Smith & Kernke Funeral Homes & Crematory

About

When Joe C. Kernke, Sr. and Ralph H. Smith established Smith and Kernke Funeral Directors in 1939, they pledged to provide the finest care with the widest range of burial and cremation options available.

Story

What makes Smith & Kernke Different?


Of course, Smith & Kernke is Oklahoma City's oldest family operated funeral home, and that record of successful service says a great deal about the philosophy and character of an organization. This is a business where "family owned" has special significance.

For example, in recent years large corporations acquired countless funeral homes in almost every community. This has occurred in other industries as well, including banks, hospitals, car dealers, grocery stores, and insurance companies to name a few. But in other industries, the new owners are quick to publicize the purchase to inform their customers of the additional benefits derived from the transaction.

Not so with funeral homes. When a large company buys a funeral home, employees may change, prices often escalate, and the entire nature of the operation may be transformed overnight. But because it appears the same, sometimes keeping the name and even employing the former owner, you'd never know about the change in ownership - and policies.

At Smith & Kernke the ethics, values, and standards that have built the company's reputation for six decades are still in place and controlled by the Kernke family.

Whether it is the landmark location at 1401 Northwest Twenty-Third Street or the new funeral home on North May Avenue. Smith & Kernke is available to serve you with two conveniently located facilities. The new north location for Smith & Kernke is equipped with a state-of-the-art crematory as well as tasteful surroundings and comfortable furnishings. Smith & Kernke's historical mission/Spanish colonial syle funeral home, built in 1939, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been serving the families of central Oklahoma for over sixty years.

Both locations offer inspiring chapels capable of accommodating approximately 200 persons or can be configured for small, private ceremonies.

Smith & Kernke believes that conducting the final arrangements for a loved one is an awesome responsibility. That's why Smith & Kernke maintains the highest credentials within the industry. As a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the organization is recognized as the leader in the field. Membership in this elite organization is by invitation only.

We are here to help and to serve you. We welcome and appreciate any questions that you might have regarding our services; we may be reached directly at one of our two conveniently located homes, or via email at [email protected]