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 Vanderbol is the Owner and a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Buchanan Funeral Home, where he leads with a steady blend of compassion, professionalism, and deep community commitment. His career in funeral service began in 1999, guided by a sincere desire to help families navigate life's most difficult moments with dignity and care.
In 2021, after twenty-two years in the profession, Jeremy and his wife Angi fulfilled a long-held goal by purchasing Buchanan Funeral Home, continuing its legacy left from the Buchanan's, the Holmes', the Hobson's, the Hemphill's, the Goodwin's, and now striving to always elevate our standards of personalized services.
Jeremy believes every life deserves to be honored in a meaningful, heartfelt way. He works closely with families to ensure each service reflects their loved one's story, values, and traditions. His leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the Monett community.
Jeremy is married to Angi, and they have two children, Brelynn and Konnor, who remain the heart of his world. Outside of his professional role, he values time with his family, especially trips to Colorado, and the relationships that he has built in the last two decades of service.
Jeff James is a lifelong resident of Monett, and has devoted his career to serving families in his hometown community. After graduating from Monett High School, he attended Crowder College in Neosho, where he earned an Associates Degree. He continued his education at MSSC in Joplin before beginning his career at Buchanan Funeral Home in 1999.
Throughout more than two decades of service, Jeff has learned that every family has its own unique needs, traditions and expectations. He considers it a privilege to walk alongside families during some of their most difficult moments, offering compassion, guidance and personalized care.
Jeff and his wife Mechele (Tharp) James, enjoy making their home in Monett. He is the proud father of two children: his son, Nic and wife Rachel, and his daughter, Katy. Jeff is also blessed with two granddaughters, Adeline and Ellington, who bring great joy to his life. He is an active member of Gunter Methodist Church in Butterfield and has long been involved in community service, including the Monett Lions Club and previously serving as president of the Monett Jaycees.
Jeff values the relationships he has built with families over the years and remains committed to providing meaningful, respectful service to those who place their trust in Buchanan Funeral Home.
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 (husband Eli).
In 2022, Jim joined the team at Buchanan Funeral Home. "It in 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 the 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 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.