Count on Sunset Funeral Home to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. We are here to carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.
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Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center is locally owned and operated by the Darby family. Dedicated to serving families in East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana, they bring generations of experience in funeral care, which began with their work as cemeterians.
Founded by A.H. Bruning of Joliet, Illinois, Sunset Memorial Park was the first cemetery in the area to exclusively feature flat bronze grave markers. In the late 1940s, the Van Camp family took over ownership, with Mr. Van Camp, a former grounds superintendent, committed to upholding its heritage.
Charles and Florence Darby moved their family from Michigan to Danville, Illinois, after acquiring Sunset Memorial Park. Passionate about serving others, they worked tirelessly to beautify the cemetery’s grounds and refine its operations, ensuring every family was treated with respect and compassion.
Upon Charles and Florence's retirement, their son, James, aka “Big Jim,” assumed ownership of the cemetery. A natural entrepreneur, Big Jim developed products and designed equipment to support the cemetery. Over the years, he instilled a strong work ethic in his children, who were often seen mowing, planting flowers, and helping in the office.
Recognizing the exceptional care provided at Sunset Memorial Park, community members encouraged the Darbys to open a funeral home. Honored by the request, they purchased the Menges Farm and built a state-of-the-art facility, making it one of Illinois’ first combined funeral home and cemetery locations.
Kent and Ella Jane Leasure presented the Darby family with an opportunity to continue the legacy of Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home upon their retirement. This historic property, a town pillar, has been extensively renovated over the years to maintain its timeless charm.
Sunset was approached by a large company to acquire three jointly owned Illinois funeral homes in Westville, Oakwood, and Danville (now Hall of Fame Plaques & Signs).
Shortly after, the Wolfe family reached out to the Darbys to purchase their firm in Westville. Rather than maintaining two aging facilities, a new funeral home with updated amenities was built.
In 2006, Sunset also opened its Covington, Indiana, location, transforming a former hardware store into a warm and inviting funeral home.
With the fourth generation of the Darby family now actively involved in the businesses, Sunset expanded its reach by opening the Champaign Chapel in 2012. Modern and spacious, it is uniquely designed to provide families with a peaceful setting for funerals and memorialization services.
Cherished Companions by Sunset was introduced with the belief that pets deserve the same dignity and level of care as loved ones. Located within Sunset Memorial Park, it offers specialized services, including pet cremations, burials, and memorialization selections.
Recognizing the need for a funeral home in northern Champaign County that offered a welcoming space for remembrance, Sunset set out to build something special. With a vision of warmth and hospitality, the Mahomet Chapel opened in 2021, ensuring that those who walk through its doors feel comforted and supported.
In July 2022, DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana, became part of the Sunset brand. A second-generation, family-owned business since 1974, the firm shared the Darby's commitment to unparalleled service, making it a natural addition.
In April 2025, Sunset proudly welcomed Lux Memorial Chapel of Rantoul, Illinois, into its close-knit family of funeral homes. This significant step united the core values and enduring strengths of both firms, reinforcing guiding principles rooted in excellence and tradition.
Throughout the years, many Darby family members have contributed to the growth of Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Today, the legacy continues under the ownership of third-generation Linda Darby-Dowers, Board of Directors member, alongside fourth-generation leaders Ethan Darby, Chief Marketing Officer, and Ross Darby, Chief Operating Officer.
To learn more about Sunset’s history click here
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