Preston-Hanley’s Crematory Now Operating in Pekin

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes is now operating its own crematory at 200 South Veterans Drive, near Broadway in Pekin. Unlike most funeral homes that outsource cremation, the new crematory means that Preston-Hanley will handle the entire cremation process for client families.

“For us, owning and operating our own crematory is just one more way of offering the utmost in care,” D. Neale (“Buster”) Hanley II, said. “With cremation becoming more popular, we believe this service is important to the communities we serve.”

The new crematory is housed in a 2,500-square-foot building and includes a private viewing chapel, as well as an urn and memorial display. In addition, all of Preston-Hanley’s funeral directors have been certified as crematory operators.

“Having our own crematory can make a big difference to some families,” Hanley continued. “Many trust us to manage all the details when caring for their loved ones. They are glad to hear that we will not only oversee the entire cremation process, but we will handle it as well” Although many still choose a traditional burial in the Midwest, Hanley said that nearly a third of the families they serve are choosing cremation.

“More people choose cremation when they learn about their options,” Hanley continued. “Families can still have a visitation and/or a funeral service with the body present prior to cremation. Or, they may decide to have a memorial service at our funeral home with the urn in view.”

Preston-Hanley has been serving Central Illinois for over 75 years. Locally owned and operated, the company currently has chapels in Pekin and Creve Coeur. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and Cremation Association of North America.