Roberts living his dream as funeral home owner

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Wayne Roberts knew from the time he was in junior high school that he “wanted a job where he could dress up.” That dream came true. Wayne is the owner of Roberts Funeral Home at 509 Washington Ave. in Washington C.H.

Three years out of high school, Roberts went to work at Summers Funeral Home and Ambulance Service. In 1997 he became an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), and in 1999 passed the Ohio exam to become a licensed paramedic.

Still working at Summers Funeral Home, he realized he was being offered more responsibilities and was increasing his knowledge. Roberts also discovered he had more interest in the mortuary side of the business than in the ambulance side of the business. He enrolled in the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated in 2006. Roberts served his apprenticeship with Don Anderson in Greenfield and passed Ohio’s test in 2010 becoming a fully licensed funeral director and embalmer.

Roberts is Fayette County born and raised.

When the old Kinzer Funeral Home became available, he jumped at the chance to have the business locally owned again. Roberts offers the full line of services from traditional burials to direct cremation. According to Roberts, “People should feel comfortable talking with me. A funeral director needs to be approachable.”

Roberts also wants customers to feel they can personalize a loved one’s funeral. If the deceased was interested in horses or motorcycles, there are ways to incorporate that interest into the service. Roberts notes he “will work with the family to provide a fitting service.” He also wants individuals to know that if funeral services were made in advance with the former owner, those plans are still effective.”

Also of note, in 2010, Roberts started his successful Pet Cremation Service and that business will be ancillary to the funeral home business.

There has been some remodeling done to the building, primarily in the chapel, and Roberts believes the public will find the home to be “warm, comfortable and inviting.”

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday. Roberts will be holding an open house for the public on Saturday from 3-7 p.m.

Wayne Roberts is the owner of Roberts Funeral Home, located at 509 Washington Ave. in Washington C.H.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/12/web1_RobertsFuneralHome1.jpgWayne Roberts is the owner of Roberts Funeral Home, located at 509 Washington Ave. in Washington C.H.

By Bev Mullen

For the Record-Herald

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