Mott & Henning Funeral Home, established in 1843, is one of the oldest continuing businesses in Illinois. Through the years, the establishment has been relocated and renamed, but the goal has remained the same . . . Surpassing Service.
 
This goal was first sought by James Mott. Born in Kent County, England, in 1803, he immigrated to Sacketts Harbor, New York, in 1821, and there learned the trade of cabinet making. On February 20, 1843, the Mott's established residence in Athens and opened their business. Using his cabinetmaking skills, Mr. Mott made caskets. During the 1800's the funerals were conducted in homes and churches; visitations were in the home. At this time, the funeral home operated under the name Mott Undertaking Company.
 

Four generations of Motts served the Athens area. After James Mott died September 15, 1873, J. Wellington Mott acquired the business and then, Allen and Harold continued the Mott ownership of the business. At this time, the funeral home changed names, Allen Mott & Son to Mott & Son's Funeral Home.
 
In 1941 William Emory Henning and his wife, Marjorie joined Harold Mott in the business. Emory and his wife worked along with Harold for over 23 years and on January 1, 1969, Emory Henning again modified the name to Mott & Henning Funeral Home following the purchase of the business. In September of 1973, Robert and Richard E. Henning joined their father to become the second generation of ownership. Following Robert's death in April of 1995. Richard's wife Karla became an active member of the firm. Finally in March of 2000, Richard W. Henning, Richard E. and Karla's son, became the third generation of Henning's to be associated with the funeral home.

In September of 1973, Robert E. and Richard E. Henning joined their father Emory to become the second generation of ownership.

In the early 1990s, Karla Henning, wife of Richard E., became an active member of the firm.

Alice J. Henning, daughter of Emory and Marjorie, joined the firm in 1993, the year the business celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Richard W. Henning, son of Richard E. and Karla, joined the firm in 2000 and became the third generation of Hennings to be associated with the funeral home.

In November, 2006, Greg Bowles joined the staff. Currently, Richard W., Karla, Alice and Greg work to carry on the tradition.
 
 
Bob Henning
December 29, 1949 -- April 27, 1995
Dick Henning
December 29, 1949 -- May 27, 2005