Funerals
Funerals, as we know them today began to be celebrated differently in the post-Civil War era: 
  • Embalming became routine.   
  • Many deaths occurred at home; embalming took place on site; “Laid out in the parlor.”  Viewings and Services (as we know them) became established parts of society. 
  • Location of services moved from home/graveyard to funeral parlor/church.
  • Invention of the automobile allowed for specialized funeral processions from church to cemetery.
  • Many funeral companies expanded into ambulance services.
  • Coffin production transitions from small artisan carpenter/furniture makers to specialized large scale casket manufacturers.
  • Families insulated from the death (which usually occurred at a hospital)
  • ALL families used the limousine.
  • Services were run by clergy and funeral director…family had little input
And Now….
A series of scandals in the 1970’s and 1980’s resulted in the FTC beginning to regulate the funeral service.
  • 1984 – Passage of the FTC Funeral Rule (commonized price list for services, caskets, and vaults).  Mandated wording for direct cremation.
  • Cremation grew as a method of disposition.
  • Location of death transitions away from hospitals to dedicated hospice facilities or nursing homes.
  • Consolidation in the industry
    • Supply chain (casket makers, hearses, embalming fluids) issues
    • Power of suppliers greatly exceeds purchasing power of the funeral homes
    • Mergers and acquisitions by large corporations and hedge funds
The Modern Funeral Home
  • Increased emphasis on service and professionalism
  • Offers onsite crematories, cremation chapels, quiet rooms – greater peace of mind knowing loved one never leaves funeral home’s care
  • Many funeral homes offer on-staff grief counselors/therapists with complementary family follow-up
  • Distinguish themselves based on Service, Trust, and Healing
  • More family involvement in the death process, ceremony
COVID – 19 (2020 – present)
The COVID-19 pandemic posed many issues for funeral homes and families.
  • Increased death rates placed high pressure on funeral homes to keep up
  • Hot spots led to 50-100% increase in monthly volumes
  • Funeral homes did not have adequate PPE (personal protective equipment). PPE equipment was donated to hospitals
  • Families prevented from saying goodbye at hospitals
  • Fears of catching virus from the deceased
  • Limited attendance at funerals (locally limited to 10)
  • Church closures
  • Limited community support
  • Delayed services due to quarantines
Profession Struggles with Demand
  • Crematories backed up for several weeks
  • Casket and urn inventory shortages
  • Cemeteries and vault companies booked – delayed burials
  • Funeral profession modified and adapted offerings:
    • Hugs from Home
    • Complementary live streaming
    • Virtual arrangements
    • Free public service late
 
Nathanael Billow summed up his family's business: "For generations, the Billow's have been a family of firsts. The only way my sister and I can properly honor the legacy of our ancestors is by continuing our family's tradition of placing the dignity of local families and their departed loved ones first."
 
Yours in Service,
 
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair
Sponsors