Crain & Sons Funeral Home Franklinton La

You Won't Believe What's Happening at Crain & Sons Funeral Home!

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about a little place in Franklinton, Louisiana, that's turning the funeral game on its head. I'm talking about Crain & Sons Funeral Home. Now, before you start thinking I'm about to tell you a horror story, let me assure you, this is more like a comedy of errors... with a dash of mortality thrown in for good measure.

Meet the Cranes: The Original Funeral Home Reality TV Stars

Picture this: a family-run business, four generations strong, and they've been at it since 1905. That's right, folks, they've been arranging final send-offs longer than some of us have been alive. Now, I'm not saying they're old-fashioned, but their first hearse was a horse-drawn carriage. And yes, the horse's name was probably Funeral Face or something equally morbid.

Now, you might think a family with that much history would be stuffy and serious, but oh no, not the Cranes. They're a bunch of characters, and I mean that in the best possible way. There's Uncle Junior, who's been known to bust out a tune on his harmonica at the most unexpected moments. And let's not forget Cousin Mabel, who's been trying to perfect her famous funeral potato salad recipe for decades. I mean, who needs a eulogy when you've got that kind of entertainment?

Franklinton's Very Own Funeral Home & Grill

Now, here's where things get interesting. You know how some funeral homes have a little chapel where they hold services? Well, Crain & Sons decided to take that concept and flip it on its head. They've got a full-blown grill out back, and I'm not talking about the kind that cremates bodies. No, no, this is a real, honest-to-goodness grill, serving up some of the best barbecue in Franklinton.

That's right, folks. After a service, you can head on over to the grill, grab a plate of ribs, and swap stories with the locals. It's like a block party, but with a little more... finality. They even host annual barbecue competitions. I mean, where else can you find a funeral home that's also a popular pit stop on the Louisiana BBQ Trail?

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade (And Funeral Cakes)

Now, I've told you about the music and the food, but the Cranes aren't just about the party. They're also about community. When Hurricane Katrina hit, they opened their doors to anyone who needed a place to stay. And when the power went out, they fired up their generators and kept the grill going. They even made funeral cakes for everyone. Yes, you heard me right. Funeral cakes. Because when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And when life gives you a natural disaster, you make funeral cakes.

Obituary | Inetta Faye Brumfield of Franklinton, Louisiana | Crain and

But the Cranes didn't stop at feeding the hungry. They also started a little tradition called "Katrina's Angels." Every year on the anniversary of the hurricane, they gather up a bunch of volunteers and head out to help people who are still struggling. It's like a real-life, feel-good movie, folks. I swear, if they ever made a documentary about this family, it would be a guaranteed Oscar winner.

The Great Embalming Mishap of 2015

Now, I couldn't tell you this story without mentioning the great embalming mishap of 2015. I mean, it's not every day you hear about a family of funeral directors accidentally turning a dearly departed into a human-sized, life-sized action figure. But that's exactly what happened when Cousin Mabel mixed up the embalming fluid with some of her famous funeral potato salad dressing.

I mean, I've heard of people being buried with their favorite things, but this was a whole new level. The poor guy looked like he was ready to leap out of the coffin and do the cha-cha. The Cranes had a good laugh about it, though. I mean, you have to have a sense of humor in a job like that, right?

Crain & Sons Funeral Home Franklinton, Louisiana

Crain & Sons: Where Every Day is a Party (And a Funeral)

So there you have it, folks. The story of Crain & Sons Funeral Home, the place where every day is a party... and a funeral. They've been doing this for over a century, and they're not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, they're so popular, they've got a waiting list a mile long. I mean, who wouldn't want to go out with a bang (and a barbecue)?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "This is all well and good, but what if I don't want to end up as a human action figure?" Well, fear not, my friends. The Cranes have learned their lesson. They've even put up a big sign in the embalming room that says, "No Potato Salad Dressing Allowed." I mean, you can't say they're not learning from their mistakes.

So, the next time you're in Franklinton, Louisiana, and you're feeling a little... mortal, swing by Crain & Sons Funeral Home. Have a rib, listen to some harmonica music, and know that when your time comes, you'll be in good hands. And if all else fails, at least you'll go out with a full stomach.