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| History of Keeney & Basford |
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The Keeney and Basford P.A. Funeral home, formerly M.R. Etchison and Son, located at 106 East Church Street in historic Frederick, was established in 1848 in the town of Jefferson, Maryland, by John Garrison Etchison. The firm was moved to East Patrick Street in Frederick in 1922, and then moved to 214 North Market Street until 1939, when it was relocated at the present site. Its succession of owners after Mr. Etchison were namely M. Riley Etchison, A. Hart Etchison, E. Hart Etchison, Marjorie L. Etchison, and Frank R. Smith, Jr.
At the retirement of A. Hart and Marjorie Etchison in 1971, the firm was sold to part-owner, Frank R. Smith, Jr., and employees Donald M. Fadeley, Robert W. Keeney, and Richard C.C. Basford. Mr. Fadeley retired in 1982, Mr. Smith died in 1987 and Messrs Keeney and Basford retired in October 2007. The present owners Rick Graf and Keith Roberson have been long time employees and continue to conduct the business based on a history of compassion and dedication, upholding the long standing reputation and respect built in the community as the longest, continually operating facility and funeral home in Frederick County. |
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Old Exterior/Interior Photos
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| The original building, known as the Trail Mansion, was built in 1852 by Col. Charles E. Trail and was felt to be an architectural achievement of its day. Of particular note are the beautiful front entrance area, the Italian designed windows, the Italian marble fireplaces found throughout the home and elaborate ceilings found only in the large estates of Europe. |
| We sincerely believe our funeral home offers Frederick County the finest of funeral home facilities in the area. Of particular note is the Etchison Memorial Chapel with a seating capacity of 180 visitors. Informal in design, the chapel creates a comforting home setting for funeral services of all faiths. There is a separate family room adjoining the chapel for those families desiring privacy during the time of the service with private entry and exit.
Services held in our chapel are conducted by understanding professionals who have families of their own. Every service is planned and conducted according to the wants and needs of those we serve.
The home is set on attractively landscaped grounds, which include the antique fountain which was minted in 1826, and is located in the east yard. |
In addition to the full funeral services conducted by members of our staff, we also offer the Frederick Community pre-need arrangements for those desiring to make their final plans before-hand. Pre-payment can be made if desired, but is not required or necessary. Other services offered include cremation, information and follow-up services for body donation to the Anatomy Board; gifts of organs to medical science; removals for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; when requested; special services and facilities for stillborn and newly born infants, and arrangements for transfer of remains within the United States or overseas.
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Our firm is a member of the Federated Funeral Directors of America, a business service organization, dedicated to the advancement of the funeral professional, and to the best possible services for the public. Federated members promote high ethical, professional and business standards. They adhere to a professional attitude of serving the public with understanding, honesty, and sincerity.
As dedicated professionals, a member of our highly competent staff, whose commitment to the Frederick community is obvious through their involvement in church, fraternal, benevolent and civic organizations, is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist with questions or concerns of our neighbors in the Frederick community.
We are proud to be a family owned independent funeral facility, not affiliated in any way with an outside management or operational concern. We look forward to the new century as an independent funeral service with a renewed intention of sincerity and superior service to Frederick County. We also believe the funeral director's first duty is to those he serves, and that he must adapt his service to their wishes. In addition, we cannot afford to ignore price, no matter what they are selecting. Consequently we offer a wide and representative selection, something proper and appropriate for any family's needs, and at a price they can afford. Our continued pledge will be to maintain our services that are comprehensive, appropriate, and reasonable.
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