Mike Putman and Kevin Schwarzel each have 77 years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each of our funeral homes have over 100 years of serving our communities. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity. We strive to be active members of the community and "pay forward" in every way possible.
The Hughes Funeral Home legacy began in August of 1911 as Dowler Funeral Home, owned and operated by Percy G. Dowler. The funeral home was located at 13 East Washington Street in what is currently known as the Athens City Parking Garage. Mr. Dowler served the Athens community for many years, partnering with his nephew, Carl M. Ferguson in 1925. In 1945 the funeral home made its first move, changing its location to 9 North College Street. Five years later on July 1st, 1950, David H. Hughes became owner and operator of the funeral home. After another 10 years, on August 1st 1960, the funeral home made its final move to its current location, 168 Morris Avenue, Athens, Ohio. The funeral home at that time was a shared partnership by David H. Hughes, Roger E. Gall, and Vance W. Harris. In September of 1960, Timothy R. Barnes was brought onto the funeral home’s team as an additional funeral director and embalmer.
After 43 years of serving Athens, on January 15th, 1975 David Hughes retired, with James Van Fossen becoming owner and operator of the funeral home. Vance Harris remained as manager and Timothy Barnes as assistant manager of the funeral home. A short few years later, James N. Blower became the owner of the funeral home.
It was on March 2nd, 1980 when Vance Harris hired John W. (Jack) Moquin as a Mortician’s Assistant. Jack was new to the funeral industry and had much to learn, though with the help of his mentors, Vance Harris, Timothy Barnes, and David Hughes, Jack learned valuable knowledge in which he still retains today. Jack pursued his college degree in Mortuary Science attending the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science graduating in the Spring Class of 1986 and becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1987.
On June 24th, 1997 Jack purchased the funeral home and would later operate it with his son Timothy Vance Moquin.
In August of 2023, Mike and Kevin returned back to the business that they both had previously worked at and purchased the funeral home from their former colleague Jack.
Mike Putman and Kevin Schwarzel each have 77 years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each of or funeral homes have over 100 years of serving our communities. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity. We strive to be active members of the community and "pay forward" in every way possible.
In 1858 J. Leander White began as a photographer and furniture dealer in Coolville, Ohio. He began by making caskets for the citizens who passed away. His son Charles would take over the business at the age of 19. By this time the science of embalming had entered the funeral business as well as having funeral services at the funeral home. This is the time when White's became a full-service funeral home. Charles would eventually pass the business on to his two sons Clyde Jr. and Jack who continued to provide the Coolville community with dignified funeral services. The last of the White's, Lee Ethridge, ran the business until his death. Mike Putman began working at the funeral home in 1983 while Kevin Schwarzel joined the business in 1988. Mike and his wife Becky purchased the business in 1996 and has operated it ever since.
