TAMPA, Fla. \u2014\u00a0Are corporations taking over the funeral business? Industry leaders say they\u2019re working to keep independent funeral homes \u2014 and the family legacies behind them \u2014 thriving.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, one national organization is empowering a new generation to step in.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Industry leaders say they\u2019re working to keep independent funeral homes \u2014 and the family legacies behind them \u2014 thriving
\n
The National Funeral Directors and Morticians\u2019 Association is renewing its efforts to empower the 40 under 40 group of professionals in the organization
\n
National Funeral Directors and Morticians\u2019 Association President Shawn\u2019te Harvell said funeral homes across the country are leaving communities with fewer options<\/p>\n
The National Funeral Directors and Morticians\u2019 Association is starting by empowering young people. Leaders from the more than a century-old organization said they\u2019ve seen a number of things change in the business over the years.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s why they renewed their efforts to empower the 40 under 40 group of professionals in the organization.<\/p>\n
Aaron Cooper, 32, is one of those members and the owner of Aaron Cooper Mortuary. Owning the company is a dream he said he\u2019s had since childhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always been a desire of mine ever since I was in the sixth grade. I\u2019ve always wanted to be a funeral director and own a funeral home,\u201d Cooper said.<\/p>\n
In 2024, he made that dream come true by purchasing an old funeral home in Tampa once owned by Edward Stone and later, Fannie B. Stone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis building has been around for a very long time. It\u2019s actually one of the oldest funeral homes in Tampa, Florida,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cooper\u2019s story isn\u2019t like most in this business. He honors the previous owners with a room dedicated in their name, photos and other memorabilia, but they aren\u2019t his relatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost people that are in this type of business, especially my age, it\u2019s being passed down through generations as far as a parent had it before them, or a grandparent and passed it down to their children or grandchildren, but that\u2019s not my story,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t have any family previously before in the funeral service. So, I am first generation.\u201d<\/p>\n