Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home (SBL) is pleased to announce an Open House on Feb. 21 from 4pm to 6pm at their Liberty facility, located at 312 W Union Street. Join them in celebrating their transition into new ownership under Grace Holdings, a company that is committed to upholding the same SBL tradition of compassionate service and providing a welcoming environment for families during their times of need.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the newly updated facility, meet the caring staff, and learn more about the services offered. The open house event will begin with a ribbon cutting, christening their new beginning; then, light refreshments will be served during the walk-through. SBL invites the community to come together for this special occasion to honor their Union County legacy and embrace a promising future. For more information, contact SBL at 765.458.5151 or reach out on Facebook. An open house at the Connersville location (920 Central Avenue) will take place the following week on Feb. 28, from 4pm to 6pm.

Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home: 312 W Union Street, Liberty, IN. (Google Maps)

The SBL Funeral Home in College Corner will remain closed indefinitely. Nevertheless, the staff wants to honor that heritage. They have preserved several remnants from the College Corner funeral home. Those antiques are now featured at SBL in Liberty.

When asked, if prices would be affected under the new ownership? SBL Director Shelly Segrist was excitingly optimistic, saying, “In the past, we were directed by corporate. But now, we have new options and the pricing is more localized- And, more affordable!” Segrist and Kala Rees (SBL Office Administrator) have been working diligently at both locations to prepare these open house events for the public.

Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home was recently bought by Grace Holdings LLC.

Grace Holdings is based in Virginia. The company oversees twelve small town funeral homes. According to Segrist, Grace Holdings has the belief that funeral home services should be locally guided. This is why the SBL name was not changed and the previous staff retained.

SBL Past John L. Showalter, was a Connersville native and graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science. In 1968, he and his wife, Judith Holtel, purchased the Baker Funeral Home in Connersville, and later the Fosdick Funeral Home in Liberty. In 1978, they formed Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Chapels with their long-time friend and associate J. Michael Blackwell. Together, they purchased Myers Funeral Home in April 1978. In 1998, Showalter-Blackwell recognized the commitment of their partner Joel D. Long, changing the name to Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home. Additional information can be found on the SBL website, showalterblackwelllongfh.com.

Written by Cyrus Johnson and published to Union County Connect on February 10, 2025.