In the fall of 2001, after meeting and visiting with Alvia and Helen Vankirk, Eric and Dawn Grisell moved to Corbin and purchased the Vankirk Funeral Home. Their purchase has allowed the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home to remain locally owned and operated. The Grisells are originally from West Virginia, where Eric’s family has a long tradition in the funeral business. In fact, Eric is the sixth generation of his family to be in the funeral business.

Eric began his career in the funeral business when he was in high school, often working night visitations and funerals on the weekends and summers. In 1993, he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University. He then graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1994. 

Followed by his passing of the National Board Exam, he was licensed by the State of West Virginia as an embalmer and funeral director. 

After moving to Corbin, Eric sat for and passed the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s exams for both funeral director and embalmer. Eric is also a licensed life insurance agent with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which allows him to sell life insurance for those wishing to prepay their funeral expenses.

Eric and Dawn have three children: Erika, who currently lives in Chicago, IL, and works as a speech pathologist for the Chicago School System; Evan, who is now working alongside his father as the family’s seventh generation in the business; and Kara, who is attending Dental School at the University of Kentucky.

James David Thomas, the son of the late John F. and Cleo Thomas, is a Corbin native. He graduated from Corbin High School in 1967 and the University of Kentucky in 1971. After returning to Corbin, Jim began his career in funeral service and became a licensed funeral director in 1985.

Jim joined the staff of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in April of 2012, bringing more than 40 years experience to his new position.

Jim has served as a church organist for over 30 years and is now a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Corbin. Also, he belongs to the Kiwanis Club of Corbin, serving on the cemetery committee that oversees Pine Hill Cemetery.

Jim and his wife, Carla Morgan Thomas, have been married since 1984.

Evan R. Grisell was born in Wheeling, WV, the son of Eric and Dawn Grisell. From an early age, he developed a passion for serving his community. Once in high school, Evan spent his weekends and summers working funerals and visitations at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.

He graduated from Corbin High School in May 2015. Following his graduation, Evan moved to Lexington, KY, to attend the University of Kentucky. While in Lexington, he served with College Mentors for Kids and attended Southland Christian Church. He graduated in December 2018 with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

After graduating from U.K., Evan moved back to Corbin, where he began working full time at the funeral home and attending mortuary college. In May of 2020, he graduated from John A. Gupton College with the degree of Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service. Following the passing of his national board examinations, Evan sat for and passed the state board exams. In October of 2020, he became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Upon his licensing, Evan became the seventh generation in the Grisell family to serve in the funeral business.

In addition to his funeral service, Evan is a licensed life insurance agent in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is also the owner of Everlasting Memories, LLC., which offers granite monument sales and cemetery maintenance services.

During his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and being outdoors. He also attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Corbin.

Roger L. Hutton, was born in Corbin, the son of Roger and Maxine Hutton of Gray, KY. He graduated from All Saints High School in 2002 and Eastern Kentucky University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Mathematics Degree.

In 2012, he began attending mortuary college. In May of 2014, he graduated from Southeast Mortuary College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree. In December of 2014, he became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

During his free time Roger enjoys mowing, landscaping, and spending time with his family.

Roger and his wife, Tiffani Wyatt Hutton, have two children, Braxton and Mason, and they attend Immanuel Baptist Church in Corbin.

Carl A. Jones, son of Albert and Margaret Jones, is a lifelong resident of Whitley County. He is a graduate of Whitley County High School and the University of the Cumberlands. He is also a licensed funeral director. He married Brenda Bryant Jones in May of 1994. He retired from the Department of Community Based Services/Family Support in September 2017 after approximately 27 years. 

Carl is a member of Buffalo Missionary Baptist Church and a Sunday school teacher for over 20 years. He also is a member of Williamsburg Lodge #490 F&AM, Williamsburg York Rite bodies as well as their appendant bodies.

Robert Hampton joined the staff of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in August 2016. He retired from Bissell’s Inc. in December 2014.

Robert has lived in Corbin for over 60 years. He married Susan Thomas Hampton in September 1972. They have one daughter, Angela Disney (husband Gary), two grandchildren, Charles Robert “Chaz” and Macy Suzanne, and a granddog named Mo.

Robert is an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

Danny Burns is a dedicated part-time staff member of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. He is married to the former Andrea Williams of Corbin. They have a daughter, LeAnne Huddleston, son-in-law, Mark, and granddaughter, Maci Lee, all of Corbin.

Danny is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He is a graduate of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY, and an active member of East Corbin Christian Church. Following a 42-year career in sales, he retired in May 2019 and is now pleased to be serving the community at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.

Mary Lehmann joined the staff of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in 2014 as a greeter. Mary moved to Corbin from Ohio 38 years ago. She married George Lehmann in 1970 and became a widow 18 years ago. Mary has two adult children who are married and have blessed her with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mary is an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She serves in the choir, ladies’ group, collection counter, and several other volunteer positions. Mary also enjoys sewing, spending time with family, and meeting people.

Greg McClain joined the staff of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in February of 2024. He is an ordained minister with over 20 years of ministry experience, serving as a Worship Leader, Pastor, Funeral Officiant and Hospital Chaplain. A native of Wayne County, Kentucky; he serves as a licensed transporter and part-time funeral assistant.

Greg is married to Sara and together they have 7 daughters.