Missouri Caskets

State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors v. Gegner
Missourians Free to Sell Caskets & Learn About Private Burials

In May 2005, the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors filed suit against Larry Gegner, a consumer advocate from Buffalo, Missouri, seeking to prohibit him from selling caskets or helping consumers plan private burials. While Gegner operated Serenity Discount Caskets, his consumer advocacy in support of private burials wasn’t something he charged for.

In June 2005, the Institute for Justice stepped in to defend Mr. Gegner and filed counterclaims against the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, arguing that it had exceeded its legitimate authority in trying to prevent Gegner from selling caskets or informing people about their right to conduct home burials without hiring a state-licensed funeral director.

Thanks to the efforts of the Institute for Justice, Missouri consumers should find it easier to provide affordable funeral services for their loved ones-or even to perform funeral services for friends and family themselves.