By Michelle Williams
Nestled in the heart of Hamilton County is Hamilton Memorial Park – one of 19 funeral centers operated by locally owned Flanner and Buchanan.
Flanner and Buchanan is a 131-year-old family business, and Hamilton Memorial Park will celebrate its 17th year this October.
“There are so many people that tell me they drive by here every day and they have no idea that it’s a cemetery – that they think it’s a park.” said Lori Stumpp, family service advisor at Flanner and Buchanan.
Stumpp said the beauty of Hamilton Memorial Park is what sets it apart, and the organization employs several full time groundskeepers to care for the immaculate landscape and two-acre pond.
“It’s just a great place to come and reflect and think about your loved ones.” Stumpp said.
The location is full service, offering funeral and cremation services along with ground burial or crypt spaces. The on-site chapel overlooks the pond and waterfall, with an outdoor patio space for gathering.
“We help people pre-plan their funeral and cemetery arrangements all the time.” Stumpp said, explaining that individuals who come to them for pre-planning services relieve their families from much of the emotional and economic burden of planning at the time of need.
When families choose Hamilton Memorial Park, Stumpp says the staff does everything possible to provide comfort and compassion. Families spend up to three hours with the funeral director, and more time if selecting a final burial location.
Each year, Hamilton Memorial Park hosts a Memorial Day service along with a candlelight service during the holidays. This year, Boy Scouts placed flags on each grave belonging to a veteran.
“The VFW came out with full bagpipes, taps was played on the trumpets with a 21-gun salute and a color guard,” Stumpp said. “We read all of the veterans names that are buried at the cemetery, and we give people time to mention their own family members who are buried elsewhere.”
More information about Hamilton Memorial Park at 4180 Westfield Rd. in Westfield is available at www.flannerbuchanan.com.
