Overview

"". . . a fantastic memoir, written in a conversational style that is wholly unique. . . . Thompson's totally approachable and friendly voice and clear prose are a sure-fire win for readers to appreciate both the lighter and practical sides of funeral directing, making it an enjoyable and heartening read."" -Asher Syed, for Readers' Favorite ""Martin Thompson's storytelling is engaging and often laugh-out-loud funny. . . . a delightful memoir that blends humor, history, and humanity. [His] ability to turn life's most serious moments into opportunities for connection and laughter makes this book a truly memorable read. I highly recommend it."" -Carol Thompson, for Readers' Favorite ""Funeral Begins with Fun! builds on its catchy title and delivers an unexpectedly humorous account of a normally serious topic. . . . an entertaining and insightful look into a career that went far beyond interacting with the families of the deceased . . . a warm, uplifting, and amusing tale of a life lived to the full."" -Leonard Smuts, for Readers' Favorite Backyard burials, complete with sections for different species. Summer family vacations to funeral conventions. A father-son bonding trip to a casket company. Foreshadowing of a future? From Catholic school capers to almost foiling his college graduation, veteran funeral director Martin Thompson wasn't the most aspiring student. Yet when legacy called, off to mortuary science school he went. In this laugh-out-loud memoir, Martin takes the reader on a hilarious, touching, and illuminating romp through the hurdles and joys of growing up to run the family business. A departure from similar memoirs that focus on graveside yarns and lessons from the grieving, Funeral Begins with Fun! is a comedic but poignant excursion into one man's mission to honor the dearly departed and the families who loved them. With no shortage of witty stories, riotous golf rounds, and nearly career-ending pivots and renovation nightmares, the book also treats readers to the fascinating evolution of the funeral business itself, the author's boundless enthusiasm for reinvention, and his endearing role as a father who'll volunteer for anything to have time with his son. As Martin says: ""After decades in the business, I've learned that humor isn't just a coping mechanism-it's survival.""

Full Product Details

9798999422019

Table of Contents

Reviews

"". . . a fantastic memoir, written in a conversational style that is wholly unique. . . . Thompson's totally approachable and friendly voice and clear prose are a sure-fire win for readers to appreciate both the lighter and practical sides of funeral directing, making it an enjoyable and heartening read."" -Asher Syed, for Readers' Favorite ""Martin Thompson's storytelling is engaging and often laugh-out-loud funny. . . . a delightful memoir that blends humor, history, and humanity. [His] ability to turn life's most serious moments into opportunities for connection and laughter makes this book a truly memorable read. I highly recommend it."" -Carol Thompson, for Readers' Favorite ""Funeral Begins with Fun! builds on its catchy title and delivers an unexpectedly humorous account of a normally serious topic. . . . an entertaining and insightful look into a career that went far beyond interacting with the families of the deceased . . . a warm, uplifting, and amusing tale of a life lived to the full."" -Leonard Smuts, for Readers' Favorite

Author Information

Martin Thompson was born on April Fools' Day in Fort Worth, Texas, a fitting start for a man whose life has been full of humor, heart, and hard work.Raised in a bustling Catholic family, Martin found his way into funeral service early, helping his father at Harveson & Cole Funeral Home and leading backyard funerals for every bird, squirrel, and pet within six city blocks. It was clear from the start that caring for others-and telling a good story about it-was in his blood.Over the course of nearly fifty years, Martin built a career as a respected funeral director, mentor, and business owner, founding Martin Thompson Funeral Home in Grapevine, Lucas & Thompson Funeral Home in Keller, and Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home in Fort Worth, and later returning to steward the historic Thompson's Harveson & Cole. Through it all, he earned a reputation not only for his professionalism and compassion, but for finding humor and humanity in even the most solemn moments.Martin's life outside of funeral service is equally rich: a lifelong golfer, a proud Eagle Scout, a loyal friend, a spirited storyteller, and-above all-a devoted husband to his wife Janice, and a proud father to his son Jon.Martin's writing is a tribute to the families he served, the friends he traveled with, and the wild, wonderful journey that turned a kid from Fort Worth into a keeper of life's most precious stories.Today, Martin can usually be found swapping stories over coffee or an adult beverage, cheering for the TCU Horned Frogs and Texas Longhorns, chasing the perfect golf swing, or simply appreciating the rich, unpredictable humor of life, one chapter at a time.

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