Meet Our Staff

Jeff Edwards

Owner, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Jeff is a 2002 Graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, he began his journey into his second career and first love which is funeral service and helping people.  Prior to beginning his career in funeral service, Jeff was an I.S. Operations Manager and presently is still a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).

He is a pioneer in the funeral industry being the first Funeral Director in the United States to perform the disposition method of Alkaline Hydrolysis on a human being. Jeff is passionate about the Alkaline Hydrolysis disposition method and enjoys traveling and speaking nationwide to Funeral Directors on a professional level. He has also worked closely with numerous Funeral Directors throughout the United States in the installation and implementation of the alkaline hydrolysis technology. This method of disposition is also referred to as Aquamation.

Jeff was also the managing funeral director at the late Crosby Funeral Home from 2004-2006. He is a former Worthy Vice-President of the Southside Eagles Lodge #2244. Jeff spends much of his time educating families about Burial, Cremation and Alkaline Hydrolysis service choices, as well as, dedicating himself to providing extraordinary service at the most affordable prices in the State of Ohio. It is his passion to bring affordable funeral service options to all of central Ohio. He believes that at a funeral, you should pay your respects and not your life savings. Jeff is a Notary Public in the State of Ohio. Jeff is Certified by C.A.N.A. (Cremation Association of North America) as a Crematory Owner/Operator.

Kelly Cunningham

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Kelly is a 2016 graduated Cum Laude with a bachelors degree at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, she starting serving her apprenticeship at Edwards Funeral Service under Mr. Edwards. Kelly has her Certified Crematory Operator Certificate from the National Funeral Directors Association and is a Certified Funeral Celebrant by the In-Sight Institute. She completed her apprenticeship and passed her exams on the first try in 2017 and is excited to continue her career as a funeral director/embalmer with Edwards.

Taylor Hamilton

Funeral Director Apprentice

Taylor Hamilton recently joined our staff as a Funeral Associate. She was a 2014 graduate of River Valley High School and will be a December, 2017 graduate of Ohio University. Taylor grew up in Waldo and now lives in Richwood. Upon her graduation this December, Taylor will be registering for her apprenticeship as a Licensed Funeral Director.

Gary Lyons

Funeral Associate

Gary Lyons is a Marion native and well known in the Marion community. He served in the United States Army, attended Fort Wayne Bible College and retired after 44 years working at Whirlpool Corporation. You may know him from his Tuesday evening Christian Radio Broadcast or volunteering his time reading to elementary school children on Thursday afternoons. He is also an accomplished singer and he and his family travel extensively as a Gospel quartet.  You will find him greeting you at the door during visiting hours, assisting visitors in the parking lot during funeral services and helping us by running various errands. He is also available to assist families who have no church affiliation by providing a "Celebrant Service" to celebrate the life of their loved one or acting as a "minister of music" providing vocal solos during a funeral service.

Corey Collins

Funeral Associate

Corey Collins has recently joined our staff as a funeral associate. Corey is currently attending college as well as working for First Advanced EMS as an EMT two days per week. Corey assists us with funeral services and other tasks as directed.

Michelle Holloway

Housekeeper / Maintenance

Michelle Holloway has joined our staff as our housekeeper. She also takes care of the many light maintenance tasks around the funeral home.