Who We Are

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.

Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

• Our History

  

  Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service is owned by Jim and Cindy Smith. Five licensed funeral directors and embalmers on the staff: Jim Smith, Ryan Payne, Denise Adamson, and Paul Merriott.

  

  

• Our Valued Staff

  • 
    Jim Smith, Owner/Funeral Director

    Jim attended Oklahoma Military Academy, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, and earned his Mortuary Science degree at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Jim and Cindy are parents of Amy and Clint. Amy is married to William Paiva, and living in Tulsa, and has two children, Gordon James and Adeline. Their son, Clint, has joined the pro baseball ranks with the Detroit Tiger organization.
  • 
    Cindy Smith, Owner
  • 
    Paul Merriott, Funeral Director

    Paul Merriott, who owned and operated Paul Merriott Funeral Service in Chelsea, has 55 years as a licensed funeral director. He is an active senior citizen, member of the First Presbyterian Church, and an avid sports fan.
  • 
    Ryan Payne, Funeral Director

    Ryan Payne, a Rogers County native, started working for the Smith’s washing cars and doing yard work. The Catoosa High School graduate worked summers while he was earning a Bachelor's of Mortuary Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is married to Brandi Girten and lives in Chelsea. He is the son of Charlie and Betty Payne of Claremore and Sharon and Jack Sappington of Chelsea. He is an active member of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and attends the First Baptist Church in Chelsea. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.
  • 
    Denise Cooper, Funeral Director

    Denise Cooper, who joined the staff in March 1997, graduated from Edmond Memorial High School and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond with a Bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. She is a graduate of the Claremore Chamber of Commerce Leadership Claremore, and past president of Claremore Business and Professional Women’s Club. Denise has 4 daughters.
  • 
    Frank Friedemann, Director of Family Service

    Frank began his funeral service career in 1992, and has been a member of our staff for 9 of those years.
    
    He was educated at Oklahoma State University, and is certified in Grief Counseling. Frank also is a certified Cremation Specialist, and is licensed in Life, Accident & Health Insurance.
    
    Interestingly, Frank is a descendant of Johann Sebastian Bach. "I'm the great-great-great-great-great-great grandson of the musical genius. Now there's a legacy to live up to!" Frank carries this musical talent into his work as Director of the Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus of Sweet Adelines. Frank is an International Seniors Quartet Champion of the Barbership Harmony Society, having won the Championship in both 2005 and 2008.
    
    He is Chairman and Coordinator for the Veterans Day Parade and Retirement of the Flags ceremony in Claremore for the last 5 years. Frank and his wife Patricia have been married for 37 years.
  • 
    Charles D. Bray, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Charlie has been with our funeral home since 2001. He is married to Jan and has four children. Charlie earned his B.A. and M.S. at Fort Hays State University. He worked 40 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal for K-12 in the state of Kansas. Charlie is a member of First United Methodist Church in Claremore.
  • 
    June Medlock, Inola Funeral Home Office Manager

    June brings 14 years of experience to her work day. "I find great reward in assisting our staff in serving the families of our area. The details are important, and taking care of them efficiently makes all the difference for both the staff and the families they care for."
    
    June worked in the educational field for a total of 15 years, working as both a teacher's aide, and a classroom instructor. "This is where I learned patience - that and raising our 2 children."
    
    She now enjoys the company of her 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. June was widowed, and finds great joy in spending time surrounded by her family. "They are the light of my life."
  • 
    Susan Bickford, Chelsea Funeral Home Office Manager

    Susan Bickford has been the Office Manager at Chelsea Funeral Home and Crematory since 2003. She considers it a privilege to be able to help comfort grieving families. Susan graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Rogers State College. She is a wife and mother who is actively involved with her family, church and community.