Have you ever wondered what truly sets a funeral home apart when families need support the most? Choosing the right funeral home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a time of loss. The right provider offers not just services, but comfort, guidance, and a sense of community. In Appleton City, Missouri, Hill and Son Funeral Home stands as a beacon of compassionate, professional care for families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. This article explores everything you need to know about Hill and Son Funeral Home—from its rich history and values to its comprehensive services, facilities, and unwavering commitment to the community.
Whether you’re planning ahead, facing an immediate need, or simply seeking to understand your options, this guide will walk you through the unique offerings and trusted reputation of Hill and Son Funeral Home. Let’s begin by understanding what makes this family-owned funeral home a cornerstone of support in Appleton City.
About Hill and Son Funeral Home
A Legacy of Service in Appleton City
Hill and Son Funeral Home is more than just a business—it’s a family legacy that has served Appleton City and surrounding communities for over half a century. The story began after World War II, when Oscar Eckhoff and his wife Faye established the original funeral service at the current location. Oscar, an experienced embalmer, purchased the facility and operated it as Eckhoff Funeral Home. After Faye’s passing in 1961, Oscar continued the business until 1976, when Glenn and Effie Hill acquired it, renaming it Eckhoff-Hill Funeral Home. In 1984, Richard (Rick) Hill took over, and a decade later, the name became Hill and Son Funeral Home. Today, the tradition continues under the stewardship of Jeannette and David Hill, who remain dedicated to serving families with the same compassion and integrity that have defined the business for generations .
Mission, Values, and Unique Approach
At the heart of Hill and Son Funeral Home is a mission to provide personal, professional, and affordable care. Their values are rooted in respect, dignity, and a genuine desire to support families through every step of the funeral process. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to treating each family as if they were their own—offering guidance, flexibility, and a listening ear during times of grief.
Key differentiators include:
- Third-generation, family-owned operation: Ensuring continuity, trust, and a personal touch.
- Deep community roots: Serving not only Appleton City but also Montrose, Rockville, Prairie City, and Taberville.
- Compassionate, professional staff: Known for their respectful, well-trained approach and attention to detail .
- Modern, dignified facilities: Designed to foster peace, comfort, and reflection for families and guests.
Services Offered by Hill and Son Funeral Home
Comprehensive Funeral and Memorial Services
Hill and Son Funeral Home offers a full spectrum of services to meet the diverse needs of families:
Traditional Funerals
These services typically include a visitation or viewing, a formal funeral ceremony, and a graveside committal. The team works closely with families to personalize every aspect, from music and readings to floral arrangements and eulogies .
Graveside Services
For those seeking a simpler approach, graveside ceremonies are available. These can be tailored to family wishes and often include prayers, readings, and the committal of the body at the burial site .
Cremation Services
Hill and Son Funeral Home provides both basic and full-service cremation options. Families can choose direct cremation (without a formal service) or combine cremation with a memorial or traditional service. Packages are designed to accommodate a range of preferences and budgets .
Memorial Services
Memorial services can be arranged with or without the presence of the body or ashes. These gatherings offer an opportunity for remembrance and celebration of life, customized to reflect the personality and wishes of the deceased and their loved ones .
Prearrangement and Preplanning
Planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Hill and Son Funeral Home assists with prearrangement and prepayment, providing peace of mind and financial protection against future price increases .
Monuments and Memorial Products
The funeral home offers a selection of monuments, grave markers, and other memorial products, helping families create lasting tributes.
Support Services
Grief Support
Understanding that grief doesn’t end with the funeral, Hill and Son Funeral Home provides access to grief support resources, including counseling referrals and support groups. These services help families navigate the emotional journey of loss .
Obituary Assistance
The staff assists families in crafting and publishing obituaries, both in print and online, ensuring that loved ones are honored and remembered.
Online Services
Modern technology allows for video tributes, livestreamed services, and online guestbooks, making it easier for distant friends and family to participate and share condolences .
Facilities and Arrangements
The funeral home features tastefully decorated rooms, a dignified chapel for services, private visitation rooms, and a comfortable arrangement office. The environment is designed to foster peace, quiet reflection, and comfort for all guests. Accessibility features and ample parking ensure that everyone can attend services with ease .
Availability and Out-of-Hours Support
Recognizing that loss can occur at any time, Hill and Son Funeral Home offers 24/7 phone support and flexible scheduling for services and consultations.
The Importance of Professional Funeral Services
Why Professional Assistance Matters
During times of loss, families are often overwhelmed by grief and the many decisions that must be made. Professional funeral services provide structure, guidance, and support, allowing families to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistics .
The Role of the Funeral Director
At Hill and Son Funeral Home, the funeral director serves as a compassionate guide—coordinating arrangements, handling legal and administrative tasks, and ensuring that every detail is managed with care. Their expertise helps families navigate complex decisions, from selecting a casket or urn to planning the order of service .
Personalized Funeral Planning
No two lives are the same, and Hill and Son Funeral Home believes that every service should reflect the unique personality, values, and wishes of the deceased. The team works closely with families to incorporate personal touches—favorite music, meaningful readings, photo displays, and more—creating a truly memorable tribute .
Customer Experience and Testimonials
What Families Are Saying
Hill and Son Funeral Home is praised for its professionalism, personal touch, and supportive staff. Families consistently mention the respectful, well-trained team and the comfort they provide during difficult times. The funeral home’s long-standing reputation in Appleton City is built on trust, compassion, and a commitment to guiding families through every step of the process .
Success Stories and Noteworthy Cases
While individual testimonials are not extensively quoted in public sources, the overall sentiment is clear: Hill and Son Funeral Home is a trusted partner for families in their time of need. Their ability to personalize services and provide ongoing support has made a lasting impact on the community.
Commitment to Community and Family Support
Beyond individual services, Hill and Son Funeral Home is deeply involved in the local community—offering grief support groups, educational workshops, and annual remembrance events. Their dedication to community service strengthens the bonds between families and fosters a sense of belonging .
How to Plan and Arrange a Funeral with Hill and Son Funeral Home
Step-by-Step Guide
- Initial Contact: Reach out to Hill and Son Funeral Home by phone, email, or in person. The staff is available 24/7 for immediate needs.
- Consultation: Meet with a funeral director to discuss your wishes, review service options, and receive a detailed, itemized price list.
- Personalization: Work together to plan a service that honors your loved one’s life, incorporating personal touches and special requests.
- Logistics and Coordination: The funeral home handles all arrangements, including transportation, scheduling, and coordination with cemeteries or crematories.
- Service and Support: On the day of the service, the staff ensures that everything runs smoothly, providing support to family and guests.
- Aftercare: Access grief support resources and follow-up assistance as needed.
Contact Information and Office Hours
- Address: 213 W 6th St, Appleton City, MO 64724
- Phone: (660) 476-2135
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: hillandson.net
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (24/7 phone support for emergencies) .
What to Expect During the Planning Process
Families can expect a compassionate, step-by-step approach, with clear communication and transparency at every stage. The staff provides guidance on legal documentation, obituary writing, and service personalization, ensuring that no detail is overlooked .
Pre-Planning Options and Benefits
Prearranging a funeral allows individuals to make their wishes known, lock in current prices, and relieve loved ones of decision-making during a time of grief. Hill and Son Funeral Home offers flexible preplanning options, including payment plans and secure record-keeping .
Additional Resources and Support
Online Obituary Services and Memorial Pages
Hill and Son Funeral Home provides online obituary listings and memorial pages, allowing friends and family to share memories, photos, and condolences from anywhere in the world .
Grief Counseling and Community Outreach
Recognizing the ongoing nature of grief, the funeral home connects families with local and national grief support resources, including counseling, support groups, and educational workshops .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of services are available?
A: Hill and Son Funeral Home offers traditional funerals, graveside services, cremations, memorial services, and prearrangement options.
Q: Can services be personalized?
A: Absolutely. The team works with families to incorporate personal touches, from music and readings to photo displays and video tributes.
Q: Is grief support available?
A: Yes. The funeral home provides access to grief counseling and support groups, as well as online resources.
Q: How do I access emergency or after-hours support?
A: The funeral home offers 24/7 phone support for immediate needs and emergencies.
Key Takeaways
Hill and Son Funeral Home at a Glance
- Family-Owned Legacy: Serving Appleton City and surrounding communities for over 50 years.
- Comprehensive Services: Traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, preplanning, and monuments.
- Personalized Care: Every service is tailored to honor the unique life of the deceased.
- Modern Facilities: Tastefully decorated, accessible, and designed for comfort and reflection.
- Community Commitment: Active involvement in local support programs and outreach.
- Grief Support: Access to counseling, support groups, and online resources.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear, itemized price lists and flexible prepayment options.
- 24/7 Support: Always available to assist families, day or night.
Conclusion
Choosing a funeral home is a deeply personal decision—one that shapes how families remember and honor their loved ones. Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri, stands out for its legacy of compassionate service, comprehensive offerings, and unwavering commitment to the community. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an immediate need, their experienced team is ready to guide you with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
For more information, to arrange a consultation, or to access grief support resources, contact Hill and Son Funeral Home at (660) 476-2135 or visit hillandson.net. When it matters most, trust Hill and Son Funeral Home to provide the care and support your family deserves.
