Our Staff
Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.
Robert W. Barnes
A native of Watauga County, Bob has been in funeral service since 1968. A graduate of Cincinnati College of Embalming, Bob also holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Caldwell Community College. He is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, pre-need specialist, certified crematory operator and a notary public. Bob lives in Boone with his wife Vivian. Bob is a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.
Jordan Rudel
Graduated Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Jordan has been in funeral service since 2015 and is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and pre-need specialist, and certified crematory operator. A native of Alice, Texas; he now resides in Fleetwood with his wife, Patricia. Together, they have a daughter and a son.
Tessie Rudel
Graduated Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Tessie has been in funeral service since 1992 and is a licensed funeral director, embalmer. A native of Bishop Texas; she now resides in Fleetwood with her husband John. Together, they have four sons, three granddaughters and two grandsons.
Bridgett Taylor
Native to Watauga County, Bridgett attended Fayetteville Technical Community College, where she earned her degree in Mortuary Science. She is currently completing her apprenticeship with Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and is also a certified crematory operator.
Michael Townsend
An active Minister guiding Meat Camp Baptist Church, Mike assists us with various aspects of funeral service.
In Heartfelt Memoriam
Johnnie R. Austin
1933 - 2002
Carolyn Greene Austin
1936-2022
James D. Hagaman
1936 - 2011
Beacher L. Matheson
1938 - 1994
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