Meet Our Staff
Outstanding Service is Our Priority
The highest level of care starts with the quality staff members who will meet with your family. When you lose someone you love, you need someone who will listen to you and provide a healing and meaningful experience. Our highly qualified staff is ready to assist you throughout this difficult time.
If you are interested in preplanning for your funeral wishes, we invite you to book a meeting with our Preplanning Specialist to learn more about the process and its benefits.
Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, Tom Vanderwall began his journey in funeral service immediately after high school while attending Muskegon Community College. Following his residency, he pursued his passion for serving families during their most difficult times by enrolling at the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated in 1974.
Tom has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1975 and obtained his Tennessee license in 1986. His dedication to the profession spans over five decades, during which he has provided compassionate care to countless families throughout the community.
In the summer of 1986, Tom and his wife Jan made the move to Dayton, Tennessee, bringing with them their four young children to start a new chapter in their lives. The family grew in 1992 with the addition of their son Andy, who has followed in his father's footsteps and now works alongside Tom in funeral service, continuing the family tradition of caring for others.
Tom is a member of Grace Bible Church and the Dayton Rotary Club, reflecting his commitmen to faith and community service. Even after 55 years of dedicated service in funeral care, Tom's passion for his calling remains unwavering—you'l still find him at the funeral home every day, continuing to serve families with the same compassion and professionalism that has defined his career.
His legacy in funeral service is not only measured in years of experience, but in the countless lives he has touched and the comfort he has provided to families during their times of greatest need.
Jan Vanderwall was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, where she graduated from the Muskegon Community College nursing program. She began her career as an OB nurse, bringing new life into the world and caring for mothers and babies during one of life's most precious moments.
When Jan and Tom started their family, she made the decision to dedicate herself to raisingtheir children as a stay-at-home mother. She lovingly cared for their four sons and one daughter, creating a warm and nurturing home environment that became the foundation for their close-knit family.
Today, Jan continues her role as the heart of the family, now spending cherished time with their nine grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit and loving presence remain central to the family's gatherings and celebrations.
Jan is an active member of Grace Bible Church, where her faith plays an important role in her daily life. She has a passion for creative and domestic arts, finding joy in baking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her handmade creations are treasured by family members and reflect her attention to detail and care for others.
After more than 50 years of marriage, Jan and Tom enjoy exploring new destinations together, particularly their favorite cruise adventures and visits to beloved spots like Destin, Florida, and Mackinac Island. These travels represent the well-earned rewards of a lifetime spent dedicated to family and community.
Jan's gentle spirit and devotion to family have been the cornerstone of the Vanderwall family's success, providing the love and stability that have supported Tom's long career in funeral service.
Andy Vanderwall was born in Chattanooga and graduated from Rhea County High School in 2011. He initially pursued his studies at Tennessee Tech University before discovering his calling in funeral service, leading him to enroll at the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville.
Following his graduation from mortuary college, Andy joined his father Tom in 2015, continuing the family tradition of providing compassionate funeral care to the community. This partnership represents the next generation of dedicated service that families have come to trust and rely upon.
Andy has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Tennessee since 2016, bringing nearly a decade of experience to his role. His commitment to serving families during their most difficult times reflects the same values of compassion and professionalism that have defined the family business.
In 2024, Andy married the former Makayla Fletcher, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. When he is not serving families at the funeral home, Andy enjoys spending time at home, where he finds relaxation and fulfillment in yard work, cooking, and baking.
Andy's blend of professional dedication and personal warmth makes him a valued member of the funeral service team, ensuring that the tradition of caring, personalized service continues for future generations.
