SYRACUSE - Dave Colquitt recently came back to Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home after having worked there from 1998 to 2002.
This time he owns the place.
Colquitt and his wife and partner, Sheryl, bought out Ryan Mishler. Now the funeral home is just called Eastlund Funeral Home.
The Colquitts took over the funeral home at 7458 E. CR 1000N, Syracuse, on Dec. 11.
"It's been a great experience," said Colquitt. "We've been very busy. We got some business right off the bat."
Owning his own funeral home is the fulfillment of a longtime wish, said Colquitt.
And the operation will truly be a family affair. Along with his wife, daughter Kelsey Nicholson and son Nicholas Colquitt will be involved.
Nicholson, 19, will work as an intern this summer when she returns from college.
As for Nicholas, Colquitt said his son would be working full-time at the ripe old age of 11 if he could.
Sheryl is formerly an Eastlund employee and her father is a former owner. She handles the businesses books as well as visitations with Dave.
Mary Stump is the office manager at Eastlund.
Colquitt said he is grateful for the opportunity to own his own business.
Prior to owning Eastlund, Colquitt worked for McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel.
"I want to thank the Mishler family and Farmer's State Bank for the opportunity," said Colquitt.
Eastlund deals in pre-planning and all other funeral and cremation needs. They also sell monuments.For more information on Eastlund Funeral Home, call 574-457-3144.
