Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 008 - John Hughes - Hughes Funeral Alternatives

Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the history and innovations of Hughes Funeral Alternatives LLC with owner John Hughes. Hughes' company, established in 2017, offers alkaline hydrolysis, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, with a 18-times lower carbon footprint and 90% less energy usage. The process, which takes 8-10 hours, results in mineral bone ash. Hughes' facility, located at Hillcrest Abbey, is the sixth crematory in the U.S. and the first west of the Mississippi. They also discuss the historical significance of Hillcrest Abbey and the personalization of funeral services.

• John Hughes explains the establishment of Hughes Funeral Alternatives in 2017, Missouri's first provider of alkaline hydrolysis.
• The company outgrew their initial location and moved to Hillcrest Abbey, renovating the Missouri Crematory.
• Dan and John discuss the historical significance of Hillcrest Abbey as the first crematory west of the Mississippi.
• John provides an explanation of alkaline hydrolysis, comparing it to natural burial processes and its environmental benefits.

• Alkaline hydrolysis uses 90% less energy and produces zero carbon emissions, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious families.

• The process is also more cost-effective than traditional burial, which can exceed $7,500.
• John shares his personal journey into the funeral industry and his discovery of alkaline hydrolysis through a funeral trade magazine.
• The decision to offer alkaline hydrolysis was driven by John's personal preference and environmental concerns.

• John discusses the restoration of Hillcrest Abbey and the Missouri Crematory, emphasizing the historical significance of the site.
• The crematory and columbarium are significant historical landmarks, reflecting St. Louis's pioneering spirit.
• Dan shares the story of Elizabeth Todd Terry, the first person cremated at Hillcrest Abbey, and her connection to St. Louis history.
• The restoration efforts aim to preserve the historical integrity of the site while modernizing the facilities.

• Dan and John explore the genealogical connections between their families and the individuals buried at Hillcrest Abbey.
• Dan mentions his relatives who are cremated and laid to rest in the columbarium at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• The discussion highlights the importance of genealogy in understanding the history and significance of the cemetery.
• Joe asks about 19th-century burial practices, and Dan explains the rise and fall of cremation during different historical periods.

• John explains the existence of a cremation log that documents every cremation at Hillcrest Abbey, including notable individuals like Frank James.
• The log contains thousands of entries, providing a comprehensive record of the cremations performed at the site.
• Dan and Joe discuss the potential for digitizing these records to make them more accessible to researchers and families.

• Dan and John discuss the versatility of the facilities, which can accommodate weddings, memorial services, and other events.
• The modern facilities aim to provide a respectful and flexible environment for families to honor their loved ones.

• John introduces the concept of a biodegradable urn garden, where cremated remains are mixed with a special soil mixture and returned to nature.

• John discusses the potential for future innovations in the funeral industry, including the legalization of composting.
• The goal is to continue educating the public about alternative burial options and the environmental benefits of aquamation.
• Dan and Joe emphasize the importance of personal choice in funeral arrangements and the need for education on sustainable practices.
• The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve funeral services while preserving historical integrity.