ABOUT NIXON FUNERAL HOME

1889
C. Neuendorf and his son, C.E., begin a new furniture and undertaking business in the site of the former old Methodist Church on Biddle Ave. and Oak St.

1900
Ralph Nixon, then six years old and a neighbor to the Neuendorf business, begins to help with everyday dutie. These chores involve the team of black horses used to pull the hearse in elegant funeral processions of this period.

1909
Mr. Nixon begins working with Mr. Neuendorf as an apprentice with the goal of earning his embalmer's license.

1922
Mr. Nixon becomes a licensed embalmer and partner in the furniture and funeral business owned by Mr. Neuendorf.

1923
On Oct. 8, Nixon buys out Mr. Neuendorf and establishes his own business, "Nixon, Undertaker and Furniture."

1927
Mr. Nixon sells the funiture store at Biddle and Elm. He concentrates on the funeral and ambulance business only, and purchases a home at the corner of Biddle and Vinewood for a new funeral home. This gray, two-story structure was built as a private residence about ten years before. It was one of only a few buildings in our area that were used for funerals. In this era, most services were conducted from the family home or church. Mr. Nixon's younger brother, Charles, opens his own funeral business in Lincoln Park a few years later.

1949
On April 17, Mr. Nixon opens his new French Provincial Funeral Home to the public. The original funeral home is moved sixty feet to the north to make room for the new structure. The old funeral home becomes Mr. Nixon's residence.

1950
Donald R. Burd finishes his WWII duty in the U.S. Navy. He returns home to Detroit to marry Marian Duggan. After the birth of their first daughter the Burds move to Wyandotte and Don becomes an employee of the H.F. Thon Funeral Home at Biddle and Chestnut St., two blocks to the south of Nixon's.

1962
On June 5, Ralph Nixon dies unexpectedly at Riverside Hospital in Trenton at the age of 67. As a life long resident of Wyandotte, Mr. Nixon leaves a lasting impression on this community as a trendsetter and respected businessman.

1963
On Jan. 29, the partners in the H.F. Thon Funeral Home acquire the Nixon Funeral Home from Mr. Nixon's estate. These funeral directors are Trevor Herrick, William Keller, Donald R. Burd. Mr. Burd, the youngest partner, is selected to be the manager of the Nixon operation. Ambulance service was discontinued by most local funeral homes by the late 1950's.

1976
Don Burd's daughters, Linda Burd-Berman, Christine Burd, and Veronica Burd have all particpated in the daily operations of the funeral homes. At present, Linda, as a licensed director, manages the business, while Christine handles the office management.

1985
Between 1985 and 1991, the R.J. Nixon Funeral Home was completely remodeled under Mr. Burd's and his daughters' direction. This total revamping of the facility took place in three phases, approximately two years apart. The offices and hallway were completed first including a new lobby fireplace and mantle. Next, the formal chapel was finished including a new family seating area along the south wall. Finally, the viewing rooms were completed with new furniture and a new wall dividing the two viewing rooms. Although Ralph Nixon's original floor plan remained, the funeral home was completely refurbished and decorated with an entirely new look.

1994
On June 29, Donald H. Knapp, a beloved and long-time retired employee of both Ralph Nixon and the Burd Family dies at age 75. Mr. Knapp was cherished by the staff and clients and is still missed today. Rest in peace, Knappy.

1996
Mr. Burd acquires the Wabeek Tea Room and former Nixon residence. These properties, located to the north of the funeral home, were purchased from Mrs. Agnes Dunn and her daughter, Vivian Doherty, who wished to retire from their restaurant business. The buildings are razed to make room for a 7500 square foot addition to the existing funeral home. The expansion provides for two new viewing chapels, six offices, and lounge. Parking space was almost doubled.

1997
On Nov. 23, the Burd Family and the staff of the R.J. Nixon Funeral Home hosted a celebration of the opening of the new facility. It is Mr. Burd's intention to provide the finest funeral facilities and service that, in the spirit of Ralph Nixon, will remain a fitting tribute to our community for many years.

2000
The merchandise area is remodeled to reflect a more modern approach to introducing funeral merchandise to families. The Keepsake Shop is also introduced, the first of its kind in our area.

2006
Donald Burd passes away February 8, 2006. The R.J. Nixon Funeral Home and H.F. Thon Funeral Home are now managed by Linda Burd Berman and Christine Burd.

2007
Marian Burd passes away on April 3, 2007.