Missouri Revoked Licenses for Three Funeral Homes
The state board revoked business and individual licenses due to violations regarding preneed contracts and funds.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors has revoked the licenses of James & Gahr Mortuary and Dent County Memorial Chapel. Additionally, the board revoked the individual funeral licenses held by Donn and Connie James.
Why it matters
The disciplinary action stems from legal violations involving preneed funeral contracts and funds. The businesses also failed to maintain a business registration and did not comply with a previous probationary agreement.
The board issued the revocations following failures to maintain business registration and manage preneed contracts. James & Gahr Mortuary has a 30-day mandate to transfer its preneed contracts to another licensed provider.
The players
Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
This state regulatory body oversees the licensing and conduct of funeral professionals and establishments across Missouri.
James & Gahr Mortuary
This funeral service business operated locations in Rolla and St. James until its license was revoked.
Dent County Memorial Chapel
This funeral home located in Salem had its operational license revoked by state regulators.
Donn and Connie James
These individuals held professional funeral licenses that were revoked by the state board.
The details
The affected entities are prohibited from representing themselves as licensed funeral professionals or operating funeral establishments in Missouri. James & Gahr Mortuary must now transfer all existing preneed funeral contracts to another licensed seller, who is then required to notify all affected purchasers.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The license revocations were officially confirmed.
Within 30 days of September 24, 2026: James & Gahr Mortuary must transfer its existing preneed funeral contracts.
Market Landscape
This enforcement action aligns with the state's oversight of preneed funeral contract regulations to protect consumer interests. It marks a significant contraction in the local market for funeral services in the affected Missouri communities.
Families who have existing preneed contracts with these funeral homes should monitor their mail for required notifications regarding the transfer of their contracts and funds. The funeral homes are no longer authorized to conduct business or collect payments.
The takeaway
Consumers with preneed contracts should verify that their arrangements are successfully moved to a new licensed provider. Maintaining awareness of a funeral home's licensing status is a necessary step for those who have pre-funded burial or cremation services.
What happens next
James & Gahr Mortuary must complete the transfer of all preneed funeral contracts and notify the affected purchasers within 30 days of September 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the latest industry changes, visit the Missouri Openings & Closings section.
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