History & Staff

Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

In 1918, Edward C. Young, Sr. and his wife Adelheit, started Young and Sons Funeral Home. A company that has steadily grown and continues its growth and service to Perry County.Edward's four sons later joined him in the business: Wally in 1933; Earl in 1935; James in 1945; and Edward C. Jr. in 1954. Their wives also became affiliated with the business. Ford and Young now continues with its third generation of Youngs plus other valuable employees.Robert Young, son of Edward C. Young, Jr., joined the firm in 1974 as an embalmer and funeral director. Due to an illness, he retired in January, 2000. His wife Lois became a funeral director in 1988 and is still with the firm. Wayne Ochs, a funeral director, has been with the firm since 1972. Michael Sutterer, an embalmer/funeral director, joined the firm in 1980. and Phil Norman, an embalmer/funeral director, joined the firm in 1992. John Young, the youngest son of Edward C. Young, Jr., is the manager and funeral director along with his wife Pamela, secretary and funeral director.

The Ford and Sons family of companies and Young & Sons Funeral Home of Perryville and Altenburg are grateful that our longtime friendship has grown into a formal business relationship. On May 1, 2019, Ford & Sons purchased Young & Sons to become Ford & Young Funeral Home. Together we continue to serve families in the region with compassionate care in their greatest time of need. "We have worked together for several years and felt it was the right time to develop a formal arrangement", said John Young. "This is an exciting time for our company and community." Few changes are planned in the near term aside from the name and a few cosmetic modifications at the Perryville location. No staffing changes are anticipated at this time, Kevin Ford says."

We are very proud to carry on the tradition that John's grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and brother started. It is truly an honor to serve our friends and families of Perry County.

Kevin Ford, Josh Ford and John Young