Losing someone is heavy. Honestly, there is no other way to put it. When that weight hits, most people in Callaway County don’t just look for a business; they look for a familiar face. That is why Maupin Funeral Home Fulton MO has stayed a fixture on Douglas Boulevard for decades. It isn’t just about the brick and mortar. It is about the fact that the person answering the phone probably knows your aunt or went to school with your neighbor.
Fulton is a tight-knit place. You’ve got Westminster College, the brick streets, and a history that runs deep. Maupin fits right into that fabric.
The Backstory You Probably Didn't Know
It didn't start in Fulton. Weird, right? Hughes Maupin and his son, Glen Y. Maupin, actually kicked things off in Auxvasse back in 1919. It wasn't even a standalone funeral home at first—it grew out of a furniture store. Back then, that was pretty common. Furniture makers had the wood and the tools to make caskets, so they ended up in the "undertaking" business by default.
Eventually, they moved to Mokane in the '30s before Glen finally landed back in Fulton in the 1940s. He teamed up with his sons, Gene—everyone knew him as "Jeep"—and Tom. Together, they built the reputation that the home still leans on today. Even though the original generation has passed on, that "Maupin family" vibe is still the goal.
Who is Running the Show Now?
If you walk in today, you’re likely to meet Derek Ebersole. He’s the manager and a licensed funeral director. Derek is a local guy through and through—graduated from Fulton High in 1990 and served in the Navy. After a stint running a trash service (Ebersole Trash Service, if you remember it), he jumped back into the funeral industry in 2011.
The staff isn't just a bunch of suits.
- Crystal Morris is a nursing graduate from Lincoln University and super involved in the Fulton NAACP.
- Will Shackelford is a semi-retired law enforcement officer who still works with the Sheriff's Office.
- Betty Thomas has been there since 2005 and is basically the heart of the place.
When you see these folks at the grocery store or a football game, it makes the "business" side of death feel a lot less like a transaction. It's more like neighbors helping neighbors.
What Maupin Funeral Home Fulton MO Actually Does
Most people think a funeral home just handles the "big day." It's way more than that. Sorta like a project manager for the worst week of your life.
They handle the obvious stuff: traditional burials and cremations. But they also deal with the annoying paperwork that no one wants to touch when they’re grieving. We’re talking Social Security notifications, insurance forms, and coordinating with veterans' benefits. If you’ve ever tried to call a government office while crying, you know why having someone else do it is a godsend.
The Rise of Personalization
Funeral services aren't just "hymn, prayer, eulogy" anymore. People want it to feel like the person they lost.
I’ve seen services where they’ve brought in motorcycles or set up elaborate displays of sewing projects—like for Betty Jean Harrison, who passed recently and was famous for her needle and thread work. Maupin’s staff seems to get that. They have a facility on Douglas Blvd that’s been remodeled to feel more like a home and less like a sterile institution.
Cremation vs. Burial: The Fulton Shift
Like everywhere else, more families in Callaway County are leaning toward cremation. It’s usually cheaper, and honestly, it's more flexible. Maupin offers both. You can do a full viewing and service and then cremate, or just go straight to a memorial service later. They’ve got a massive selection of urns and caskets, but they’re also required by federal law (the "Funeral Rule") to let you buy a casket from somewhere else if you want. They won't charge you a fee for it, either.
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Dealing With the "After"
The service ends, the flowers wilt, and then what? This is where a lot of funeral homes drop the ball. Maupin tends to stay connected through grief resources. They work with local groups and provide materials to help people navigate the months after the funeral.
One thing that’s become huge lately is Pre-Need Planning. It sounds morbid, but it’s actually a massive gift to your kids. You pick your music, your casket, and you pay for it at today's prices. It locks everything in. If you do this at Maupin, they keep it all on file so when the time comes, your family isn't arguing over whether you wanted a blue or silver lining in your casket.
Real Talk on Costs and Logistics
Let’s be real: funerals are expensive. You’re looking at several thousand dollars regardless of where you go. Maupin is transparent about their General Price List (GPL). You should always ask for it upfront.
They are located at 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
If you need to reach them, the number is (573) 642-3334.
They also still keep that chapel out in Auxvasse at 103 Harrison Street for families who don't want to make the drive into town.
The Verdict
Is Maupin the only choice in town? No. But they are the one with the 100-year-old roots. In a world where big corporations are buying up local funeral homes and keeping the old name on the sign, Maupin still feels like a local operation.
If you're looking for a place that understands the difference between a South Callaway family and a Fulton High family, this is probably it.
What to do next
If you are currently handling a loss or just trying to be responsible for the future, here is how to handle the next 48 hours:
- Call (573) 642-3334 immediately if a death has occurred. They have someone on call 24/7.
- Request the General Price List (GPL) via email before you even go in for the arrangement conference. It helps you process the numbers without the emotional pressure of being in the room.
- Gather the vitals. You’ll need the person’s social security number, parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name), and their place of birth for the death certificate.
- Write the obituary draft. Don't worry about it being perfect; the staff at Maupin will help you polish it and get it sent to the Fulton Sun or other local papers.