In the spring of 1825 in Lexington -- then the largest town west of the Allegheny Mountains -- 21-year-old Joseph Milward was completing plans to open a cabinet and furniture business. Known as "The Athens of the West" at the time, Lexington had a population of 5,517. The city was a mixture of cosmopolitan progress and frontier spirit, a natural result of being located on the edge of the continuing westward push.
The result was a growing need for a wide variety of products that craftsmen could offer. Not long after Joseph Milward opened his cabinet and furniture business, he focused on the production of caskets for the bereaved families of the community. From those early beginnings, Milward Funeral Directors has become Lexington's oldest and the 37th oldest continuously operating business in the United States.
The result was a growing need for a wide variety of products that craftsmen could offer. Not long after Joseph Milward opened his cabinet and furniture business, he focused on the production of caskets for the bereaved families of the community. From those early beginnings, Milward Funeral Directors has become Lexington's oldest and the 37th oldest continuously operating business in the United States.
Services
When a death occurs, a number of items require simultaneous attention. Regardless of the day or hour, Milward Funeral Directors is prepared to respond to your needs and assist with all of the details, such as taking custody of and caring for the body, securing all necessary permits and death certificates and arranging and setting your funeral plans in motion.
Due to national scandals, we understand that those who choose cremation might have doubts about the process and procedures of crematories. Our 10-step cremation process guarantees that your loved one is well cared for at all times and that the cremated remains returned to you are those of your loved one.
Have you searched for just the right place to celebrate with family, friends and associates?. The Celebration Center of Lexington is a stunningly beautiful, strikingly appointed and comfortable place like none other in Kentucky. Before you select a facility for your next special occasion you owe it to yourself to visit the Celebration Center of Lexington.
A Funeral Celebrant is a certified professional who consults with a family to plan and conduct a meaningful ceremony that pays tribute and honors the unique life of a loved one. For families who do not consider themselves religious, a celebrant is a good choice for conducting a non-religious, semi-religious or spiritual funeral service.
Milward Funeral Directors understands the importance of gatherings that follow traditional funerals and Life Celebrations. We offer the convenience of catered luncheons, meals and receptions for our families. We feel it is important to give friends and family an opportunity to fellowship, and to begin the healing process together.:
Reviews (9)
Alan M.
Aug 17, 2019
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Great people. We were very pleased with the funeral director Ray Hardy 859-252-5433. He was helping us and advising us like a very informed friend would. We were pre- planning both of our funerals. I am writing this unknown to Milward. I am a veteran and Mr. Hardy knew all about what to expect with Camp Nelson funerals. No up-selling just the facts. So pricing was fair and you choose the package that suits your needs. Casket cost seems to have the greatest room for savings if you don't forget that you are going to bury it not drive it around town.
Mr. Hardy said he would meet us at any of
Mr. Hardy said he would meet us at any of
Sandra K.
Apr 05, 2019
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Chris B.
Feb 03, 2019
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I recently lost my son at the age of 36 and was completely devastated. I met with Dan Hanshel, one of the directors to make arrangements and I could not of gotten through this without him. Milward was as kind, helpful and sincere in every aspect of this trying time. I never had to ask for a single thing. Their expertise with these situations was impeccable. I would highly recommend from the very first time you sit down to the finalization in their performance. Thank you and I greatly appreciate Milward.
Patty Rowe
Sep 15, 2018
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MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND STAFF, WE'RE TRULY SO KIND, AND HELPFUL TO MY FAMILY,AND MYSELF. THEY WENT BEYOND THIER DUTIES TO HELP ME FIGURE OUT THE SITUATION THAT HAD ACCURED WITH MY MOM'S INSURANCE COMPANY,I TRULY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE AT MILWARDS, THE FUNERAL HOME WAS BEAUTIFUL, THE STAFF WAS SO AMANZING ALWAYS EAGER TO HELP IN OUR TIME OF NEED, MILWARDS IS THAT SPECIAL TO MY FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MS ELIANE, AND MS ANGIE BOTH OF YOU ARE TRULY ANGELS THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, ID NEVER BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT THRU THIS DIFFICULT TIME WITHOUT BOTH OF YOU
Mark Wade
Oct 13, 2017
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Milward Funeral Directors provided excellent service when my dad passed away a few weeks ago. They were caring, compassionate and professional. We appreciate the time they took to help us plan Dad's visitation and graveside service. My mom was especially appreciative that they answered all of her questions and offered suggestions that would help all of us cope with our loss. Thank You Milward for providing such a good service to our community. It doesn't go unnoticed.
Lauryn S.
Jun 13, 2017
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It has always been my opinion that those who take care of families in their time of need are crucial in day to day life and when that life has come to an end there is no one I would trust with the final preparations more than Milward Funeral Directors on Broadway. From my grandparents to my uncle, visitations to graveside services, I have found the staff to be beyond helpful. With their caring and understanding of your situation they have shown themselves to be one of the best in the business.
Todd B.
May 01, 2015
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Having the unfortunate need of funeral services for my grandfather, I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Milward. Mr. Milward came to the service to pay his respects and speak to my grandmother.
First, Milward was the choice of my Gramps before he passed, and as was the case for his life, he was right. They handled every detail with grace and precision. Our every need was met without exception. They were available and accessible without being overbearing during this difficult time. Having two children under 10, they had a nice lounge away from the main room, where
First, Milward was the choice of my Gramps before he passed, and as was the case for his life, he was right. They handled every detail with grace and precision. Our every need was met without exception. They were available and accessible without being overbearing during this difficult time. Having two children under 10, they had a nice lounge away from the main room, where
Debbie B.
Jul 13, 2014
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I have recently and unexpectedly needed the assistance of a Funeral Home... and with not much notice. I called two companies to check them out, make an appt and go make some advance planning for an imminent need. Well the moment I called and talked with Jeanne Sled I knew where I was going. She was kind, caring and so willing to meet me on MY TERMS and times. The other funeral home I will review shortly - but let's just say "Bros" is part of it's name. Jeanne was wonderful and so very kind. She was 100% willing to come in and meet me on Sat at any time, and even went
Mark S.
Feb 10, 2013
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Milward is a respected firm in Lexington, but, man, the Broadway Chapel needs updating. It really looks like a MORTUARY and it smells like one, too. Not that I want to go to a funeral home with a dining area like Kerr's on Harrodsburg Road, but this place needs to be brightened up. Funerals are bad enough to begin with!
Anyway, I went to drop off flowers for a visitation (I usually bring my own), and at first I could not get in. It was 5:00 PM in the evening and teh front door was locked tight. Then I began to think, what if someone had not called Milward in advance and had gone into to make
Anyway, I went to drop off flowers for a visitation (I usually bring my own), and at first I could not get in. It was 5:00 PM in the evening and teh front door was locked tight. Then I began to think, what if someone had not called Milward in advance and had gone into to make
