Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
With our daily email messages of comfort and hope, you will feel the support of knowing we are here to walk with you through this inevitable journey of grief. Each email will include advice, stories and other thoughts to help you address the challenges that come when you experience the loss of a loved one.
Tom Hemmerle is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer who began his career in 1992 at Barnett-Strother as an apprentice and is now currently the owner. He earned a degree in Mortuary Science from Arapahoe Community College and has been a licensed funeral director since 1996 and a licensed embalmer since 2006. As the proud grandson of William O. Burns and Beatrice O. Burns, who served both served during World War II, Tom is dedicated to serving veterans. Tom is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #11132. Tom proudly holds the office of President for the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), an association of independently-owned funeral home across North America and overseas. He is married to Natalie Clark Hemmerle and they have three sons; Joseph and Halie Hemmerle, Matthew and Molly Hemmerle, and Nicholas Hemmerle and two grandchildren, Hudson and Reece Hemmerle.
Mr. Wayne Burton graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in 1969 Magnum Cum Laude and was a member of the Mu Sigma Alpha Honor Society and Phi Sigma Eta Fraternity. He was employed by Barnett-Strother Funeral Home from 1965 to 1971. He returns to Barnett-Strother Funeral Home after working for several years at Andalex Coal Company and having owned a successful mortuary business.
He attends Madisonville First General Baptist Church. He is a Hopkins County Deputy Coroner. He has an Associates degree in Bible from the School of Ministry. He is a US Navy veteran.
He is married to Cheryl Whitledge Burton and he has three children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
