We are focused on placing you on a healing path. We will thoughtfully listen to you, encouraging you to share and talk about your loved one. Best and George B.
Throughout our time with you and your family, we will be a guiding hand helping you make the right choices. In August of 1917, J. Lewis purchased the Joseph Quest Undertaking Company. The business was located on the corner of Church and Main Streets directly south of the Post Office. For several years the concern also operated a furniture business in addition to the mortuary. In 1929 the partnership was moved across the street to the Savoy Building. This building was razed in the late 70’s to make way for the new Palmyra State Bank. Sons of the founders, John B. "Jack" and George M. Lewis, constructed the current building located on the corner of Hamilton and Main Street in 1964. Both Jack and George have served for over 50 years in the funeral industry. Today, the grandsons of the founders David and Steve Lewis continue to operate the family business. An addition and complete renovation of the current building was completed just a few years ago. Lewis Brothers also operated ambulance service in Palmyra and Philadelphia until the Marion County Ambulance District was formed in 1974. For three generations and over 95 years the Lewis & O'Donnell families have served Palmyra and the surrounding communities with caring, dignified funeral services. We welcome you to our page and encourage you to browse the many offerings and information accessible here. We are available to answer questions 24 hours a day and invite you to contact us by phone or by e-mail.
11/20/2025
Elvis Presley, Time Spent With Family and Faith!
This morning, we celebrated Carolyn Sue Bremmer at her Life Celebration. Carolyn attended Ely rural school and graduated from Palmyra High School. She spent her early years as a homemaker before working as a secretary at the First Assembly of God Church and the D&J Diner. She cherished family Sunday dinners, picnics at Potterfield Park, and spending time with friends and family, especially at their Mississippi River camp. She loved music—attending jam sessions, listening to Elvis Presley and Brenda Gantt, and playing by ear—and held a deep love for the Lord and her family. Carolyn enjoyed volunteering at Maple Lawn Nursing Home, caring for plants and flowers, and watching old horror films at the drive-in. Carolyn will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
11/17/2025
Proud Farmer, Traveling and Hunting!
On Saturday, we honored G. William “Bill” Goldinger, Jr. at his Life Celebration. Bill was a proud farmer, beginning his career in dairy and cattle before devoting himself to row crop and grain farming. He graduated of Lebanon High School, he went on to earn multiple agricultural degrees from the University of Missouri. He was active in his community as a charter member of the Palmyra Young Farmers, the Farmers Coop, South River Drainage District, and Greenwood Cemetery Board. Known for his ornery streak paired with a generous and loyal heart. Bill enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe and Alaska, where he hunted caribou and found peace in the mountains. In his quieter moments, he could be found watching FOX News, sipping Diet Mountain Dew, and listening to classic rock. Bill will be forever missed by all those who knew and loved him.
11/15/2025
Carolyn Sue Bremmer, 83, passed away at 11:30 pm Friday, November 14, 2025, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO following a brief stay.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Dewayne Larenson will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Carolyn’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
11/15/2025
🎉 Happy Birthday Brad! 🎉
Today we celebrate not only a wonderful funeral director, but someone who leads with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. Your guidance, support, and heart for the families we serve inspire us every day.
We hope your day is filled with the same kindness and warmth you show to others.
Wishing you a very happy birthday! 🎂✨
11/14/2025
A Love for Baking, Traveling and Her Family!
This week we honored Karen J. Stuhlman at her Life Celebration. Karen worked as the secretary for the Superintendent in Louisiana, MO, and later at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. She found her greatest joy in her family, creating a loving and welcoming home. Her creativity showed in her ceramics, sewing, knitting, and the special Christmas stockings she made. Known for her delicious pie crusts and hosting lively card parties, she brought people together with warmth and hospitality. A lover of travel and music, Karen embraced life fully, leaving behind a legacy of joy, love, and inspiration. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved her.
11/12/2025
G. William “Bill” Goldinger, Jr., 76, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 4:34 PM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his son’s home in Philadelphia, MO.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Rev. Steve Barker will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Bill's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
11/11/2025
Deloris C. Longerbeam, 80, of Palmyra, MO passed away at 6:25 PM, Monday, November 10, 2025, at her home in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Deloris’ Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 2:00PM to 4:00 PM, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Services will be held at a later date at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Memory Gardens.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
11/11/2025
🇺🇸 Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸
To all veterans and their families, we thank you for your sacrifice and dedication. May your bravery continue to inspire us all to live with gratitude and purpose every day.
From all of us at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel— thank you for your service.
We remember. We honor. We are grateful.
Post a picture of your favorite veteran below.
11/10/2025
Avid Hunter, Gunsmith and US Army Veteran!
Saturday morning we celebrated the life Charles W. Burkhardt at his Life Celebration. Charles was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and dedicated employee, serving as a foreman in the shipping department at Moorman/ADM. He was skilled gunsmith, teaching gun safety and sharing his knowledge with family and friends. Charles’s passions included hunting, arrowhead collecting, reading about Civil War history, and traveling to places like the Grand Canyon and Hawaii. He was also a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Alabama, enjoyed Mustangs and car shows, and could often be found at his favorite local eatery. Known for his kindness, he delivered Meals on Wheels. Charles will be remembered for his hard work, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family, leaving a lasting legacy of warmth and integrity.
11/10/2025
US Army Veteran, Woodworking and Devoted Family Man!
On Saturday, we honored Max B. Schaefer at his Life Celebration. Max was a self-employed contractor with Schaefer General Construction and worked alongside his brother. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran and active in the American Legion and VFW. He loved traveling with his family. Max enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and visiting neighbors on his John Deere mower. His favorite treats were Pepsi, chocolate, and Snickers He donated his handcrafted cedar chests and homemade wine to local auctions. Above all, Max was a devoted family man whose kindness, dedication, and positivity will continue to inspire all who knew him.
11/08/2025
Karen J. Stuhlman, 88, of Jefferson City, MO, formerly of Palmyra, MO passed away at 9:55 PM, Friday, November 7, 2025, at Stone Bridge Senior Living Oak Tree in Jefferson City, MO.
Jefferson City Services: Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, MO. Pastor Sam Powell will officiate.
Friends and Family are invited to Karen’s visitation that will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the church.
Palmyra Services: Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Sam Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Karen’s visitation that will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at the funeral home
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
11/03/2025
Max B. Schaefer, 95, of Palmyra, MO passed away at 4:05 AM, Monday, November 3, 2025, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors performed by Boots-Dickson Post #174 of the American Legion will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Max’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
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Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel - 100 Years of Service
This August marks 100 years The Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel of Palmyra has been serving our region.
Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel has a history rooted in the Palmyra community. In August of 1917, J. Best and George B. Lewis purchased the Joseph Quest Undertaking Company. At that time the business was located on the corner of Church and Main Streets, directly to the south of the Post Office. For several years the operation included a furniture business, in addition to the mortuary. This was a common practice during the time period. In 1929, the partnership moved across the street to the Savoy Building (this building was later razed in the late 1970’s to make way for the new Palmyra State Bank). The sons of the founders, John B. “Jack” Lewis and George M. Lewis, constructed the current building in 1964, which is located at the corner of Hamilton and Main Street. Before the Marion County Ambulance District was formed in 1974, the Lewis Brothers also served the community by providing ambulance service in Palmyra and Philadelphia. In the mid-1980s the third generation of Lewis Brothers funeral directors joined the firm, David M. Lewis and Steven W. Lewis. David and Steve have served Palmyra for decades as they have assisted countless families in their time of need. In September of 2015, James J. O’Donnell joined the Lewis Brothers family of funeral directors when he purchased the business.
O’Donnell says, “Having the opportunity to serve a wonderful community like Palmyra and the surrounding area with gifted directors like David and Steve Lewis in truly a privilege. Our fathers and grandfathers worked together serving families many times over the years. To continue that tradition is an honor.”
Throughout the years, Lewis Brothers has always strived to provide the community with the finest service. They have evolved from the horse and buggy days of funeral service to providing the community with the first motorized hearse in Marion County in 1918. They have served the community with an ambulance service, providing emergency services before an ambulance district existed. Today they provide Life Celebration Experiences that allow families to truly celebrate and remember their loved one. These personal services honor those we love. Through creative tributes and one of-a-kind keepsakes, the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel is providing the families they serve with unique remembrances. These moments bring family and friends closer to the journey of healing from a loss.
Steve Lewis states, “It has truly been an honor, more so a privilege, for Lewis Brothers to serve their community for 100 years. Families have placed their trust in our family for many generations and for that, we feel eternally grateful.”
Mr. Lewis continues, “As with other businesses, the funeral industry continues to change and evolve. A funeral service 5 years ago is not the same as it is today. Now we want to walk down the path of a person’s life and celebrate everything that makes Mom, Dad or that loved one special. That may mean having grandma’s oatmeal cookie recipe on a card for a keepsake, or transforming our parlors into a bowling alley because that’s where Dad always liked to hang out. We aspire to make our services to be personal and relevant; no two lives should be celebrated identically. Tradition is a very important part of what we do, and we will always honor that. We want to provide the community with a way to heal that truly honors their loved one.”
