Our Story

Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

Ever since Rowland Bailey founded our firm more than 80  years ago, we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are a dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

Why Us?

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

Learn the legacy.

Our Beginnings

Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home was founded more than 75 years ago as Bailey Funeral Home by Rowland Bailey in Matoaka, West Virginia. He became interested in funeral service because his father, O.M. Bailey and grandfather were in funeral service in the early 1900's as Bailey & Wright Undertaking Co.

In addition to conducting funerals, Bailey & Wright sold embalming chemicals and made wooden caskets. Also a carpenter and building contractor, O.M. Bailey later built many of the brick buildings that still remain in the town of Matoaka and many homes in the Princeton area before retirement.

Our Present Location

In 1950 Rowland Bailey opened a branch of Bailey Funeral Home at its present location on Honaker Avenue in Princeton. He operated both locations until the mid-1960's when he closed the Matoaka location. He also offered ambulance service until the early 1970's when the Princeton Rescue Squad took over those services. Mr. Bailey operated Bailey Funeral Home until his death in 1992, at which time his daughter, Shirley Bailey Kirk and her husband Garfield took over the family business.

Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home Today

Over 60 years later we are still conveniently located at 1612 Honaker Avenue in Princeton. Our facility has undergone extensive renovations over the years to continue to better serve the families of Princeton and Mercer County. Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home is still an independent, family-owned funeral home that is operated by Rowland Bailey's daughter, Shirley Bailey Kirk and her husband Garfield, and their son, David.

Explore Our Location

See where we are located.