RALPH MOSIER JR.
Contributor
Nestled in the heart of Marion County, with locations in both South Pittsburg and Jasper, stands Rogers Funeral Home. A century-old institution deeply woven into the fabric of the region’s history. For 100 years, Rogers Funeral Home has provided compassionate care and dedicated service to generations of families across the community.
Rogers Funeral Home first opened its doors to the public in 1925, founded by J.B. Rogers. After the loss of his older brother, J.B. felt a calling to help others through the pain of losing a loved one. Following his service in World War I, he attended embalming school and later returned to South Pittsburg, where he began working with local undertaker Chris Baumgartner. Baumgartner, a well-known entrepreneur, not only provided caskets and coffins throughout the area but also introduced South Pittsburg’s first motorized hearse in 1918—modernizing funeral practices in the region.
In the early days, services were held in churches or family homes, with Rogers primarily offering embalming services before the deceased were returned to their homes for visitations. This practice remained the norm until 1950, when Rogers Funeral Home constructed its first dedicated facility, offering families the ability to hold services, visitations and make arrangements under one roof. Making a major shift in how the community experienced and honored the passing of loved ones.
In 1961, under the ownership of Marvin Rogers, J.B. Rogers’ son, Rogers Funeral Home expanded its presence by establishing a second location in Jasper through the acquisition of Braden Funeral Home, a business operated by James R. Braden—a respected friend and associate of the Rogers family. The purchase ensured continuity of service to the Jasper community and broadened the funeral home’s reach across the county.
Ownership of the funeral home has remained in trusted hands over the years. In 1993, Jim Rogers took over the family business following the passing of his father, Marvin Rogers, having worked alongside him since 1977 after graduating from mortuary school. In 2018, after 25 years of leadership, Jim sold the business to Josh Jennings and Ralph Mosier Jr., both licensed funeral directors and embalmers with deep roots in the profession as well as in Marion County. Following Josh Jennings’ passing in 2019, Ralph Mosier Jr. has continued to lead the funeral home with the same dedication and respect that the Rogers family upheld for nearly a century.
Now celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Rogers Funeral Home stands as one of the oldest and most respected businesses in Marion County. With a legacy of service passed through four generations, it continues to provide trusted care and guidance to families in their time of need—and looks forward to carrying the mission into the decades to come.
In 2020, both the South Pittsburg and Jasper locations of Rogers Funeral Home underwent complete interior renovations, transforming them into more modern and upscale facilities. These updates were made with a focus on creating a warm, comfortable and welcoming environment for the families we serve. With enhanced interiors and thoughtfully designed spaces, the funeral homes now offer a setting that is not only more attractive but also more comforting during times of loss.
Today, the South Pittsburg funeral home and business office is located at 400 Laurel Avenue in South Pittsburg, while the Jasper facility is located at 21 East 5th Street. Both locations continue to uphold the values of care, professionalism, and community support that have defined the Rogers’ name for generations.
Rogers Funeral Home, Your Hometown Funeral Home for 100 Years.
