Vickery Funeral Home Shawneetown Illinois

So, picture this: you're cruising down Route 13, minding your own business, when suddenly you spot a funeral home. Not just any funeral home, mind you, but the one and only Vickery Funeral Home in Shawneetown, Illinois. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why on earth would I want to visit a funeral home?" Well, buckle up, because this isn't your average funeral home. It's a blast from the past, a quirky little gem that's been serving up a unique brand of humor and history since 1905.

Meet the Vickerys: A Family Affair

Let's start at the beginning. The Vickerys have been at this game for over a century, and it's all thanks to one man, John Vickery. Now, John wasn't your typical undertaker. No, sir. He was a former saloon keeper who decided to switch careers after a few too many late nights. I mean, who hasn't thought about changing jobs after a rough night out, right? But seriously, talk about a career change!

Anyway, John started the business in 1905, and it's been a family affair ever since. His son, Ed, took over in the '30s, and then came Ed Jr. in the '60s. Today, the reins are in the hands of Ed Jr.'s daughter, Kim. That's right, folks, we're talking four generations of Vickerys, all dedicated to making sure Shawneetown's dearly departed go out in style.

Funeral Home with a Side of History

But the Vickerys aren't just about the business. They're also about preserving history. The funeral home is a veritable museum, filled with artifacts that tell the story of Shawneetown and its people. There's the old-fashioned hearse, the antique furniture, and even a collection of vintage coffins. Yes, you read that right. Vintage. Coffins.

And get this, the funeral home itself is a historic building. It's been around since the 1800s, and it's seen its fair share of history. It's been a hotel, a saloon, and even a bordello (but let's not dwell on that part, shall we?). Now, it's a funeral home, standing tall and proud on the banks of the Ohio River.

About Us | Gerald W. Vickery Jr. Funeral Home

Humor in the Face of the Inevitable

But what sets Vickery Funeral Home apart is its sense of humor. The Vickerys have a knack for finding the funny in the face of the inevitable. They've been known to organize "funerals" for inanimate objects - like a beloved old car or a favorite pair of jeans. They've even held a "funeral" for a local landmark, the old water tower, when it was taken down.

And then there are the obituaries. Oh, the obituaries. The Vickerys are famous for their creative, often hilarious obituaries. They've written about a man who loved to dance, so much so that he requested his casket be lowered to the ground by the beat of "The Twist." Another obituary told the story of a woman who loved to gamble, so much so that she requested her casket be lined with playing cards.

About Us | Gerald W. Vickery Jr. Funeral Home

More Than Just a Funeral Home

But the Vickerys aren't just about the laughs. They're also about community. They've been a part of Shawneetown for so long, they're practically an institution. They've seen the town grow and change, and they've been there through it all. They're more than just a funeral home. They're a piece of Shawneetown's history, a testament to the town's resilience and spirit.

So, the next time you're driving down Route 13, don't be surprised if you find yourself doing a double-take at the sight of Vickery Funeral Home. It's not every day you see a place that's equal parts history, humor, and heart. But that's Shawneetown for you. And that, my friends, is the story of Vickery Funeral Home.