About Us

About Us

In 1909, Mr. Frank Watkins of Port Union, Ohio established a funeral home across Reading Rd from the present Mason Public Library. Mr. Watkins applied his trade at that location until his retirement in 1939. During the 1930’s he was assisted in practice by C. Ray Gallimore, who operated a mortuary on Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati and assisted other funeral directors in the area.

When Mr. Watkins retired, Mr. Gallimore assumed the business and promptly moved it to East Main St. in Mason where he conducted the business until building a new and modern location at 400 Reading Rd. in 1949. Mr. Gallimore continued operating at that location until his retirement and subsequent sale to Grant and Sara Shorten in 1965 after Grant’s completion of schooling and apprenticeship.

In 1984, Michael Ryan offered his assistance to Mr. Shorten while Grant was recuperating from surgery and in 1985 accepted a full time position. Mr. Ryan continues to operate the business at 400 Reading Rd. in the center of town.