The Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Service first began business in 1913, in East St. Louis, Illinois as Nash Brothers Undertaking Company. Previous to that, the brothers were associated with the Manuel Funeral Home in St. Louis, MO. Andrew, John and Charles were the owners. The business was first located at 340 E. Broadway. Later moving to 419 E. Broadway, this building was damaged by fire in the race riot. Charles Nash was credited with saving numerous lives during the race riot. He would transport Negroes across the Eads Bridge to St. Louis in his hearse. Andrew died shortly after and John moved back to Indiana and later opened a funeral home in Terre Haute, Indiana. Reorganization followed in East St. Louis and the firm name was changed to C.T. Nash Funeral Home located at 111 N. 13th St. Here three daughters of C.T. and Emma Edwards Nash were born starting in 1918, to begin their lives in funeral service.
Until the early 1920's, there were only two black funeral homes with licensed owners, R.M.C. Green and Charles T. Nash. The next funeral home to be established was the J.L. Marshall Funeral Home with others to follow later. There were no males in the family and it became the tasks of the three girls to follow with training as licensed funeral directors and embalmers.
In 1963, the building housing that funeral home was situated in an area being redeveloped. A new site was purchased and ground was broken in June of 1964 for construction of the new Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Construction was financed by a grant from the Small Business Administration which was the second largest of its kind in the nation granted for this purpose.
A lifetime in the mortuary business makes Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Service unique. Nash officials believe quality workmanship and price are important factors. Honesty and integrity are the key to longevity in a business that is also founded upon trust.
Claudia E. Nash-Thomas, third generation says, "You have to have a good reputation to remain open so long and gain new business. You have to treat people with respect, that they so richly deserve. Whether you are prince or pauper, everyone needs the same basic care and treatment." After the death of M. Frances Nash Terrell, CEO, August 17, 2003, the day to day activities are being handled by Federicka J. Nash and Claudia E. Nash-Thomas. The entire staff stands willing and able to meet the challenges of the community with pride, respect and dignity.
