We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession.
James "Jimmy" Moran was born in 1868 in Trevorton, PA. His family came to Decatur in 1880 when his father went to work for the Decatur Coal Company. After his father left the coal company and opened a grocery store, Jimmy worked with him at the store.
In 1893, Jimmy joined the Funeral establishment of Wikoff & Reeve. Early in his career he drove a hearse working his way up to the position of an apprentice embalmer.
In 1891 Mr. Moran purchased the interest of Mr. Reeve and the firm became known as Wikoff & Moran. Upon the retirement of Mr. Wikoff, Mr. Moran purchased the entire business and in 1904 the business became known as J.J. Moran. In 1921, Jimmy took into his business his sons Louis A. and Ambrose C. Moran. At that time the business became known as J. J. Moran & Sons. As a surprise to his sons, Jimmy had the fact announced through the newspapers before he ever told them that they were partners.
In 1924 after saving for 20 years, Mr. Moran realized his dream and built the finest and most sophisticated funeral home in "Downstate Illinois" at the corner of Water and Eldorado.
On March 19, 1926, James "Jimmy" Moran died, but the business continued to serve the needs of the public under the watchful eyes of Louis and Ambrose. In 1929, James J. Moran Jr. joined the firm and became a partner in 1946. After the deaths of Louis A. Moran on July 20, 1948 and Ambrose C. Moran on June 15, 1982, James Jr. became the sole owner of J. J. Moran & Sons.
To better serve our community, ground was broken on our existing facility in April of 1986, a "State of the Art" 13,000 square foot facility (all on one level) situated on 2.6 acres providing five visitation areas, chapel to accommodate over 200 people, casket display room, 6 offices, 2 lounges and ample off street lighted parking.
James Jr. continued to operate the business until declining health forced him to sell the business. J. J. Moran & Sons continued, however, under the ownership of an off site owner/funeral director and a local manager/co-owner. In 1996 David H. Goebel joined the firm as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He and his wife Karen became partners and manager in 2001 after buying out the original manager/co-owner. In August of 2003 David and Karen became sole owners of the business and to reflect the changing times changed the name to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
2011 brought a new direction for Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services when David & Karen Goebel decided that it was time for a change to better the whole community. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services merged with Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Cremation Center in Decatur on January 11, 2011. With the escalating costs of doing business the merging of two like minded organizations made sense. This merger allows us to continue to offer the lowest prices on funeral and cremation services in Decatur and Macon County.
Our facilities now include: two funeral homes, two cemeteries, cremation center, mausoleums, columbarium, a monument company, new human and pet crematories and a pet cemetery. We are committed to serving the families who choose to rely on us.
Our caring team of qualified professionals is available at all times to answer your questions and guide you through the process of making funeral arrangements. If you have any questions, please call 217-875-2004 or 217-429-5439.
