Just a short drive off Highway 67 in Newport is a place that holds generations of stories and a deep respect for family traditions — Jackson’s Funeral Home and the E. Bob Jackson Memorial Museum of Funeral Service. What began in the 1940s as a family business has grown into a meaningful piece of local history that continues to educate and connect generations.
The roots of Jackson’s Funeral Home trace back to when Alvis Jackson and his son, Bob, purchased the Newport Farmers Union Funeral Home. From that moment on, the Jackson family dedicated themselves to serving their community with care, compassion, and dignity. Over the years, that same dedication sparked a passion for preserving the history of their profession.
For three generations, the Jackson family collected unique funeral service artifacts — not as curiosities, but as pieces of history worth protecting. Bob Jackson had a special love for antiques and believed people should be able to see and learn from them. That vision became reality with the creation of the E. Bob Jackson Memorial Museum of Funeral Service, located next to the funeral home.
Inside the museum, families can explore artifacts dating back more than 100 years. From historic record books that tell the stories of lives once lived — including a serviceman brought home from overseas during wartime in 1953 — to a rare horse-drawn funeral hearse from before automobiles existed, each piece offers a thoughtful look at how communities honored and cared for one another.
Adding to the museum’s unique collection is a seamless casket like the one used for Elvis Presley, giving visitors a fascinating connection to one of America’s most iconic figures. It’s another example of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined funeral service through the decades.
The gem of the museum is a remarkable 1927 Renaissance solid bronze casket. This rare piece features a triple-seal design, with layered openings and a glass enclosure for the body. Weighing between 600 and 700 pounds, it even includes its own roller system to help move it. Only four were ever made, and this one is believed to be the only example still in mint condition.
Though Bob Jackson passed away in 1996, his wish lives on — a place where families can visit, learn, and reflect on the craftsmanship, care, and history behind a profession devoted to honoring life. Today, Jackson’s Funeral Home and Museum stands as a reminder that preserving history is a family effort, meant to be shared across generations.
Located at 1900 Malcolm Avenue in Newport, this one-of-a-kind museum offers a meaningful, family-friendly stop for anyone interested in local history, tradition, and the stories that shape a community. Schedule a day to tour by calling 870-523-5822 or visit Jackson’s Funeral Home Museum website.