Our Staff

Our Caring Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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James O. Strunk

Embalmer/ Funeral Director/Owner/President

James O. "Hap" Strunk, is a 44-year veteran of funeral service, making him the most experienced funeral service professional in our community. He has directed thousands of services over the years. Hap is the son of the late Rev. Ottis H. Strunk and Imogene Trammell Strunk, the grandson of the late Frank C. Strunk, Sr., and Vessie Slaven Strunk, and the late William M. "Bill " Trammell and Luvena Chinn Trammell. He married the former Tracey Tucker in 1981. The couple made the home in Gallatin, Tn., where Hap worked at the prestigious Alexander Funeral Home. Paul D. Alexander was one of the most respected funeral directors in the state of Tennessee. In July 1987, Hap and Tracey bought the Hickman Funeral Home from the late Mildred Worley, daughter of founder Albert Hickman. Hickman was a first cousin to Frank C. Strunk, Sr. Hickman- Strunk Funeral Home has been owned and operated by members of the Hickman and Strunk family since 1924.



Hap and Tracey and proud parents of two fine sons, and 5 excellent grandchildren. They are members of the Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where Hap serves as a deacon and has been set aside to become an ordained minister later in 2023.



The Strunk's believe in giving back to the community, supporting youth sports, the Christian Care Center, and the Heritage Foundation. It is our hope we honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in all we do.

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Tracey Strunk

Funeral Director/Owner

Tracey Strunk is a Kentucky licensed funeral director and from day one has been active in the family business. When she and Hap lived in Gallatin, Tennessee she had a successful career in banking. She was an executive Vice President with Nashville City Bank, and later Dominion Bank.

Tracey oversees the daily operations of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home, as well as caring for the client families. She is a member of Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church, mother of two sons and has five grandchildren.

Tracey has a genuine servant's heart and a compassion that guide her every decision.

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Malachi Barnett

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Malachi Barnett joined our staff August of 2020. He and his wife, Shawna have two sons Easton and Jaxson. Malachi is the pastor of the East Pine Knot Tabernacle Church of God.



Malachi attended and graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service while working full time, having a family, and pastoring a church. His dedication is unmatched. He has since passed his National Board Exam and Kentucky State Board exam and is a fully licensed funeral director and embalmer.

Malachi has a servant's heart and loves helping client families that call on us during their time of need.

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Cecil Walker

Attendant

Cecil Walker has served on the staff of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home since 1988. A U.S. Navy Veteran and retiree from the United States Postal Service, Cecil has helped serve the families of our community, making a positive difference in the quality of services we offer.

Cecil and his wife, Elaine (Owens) have been married for over 60 years. They have two children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Both Cecil and Elaine are very active in Walkers Chapel Baptist Church, where Cecil currently serves as deacon.

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Schyler Jones Jr.

Attendant

Schyler is a retired educator and administrator with the McCreary County School District. He has been a part of our staff since January 2019. He and his wife, Pat, live in Pine Knot and enjoy their family time. Schyler is a licensed transfer specialist.

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Aaron Sewell

Cemetery & Monument Tech.

Aaron Sewell joined our staff in July 2017. He and his wife, Taylor, have three sons.. He is a member of the Lower Hickory Grove Baptist Church..



Aaron takes great pride in providing a proper burial place for the loved ones of the families we serve. You can rest assured that the grave space will be properly prepared and your loved one will b buried with dignity when Aaron is in charge.

His attention to detail makes him the perfect monument tech to design and create a perfect tribute to your loved one.