The Funeral Service Foundation Announces New Trustees, Raises Record Funds and Honors Scholarship Recipients at 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo

Chicago, Illinois — The Funeral Service Foundation celebrated a milestone week during the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo, held in Chicago, Illinois. From welcoming new trustees and raising record-breaking funds to honoring outstanding donors and scholarship recipients, the Foundation’s impact was felt throughout the event.

Foundation Welcomes New Trustees and Elects 2025–26 Executive Committee

The Funeral Service Foundation’s Board of Trustees welcomed two new trustees and elected its 2025-26 executive committee at its meeting during the NFDA Convention.

The Foundation’s volunteer board consists of dedicated funeral directors and allied professionals who serve together to advance the Foundation’s mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

Michael Soper of Legacy Funeral Group was voted onto the board in July and officially began the first of two three-year terms at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on October 25, 2025. Ellen Wynn McBrayer, NFDA Secretary, also joined the board at the meeting as the NFDA Liaison.

During the meeting, the board elected its executive committee:

• Jeff Smith, President of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Arkansas, will serve as Board Chair.
• Bryant Hightower, Funeral Director at Hightower Family Funeral Homes in Georgia, will serve as Chair-elect.
• John Faulk, Senior Vice President, COO at Service Corporation International, will serve as Treasurer.
• John Heald, Chief Growth Officer at Legacy.com, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.
• Ellen Wynn McBrayer, of Jones Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory in Georgia assumes the role of NFDA Liaison.

The Foundation extends sincere thanks to Trustees Emeriti David Falconer and Daniel Ford for their years of dedicated service and leadership and congratulates Ford on his installation as the new NFDA President.

“It is with gratitude and appreciation that I step into the role of Chair,” said Jeff Smith. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those who helped shape this Foundation into what it is today and whose leadership has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

25th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic Tees Off at Topgolf Schaumburg

On October 26, 2025, more than 160 golfers and spectators gathered at Topgolf Schaumburg for the 25th annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. Held alongside the NFDA Convention, the event combines friendly competition, networking, and fun – all while supporting the Foundation’s mission to strengthen funeral service and the communities it serves.

“Events like the Golf Classic remind us how special this profession is,” said Will Bischoff, Chair of the Fund Development Committee. “It’s a chance to connect, celebrate and give back, knowing that every dollar raised supports the Foundation’s work to strengthen funeral service and the communities we serve.”

The event featured Topgolf’s Top Contender game with contests such as closest to the pin and longest drive. Winners included:

• Golf Classic Tournament Champions: 1st Place – LPI; 2nd Place – Matthews Aurora
• Closest to the Pin: Men – Steve Feliciano; Women – Candace Aramburu
• Longest Drive: Men – Jake Appleby; Women – Allie McBrayer

Sponsors played a key role in supporting the event, including:

• Major Co-Benefactors ($12,500): Service Corporation International (SCI) and The Foresight Companies
• Premier Sponsors ($5,000): Batesville, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Precoa, Regions Funeral and Cemetery Trust and Ring Ring Marketing

Members of Team Foresight and SCI, the Classic’s Major Co-Benefactors, huddle for their team pictures. 

Foundation Highlights Impact and Celebrates 2025’s Major Donors

On Monday, October 27 at the Opening Session of the NFDA Convention, newly inducted Funeral Service Foundation Board Chair Jeff Smith highlighted the Foundation’s expanding impact through scholarships, professional development opportunities and community resources that strengthen the profession and support grieving families.

Joining Smith on stage, Fund Development Committee Chair Will Bischoff recognized the Foundation’s major donors for 2025 who pledged or contributed $100,000 or more:

• John Faulk of Service Corporation International presented a check for $217,500, bringing SCI’s incredible cumulative support to over $2.6 million dollars. 
• Alfred “A.J.” White presented a check for $100,000 on behalf of Carriage Services.
• Curtis Funk presented a check presented a check for $108,500 on behalf of Tukios.

Each representative expressed their organization’s commitment to advancing funeral service and shared why supporting the Foundation’s mission remains central to their values.

Adding to the moment of celebration, Foundation Trustee David Hernandez presented a check for $460,000 on behalf of the 82 IMPACT 1000 Founding Members and Homesteaders Life Company. IMPACT 1000, launched in April, now includes over 100 individual members who have pledged or donated $5,000, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication of the Foundation’s supporters.

Together, these major donations ensure that those who serve grieving families have the education, resources and support they need to thrive today and for generations to come.

Bob Arrington Honored with Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award; Record Scholarship Funds Raised

On the evening of October 27, more than 350 of the Foundation’s donors, trustees and volunteers attended the invitation-only Donor Reception, underwritten by Global Atlantic Financial Group for the twelfth consecutive year.

Hosted by Immediate Past Chair John Heald, more than 25 major donors were recognized, including Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, Tukios, and the collective Founding Members of IMPACT 1000. Landmark Funeral Group was also honored for their pledge of $50,000 this past year. Donors contributing $10,000 or more were recognized with ceremonial checks displayed throughout the room.

The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bob Arrington for his longstanding leadership and dedication to funeral service. Former Chairs John Heald and Mark Krause playfully donned “Dumb and Dumber” attire while leading the paddle raise in loving tribute to Arrington, honoring his longtime tradition of emceeing the paddle raise with humor and heart.

Guests responded generously, pledging more than $225,000, fully endowing the newly established Bob Arrington Scholarship, which will be awarded to students in accredited mortuary science programs beginning in 2026.

“Watching the room rise in support of the Bob Arrington Scholarship was one of those moments you don’t forget,” said John Heald, Immediate Past Chair of the Funeral Service Foundation. “Bob’s leadership has touched so many of us over the years – his generosity, humor and heart have shaped the Foundation’s spirit. That night was a perfect reflection of his legacy and the difference one person can make.”

Fundraising for this special scholarship continues. To make a donation to the Bob Arrington Scholarship, visit: FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Donate-Now-Bob-Arrington.

Foundation Recognizes 2025 Scholarship Recipients

The Funeral Service Foundation’s investment in funeral service education and professional development was highlighted at the 2025 NFDA All-Star Recognition Ceremony. This year, the Foundation awarded 22 student scholarships covering registration and accommodations to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo.

Through its academic and professional development scholarships including the David C. Baue NFDA Professional Women’s Conference scholarships, Certified Celebrant Training, Arranger Training, the Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar, and the national conventions hosted by NFDA, CANA, and NFDMA, the Foundation supports hundreds of individuals each year in advancing their careers and skills in funeral service. 

Hackman’s Death Raises New and Very Different Deathcare Questions

The recent discovery of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, has sparked widespread curiosity, concern, and, of course, conspiracy theories — especially after the press revealed that the couple’s bodies exhibited signs of mummification.

An unexpected buzzword

On February 26, 2025, maintenance workers discovered the bodies of the legendary star, 95, and his wife, 64, after not having seen the couple for approximately two weeks. Hackman was found fully clothed in a mudroom, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle nearby. One of their three German Shepherds was also found deceased, while the other two were alive. 

Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, external trauma, or carbon monoxide poisoning. The exact causes of death remain undetermined, pending further autopsy and toxicology reports. But the fact that reporters used the word “mummification” has brought a different level of morbid fascination to the case.

Putting it into context

As Connecting Directors readers well know, mummification refers to the preservation of a body after death, typically through dehydration, which inhibits the normal decomposition process. While ancient cultures practiced intentional mummification, natural mummification can occur under specific environmental conditions. 

In the case of Hackman and Arakawa, the term “mummification” describes the state of their bodies upon discovery. According to forensic experts, mummification can occur naturally in dry, hot environments where the body’s moisture evaporates rapidly, leading to the preservation of tissues. 

The extent of mummification can vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and airflow. In this instance, Arakawa’s body exhibited mummification in her hands and feet, along with facial bloating, suggesting a combination of decomposition processes influenced by the environment within their home, according to Page Six.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. While no foul play is currently suspected, the unusual state of their bodies has prompted a thorough examination to determine the exact causes of death. Investigators have collected medications, cellphones, and medical records as part of this process. 

By the time you read this, the mysterious circumstances that led to this loss may very well have been explained. However, don’t be surprised if you, as your community’s subject matter expert on all things death-related, field some questions about this curious case.

The Funeral Service Foundation Announces New Trustees, Raises Record Funds, and Hosts Scholarship Recipients at 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo

Funeral Service Foundation Welcomes New Trustees and Elects Executive Committee for 2024-2025

24th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic held at TPC Louisiana

On a beautiful October Sunday at TPC Louisiana, over 130 golfers gathered to kick off the 24th annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. Held annually in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo, the Foundation’s Golf Classic serves as one of the unofficial “kick-off” events for the week.

The new Major Co-Benefactors were Service Corporation International (SCI) and the Foresight Companies at the $12,500 level with new Presenting Sponsor Wilbert Group at the $10,000 level. Premier Sponsors this year were: Batesville, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Passages International, Precoa, Regions Funeral and Cemetery Trust, and Ring Ring Marketing, who each contributed $5,000 to the event. Along with many sponsors and golfers, the event raised close to $170,000 for the Foundation’s programs and resources.

“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our sponsors, participants, and volunteers, who play a vital role in the success of this event,” stated Will Bischoff, Chair of the Fund Development Committee of the Funeral Service Foundation. “The funds raised are not only crucial for supporting funeral services, but this event also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect and enjoy time with friends across our profession.”

TPC Louisiana, a 5-star venue and designated PGA Tour stop was a perfect setting for golfers of all abilities to socialize and catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet some new ones. With a scramble format and different contests such as closest to the pin and long drive, the day’s winners included:

• 2024 Funeral Service Foundation Classic Scramble:
o 1st Place: Batesville (John Parlapiano, Jenn Parvin, Chris Trainor, Jim Tully)
o 2nd Place: NGL (Cameron Black, John Harris, David Holm, Mason Trimble)

• Closest to the Pin Contest:
o Men’s: Lance Ray
o Women’s: Michele Thiry

• Longest Drive Contest:
o Men’s Division: Beau Mothe
o Women’s Division: Daelyn Schellhaas, Leslie Smith

• Putting Contest Raffle Winner: Michael Schoedinger

• $10,000 Putting Contest Finalist: Adam Shaffer

SCI and Foresight served as the new Major Co-Benefactors of the Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. To welcome guests, John Faulk of SCI (above left) and Chris Cruger (above center) kicked off the big event with Fund Development Chair Will Bischoff. On the right, new Presenting Sponsor Wilbert stops around the turn to grab lunch mid-day.

Foundation Highlights Impact and Celebrates 2024’s Major Donors

At the NFDA’s International Convention and Expo Opening Ceremony, held on Monday, October 21, newly inducted chair of the Funeral Service Foundation’s Board of Trustees, John Heald took to the stage to share the impact of the Foundation including recent funds raised and distributed for the Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund.

Foundation Development Committee Chair, Will Bischoff joined Heald on stage to honor and recognize the generosity of the foundation’s major donors in 2024 – Homesteaders Life Company, the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic, Physicians Mutual, and Legacy.com – who have each made a pledge or contributed $100,000 in 2024.

Heald also thanked Service Corporation International’s (SCI) $212,500 contribution in 2024 and cumulative giving of more than $1.5 million to the Foundation’s mission, as well as thanked Global Atlantic and Precoa who have made a continued substantial commitment to the Foundation, along with many donors who entrust the Foundation in making a positive impact for the future of funeral service.

Tom Johnson Posthumously Awarded Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

On the evening of October 21, more than 350 of the Foundation’s donors, along with current and past trustees and volunteers, attended the invitation-only Donor Reception, underwritten by Global Atlantic Financial Group for the eleventh straight year.

Hosted by Mark Krause, the Foundation’s Immediate Past Chair, more than 20 major donors were recognized including Homesteaders, the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, Physicians Mutual, Service Corporation International, all at the $100,000+ level. Precoa was also recognized for their pledge of $50,000 this past year. Those supporting the Foundation this past year with gifts and pledges of $10,000 or more were honored and recognized with ceremonial checks displayed throughout the room.

The evening culminated with the Foundation’s presentation of its Distinguished Service Award, given posthumously this year to Tom Johnson, founder of Prime Succession and Johnson Consulting, a former member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and founder of the Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, now called the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic. Former Foundation Trustee, Jake Johnson spoke about his father’s positive impact on funeral service as a friend and mentor to so many.

The Foundation extends it thanks to The Messenger Co. in helping to memorialize Tom during the evening with a portrait on display on stage and in printing memorial and donation cards with one of Tom’s favorite quotes: “It’s about relationships.”

Former Foundation Chair Bob Arrington then hosted the Foundation’s mission moment and paddle raise for the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund with pledges and gifts reaching $135,000. This fully endowed academic scholarship will be presented to students in accredited mortuary science degree programs in 2025.

Fundraising for this special scholarship continues; to make a donation to the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship please visit: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/donate-tom-johnson/.

“We are thankful and appreciative of the generous pledges and donations we received on such a special evening, this speaks to the dedication of our wonderful donors and volunteers.” said John Heald, Chair of the Foundation. “The record amount raised in memory of Tom Johnson speaks to his legacy and impact on funeral service. The future recipients of the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship will serve as a testament to Tom’s impact in our profession.”

The Funeral Service Foundation wishes to thank host association, the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association for its most generous gift of $10,000 that will be used for scholarships and educational support. Additionally, the Foundation thanks Funeral Services of Iowa (FSI), for their generous $10,000 contribution to the Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund, that will be used to help respond to the needs of funeral service professionals affected by man-made and natural disasters.

The Louisiana Funeral Directors Association and Funeral Service of Iowa (FSI) each made $10,000 donations to the Funeral Service Foundation at the Donor Reception.

Foundation Recognizes Scholarship Recipients

The Funeral Service Foundation’s investment in funeral service scholarships and professional development opportunities was highlighted at the 2024 All Star Recognition Ceremony held on Monday, October 21. Annually, the Foundation awards hundreds of individuals with the opportunity to attend accredited mortuary science programs throughout North America, and professional development opportunities such as NFDA’s Professional Women’s Conference, National Emerging Leaders Program and Meet the Mentors as well as the national conventions for the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, the Cremation Association of North America, and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Tim Schramm, Foundation Grants Committee Chair; honored and recognized scholarship recipients at the event. This year, the foundation awarded 24 individuals who had their registration fees and accommodations to attend the NFDA’s International Convention and Expo underwritten by the foundation, listing below. Also recognized were recipients of scholarships and the professional development programs supported by the Foundation.

The Foundation awarded 24 scholarships to the 2024 NFDA international Convention & Expo. The scholarship recipients celebrate with the Foundation team.

2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Scholarship Recipients:

Tiffany Aguilar
Aguilar Funeral Services
Mt Vernon, TX

Anthony Brayboy
Wylie Funeral Homes, P.A.
Baltimore, MD

Eldrick Brown
Roberts Funeral Home
Birmingham, AL

Libby Brown
Johnson Brown Funeral Service
Norwood, OH

Desirae Delgado
Harrell Funeral Homes
Austin, TX

Peter Dilwith
Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary
Pearl City, HI

Myiesha Fields
Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations
Mansfield, TX

Dawn Gialet
Hainstocks Funeral Home & Crematorium-SCI Corporation International
Edmonton, AB

Brandon Griffin 

Bastrop Providence Funeral Home
Bastrop, TX

Shantelle Holts Joseph
Sid Roberts Funeral Home
Nacogdoches, TX

Peter Johnson
Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory
Pittsburgh, PA

Vincent Johnson
Greene Funeral Home
Alexandria, VA

Stephen Kemp
Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Southfield, MI

Melina Maslanka
Osceola Memory Gardens
Kissimmee, FL

Janet McGee
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Amy McMullen
DeBaun Funeral Home
Terre Haute, IN

Bethany Moscalink   

Paul G. Fink Funeral Home, Inc.
Connellsville, PA

Amber Perez
Heritage
Oak Creek, WI

Kelly Richmond
VanderLaan Funeral Home
Hudsonville, MI

Elysia Smith
Frank E. Campbell
New York, NY

Megan Smith
McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, NC

Savannah Toews
University of Northeast Texas
Mt Pleasant, TX

Linda Thrasher
F.L. Sims Funeral Home
East Point, GA

Allison Voorhess
Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors
Royal Oak, MI

LINKS:

• Funeral Service Foundation – Board Leadership Page:
https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/about/board-leadership/

• Funeral Service Foundation – Scholarship Recipients Page: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities/our-scholarship-winners/

• Funeral Service Foundation – Executive Committee Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-25-Foundation-Executive-Committee.jpg?ver=1730902984

• Funeral Service Foundation – 2024-25 Trustees Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7.-2024-2025-Foundation-Board-of-Trustees-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Driving Range Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Driving-Range-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – John Faulk (SCI) Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-SCI-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Chris Cruger (Foresight) Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Foresight-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Wilbert Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Wilbert.jpg

• Donor Reception – Jake Johnson Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Jake-Johnson.jpg

• Donor Reception – Bob Arrington Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Auctioneer-Bob-Arrington.jpg

• Donor Reception – Paddle Raise Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Paddle-Raise.jpg

• Donor Reception – LFDA Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LFDA-at-NFDA-Convention.jpg

• Donor Reception – FSI Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FSI-at-NFDA-Convention-scaled.jpeg

• 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Scholarship Recipients Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-NFDA-Convention-Scholars.jpg

About the Funeral Service Foundation – FuneralServiceFoundation.org

Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders profession-wide support the Foundation in its mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.