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History

History

E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home has been serving Jeffersonville area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.

The granddaddy of all local businesses is E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home which has been serving Southern Indiana for over a hundred and fifty years. President James Buchanan was in the White House when the funeral home was established circa 1860 in the 100 block of East Chestnut Street. One year later, a lanky legislator/lawyer by the name of Abraham Lincoln took up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC.


Original Edwin Coots, founder of Coots Funeral Home

 

 

In 1860, Edwin M. Coots came to Jeffersonville from Shelbyville, KY, where his father Reuben M. Coots had owned a funeral establishment built in 1830. Upon his arrival he founded what is now known as E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home in the 100 block of East Chestnut St. As quoted in the Jeffersonville Journal in August, 1897, "Coots was one of the first in the funeral profession to learn the art of embalming and in so doing steadily built his business." He continued serving the community until his death in 1907.


Pearl Street looking North in the 1890's

 

 

After his death, his two sons, Glover L. Coots and Froman M. Coots became partners in the business, which by that time had been relocated to the 400 block of Spring St. This partnership continued until the death of Glover in 1912. Froman managed the funeral home until his death in 1930 with the help of his nephew Edwin M. Coots II.


Front of Spring Street location with ambulance, 1890's

 

 

The operation of the funeral home, which had relocated to its present address of 120 West Maple St. in 1927, was taken over by Edwin M. Coots II. He continued to extend funeral service to the Kentuckiana area and was joined in the business by his son Edwin M. Coots III and grandson Edwin M. Coots IV. Edwin M. "Tuck" Coots died in 1987, leaving his son and grandson to continue his commitment to serving the community. This family owned and operated funeral home is now in its fifth generation of service to Southern Indiana.

E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home, one of the oldest businesses in continuous operation in Southern Indiana, expanded its facility for the fourth time in 1996. The new addition, which includes handicap accessible restrooms, new lounge area, and more chapel space, will allow the staff to continue providing compassionate care into the 21st century.


Froman Coots Ferry, taken from the 2nd Street Bridge when it was being built in 1936


Ambulance in 1940's

 

 

Since it was first established, E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home has strived to gain the community's trust by consistently providing professional and personalized service to persons of all faiths. Funeral home employees are available around the clock, seven days a week, to assist families through a difficult time.


Glover Coots, 2nd generation of Coots Funeral Home

 

 

Coots Funeral Home also offers Pre-Arrangement Counseling to the community. Since 1900 the Coots family has provided this important service to their patrons. "There is no doubt that those that plan ahead are more comfortable knowing that not only will their personal wishes be fulfilled, but also that unnecessary difficulties can be avoided in a time fo grief." Mr. Coots explained, "With a completed pre-arrangement on file, the family members can simply notify us and every detail will be taken care of in a dignified and professional manner." The staff at E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home can counsel you on the various options available to you in pre-planning. While many people choose to pre-fund their funeral, others may choose to simply pre-arrange. Providing this free counseling service to the community is only one of the many ways E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home helps a family through a difficult time.


Front of Current Building in the 1940's

E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home
Phone: (812) 282-1356
120 West Maple Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

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