Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes, "Buried History" oral history series, September 17, 2024

Buried History: Stories of Ozarks Death, Burial and Funeral Traditions
While death has always been part of life in the Ozarks, the way it is recognized has evolved with time. An oral history series, jointly produced between Missouri State University Libraries and Ozarks Alive, explores different traditions and recognitions from customs to casket styles.
Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes began in Ava in 1915. The entity began as Clinkingbeard Furniture and Undertaking Company, a combination business not uncommon in the past. In 1939, the furniture business was sold, and the Clinkingbeards focused solely on funerals. That work has continued ever since. Today, Clinkingbeard operates two funeral homes - one in Ava and another in Gainesville, across the line in Ozark County.
In this oral history interview, information about Clinkingbeard's history and shifts in funeral work is shared by Florence Clinkingbeard and Toni (Clinkingbeard) Van Dyne, who today represent two generations of work in the funeral industry. They also share about when the funeral home provided local ambulance service in the past. The mother-daughter duo own and operate Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes along with Kirk Clinkingbeard, Florence's son and Toni's brother, and a dedicated staff.