Our History
Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home in Connersville, Indiana History
In 1900, Charles Myers opened his own funeral home in what was then the heart of downtown Connersville. His funeral business was in the 400 block of Central Avenue in the Oddfellows building, which is now occupied by the Connersville News-Examiner. Myers Funeral Home remained in its original location for more than 30 years. In 1932, Charles purchased the Andrew Frazee residence at 920 Central Avenue, adapting it to the needs of the funeral business while carefully preserving the home's original Victorian beauty.
A New Era of Service
Charles died in 1942, and the funeral service business passed to his daughter, Dorothy, and her husband, Otto J. Pippin. In 1960, Glenn R. Clark and his wife, Margaret, purchased Myers Funeral Home. Assisting Glenn were George F. Jeffries, John C. Chapman and Andy Kenworthy. After Glenn's death in 1970, his brother, Robert Clark, moved into the funeral home to continue providing care to the Connersville community.
John L. Showalter, a Connersville native and graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science, was eager to own a funeral home in his hometown. In 1968, he and his wife, Judith, purchased Baker Funeral Home, with locations in College Corner and Liberty, and later Fosdick Funeral Home in Liberty.
How We Continue Our Legacy
In 1978, John and Judith formed Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Chapels with John's long-time friend and associate J. Michael Blackwell and his wife, Sandy. They purchased Myers Funeral Home in April 1978. A year later, Joel D. Long, originally from the Orange community in Fayette County, moved back to Connersville with his wife, Vickie, to take a position as a licensed funeral director with Showalter-Blackwell, Myers Chapel. In 1998, Joel's commitment to the business and community was recognized, and the name changed to Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel. Today, we are best known in Connersville as Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home.
It is an honor and privilege for us to serve the Fayette County community. We have always pledged to operate the funeral home according to the wishes of the families we serve, and we will continue to respond to their needs.
Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home in Liberty, Indiana History
John L. Showalter, a Connersville native and graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science, was anxious to own a funeral home. In 1968, he and his wife, the former Judith Holtel, purchased the Baker Funeral Home with locations in College Corner and Liberty, and later the Fosdick Funeral Home in Liberty. In 1978, they formed Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Chapels with his long-time friend and associate J. Michael Blackwell and his wife, the former Sandy Howe of Connersville. They purchased Myers Funeral Home in April 1978.
One year later, Joel D. Long, originally from the Orange community in Fayette County, moved back to Connersville with his wife, the former Vickie Brockman, to take a position as a licensed funeral director. In 1998, the funeral home recognized Long's commitment to the business and the community, changing the name to Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home.
