When you're driving through Goldthwaite, things feel permanent. The limestone buildings, the rolling hills of Mills County—it’s a place where roots run deep. Dealing with the loss of a loved one in a small town is a heavy experience, and for decades, Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home has been the place people turn to.
Honestly, finding reliable info about funeral homes online can be a total pain. You usually get stuck with generic directories that don't tell you much. If you’re looking for the actual story behind this local fixture at 1415 Parker Street, you’ve come to the right place.
The History of Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home
This isn't some corporate-owned chain. That’s a big deal in an era where massive conglomerates are buying up small-town mortuaries. The roots of this business go back decades. According to records from the Texas Legislature, the "Stacy" part of the name came into the picture when Mr. Stacy and his son, Ricky, purchased the original Wilkins Funeral Home following the passing of Mr. Wilkins in 1975.
Since then, it has operated as Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home, LLC. It’s basically been the primary guardian of the town's history. Think about it: they handle the legacies of the teachers, farmers, and business owners who built Goldthwaite.
Who Runs It Now?
The day-to-day operations are currently overseen by Brodie Stacy, who serves as the Managing Member. Having a local family at the helm matters because they aren't just providing a service; they’re your neighbors. They know which cemetery the family plot is in before you even tell them.
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Services and What it Costs
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s usually what people are scouring the web for during a crisis. Funerals are expensive. Period. In Goldthwaite, the pricing is fairly typical for Central Texas, though "affordable" is always a relative term in the funeral industry.
Based on industry data from platforms like Funeralocity, here is a rough breakdown of what you might expect to see:
- Traditional Full Service Burial: Usually starts around $8,820. This typically includes the viewing, the service at the home or a local church, and the transportation to the cemetery.
- Full Service Cremation: This often lands around $6,615.
- Direct Cremation: For those looking for the most basic option without a ceremony, it’s closer to $1,745.
Keep in mind, these prices can shift based on the casket you choose or specific memorial requests. It's always best to just call them at (325) 648-2255 to get a "General Price List" (GPL). By law, they have to give you one if you ask.
Why Location Matters in Mills County
The facility is located at 1415 Parker Street, Goldthwaite, TX 76844.
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If you aren't from around here, Parker Street is a main artery. It’s accessible for folks coming in from Mullin, Priddy, or Star. For a small town, having a central location makes a massive difference for elderly residents who might struggle with long drives to bigger cities like Brownwood or Austin for services.
Planning Ahead: The Practical Stuff
Most people wait until a death occurs to call a funeral home. That’s understandable, but it’s also incredibly stressful. Stacy-Wilkins offers "pre-need" planning. Basically, you can sit down and pick out your preferences—and even pay—years in advance.
It sounds morbid, but it’s actually a huge gift to your family. It prevents them from having to guess if you wanted "The Old Rugged Cross" or a specific color of flowers while they’re in the middle of grieving.
Dealing with Obituaries
The funeral home typically coordinates with The Goldthwaite Eagle for local print obituaries. They also use digital platforms like "We Remember" to host online memorials. If you’re looking for a specific person, these digital archives are usually the best place to find service times and where to send flowers—often local shops like D+G Florist & Gifts right there in town.
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Common Misconceptions
One thing people often get wrong is thinking they must use the local home. You don't. But in a place like Goldthwaite, the logistics of using an out-of-town home can get messy fast.
Local funeral directors have the "keys to the city," so to speak. They know the local pastors, they know the cemetery caretakers at Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery, and they know the local laws. That local knowledge is what you’re really paying for.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re currently in the middle of a loss or just trying to be prepared, here’s what you should actually do:
- Request the GPL: Call (325) 648-2255 and ask for their General Price List. This gives you a line-item breakdown so you aren't surprised by hidden fees.
- Check the Archives: if you're looking for an old obituary, search the "Portal to Texas History" or the Stacy-Wilkins digital memorial pages on sites like Legacy.com.
- Verify the Cemetery: Make sure you know which cemetery the family owns plots in. If it’s a rural Mills County cemetery, the funeral home will need to coordinate with the specific association that manages it.
- Local Florists: If you're sending flowers from out of state, call a local Goldthwaite florist directly rather than using a national "1-800" number. You’ll get better quality and the funeral home will have a direct line to them for delivery times.