About Us
The Moran & Goebel Difference
Since 1893, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Decatur 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
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
25K+
Legacies Honored
129
Years in Business
1.4M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
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.
John Renfro
President
John is the president of Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Cremation Center and Moran and Goebel Funeral Home in Decatur, Illinois. He has been an active licensed funeral director and embalmer in Illinois since 1993, and a licensed Cemetery Manager and Crematory Operator through the State of Illinois.
Born in Decatur, John grew up in Lovington, Illinois, attending Millikin University and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. John served three terms as President of the Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association, and was one of the first funeral directors to be elected as ICFHA President. At the completion of his presidency, the ICFHA presented John with the CEMI award - the highest award given by the organization. John continues to serve on the ICFHA’s Board of Directors, and is also a member and board member of the International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association, and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Cremation Association of North America.
John and his wife Desiree are blessed with four children - three sons and a daughter. They are active in the Decatur community as members of Holy Family Catholic Church, where John serves as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He is also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Decatur.
Caring for families is more than a job to John. Offering unique personalized options that allow families to honor their loved ones through ceremonies and memorialization is what drives John every day.
David Goebel
Managing Partner, Operations
David grew up on a farm in rural central Illinois the fifth of eight children. He began working at an early age on the family farm and as he got older, he would accompany his father as he went to help in his uncle’s funeral home in his hometown of Morrisonville.
After graduating high school in 1982 and attending Lincoln Land Community College for two years, he began working full-time on the family farm. At the same time, he began to work part-time at a Funeral Home/Ambulance Service in a neighboring town as an Emergency Medical Technician. During his employment at the Funeral Home/Ambulance Service he was called on to work visitations, funerals, and assist with other aspects of the funeral business. It was during this time that David’s interest in funeral service re-emerged.
After the death of his father in December of 1987, David enrolled at Worsham College of Mortuary Science and graduated in September of 1989. After his apprenticeship and nearly five years of employment at a funeral home in Springfield, David moved to Decatur to begin his career at J. J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home, now Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
David and his wife Karen (Weaver), a native of Taylorville, IL, live in Decatur and are members of Holy Family Catholic Church. They are the proud parents of four children: Joshua, Kayla, Jessica and Carson; loving grandparents of Addison, Sophia, Caleb, Emma, Jacey, Cayne, Mason, Ana, Charlie, and Knox and devoted pet parents to their pet Havanese, Tate. David is a member of many organizations in the community, has served on numerous boards holding many offices, and has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Illinois since 1989
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
Excellent service from start to finish I was very satisfied with all the staff who were very comforting and helpful in my time of grief. Thank you to all!
Author: Terry Parish rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would recommend anyone talk to Shawn Cearlock for funeral arrangements. He was my funeral director twice. He is such a wonderful man. He shows so much compassion for people. An absolute wonderful man.
Author: Wendi Tatro rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was so pleased with the service that Moran and Goebel Provided to My Hubsband . From the Arrangements to the Burial Anthony Lynch, Tracey, and Sara gave my family and I personal care and Consideration They are the Best! I Recommend Moran and Goebel to Everyone for your Love OneS Care. Joyce Hodges
Author: Joyce Hodges rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Moran & Gobal took very good care of my husband and his family in our biggest time of need. I would recommend them to anyone. There the best in business. Thank you Moran & Gobal!
Author: Heather Sayles rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Caring compassionate people.
Author: Amy Novak rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have the utmost respect for David Goebel the employees who do their jobs friendly and efficiently. I have had Moran and Goebel in in the past and all was done with caring and respect for our families. Thank you David and staff for making everything go smoothly and punctual..You all are the Best Mary Jo Hammer and Family.
Author: Mary Jo Hammer rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Join us
We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.