Our History

GOING BACK IN TIME

Our History

The Vaughan family’s dedication to funeral service began over a century ago when Newton A. Vaughan operated a furniture and undertaking business in Adelphi, Ohio. His son, Stanley N. Vaughan, Sr., brought this commitment to Parkersburg in 1924, recognizing the community’s need for a funeral home focused on exceptional care.

In 1930, Stanley Sr. and his wife, Rowena, opened Vaughan Funeral Home, quickly becoming known for unmatched attention to detail, high standards of embalming, and compassionate service. In 1933, the business moved to its long-standing location at 1010 Murdoch Avenue, reinforcing its place as a trusted Parkersburg institution.

Stanley’s son, Stanley Jr., joined the firm after serving in WWII and carried forward the Vaughan tradition until his retirement in the 1990s.

The Kimes Heritage

The Kimes family began serving Wood and Jackson counties in 1918, when Herschel and Oma Kimes opened their first funeral home in Belleville. The firm relocated twice before establishing its permanent home in South Parkersburg, where it became known for compassionate service and community trust.

Over the decades, the Kimes family expanded the business, eventually acquiring the Ogdin Funeral Home and building a new, modern facility in 2000. The establishment later became Kimes Funeral Home & Cremation Services, reflecting a growing need for cremation options. The Kimes family remained committed to care, service, and professionalism for nearly a century.

Today, Vaughan-Kimes Funeral Home & Crematory represents the unified traditions of two respected Parkersburg families. Together, these legacies create a strong foundation of integrity, compassion, and service—values that continue to guide the care we provide to families throughout the region.