David R. Atkinson
Owner/President/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
David carried on the family tradition and joined the firm in 1980. He is now the owner and president of Atkinson Funeral Homes, Inc., serving Cass and Bates Counties in the same spirit as his grandfather 95 years ago. He is a graduate of Missouri Western State College and Kansas City Kansas Community College School of Mortuary Science. He is a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and has served on the board of the Missouri Funeral Trust. He is a member and past director of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association Fourth District.
In addition, David has been actively serving on the Harrisonville Parks and Recreation Board of Directors since 1984. He is on the Board of Directors and has served as President of the Cass County Historical Society, and he serves on the Harrisonville Historic Preservation Commission where he has served as Chairman. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Cass County Information Center. He is a member and past master of Cass Masonic Lodge, a member of the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City, MO, and a member and past president of the Cass County Shrine Club. In 2014, David was honored for his service to Harrisonville with the Civic Leadership Award, which was awarded by the West Gate Region of the Missouri Municipal League.
David R. Atkinson
Owner/President/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
David carried on the family tradition and joined the firm in 1980. He is now the owner and president of Atkinson Funeral Homes, Inc., serving Cass and Bates Counties in the same spirit as his grandfather 95 years ago. He is a graduate of Missouri Western State College and Kansas City Kansas Community College School of Mortuary Science. He is a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and has served on the board of the Missouri Funeral Trust. He is a member and past director of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association Fourth District.
In addition, David has been actively serving on the Harrisonville Parks and Recreation Board of Directors since 1984. He is on the Board of Directors and has served as President of the Cass County Historical Society, and he serves on the Harrisonville Historic Preservation Commission where he has served as Chairman. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Cass County Information Center. He is a member and past master of Cass Masonic Lodge, a member of the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City, MO, and a member and past president of the Cass County Shrine Club. In 2014, David was honored for his service to Harrisonville with the Civic Leadership Award, which was awarded by the West Gate Region of the Missouri Municipal League.
Melissa Ruth
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
With over 16 years of experience in the funeral service industry, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role at Atkinson Funeral Home, where she has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since September 2019. Her career includes leadership roles such as General Manager at Longview Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO (2015-2019), and hands-on experience as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Crematory Operator at various funeral homes, including Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO, and Springfield Mortuary Services in Springfield, MO.
Melissa’s diverse experience across different funeral service settings has given her a deep understanding of the unique needs of families and communities. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, comfort, and support to those in their time of grief.
In addition to her professional experience, Melissa holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix (2013) and a degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College (2010). She also has a strong educational background with a Bachelor’s in Psychology (2007) and an Associate’s in Biology (2005).
Melissa has been an active member of the business community, serving on the Board of the Raytown and Grandview Chambers of Commerce, and has been recognized for her volunteer efforts, including receiving the 2016 New Member Dynamo Award for Volunteering from Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.
Melissa is committed to honoring the lives of those we serve with compassion and professionalism. Whether assisting with funeral arrangements or providing guidance during a difficult time, she is here to offer support with the utmost care and respect.
Melissa Ruth
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
With over 16 years of experience in the funeral service industry, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role at Atkinson Funeral Home, where she has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since September 2019. Her career includes leadership roles such as General Manager at Longview Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO (2015-2019), and hands-on experience as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Crematory Operator at various funeral homes, including Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO, and Springfield Mortuary Services in Springfield, MO.
Melissa’s diverse experience across different funeral service settings has given her a deep understanding of the unique needs of families and communities. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, comfort, and support to those in their time of grief.
In addition to her professional experience, Melissa holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix (2013) and a degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College (2010). She also has a strong educational background with a Bachelor’s in Psychology (2007) and an Associate’s in Biology (2005).
Melissa has been an active member of the business community, serving on the Board of the Raytown and Grandview Chambers of Commerce, and has been recognized for her volunteer efforts, including receiving the 2016 New Member Dynamo Award for Volunteering from Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.
Melissa is committed to honoring the lives of those we serve with compassion and professionalism. Whether assisting with funeral arrangements or providing guidance during a difficult time, she is here to offer support with the utmost care and respect.
Rory W. Isaac
Licensed Funeral Director
Rory has been a member of the Atkinson Funeral Home family since 2019 and became a Missouri-licensed Funeral Director in 2022. Rory grew up in central Illinois and graduated from Lincoln Christian University. He has lived in Illinois, Oklahoma, and now in Missouri. Rory moved to Adrian in 2016 with his wife, Jaime, and children, Ryker and Clara. They are members of the Adrian Christian Church and are very involved in the Adrian community by attending youth activities, sports, and supporting community events. He deeply cares about the Adrian community, and should you require his services, he looks forward to the opportunity to assist you during your time of need.
Rory W. Isaac
Licensed Funeral Director
Rory has been a member of the Atkinson Funeral Home family since 2019 and became a Missouri-licensed Funeral Director in 2022. Rory grew up in central Illinois and graduated from Lincoln Christian University. He has lived in Illinois, Oklahoma, and now in Missouri. Rory moved to Adrian in 2016 with his wife, Jaime, and children, Ryker and Clara. They are members of the Adrian Christian Church and are very involved in the Adrian community by attending youth activities, sports, and supporting community events. He deeply cares about the Adrian community, and should you require his services, he looks forward to the opportunity to assist you during your time of need.
Hailey Holton
Practicum Student
Hailey Holton is currently a student at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, where she is actively pursuing her education and training in the funeral service industry. As an apprentice, Hailey is gaining hands-on experience and invaluable insights into the compassionate care required in this essential field. She is dedicated to expanding her skills and knowledge as she works towards becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
While still in the early stages of her career, Hailey’s passion for helping others and providing comfort during difficult times drives her commitment to this profession. Her dedication to learning and growth, combined with her empathetic nature, equips her to assist families with the utmost care and respect during their moments of grief.
Hailey is eager to continue developing her expertise and looks forward to contributing to the funeral service industry in a meaningful and compassionate way. She is committed to offering personalized and thoughtful service to each family we work with, ensuring their loved ones are honored with dignity and care.
Hailey Holton
Practicum Student
Hailey Holton is currently a student at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, where she is actively pursuing her education and training in the funeral service industry. As an apprentice, Hailey is gaining hands-on experience and invaluable insights into the compassionate care required in this essential field. She is dedicated to expanding her skills and knowledge as she works towards becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
While still in the early stages of her career, Hailey’s passion for helping others and providing comfort during difficult times drives her commitment to this profession. Her dedication to learning and growth, combined with her empathetic nature, equips her to assist families with the utmost care and respect during their moments of grief.
Hailey is eager to continue developing her expertise and looks forward to contributing to the funeral service industry in a meaningful and compassionate way. She is committed to offering personalized and thoughtful service to each family we work with, ensuring their loved ones are honored with dignity and care.
