Crains become new owners of landmark Cairo business
On Dec. 30, a well-known family in funeral service in the region became owners of the 155-year-old Barkett Funeral Home of Cairo.
Bryan and Stacey Crain, owners of Crain Funeral Homes, in their 81st year and fourth generation of service to the area, have purchased the Barkett firm from David and Betty Barkett.
The Dec. 30 date was a milestone, as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Barketts’ service to the families of Alexander and Pulaski counties.
“Continuity has been the hallmark of the funeral home since it’s founding by the Karcher family in 1858. It was important to Betty and I that the firm continue in the hands of a family dedicated to continued long-term service to the community,” David Barkett emphasized in a news release announcing the transition.
Betty Barkett added “the firm is the third oldest funeral home in the State of Illinois, and the oldest continuous business in Cairo. We have poured our hearts into the community for 40 years, and we know the Crains will continue the legacy proudly.”
The newly remodeled funeral home on the north edge of Cairo offers easy access for Cairo families, as well as the entire region which includes Alexander and Pulaski counties.
Earlier this year, the Barketts had consolidated the Mounds and Mound City funeral homes in with the funeral home on the north edge of Cairo.
Crain Funeral Homes in Tamms and Ullin will remain available to families as well.
“All pre-need plans and promises made by the Barketts will be honored by the Crains. Crain has been appointed by the state of Illinois as the successor custodian of all Barkett pre-need contracts,” Stacey Crain stated.
“Our families’ mission statement sums up best the philosophy of generations of Crains – George and Marguerite, Bob and Elaine, Bill and Sharon – to offer families the most complete and up to date options available at a cost that is always fair,” Bryan Crain said.
Crain Funeral Home of Cairo will offer funeral and cremation services, pre-need planning and insurance, as well as monuments. The firm can be reached by phone at 618-734-4291.