About Us

The Sandbox Difference

Our Purpose

Since , we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the St. Petersburg community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.

Words we live by

respect

empathy

honor

patience

comfort

integrity

collaborative

serenity

attention to every detail

support

courage

healing experiences

professionalism

experience

compassion

accountability

knowledge

calm

respect

empathy

honor

patience

comfort

integrity

collaborative

serenity

attention to every detail

support

courage

healing experiences

professionalism

experience

compassion

accountability

knowledge

calm

knowledge

accountability

compassion

experience

professionalism

healing experiences

courage

support

attention to every detail

serenity

collaborative

integrity

comfort

patience

honor

empathy

respect

calm

knowledge

accountability

compassion

experience

professionalism

healing experiences

courage

support

attention to every detail

serenity

collaborative

integrity

comfort

patience

honor

empathy

respect

Our Family is here for yours

Our pledge

What we stand for

We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.

Care

We treat you and your loved one as if you were part of our own family, providing the support and serenity you need.

Comfort

We go the extra mile to ensure that families are given the compassion they so desperately need during this time.

Plan

We are your trusted guide in times of immediate need, as well as when you're ready to make plans for the future.

History & Staff

Our Story

Learn the legacy

We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.

1868

James "Jimmy" Moran was born in 1868 in Trevorton, PA. His family came to Decatur in 1880, when his father went to work for the Decatur Coal Company. After his father left the coal company and opened a grocery store, Jimmy worked with him at the store.

1891

Jimmy joined the funeral establishment of Wikoff & Reeve. Early in his career, he drove a hearse working his way up to the position of an apprentice embalmer.

1893

Mr. Moran purchased the interest of Mr. Reeve and the firm became known as Wikoff & Moran.

1904

Upon the retirement of Mr. Wikoff, Mr. Moran purchased the entire business and in 1904 the business became known as J.J. Moran.

1921

Jimmy took into his business his sons Louis A. and Ambrose C. Moran. At that time, the business became known as J. J. Moran & Sons. As a surprise to his sons, Jimmy had the fact announced through the newspapers before he ever told them that they were partners.

1924

Mr. Moran realized his dream and built the finest and most sophisticated funeral home in "Downstate Illinois" at the corner of Water and Eldorado.

1926

On March 19, 1926, James "Jimmy" Moran passed away, but the business continued to serve the needs of the public under the watchful eyes of Louis and Ambrose.

1929

James J. Moran Jr. joined the firm.

1982

After the deaths of Louis A. Moran on July 20, 1948 and Ambrose C. Moran on June 15, 1982, James Jr. became the sole owner of J. J. Moran & Sons.

1986

To better serve our community, ground was broken on our existing facility in April of 1986, a "State of the Art" 13,000 square foot facility (all on one level) situated on 2.6 acres providing five visitation areas, a chapel to accommodate over 200 people, casket display room, 6 offices, 2 lounges and ample off street lighted parking.

1996

David H. Goebel joined the firm as a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

2001 - 2003

David and his wife Karen became partners and manager in 2001 after buying out the original manager/co-owner. In August of 2003, David and Karen became sole owners of the business and to reflect the changing times changed the name to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

2011

2011 brought a new direction for Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services when David & Karen Goebel decided that it was time for a change to better the whole community. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services merged with Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Cremation Center in Decatur on January 11, 2011.

Present Day

Our facilities now include: two funeral homes, two cemeteries, cremation center, mausoleums, columbarium, a monument company, new human and pet crematories and a pet cemetery. We are committed to serving the families who choose to rely on us.

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Our team

Meet our amazing staff

We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.

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VP of Everything

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Funeral Director

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Funeral Director

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A young man helps an elderly woman navigate with a walker in a green park on a sunny day.

Two women share a loving moment outdoors, smiling and enjoying each other's company in the sun.

Happy family members share a playful moment outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight.

Two individuals share a heartfelt embrace, conveying deep emotions and support in a warm setting.

Full-Service Arrangements

We proudly provide both funeral and cemetery arrangements to make the process seamless and customized to your needs.

Online Funerals

We've adapted our services to make it easier for friends and family to participate from home. Please call us at talk through your options.

24/7/365 Care

For generations we have stood by our commitment to caring for our community. We're here for you anytime you need us.

Virtual Appointments

All arrangements can now be made remotely. We'll work together however you feel comfortable, whether it's by phone, video conference or email.

Testimonials

What Families Are Saying

Real Stories from Real People

Yana and the rest of the team were very professional and accommodating. They provided excellent service. Yana was always on top of everything and maintained excellent communication with us throughout the entire process.
Author: Niassan Beyzaie rated with 5 stars

John Hui-He is a very responsible gentleman who helped me as quickly as possible even though I didn't have an appointment. I'm so grateful to have such a responsible colleague. Thank you! 🙏
Author: Li安妮 rated with 5 stars

Isaac Davila was really nice and offered to help trim my mother’s grave area when we were there to visit her. He was also there for us during my mother’s actual burial. It feels good to know that people like him are part of the Skylawn team.
Author: Sandra Morales rated with 5 stars

Have to share! We were visiting my mother in law the other day and we were just about to cut the grass over her grave when Isaac Davila came over and offered to cut the grass for us. He handled it really fast and made it look good. My wife felt at ease.
Author: Miguel Zacarias rated with 5 stars

We were very grateful for Miss Olivia Deng’s service. She was incredibly detail-oriented and made sure every one of our needs was taken care of. Losing my father was extremely difficult, but Olivia’s support helped ease unnecessary stress and made the entire process much smoother.
Author: Jenny Yen rated with 5 stars

Oilvia非常耐心和友善，为我的家庭提供了很大的帮助
Author: Le Li rated with 5 stars

John Huí was very profesional, caring, and patient. His kind attitude helped a lot. I’m so grateful.
Author: Jackie Castro rated with 5 stars

Olivia很亲切、很热情、也非常专业，给我们很大的帮助。我们刚开始真的很茫然，她认真仔细的一点点跟我们解释清楚每一步，并建议我们该怎么安排、怎么做最好。真的很感激Olivia！ Olivia was very kind, enthusiastic, and professional. She was incredibly helpful. We were completely confused at first, but she carefully explained every step and offered advice on how to do the plan and make it proceed. We're truly grateful to Olivia!
Author: Si Shi rated with 5 stars

A beautiful place to rest your love ones. Focus on the positive side of life beginning with the warm sun on your skin. Feel the cool breeze in your hair. Understanding and accepting your own death will help you get through these hard times in life... May the great spirit be with you all.
Author: Dr_ Manhattan rated with 5 stars

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Deng for the highly professional guidance and compassionate care she provided in arranging my mother’s funeral. Yue ya Chen & Family
Author: Tom Chen rated with 5 stars

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Careers

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We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. NSMG Sandbox is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.

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Why Plan Ahead?

Plan for the future, today.

By planning your funeral, you can make sure your life is celebrated the way you want, and give your loved ones the peace-of-mind they need when the time comes.

Start planning online

Request your free guide

About Us

Since , we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the St. Petersburg community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.

Our pledge

Our Story

1868

1891

1893

1904

1921

1924

1926

1929

1982

1986

1996

2001 - 2003

2011

Present Day

Our team

We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.

What Families Are Saying

News & Events

Maui News

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Memorial Day

News with Video

Big Summit Event

2024 Holiday Schedule and Gardens Accessibility

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Join us

Why Plan Ahead?

Helpful Resources

About Us

Since , we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the St. Petersburg community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.

Our pledge

Our Story

1868

1891

1893

1904

1921

1924

1926

1929

1982

1986

1996

2001 - 2003

2011

Present Day

Our team

We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.

What Families Are Saying

News & Events

Maui News

This is the Title

Memorial Day

News with Video

Big Summit Event

2024 Holiday Schedule and Gardens Accessibility

Test News123

MP TN Big News Event

Join us

Why Plan Ahead?

Helpful Resources

Planning Ahead

Steps to Making Arrangements

Cemetery Rules & Regulations