Staff
Our dedicated staff members are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Jeremy was born in Joplin, MO. He attended schools in Seneca, MO and graduated with the class of 1996. He then furthered his education at Crowder College in Neosho, MO. Following his schooling in Neosho, he began a short career with the Newton County Sheriff’s Dept. In 1999, through efforts of a close friend, Jeremy was hired by a funeral home in Joplin, MO. By 2003, he had obtained his Funeral Director’s license and had made funeral service his sole career. That same year, he decided to also obtain his Embalmer’s license. In November of 2003, he moved to Dallas, TX to begin studying at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Upon returning to Missouri, it was just a short time later that he met the love of his life and his soon to be wife, Angi. After this union, they made their home in Diamond, MO. In July of 2009, he and his family had the opportunity to move to Monett and manage the Buchanan Funeral Home. In July of 2021, with much support from his wife, Angi, and the Goodwin Family, Jeremy and Angi was able to purchase the business. Since living in Monett, he has been involved with the Monett Lion’s Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce. When he is not working, he enjoys watching his kids play sports and spending time with his family. He has a daughter, Brelynn and a son, Konnor.
It was taught to him years ago that there is so much that one can do, you just have to put forth the effort to do it. That has been his philosophy during his twenty-three years in funeral service. No two funerals should be alike, because no two people are alike. Personal touches, awareness of the family’s wishes and certainly, care and compassion, are what he strives to give each family that places their trust in Buchanan Funeral Home.
Jeff James is a lifelong resident of Monett, Missouri. Following graduation from Monett High School, Jeff went to Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. While there, he obtained his Associates Degree in Business Management. He continued his education at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri. In 1999, Jeff began his career at Buchanan Funeral Home. Through the years, he has come to recognize that each family has unique and specific needs. Jeff enjoys being able to identify those needs in order to assist families through their difficult time.
Jeff is married to Mechele (Tharp) James and they enjoy living in Monett. He has one son, Nic and wife Rachel; a daughter, Katy. He is an active member of Gunter Methodist Church in Butterfield, Missouri. Jeff is also a member of the Monett Lions Club and past president of the Monett Jaycees.
During his time at the funeral home, Jeff counts it an honor and a privilege to serve families in their time of need. He has enjoyed developing relationships with people in the community that the funeral home has served.
Duane joined the Buchanan staff in December of 2017, assisting with visitations and funeral services. He is a 1988 graduate of Neosho High School in Neosho, MO, and a lifelong resident of Southwest Missouri.
When he is not serving families at Buchanan, Duane works tirelessly to promote his passion of gospel music. He is a successful concert promoter, events emcee, and radio host.
Throughout the year, Duane can be found emceeing at the nation’s top Southern Gospel concerts stages, such as The National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, The Memphis Quartet Show and The Lebanon Gospel Music Get-Together He has also emceed such corporate events as Taste of Home Cooking School traveling road show, sponsored by the national magazine of the same name. Since 2000, Duane has hosted a weekly gospel music radio program called “Gospel Music Get-Together,” which airs locally every Sunday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on KKBL 95.9 FM.
Duane and his wife, Micki, have three children--Andy, Allie & Macy. Since 2004, The Garren Family has called Monett, MO their home. They are all active members of the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church near Purdy.
Of his work at Buchanan, Duane says, “Helping people pay tribute to their family member is indeed an honor that I do not take lightly. I am glad to be working with the great staff at Buchanan Funeral Home, and hope you will consider calling us to assist in honoring your loved one. It is our privilege to serve you.”
Jim is a graduate of Monett High School and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Community College. After completing school, Jim married Janell (Landoll) Patton and they have two grown children, son Aaron (wife Megan and grandson Nolan) and daughter Abigail.
In 2022, Jim joined the team at Buchanan Funeral Home. “It is an honor to help families start down the path of healing after losing a loved one. It is my hope you will turn to us for compassionate care and impeccable service. My pledge is to honor your loved one and family with dignity, respect, and personal attention to every detail.
”Jim and his family are members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett. He is also a member of Masonic Lodge #129 AF & AM, a past member and president of the Monett Sportsmen’s League, and past MSHAA football official.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim also enjoys playing golf, hunting, and perfecting his hand at creating delicious barbeque.
Clif Crockett is a graduate of Republic High School. He attended SMSU and then on to post-graduate work. He finally earned his degree from St. Paul School of Theology. Clif is a retired Methodist Pastor, having served churches throughout Missouri. He is married to Deann Kreisel Crockett, retired science teacher. They have two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Clif enjoys music of all kinds, golf, reading and traveling.
Bobbie has been part of the Buchanan Funeral Home team since early 2021, working as a Part-time Secretary. She recently retired from a long career with Head Start in Monett. She is married to Doug Hunnell, of Pierce City, and is the mother of Angi Vanderbol, of Monett, Kristi Matthew, of Cassville, Scott Hunnell, of Pierce City and Heather Hunnell, of Strafford, MO.
In her spare time, Bobbie enjoys her flower gardens, going to flea markets and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Jerry was raised in Blue Eye, MO, where he graduated in 1967. He married Becky Terrell in 1968 and moved to Monett in 1970. He was employed by Missouri Gas Energy and retired in 2016 with thirty-nine years of service. Jerry and Becky have two children, Mike Tharp and Mechele James, both of Monett. Jerry served as a Monett City Volunteer Firefighter for over forty years. Jerry and Becky are active members of Gunter Methodist Church and as a representative of Jesus and Buchanan Funeral Home, Jerry tries to demonstrate love and compassion, especially in a critical time of need.
Preston has been a lifetime resident of southwest Missouri, and for over twenty years, has been employed at IDF in Monett. He is a member of the praise team at Waymark Church of Monett, where he plays guitar. As a Christian, he has felt called to help those who are hurting from the loss of a loved one. Preston says, "As a team member of Buchanan Funeral Home, I focus on the genuine care, respect and compassion that our families deserve". Preston also has great attenttion for the details that families appreciate.
Preston is a great addition to our team and we are excited to see him grow and fulfill his desire to help families in need.
Aaron was raised in Springfield, Missouri and received most of his education there. He attended Cassville High School his senior year, graduating in 1975. He later graduated from Southwest Baptist Univeristy, Bolivar, Missouri, with a degree in Christian Ministry. Aaron is an ordained minister, having pastored over forty years in churches in Missouri and Arkansas. He has recently retired.
Aaron is married to Cindy (Merritt) Weibel. They live in Pierce City. They have three daughters, two granddaughters and one great-grandson. Aaron enjoys sports and classic cars.
He is honored to be a part of the Buchanan Funeral Home staff. It is his desire to be of helpful support to those in a time of grief and need.
Rex has been a lifelong resident of Southwest Missouri and a 1969 graduate of Jasper High School. He furthered his education at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin Missouri. Rex and his wife Rita are blessed with 3 daughters and nine grandchildren, who keep them very entertained and busy.
Rex has enjoyed serving the people of Southwest Missouri and has had the privilege to do so for many years. He has been a licensed pre-need agent and a funeral director for many years, able and with great knowledge, to assist in your pre-arrangements including insurance policies.
Rex and Rita make their home in Neosho, Missouri, and maintain strong ties to Monett and the surrounding area.
He is proud to be associated with Buchanan Funeral Home and the staff. Rex has been a big part in making the families that Buchanan Funeral Home serves feel like family.