Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Compassionate Funeral Services in Akron
The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory Funeral Homes & Crematory has served families in Summit County since 1875, establishing itself as the oldest continuously operating business in the region. As a sixth-generation family-owned enterprise, we combine deep-rooted tradition with modern service options to honor lives with dignity and respect. Our team specializes in creating personalized funeral, burial, and cremation services tailored to individual preferences and cultural traditions. With two locations in Akron, Ohio, and an on-site crematory, we ensure your loved one remains in our care throughout the process.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our membership with Selected Independent Funeral Homes and Green Burial Council certification. We offer veterans' services, green burial options, and pre-planning resources while maintaining 24/7 availability for immediate assistance. Our staff's extensive experience, averaging decades in the profession, ensures compassionate guidance during difficult times.
Services
Burial Services
Cremation Services
Green Burial Services
Veterans Services
Funeral Services
Pre-Planning
Crematory Services
Memorialization
Grief Support
Urn Selection
Highlights and features
- Sixth-generation family-owned operation since 1875
- On-site crematory ensures continuous care of remains
- Certified Green Burial provider with eco-conscious options
- Exclusive partnership with Don Drumm Studios for custom urns
- 24/7 availability for immediate assistance
Associations and certifications
- Selected Independent Funeral Homes
- Green Burial Council
Services
Cremation Services
Our on-site crematory provides complete control over the cremation process, ensuring your loved one never leaves our care. Certified professionals handle each step with two-staff verification, environmentally safe equipment, and optional witnessing. We offer multiple memorialization options including custom Don Drumm urns and scattering solutions.
Burial Services
Traditional and creative burial services honor your loved one's life through personalized ceremonies. Options include visitations, graveside services, and celebration-of-life events with tribute videos, live streaming, and customized keepsakes. Our facilities accommodate both religious and secular traditions.
Green Burial Services
Certified by the Green Burial Council, our eco-friendly burials use biodegradable containers without toxic embalming chemicals. Services include graveside ceremonies at Foxfield Preserve conservation burial ground, with options for permanent memorialization in protected natural habitats.
Veterans Services
We coordinate VA benefits, military funeral honors, and memorial items for eligible veterans. Services include flag presentation, rifle details, and assistance with burial allowance claims. Our staff helps families navigate eligibility requirements and application processes.
Funeral Services
Custom funeral services incorporate cultural traditions, personal preferences, and family needs. Options range from traditional ceremonies to unique celebrations of life with specialized music, food, and multimedia tributes. Pre-planning resources ensure future wishes are honored.
People
Charles M. Billow
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sixth-generation funeral director leading Akron's oldest firm since 1875. Active in local healthcare and historical organizations, he maintains the family's commitment to compassionate service and community leadership.
Nathanael M. Billow
Executive Vice President & Treasurer
Former Ford executive turned funeral director, merging corporate expertise with family tradition. Oversees operations and strategic growth while maintaining hands-on service to families in need.
Anastasia M. Billow
Vice President & Corporate Secretary
First sixth-generation female funeral director in the family. Combines modern perspectives with traditional values, focusing on creating meaningful tributes that reflect each individual's unique life story.
Richard T. Bissler
President Emeritus & Funeral Director
Former owner of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home with 30+ years experience. Maintains active involvement in community organizations while supporting the merged funeral home operations.
Mitchell Planey
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Licensed since 2003 with Canton area experience. Manages Bissler & Sons Chapel operations, bringing regional expertise to the team while serving Kent community families.
Questions
What services do funeral directors provide?
Our directors handle remains transfer, embalming, service planning, documentation, obituary creation, and coordination with cemeteries or crematories. We also assist with VA benefits and grief resources.
Can I plan funeral arrangements in advance?
Yes, we offer pre-planning services allowing you to document preferences and optionally pre-fund arrangements while receiving our current pricing guarantees.
What veterans funeral benefits are available?
Eligible veterans receive burial flags, military honors, and VA reimbursement for funeral expenses. We help families navigate the application process for these benefits.
Do you offer eco-friendly burial options?
Yes, we're Green Burial Council-certified with conservation burial options at Foxfield Preserve, using biodegradable materials and natural preservation methods.
What's included in your cremation services?
Our cremation packages include remains transfer, refrigeration, body preparation, transportation, and memorial service options with various urn choices and scattering solutions.
How can I personalize a funeral service?
We incorporate tribute videos, customized keepsakes, live streaming, themed decorations, and personalized music/food selections to create meaningful, individualized ceremonies.
