Mark R. Elliott Jr. began his career in the funeral home business after observing local Eldon funeral director Don Phillips and his relationship with the community. Elliott Jr. said Phillips was a very caring man who pushed Elliott Jr. into starting in the business. Elliott Jr.'s grandmother was a secretary at the local funeral home and he started off doing the simple things around the home such as cleaning cars, helping with funerals and cleaning the home.
"Phillips was a well thought of gentleman," Elliott Jr. said. "I saw the business was good to Phillips and his family as was the community. It was how I eventually wanted to raise a family in a community where I could care for them in this way. I got started in 1992-93. In 1996 I went to mortuary school in Kansas City and finished my degree. Then I came back and worked for Rekus Funeral Homes in Eldon, St. Elizabeth, Meta and Iberia where I managed those homes for three years. I then got the call to work for Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Home and a couple of years later I ended up buying the funeral home from the Cantriels."
For more of this story check out the Aug. 10 issue of the California Democrat.