History & Staff

Our History

I n 1916, John T. Ulmer moved to Carthage, Missouri from Illinois and purchased the Gierhart Undertaking Company at Fourth and Lyon streets. His sons, Ed C. Ulmer, Sr. and Harry Ulmer became associated with him in the management of the business.

In November of 1920 Ed C. Ulmer married Grace Wilbur and the couple purchased the business. For a brief time Charles Drake was a partner. During that period the firm was known as the Ulmer-Drake Funeral Home. The firm was known as the first residential funeral services in the district.

In 1928, the firm purchased the historic residential structure which had been erected by the Johns family at 1208 S. Garrison Ave., from Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Rinehart. In subsequent years the structure, where the internationally noted musician Emma Johns DeArmond once had her studios, was remodeled and expanded. 

Our Heritage 

After the death of his father, Ed C. Ulmer, Jr. guided the family business from 1951 until his death in 1977. In May of 1978, Arthur A. Bruce took over as President and Manager of the firm. 

In 1985, the firm purchased a large lot adjoining the funeral home property, giving the funeral home one full block frontage on Macon street. In the spring of 1986, a new chapel was added.

In 1989, Mr. Bruce was looking to the future with anticipation of retiring. He approached Wayne Woodard, owner of Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, MO. On May 2, 1990 Wayne took over as the owner of the Ulmer Funeral Home with his daughter and son-in-law, Shane and Valenda Moore, as managers of the firm. In February 2004, Shane and Valenda Moore were able to become the sole owners of the firm. We appreciate and honor the hours, hard work and reputation the Ulmer's, the Bruce's and the Woodard's put in before us and will continue to provide professional and considerate service to Carthage and the surrounding areas we serve.