Our Active Staff Members

John David Friend

Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer/Monument Representative

John David Friend has lived continuously in Lincoln County since he married Mary Benton Friend on Saturday, November 11, 2008.  As a young child, he grew up in the Pond Community of Kings Mountain, Kentucky, where his father was minister of Pond Baptist Church. 

John David’s funeral service career began in 2004, where he worked at Ramsey Funeral Home in Lancaster.  In December 2009, he obtained his Funeral Director’s license.  He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business & Marketing Education, and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration.   In March 2019, John David graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service.  He then went on to become a licensed embalmer in the state of Kentucky. 

John David’s family, in addition to his wife, includes his three beautiful daughters, Jesse Elizabeth, Ella Reese, and Logan Suzann; parents, Johnny Dale & Joyce Rogers Friend of Lancaster; and sister, Perri Ann Friend of Lancaster. 

John David is a member of the Stanford Lions Club, board member for the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Lincoln County Historical Society.  John David is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Kentucky.  In his spare time, he enjoys running, watching UK sports, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Telephone: 1-859-583-7682

Email: 

Mary Benton Friend

Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Mary Benton Friend moved back to Stanford in 2002 with her parents, the late Bobbie Sue Demrow & Jesse Clark Benton.  As a child, she traveled lived many places around the world, depending on where her father was stationed in the military. 

In 2006, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Kentucky University. 

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, she married John David Friend.  She has three beautiful daughters, Jesse Elizabeth Ella Reese, and Logan Suzann.  Her other family members include one brother, Richard Benton (Stephanie); late paternal grandparents, Earl & Rebexie Caudill Benton. 

Mary previously taught 3-4 year old class at Little Hands.  Mary is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Kentucky and previous member of the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  Mary enjoys traveling with her girls as they play volleyball and cheerlead.   

Telephone: 1-606-669-2099

Email: 

Lee Smith

Licensed Funeral Director/Level II Embalmer

Lee Smith is the son of Carolyn Fight Smith of the Highland community of Lincoln County, Kentucky, and the late Mauricen “Sonny” Smith. He currently lives in Perryville, Kentucky, with plans to move to Stanford soon. Lincoln County has always been his secondary home, having spent many weekends at his grandparents’ house (the late Paul & Hazel Fight) in Kings Mountain, Kentucky, as a child.

Lee is married to Jessica Florian Smith with whom he has three wonderful children, Vincent, David and Penelope Smith.

In 2007, Lee graduated from Boyle County High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 2011. He worked for the Interior Journal in Stanford from 2015 to 2020, where he got to know many more Lincoln County residents and business owners. Lee has been in the funeral business since 2021; and he became a licensed funeral director in 2024.

Lee’s church home is Ashland Danville where he serves as a volunteer on the Audio Visual Team.  Lee’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and children. He also enjoys playing disc golf in his spare time.

Telephone: 1-859-319-3241

Email: 

John Kolasa

Ambassador

John Kolasa retired from the Lincoln County School System with 30+ years of teaching experience and served as High School Head Girls Basketball Coach for 17 years.  His family includes his loving wife, Bonnie Gehlhausen; and one son, Justin Kolasa (Katrina).  John is an active member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church, serving as Music Director, Deacon, and Adult Sunday School Teacher at the church.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading and listening to Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR).  

Diane Hatter Sims

Ambassador

Diane Hatter Sims is a life-long resident of the Walltown community in Casey County, Kentucky.  She is married to Stevie Sims; and have one son, Chris Sims (Penny); and several grandchildren.  Diane enjoys gardening and is a member of Grove Ridge Baptist Church. 

Cheryl Yocum Hooper

Ambassador

Cheryl Yocum Hooper grew up in the Kings Mountain community of Lincoln County, Kentucky.  She currently lives in Lancaster, Kentucky.  On July 1, 2021, Cheryl retired from teaching Family & Consumer Science at Garrard County High School, after 32 years of teaching.  She also previously taught at KSD and Rockcastle County High School.  Cheryl’s family includes her son, Nathan Hooper (Kensley) of Lancaster, Kentucky; and the joy of her life (her granddaughter), Mabel.  Cheryl is the daughter of Alvin & the late Brenda Yocum of Kings Mountain.  Her extended family members are siblings, Tonia Hubble, Johnny Yocum, and Paula Brown.  In her spare time, Cheryl enjoys traveling (especially to the beach), and spending time with her family and friends.  Cheryl is a member of Lancaster Baptist Church.

Joe Leach

Ambassador

Joe Leach has lived all but five years of his life in the Waynesburg community.  He has worked for Barnett & Demrow Funeral Home the past 10+ years.  In addition to working at the funeral home, Joe drives a log truck.  He also serves as a Gideon for Gideons International.  His family includes his wife, Lynda Caudill Leach; three daughters, Debbie, Donna, and Tammy; and six grandchildren, Brittany, Shelby, Hailey, Taylor, Gaylen, and Blake.  In his spare time he likes to ride horse and wagon.  Joe is an active member of Double Springs Baptist Church.   

Bob (Uncle Bob) Swett

Ambassador

Bob “Uncle Bob” Swett, grew up in Maine, but has lived in Kentucky the last 15+ years.  Bob previously owned and operated Uncle Bob’s Pizza in Stanford.  His immediate family includes his first wife, the late Jan Swett; second wife, Eileen Swett; one daughter, Missy Swett; one granddaughter, Gracie Swett.  Bob is an active member of the Stanford Lions Club, enjoys going to estate sales, and enjoys playing golf.

Jesse Elizabeth Friend

Part-Time Ambassador

Jesse Elizabeth Friend is the oldest daughter of John David & Mary (Benton) Friend.  Jesse attends Garrard County High School and loves playing volleyball for her school and on Bluegrass Blitz Volleyball Club.  Jesse is a talented artist.  Jesse is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Kentucky.

Danny Bertram

Ambassador

Danny Bertram is a native of Monticello, Kentucky, and moved to Stanford, Kentucky, after college.

Danny was an officer in The Kentucky National Guard, 623rd Field Artillery until his service ended in 1975.

Danny retired from Panasonic Corporation, as General Manager, after 35 years.  He traveled extensively, to various countries and most of the states, as part of his responsibility with Panasonic.

He is currently Associate Pastor at Stanford Methodist Church, where he has served for 13 years in this position.  He is also Board Chair at Stanford Methodist, past chair of The University of Kentucky Wesley Foundation, and on the Executive Board of The Lexington District Committee on Ministry for the United Methodist Church, Board member of Fort Logan Ministry, and past president of The Lincoln County Ministerial Association.

Danny is active in his community service, serving on The Stanford Water Commission for 20 years, and on the Stanford Lincoln County Industrial Board.

Danny married his wife, Brenda Morgan, in May of 1972.  They have four daughters, Tonia Middleton (Rob), Cristal Collins (Jon), Amy Withrow (Chad), and Danielle Williams (Travis).  They have eight grandchildren, Mikah Holms (Tae), Brennan Middleton, Emery Bertram, Elin Withrow, Morgan Collins, Jonah Collins, Jackson Withrow, and Kainen Withrow.

In his spare time, Danny enjoys boating with his family, watching all types of auto racing from Formula One, Indy Car and NASCAR.  He also enjoys driving his Corvette (Dire Wolf) with Brenda.

Nancy B. Smith

Ambassador

Nancy B. Smith joined our funeral homes on Monday, October 13, 2025.  Nancy has resided in Lincoln County, Kentucky, her whole life.  Nancy retired from R&R Donnelley, Ephraim McDowell Pharmacy, previously worked for Dr. Bates, and currently is employed at Henson Park Health & Rehabilitation as a Registered Nurse.  

Nancy’s family includes her parents:  the late Tommy Smith & the late Sallie (Newcomb) Smith; one son, J Smith; one daughter, Cindy Bryant; five grandchildren, Jaxon Smith, Jalen Smith, Jaryn Smith, DJ Bryant, and Christopher Bryant;  brothers, Tommy Smith, Jeff Smith, Kenny Smith, Jack Smith, Donelle Smith, the late Jessie Smith, and the late Stanley Smith; and sisters, Glenda Smith, Lee Ann Hinkle, and the late Jeanette Faye Smith.  Nancy attends First Missionary Baptist Church.

Dan Barnett

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Dan Barnett was born and raised in Waynesburg, but has lived in Stanford the past 20+ years. Dan has been in the funeral business since 1975, where he was a former owner.  His family includes his wife, Jane Noe Barnett, two children; Gentry & the late Cassie Barnett; and two grandchildren. Dan is currently a Broker and Auctioneer for Lincoln Realty & Irvin Group Auction. He is a member of Stanford Presbyterian Church. 

Donna Atwood

Ambassador/The Cake Lady

Donna Atwood has resided in Lincoln County her entire life.  She joined the funeral service business in August 2012.  Her family includes one daughter, Lindsay VonGruenigen Hammond; and parents, Donald and the late Shirley (Conatser) Atwood.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, volunteering with her church, cooking, and collecting primitive/country collections.  Donna attends Hebron Lakeside Church.