Nathanael "Thane" Billow spoke to our Club on July 21, sharing valuable insights into the funeral profession and the evolving needs of families today. As a sixth-generation member of the Billow family and part of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Thane brings a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of the industry.
While this brief recap cannot fully capture the depth and perspective of his presentation, it highlights some of the key takeaways he shared about the funeral profession, the challenges it faces, and the importance of thoughtful planning. We hope these insights provide a greater appreciation for both Thane's expertise and the value of preparing for life's inevitable transitions.
The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory is the oldest company and oldest funeral home in Summit County having been started in 1875. Evans Insurance started in 1876 and Albrecht Grocers in 1876.
The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory was the first company in Summit County to have vehicles registered in the county; license plates issues at the county level; plates 1-11 for their Ford Model Ts and Ambulance Trucks.
Thane shared “being a funeral director is about taking care of friends, neighbors and those we love. It is a most rewarding and humbling career.”
He focused on three things regarding the industry:
- Fraud
- Labor
- Pre-planning
Fraud
Beware! Yes, you should still plan to have someone watching your home while you are attending a family funeral - people peruse the obituaries and target homes accordingly.
A new scam involves the use of Artificial Intelligence mimicking the voice(s)of funeral directors. People have used it to call and ask the family for their credit cards to complete funeral expenses. Never do this over the phone when called. Call the funeral home directly or go in person to handle all fees.
Labor Markets
Statistics show that funeral services is one of the least desired jobs. It is serious work, has long hours and the pay is not great.
There is a nationwide shortage of licensed funeral directors. He shared the Wake Forest Law Review article “When Barriers Become Brick Walls” - Breaking Down Barriers to Solve the Funeral Director Shortage.
- In the next 5 years, there will be a net labor loss of approximately 4,000 funeral directors per year in the United States.
- The US Department of Labor indicates that there are roughly 55,000 licensed funeral directors in total who are actively working in the United States as of 2025.
- 5,700 retirements per year over the next 5 years, and mortuary schools are only graduating 1,600 graduates per year.
The barriers include education, professional standards, hours, wages, lifestyle & work balance.
- Ohio requires a BS degree plus a 1- or 2-year apprenticeship, then must pass national boards and state laws & rules exam; funeral service is a skilled trade and requires formal apprenticeship under a master Funeral Director.
- Professional standards - it can take years to develop the professional, cultural and hospitality standards needed to excel as a funeral director.
- Hours, wages, lifestyle & work-life balance
- seen as the “least desired profession” or “dismal trade”, burnout and attrition are high; death does not happen between 8am-5pm and funerals are not scheduled at the convenience of funeral directors.
- customer service standards are incredibly high, the highest of any industry, and the needs of families take priority over almost every matter. Customers demand and require 24-hour accessibility, funeral directors are required to work 24 hours to make transfers and receive loved one at any hour of the day/night.
Pre-Planning
He discussed the three benefits of prearranging or preplanning
- Humanizing: whether it's attending a funeral, making arrangements, or doing your own preplan, its very common to be more appreciative and grateful for the gift of life, let the small stuff go, not let little things bother you, puts things into perspective and makes us appreciate just how precious life is.
- Peace of Mind and Comfort: for yourself and those who love you; knowing final wishes are documents, many decisions have been made, and there is at least some plan in place that can make a very difficult time a little simpler - not easier, because it will be hard not matter what - but simpler. When it comes to making your own arrangements, it is important to remember – it’s not about you – it’s about recognizing the needs of the survivors and those who love you. Funerals are for the living.
- Financial Benefits: sometimes it makes sense to prepay for your funeral, but not always. Do your due diligence and talk with your accountant or investment planner. There are many variables with prepayment arrangements - be aware of origination fees or upfront service fees when working with funeral trust accounts or making arrangements in certain states such as Florida where the funeral home/director is allowed to earn 30% service fee up front for prepaid funerals - this means only 70% of the funds are trusted and invested. Consumers should ask about the fees.
- The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, does NOT take service fees upfront on pre-needs. The State of Ohio permits 10% service fees on funerals and 20% on cemetery contracts - a few years ago a bill in Ohio tried to change this and reduce the fees but it was defeated by voters.
- It is very important to note that all prepaid funeral policies are completely transferrable, without penalty, to any funeral home in the country that will accept them.
The role of a funeral director is vital and since 1875 Summit County has been truly blessed to have a reputable, dedicated and caring group of funeral directors and employees at The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory.
FREE GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT SEMINAR WITH DR. WILLIAM HOY:
Billow's is offering this seminar on three dates - July 29, 31 and 29. Professionals, Social Workers, Nurses, Counselors Clergy/Faith Leaders and Bereavement Teams can earn CEUs.
Click here for the details and how to RSVP.
