–by Sylvania AdVantage Staff
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 04, 2020
Keith Walker, president and CEO of Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory, announced that his firm has acquired the six Shank Neighborhood Funeral Homes locations in northwest Ohio. These include Witzler-Shank Funeral Homes in Perrysburg, Walbridge and Toledo, Neville-Shank Funeral Home in Holland, Hoeflinger-Shank Funeral Home in Oregon and Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home in Toledo.
The merger of the two family-owned funeral operations was initiated by Robert Shank Sr., who said that the families have known each other for many years and have frequently discussed a merger. “Three generations of friendship have turned into a business relationship, and we think it’s great.”
It was this foundation of friendship and trust that moved the senior Shank and his son Robert Shank Jr., to reach out to Keith Walker for this opportunity. They knew Walker’s level of care and expertise would be the very best going forward for the communities they serve.
“The Walker Funeral Homes have a longstanding reputation for providing selfless care and meaningful experiences to our client families and the communities we are so privileged to serve. We look forward to this opportunity to share our mission with our new team members and their communities,” said Walker Regional Vice President, Ryan Hobbs.
“The team members who are joining us from the Shank operations are very passionate about serving their communities. I believe we will be able to blend the two organizations nicely,” added Walker Regional Vice President Jim Ridener.
Both Hobbs and Ridener were instrumental in the transition of ownership.
Along with its reputable name, Walker plans on introducing added services such as professional certified celebrants, custom-printed materials and future facilities upgrades. Additionally, Walker owns and operates its own crematory so that families’ loved ones who choose cremation never leave the care of the Walker professionals.
According to Walker, “The ‘Walker Promises’ will be introduced to the communities, which include:
•Your budget will be respected
•You will have 24-hour access to the Walker team
•You will have the opportunity for a private goodbye
•Your service can be as creative or as traditional as you like
•You will be given the opportunity for a spiritually significant ceremony
•Your guests’ comfort will be a focus
•You will value the experience.
The Shank funeral homes will be rebranded as Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory. Each location will have a heritage or community chapel reference. The Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home will continue to operate under that name. It will be relocated to 3219 Tremainsville Rd. at the corner of Alexis Road.
With this acquisition, Walker operates 11 funeral homes in Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties, Northcoast Crematory, and Precision Monument.