JON PACE
Licensed Funeral Director and Manager
Jon and Erin Pace—along with their family—are no strangers to Seymour or to Burkholder Chapel. After living here for over 16 years, they have now returned home to serve the people of Jackson County—the community they love.
Jon previously served as Manager of Burkholder Chapel before becoming a licensed embalmer for multiple funeral homes across Southern Indiana. He later became Manager of Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington, a position he held for 12 years before the opportunity arose to return to Seymour. His skill and dedication to the care and preparation of the deceased for viewing is unmatched, and Seymour is truly fortunate to have him back—now working alongside Scotty Wessel as they lead one of the most compassionate and experienced teams in the region.
Jon’s wife, Erin, is right beside him in service. She works at Schneck Memorial Hospital and is a familiar, caring face you’ll often see at the funeral home. The Paces are also deeply involved in their church, The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek, where they faithfully serve both their congregation and the Lord.
The Pace family is thrilled to be back home in Seymour—and especially grateful for the chance to once again serve their church and Burkholder Chapel. Stop by anytime to meet them and hear about the exciting things ahead for Burkholder and the families it serves.
JON PACE
Licensed Funeral Director and Manager
Jon and Erin Pace—along with their family—are no strangers to Seymour or to Burkholder Chapel. After living here for over 16 years, they have now returned home to serve the people of Jackson County—the community they love.
Jon previously served as Manager of Burkholder Chapel before becoming a licensed embalmer for multiple funeral homes across Southern Indiana. He later became Manager of Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington, a position he held for 12 years before the opportunity arose to return to Seymour. His skill and dedication to the care and preparation of the deceased for viewing is unmatched, and Seymour is truly fortunate to have him back—now working alongside Scotty Wessel as they lead one of the most compassionate and experienced teams in the region.
Jon’s wife, Erin, is right beside him in service. She works at Schneck Memorial Hospital and is a familiar, caring face you’ll often see at the funeral home. The Paces are also deeply involved in their church, The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek, where they faithfully serve both their congregation and the Lord.
The Pace family is thrilled to be back home in Seymour—and especially grateful for the chance to once again serve their church and Burkholder Chapel. Stop by anytime to meet them and hear about the exciting things ahead for Burkholder and the families it serves.
SCOTTY WESSEL
Licensed Funeral Director
Scotty Wessel is a well-known name and face in the Seymour community—especially when it comes to funeral care. A native of Seymour, Scotty is a graduate of St. John's Sauers Lutheran School and Seymour High School. He is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he has also served as an elder. Born and raised in Seymour, he has spent most of his adult life here.
Scotty began his career in funeral service as an intern at Burkholder Funeral Chapel many years ago. Since then, he has gained extensive experience working at other area funeral homes across Central and Southern Indiana.
He holds an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Funeral Management from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Scotty has often been described as one of the most compassionate individuals you will ever meet.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on his family farm, where he and his fiancée are currently building a new home. He is engaged to Jana Frady, a fellow Seymour resident, and together they share three children: Brayden, Nic, and Gavin.
Scotty is honored to serve any family in need and welcomes your call if you have questions or wish to meet with him. While he currently splits his time between Burkholder Chapel in Seymour and Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford, Seymour is his priority and we hope to have him serving here full-time in the near future. You can reach him at either location. He would be privileged to walk alongside you during life’s most difficult moments—or help you plan for the future with care and confidence.
SCOTTY WESSEL
Licensed Funeral Director
Scotty Wessel is a well-known name and face in the Seymour community—especially when it comes to funeral care. A native of Seymour, Scotty is a graduate of St. John's Sauers Lutheran School and Seymour High School. He is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he has also served as an elder. Born and raised in Seymour, he has spent most of his adult life here.
Scotty began his career in funeral service as an intern at Burkholder Funeral Chapel many years ago. Since then, he has gained extensive experience working at other area funeral homes across Central and Southern Indiana.
He holds an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Funeral Management from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Scotty has often been described as one of the most compassionate individuals you will ever meet.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on his family farm, where he and his fiancée are currently building a new home. He is engaged to Jana Frady, a fellow Seymour resident, and together they share three children: Brayden, Nic, and Gavin.
Scotty is honored to serve any family in need and welcomes your call if you have questions or wish to meet with him. While he currently splits his time between Burkholder Chapel in Seymour and Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford, Seymour is his priority and we hope to have him serving here full-time in the near future. You can reach him at either location. He would be privileged to walk alongside you during life’s most difficult moments—or help you plan for the future with care and confidence.
AMY HANSON THORNE
Owner
Amy Thorne is the granddaughter of longtime Seymour residents John and Eva (Tempest) Schumacher (both deceased). She was born in Bedford and raised just west of there in the small town of Owensburg. Amy is the daughter of the late Joe Hanson, the late Kathleen Schumacher Combs, and the late Billy Combs.
A 1983 graduate of Eastern Greene High School, Amy excelled in sports—especially basketball, volleyball, and track. She also spent much of her youth playing softball in the Oolitic leagues.
After attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Amy married Phil Thorne, a lifelong resident of Bedford, in 1986. Together, they raised three children in Bedford while also serving in various roles in local churches and operating a family business.
In 2016, Phil and Amy purchased Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford, and in 2017, they acquired Burkholder Chapel in Seymour. Amy divides her time between the funeral homes, caring for their hobby farm, and spending time with their eight grandchildren, whom she adores.
Phil and Amy attend First Baptist Church, where Amy is actively involved in the music ministry.
Known for her compassionate heart, Amy is deeply committed to serving the families of southern Indiana with care and grace.
AMY HANSON THORNE
Owner
Amy Thorne is the granddaughter of longtime Seymour residents John and Eva (Tempest) Schumacher (both deceased). She was born in Bedford and raised just west of there in the small town of Owensburg. Amy is the daughter of the late Joe Hanson, the late Kathleen Schumacher Combs, and the late Billy Combs.
A 1983 graduate of Eastern Greene High School, Amy excelled in sports—especially basketball, volleyball, and track. She also spent much of her youth playing softball in the Oolitic leagues.
After attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Amy married Phil Thorne, a lifelong resident of Bedford, in 1986. Together, they raised three children in Bedford while also serving in various roles in local churches and operating a family business.
In 2016, Phil and Amy purchased Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford, and in 2017, they acquired Burkholder Chapel in Seymour. Amy divides her time between the funeral homes, caring for their hobby farm, and spending time with their eight grandchildren, whom she adores.
Phil and Amy attend First Baptist Church, where Amy is actively involved in the music ministry.
Known for her compassionate heart, Amy is deeply committed to serving the families of southern Indiana with care and grace.
PHIL THORNE
Owner
Phil Thorne is the President of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, Inc. A longtime Bedford-area business owner and retired pastor with over 30 years in ministry, Phil and his wife Amy have lived in Bedford throughout their entire marriage. He attended Judson College and Indiana University Bloomington.
The Thornes have three married children and eight grandchildren, all of whom live in Bedford. You’ll likely hear and see the most from their son Caleb, a real estate agent who specializes in agricultural and hunting land across Jackson, Lawrence, Scott, and Washington Counties.
Phil and Amy enjoy life on their small mini-farm, where they care for cattle, mini-donkeys, goats, and chickens, along with two dogs and a cat.
In November 2017, the Thornes purchased Burkholder Funeral Chapel. With decades of ministry experience, they bring a unique depth of compassion and care to the families they serve. Their mission is to walk alongside people during some of life’s most difficult days, and they are committed to making a lasting difference in Jackson County, especially in Seymour, where they now serve many local families.
Each day, Phil focuses on leading their funeral home staff with care and integrity. As a Licensed Life Insurance Producer, he also helps families plan ahead—finding the best ways to prepare and pay for funeral expenses in advance, easing the burden for loved ones when the time comes.
Phil is always happy to meet with anyone who would like to get to know him or begin planning ahead. Just give him a call at either location, and he’ll gladly schedule a time to meet with you.
PHIL THORNE
Owner
Phil Thorne is the President of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, Inc. A longtime Bedford-area business owner and retired pastor with over 30 years in ministry, Phil and his wife Amy have lived in Bedford throughout their entire marriage. He attended Judson College and Indiana University Bloomington.
The Thornes have three married children and eight grandchildren, all of whom live in Bedford. You’ll likely hear and see the most from their son Caleb, a real estate agent who specializes in agricultural and hunting land across Jackson, Lawrence, Scott, and Washington Counties.
Phil and Amy enjoy life on their small mini-farm, where they care for cattle, mini-donkeys, goats, and chickens, along with two dogs and a cat.
In November 2017, the Thornes purchased Burkholder Funeral Chapel. With decades of ministry experience, they bring a unique depth of compassion and care to the families they serve. Their mission is to walk alongside people during some of life’s most difficult days, and they are committed to making a lasting difference in Jackson County, especially in Seymour, where they now serve many local families.
Each day, Phil focuses on leading their funeral home staff with care and integrity. As a Licensed Life Insurance Producer, he also helps families plan ahead—finding the best ways to prepare and pay for funeral expenses in advance, easing the burden for loved ones when the time comes.
Phil is always happy to meet with anyone who would like to get to know him or begin planning ahead. Just give him a call at either location, and he’ll gladly schedule a time to meet with you.
KAREN METZ
Funeral Attendant
Karen has been a resident of Jackson County most of her life; she graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School and Seymour High School. She then went on to graduate from a technical college in Missouri.
She was married to Stan Metz for 43 years, with whom she had three sons and one grandson. Before retiring in 2010, she was the officer manager of the Jackson County Health Department. She began working at the Health Department in 1983 and held several positions throughout her time there.
She is now a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Dudleytown where she serves as Sunday School Superintendent and is active with various groups and committees. She is also a board member of Mental Health America of Jackson County and volunteers at Clarity Pregnancy Services.
Karen has worked as a part-time employee of Burkholder Funeral Chapel for the past eleven years.
KAREN METZ
Funeral Attendant
Karen has been a resident of Jackson County most of her life; she graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School and Seymour High School. She then went on to graduate from a technical college in Missouri.
She was married to Stan Metz for 43 years, with whom she had three sons and one grandson. Before retiring in 2010, she was the officer manager of the Jackson County Health Department. She began working at the Health Department in 1983 and held several positions throughout her time there.
She is now a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Dudleytown where she serves as Sunday School Superintendent and is active with various groups and committees. She is also a board member of Mental Health America of Jackson County and volunteers at Clarity Pregnancy Services.
Karen has worked as a part-time employee of Burkholder Funeral Chapel for the past eleven years.
BUD NIEMAN
Funeral Attendant
Born and raised in Seymour, Indiana. Life long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Bud was married to the late Joyce Mullikin for almost 593 years, with two sons, Scott, a dentist in Columbus, Ohio, And Matt, Youth Director, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
After graduating from Brownstown High School, he attended Concordia Teachers College and Sullivan Business College.
Bud retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and was co-owner of Seymour Tire.
Has been employed at Burkholder Chapel since 2011.
BUD NIEMAN
Funeral Attendant
Born and raised in Seymour, Indiana. Life long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Bud was married to the late Joyce Mullikin for almost 593 years, with two sons, Scott, a dentist in Columbus, Ohio, And Matt, Youth Director, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
After graduating from Brownstown High School, he attended Concordia Teachers College and Sullivan Business College.
Bud retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and was co-owner of Seymour Tire.
Has been employed at Burkholder Chapel since 2011.
STEVE WARD
Funeral Attendant / Transportation
Steve has lived in Seymour for over 45 years. He and his wife have four children and nine grandchildren. They love spending time in their camper as wel as traveling both domestically and internationally.
Steve was employed at Dickson's Gifts for over 30 years, and is co-owner of S&B Wallcovering and Painting. His grandfather was a lifelong funeral director at Criswell's Funeral Home in Ada, Oklahoma.
Steve enjoys serving the people of this community at Burkholder Funeral Chapel. He has worked at Burkholder Funeral Chapel for about fifteen years.
STEVE WARD
Funeral Attendant / Transportation
Steve has lived in Seymour for over 45 years. He and his wife have four children and nine grandchildren. They love spending time in their camper as wel as traveling both domestically and internationally.
Steve was employed at Dickson's Gifts for over 30 years, and is co-owner of S&B Wallcovering and Painting. His grandfather was a lifelong funeral director at Criswell's Funeral Home in Ada, Oklahoma.
Steve enjoys serving the people of this community at Burkholder Funeral Chapel. He has worked at Burkholder Funeral Chapel for about fifteen years.
