Funeral Service Insider

10/30/2025

After serving his country and acing his exam, veteran Desaray Wilson still battles Texas regulators for the funeral director license he earned.

10/30/2025

Bonus Podcast Episode
Harbison Walker's Tim Cermak reveals why refractory materials are the unsung heroes of cremation units — protecting them from extreme heat and wear. Hear more during his Nov. 18 virtual session at Cremation Strategies by Kates-Boylston.
👉 Listen, learn & register today! Links in the comments.

10/29/2025

🎙️Introducing: American Cemetery Live!

Join Tom Nondorf, Editor of American Cemetery & Cremation, and Ashlinn Goodman, Director of Cemetery Solutions for Security National as they deep dive into all things cemetery: expert tips, emerging trends, and hot cemetery news. https://O8lnSm.short.gy/wSxUaJ

💥 Episode 1: The Cleanup Crisis
🎥 Tune in and subscribe -boylston7419 on YouTube for new episodes every month!
Link in the comments.

Ashlinn and Tom discuss The Big Pile – Keeping your cemetery out of the news for the wrong reasons. And we get a visit from one cemeterian with an elegant so...

10/28/2025

Say Hello to Pro. It’s the excellence you expect, together with two bold new platforms for real results and deeper connections.

Meet the new preneed power trio: www.precoa.com

10/27/2025

🎙️ A Veteran's Fight for Fairness
For over a decade, Army veteran Desaray Wilson has battled the Texas Funeral Service Commission, arguing his military experience should qualify as "substantially equivalent" to formal mortuary schooling.

After a brief approval, his license was revoked and deemed null and void, launching a costly legal fight against the very system meant to help veterans.

This episode explores Wilson's determination, the barriers he's faced, and what his fight means for the future of veterans in funeral service.

🎧 Listen now — link in the comments.

10/27/2025

🎨 Hobby Time – Share Your Story!
What do you love to do in your spare time? Every January, during National Hobby Month, Americans celebrate their favorite pastimes and discover new ones — from outdoor adventures to creative projects and everything in between.

As we head into a new year, we want to hear from you! Tell us about your go-to hobby and how you got started — your story could be featured in American Funeral Director!
👉 Share your story today! Link in the comments.
📅 Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025

10/26/2025

🚨 Two weeks to go!
Funeral professionals — this is your moment.
Join us Nov. 12 for an unforgettable Professional Development Conference packed with 6 CE credits, bold ideas, and serious networking. This isn't your average workshop day — it's innovation, connection, and a little bit of fun all rolled into one. Don't miss out!
👉 Link in the comments.

10/25/2025

🎉 Chicago, here we come!
We can't wait to see everyone at the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo — Oct. 26–29 in the Windy City! Stop by booth #1630 to say hi to the Kates-Boylston team 👋 and grab the latest issues of American Funeral Director and American Cemetery & Cremation.
Explore what's ahead at this year's event — in our Convention Preview (link in the comments).
✨ Let's connect— see you in Chicago!

10/25/2025

🎙️ This week on ICYMI
Batesville sells its MIS software business to PlotBox, and we preview upcoming Q3 earnings from Carriage, SCI, and Matthews. Plus, we dig into a lawsuit against Forest Lawn over a $20,000 funeral, debate how mistakes should be compensated, and cover a Texas funeral director's dispute, Jon Lefrandt's new newsletter, and updates from Colorado's regulatory team.

Tune in for the latest news and insights shaping funeral service this week. Link in the comments.

10/24/2025

No Paywall October!
The October issues of American Funeral Director and American Cemetery & Cremation are open for everyone to enjoy — no subscription required.
Explore the latest stories, insights, and innovations shaping funeral service today.
👉 Access this month's issues in the comments!

10/23/2025

Goodwin University’s mortuary science program is launching a remote learning option in January, combining academic rigor with hands-on training to prepare students for funeral service careers.

10/23/2025

Garfield Refining experts share how modern crematory recycling boosts sustainability, transparency, and charitable giving ahead of the Cremation Strategies virtual event.