Harmer Funeral Home has been serving the Shinnston area community for many years. We’re thankful to be an important part of this community and will continue our longstanding legacy of helping families honor their loved ones.
"The Family Other Families Rely On"
In May of 1852, Benjamin Tyson Harmer moved to Shinnston, Virginia as a wagon-maker from Front Royal, Virginia. Being a tradesman skilled in using tools and wood, he was called on to make coffins.
During the periods of sickness and disease, Mr. Harmer was called on to make the coffin, deliver it, prepare the body, and place it in the coffin. At times, because of epidemic proportions of illness, he would even dig the grave and possibly preach the funeral. So began the process of providing a funeral service, all before the days of embalming. Soon after having six sons and two daughters the sign at the old shop read “Harmer Bros. Wagon Shop Undertaking a Specialty!” His son, William J.S. Harmer, maintained the Wagon Shop, was the first to go to an embalming school and become licensed as a funeral director and embalmer. Then his son, Edgar J. Harmer, went on to follow in his dad’s trade. Since that time, the Harmer family has served the citizens of the Shinnston area for five generations, providing professional service with a personal, family-centered touch. “The Family Other Families Rely On” is more than a slogan; it is the sacred responsibility of every member of our staff; before, during, and after the funeral.
