Indiana Funeral Care

Who doesn't know about the life of "The King of Rock 'n Roll?"  Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the first rockabilly performers, and his stage performances often caused an uproar in the 1950s and 1960s.  He is known for hits such as Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes and Jailhouse Rock, among others.  His final concert was held at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 26, 1977.  My sister was inattendance that night.   Presley died from a drug overdose on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42.

Compared to some famous funerals, Elvis Presley's was a modest affair. After he was embalmed at the Memphis (Tennessee) Funeral Home, his body was returned to his home, Graceland, for public viewing. More than 30,000 fans converged to bid farewell to this cultural icon. Then-President Jimmy Carter ordered roughly 300 U.S. National Guard troops to maintain peace at the event, and all of the flags in Memphis were flown at half-staff.

His funeral was held two days after he died in the living room at Graceland. Televangelist Rex Humbard delivered the sermon and many of Elvis' colleagues spoke (and sang) on his behalf including Jackie Kahane, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, the Statesmen and Kathy Westmoreland. Others in attendance included Caroline Kennedy (daughter of the late-President John F. Kennedy), Sammy Davis Jr. and James Brown.

Following the service at Graceland, the funeral procession, which consisted of 14 white Cadillacs, proceeded through the fan-lined streets of Memphis to Forest Hill Cemetery where he was interned. Presley's body was later moved back to Graceland and buried in its Meditation Garden after someone tried to steal his remains.

Call Indiana Funeral Care at 1-866-570-0029 to pre-plan your funeral and spare your family on what will likely be the worst day of their lives.