During a time of loss, you need the help of compassionate experts who can offer guidance and support throughout the planning process. At Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, we believe that every life deserves to be celebrated. Our mission is to assist families in creating personalized funeral experiences that honor the life of their loved ones.  

Alvia Stephen Vankirk was born on January 18, 1922, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to Dr. Thomas D. Vankirk, a veterinarian, and Hazel McCarty Vankirk. He attended the University of Kentucky and was a graduate of the Kentucky School of Embalming.

Even after he devoted countless hours to the funeral home, ambulance runs and serving as Whitley County Deputy Coroner for many years, Alvia never turned his back on his civic activities. An active member of the Corbin Kiwanis Club, he was a past president of the Corbin Club and Lieutenant Governor of District 5. He had 40-plus years of perfect attendance at Kiwanis. A Mason, Shriner, and a member of Oleika Temple, he was responsible for many children being admitted to the Shriners Hospital for treatment. He had also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust Co.

Alvia was a veteran of WWII and served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre. He was the recipient of five battle stars.

A life-long Presbyterian, Alvia served as an Elder of the Corbin Presbyterian Church, which just happened to sit right next door to the funeral home. He became an active member of the Venice Presbyterian Church in Florida after his retirement.

Helen Cottongim Vankirk was born February 5, 1929, in Barbourville, Kentucky, to John Cottongim and Cleo Muncy Cottongim. A graduate of Corbin High School, she continued her education at Ward-Belmont Junior College in Nashville and graduated from Northwestern University in 1951, earning her Masters Degree in music for both the organ and the piano. Her love for music led her to further her studies at the Brevard School of Music in Brevard, North Carolina. Over the years, Helen taught piano and was an elementary school teacher in addition to being a funeral director.

When the Vankirks retired, they spent part of their time in the Corbin area, but they also enjoyed their time spent at their home in Venice, Florida.

In 2001, Eric and Dawn Grisell bought the funeral home, and the name was changed to the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. Eric, Dawn, and their three children are from West Virginia. Eric is the sixth generation in his family to become a funeral director.

Alvia and Helen Vankirk met the Grisell family during the time they were purchasing the funeral home and were very pleased to see that the legacy they had built was to be left in such caring and capable hands.

Alvia and Helen were able to celebrate their 50-year journey through life together on their golden wedding anniversary in December 2001. Sadly, Alvia passed away a few days later on January 2, 2002, with Helen following closely behind him on March 1, 2002. They are missed and will not soon be forgotten.

Today, the funeral home continues to be owned and operated by Eric and Dawn Grisell along with their son Evan, who is the seventh generation in the family to become a funeral director.