Specialties
Since 1848, Boardman-Smith has been providing dignified care to the loved ones of the families it has been privileged to serve.
The Butler Family is continuing to build upon this historic legacy by providing additional options for customizing funeral and cremation services and completing extensive renovations including several exterior building improvements, a dedicated planning suite, accessible restrooms, technology and audio/visual upgrades, updated interior décor, and enhanced landscaping.
We are dedicated to providing caring, compassionate and healing experiences and to helping individuals and families create ceremonies that provide true, personal meaning to family and friends.
Our caring, experienced staff will not only guide you through every step of the memorial planning process, but they will also offer a shoulder for you to lean on during your loss. No matter what your faith or background, we will serve your family with kindness, consideration and professionalism.
Our purpose is to help meet the needs of all those who cared for, loved, and shared life with your loved one.
We help you with healing good-byes.
History
Established in 1848.
The oldest funeral home in Springfield, Boardman-Smith was originally founded as part of the Hutchinson Undertaking Company. Shortly after the Civil War, Thomas C. Smith purchased the business and changed the name to Thomas C. Smith & Sons. Boardman-Smith boasts an incredibly rich history that includes significant connections to many members of the Lincoln Family, including President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. After passing through two generations of the Smith family (Thomas C. Smith and son, William Smith), the funeral home was purchased by William's step-sons, Julian and Robert Boardman, who changed the name to Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel. In 1976, Robert's son-in-law, William "Bill" Parr, purchased the funeral home. Mr. Parr operated the facility until 2006 when Greg Schou, an employee since 1980, purchased the business. He managed the funeral home through the end of 2014 when Chris Butler, President of the Butler Family of Organizations, purchased the business.
Meet the Business Owner: Chris B.
Chris Butler, CFSP, was born in Springfield, IL and is a graduate of Griffin High School, Springfield College, the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign, the Forest Park Mortuary Science Program, and the National Foundation of Funeral Service School of Management.
Chris is an active participant in many funeral service organizations and in the Springfield community, where he is currently a member of Christ the King parish, Knights of Columbus Council 4179, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly, American Business Club (past Board Member and past President), and is an Ambassador of Hope for the Hope Institute for Children and Families.
Chris and his wife Val, who serves as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator for the organization, enjoy working in their yard, traveling, and spending time with their daughters, Camilla & Audra, and their three dogs, one of which serves as a Grief Comfort Dog for the Butler organization.