By BOB TOMPKINS
Kramer Funeral Home, believed to be the second oldest continuing business in Alexandria, has been sold, KFH president Graham Kramer confirmed Friday.
The funeral home, established in 1875 by John Kramer, has been sold to Beacon Funeral Partners, a privately held company out of Houston, Graham Kramer said. The sale became official on Monday, August 17. Beacon Funeral Partners has funeral homes from Texas to Florida.
“It was just time to do so,” said Kramer, 87, who represents the fourth generation of the Kramer business. “This is my 62nd year at Kramer Funeral Home. I figured it was time to make a change. Someone asked me how long I’ve been there, and I said since the Second Book of Genesis.”
Kramer said his 54-year-old daughter, Sarah, chose not to continue the family tradition.
“She loves Alexandria, she moved back here 11 years ago from Houston, and is crazy about Alexandria,” said Kramer, “but she has decided to pursue other interests.”
“I’ve been working on this (transaction) for a time,” Kramer said. “I’ve worked with Beacon since last November. It’s in the best interest of the family to do something now rather than try to do something later on.
“I’m pleased that Beacon is a stand-up company and will maintain the Kramer standards,” Kramer continued. “They will keep the name in front of the building, and the staff will continue to work there.”
The purchase covers the two other Kramer homes in Fifth Ward and Colfax, said Kramer, who hopes to “spend time with my wife and daughter, and enjoy some travel and togetherness.”
Schanck’s Jewelry is the oldest business in Alexandria, dating back to 1865.