Tom Ross & Sons Funeral Directors

Let’s be honest—most of us think funeral directors are about as cheerful as a tax audit. But then you meet the folks at Tom Ross & Sons Funeral Directors, and suddenly death gets a lot funnier. I mean, not literally—they’re not telling knock-knock jokes over the casket. But this family business has been serving the living and the dead for over a century, and they’ve mastered the art of making the inevitable less terrifying.

The Ross Family: Not Your Average Undertakers

Tom Ross started this gig back in 1901, probably with a horse-drawn hearse and a very serious top hat. Fast forward to today, and his sons—yes, literally named Tom Ross & Sons—still run the show. They’ve handled everything from butterfly releases to sending a man to his final resting place in a custom pink casket because he loved flamingos. That’s not a typo. A flamingo.

Let’s talk about the hearse. Most funeral homes use black Cadillacs that look like they’re mourning their own existence. Tom Ross & Sons? They’ve got a vintage 1930s hearse that looks like it drove straight out of a gangster movie. It’s so cool that local car clubs ask to borrow it for parades. The only thing missing is a disco ball in the back.

Surprising Facts That’ll Make You Go “Huh”

Here’s a shocker: they offer a “pre-need” plan where you can pre-pay for your own funeral. Yes, you can lock in today’s prices for your own send-off, like buying a ticket to a future concert you’d rather not attend. One client reportedly paid for his entire funeral in installments of $5 over ten years. The guy turned death into a subscription service.

Another wild fact: Tom Ross & Sons once embalmed a beloved pet iguana for a grieving widow. No, they don’t normally do animals, but the widow insisted it was “family.” The iguana now sits in a tiny glass coffin on her mantelpiece. You can’t make this stuff up.

The Funeral | Plan Your Farewell Today — Tom Ross and Sons Funeral

Humor in the Face of the Grim Reaper

Their website has a section titled “Frequently Asked Questions” that actually answers things like, “Can I be buried in my favorite onesie?” (Yes, but please tell your family first.) They’ve also hosted a casket-themed photo booth at a local charity event—where people took selfies lying in a rental casket. The Instagram captions were legendary.

The Ross sons themselves? They’ve got a dark sense of humor. One son told a reporter, “We’re the only business where nobody walks out happy, but everyone walks out calm.” That’s the punchline to a career that’s all about handling the world’s worst moment with a dash of kindness—and a lot of gallows humor.

About Us | A family business to help you in your time of need. — Tom

The Bottom Line (Pun Intended)

So why should you care about a funeral home that’s been around since before your great-grandparents were born? Because Tom Ross & Sons proves that death doesn’t have to be a tragedy—it can be a weird, oddly warm, and occasionally hilarious experience. They’ll handle your grandpa’s ashes, your uncle’s Harley funeral, and still have time to tell you a joke about the grim reaper’s wardrobe.

Next time you’re in their neck of the woods, stop by their office. They have free coffee and a potted plant that’s older than most of their clients. Just don’t ask for the “funeral planning kit” unless you’re ready for a very long, very honest chat. And maybe bring a flamingo pin—they’ll appreciate the nod.