In 1860, the architectural treasure at 519 Locust Street began its legacy. Then the fortune of $5,000 spent on this castle-like structure by Dr. William Stirman would never be completed, dubbing it "Stirman's Folly." In 1915, Samuel Ewing, a prominent tobacco farmer and businessman, purchased and remodeled the "Folly." It was during this time that notables like Clara Barton, who came to Owensboro as the founder of the American Red Cross as a result of an Owensboro flood, were entertained here.

In the 1940s, Owensboro names like Haley, McGinnis, Medley, Huebner, Cannon, Bowlds, McIntyre and Burns began a tradition of funeral service to our area. These beginnings are the foundations of today's tradition of caring for you and your family during one of the most difficult times of your lives.

In 1966, Haley-McGinnis consolidated its operation to include the Owensboro Funeral Home, which was established in 1938. Owensboro Funeral Home was on Frederica Street near the 9th Street intersection. Once the property was sold, it was torn down and today would have stood between the Bell South building and Midas Experts.

Today, the building is a Registered Historical Landmark and is one of the most recognized and appreciated buildings in Owensboro. In 1998, Mike and Kay Everly, with over 55 years combined experience to the families of the Daviess County area, purchased the funeral home. We are a family-owned business and know this makes a difference as our family serves yours. Every service we provide is done with the comfort of families we serve in mind as our funeral home is transformed into your home away from home during a time of loss.

Fountain

During a major renovation project in 1995, the fountain was added to our main entrance. At this same time, the front porch was enclosed and the addition of one of the largest formal chapels in Western Kentucky was completed.

The fountain operates year round, with the exception of inclement weather. Aesthetically landscaped with tulips and buttercups, geraniums and shrubbery, or mums and pansies, as the season merits, its sights greet you and sounds soothe you with one of the most beautiful sounds of nature as you approach our main entrance. Benches adorn two sides of the fountain and offer a place to enjoy this tranquil setting. The fountain is truly a feature enjoyed by all ages.

Grandfather Clock

Once inside the building, you will be greeted by a member of our staff as well as by the sounds of our Grandfather Clock. Standing over 9 feet tall, this handcrafted timepiece was certainly the pride of the master craftsman who created it, for it is of unusual proportions.

It was made in Britannia in the 18th Century and was purchased in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania around 1940. It's original home was in the Owensboro Funeral Home.

The beautifully grained solid mahogany case, with its delicate hand carving is truly a work of art. Its face is four-carat gold leaf and it carries two sets of chimes, the Whittingham and the Westminster, and has nine chime tubes. This is just one of many antiques that decorate our facility that not only adds to our décor but your comforts as well.

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