Our Experienced Staff

Each of the staff members at The Funeral Chapel is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know our funeral home staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
 

Eric Powell, Funeral Director/Owner Email: eric@thefuneralchapel.net Eric Powell has been caring for the funeral needs of Bloomington and Monroe County since 1994. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Franklin College before completing his studies at Mid-America College of Funeral Service and obtaining his funeral director’s license in 1992. He’s spent almost his entire professional career working in the building that is now home to The Funeral Chapel and he is pleased to personally continue the rich tradition of this unique facility. Eric is a proud member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and is actively involved at Smithville Christian Church

Tim Deckard, Pre Need Director/Owner As a partner in The Funeral Chapel, Tim Deckard brings more than 35 years of experience as a specialist in the senior market insurance industry to the firm. Tim opened his own insurance business in 1972, focusing his efforts on the mature customer in need of life insurance, Medicare supplements, long-term care insurance, and other pre-need coverage. Though he spent several years working in a funeral home prior to settling on an insurance career, Tim isn’t involved in the daily operations at The Funeral Chapel. Instead, he lends his financial expertise to developing pre-planning options designed to maximize value and peace of mind.

Tilden Fidler, Funeral Director Email: tilden@thefuneralchapel.net Tilden Filder of Owen County, graduated from Owen Valley High School in 2012. He attended Ivy Tech, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 2015. After completing his apprenticeship in 2016, Tilden began serving families as a licensed funeral director with The Funeral Chapel. He takes great pride in his occupation, and is honored to help families. "I chose to become to a funeral director to care for and help others. If I can make one of the most difficult days of someone’s life a little easier and better, then I have succeeded.” Tilden loves spending time with his wife, Marisa and their two children, Camden and Ellie. He also enjoys hanging out with friends and attending sporting events.

Debbie Evans, Funeral Director Email: deb@thefuneralchapel.net Deborah Evans a Bloomington native has been serving Monroe and surrounding counties since 2002. She graduated from Bloomington High School South in 2000, and attended Mid-America College of Funeral Service receiving an associate’s degree in 2002. Debbie and her husband Russ have a daughter Mallori. Debbie enjoys being outdoors, camping, and watching her daughter play softball.

Ron Deremiah, CFSP      , Funeral Director (1947-2024) A Bloomington native, Ron graduated from Bloomington High School, attended Indiana University and graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science.  He received his license as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in 1968.  He was a former partner in a local funeral home until 1995.In 1999 he joined a Funeral Home group in Indianapolis and returned to Bloomington in May of 2017 to begin retirement.  After his dedication to funeral service for over 49 years, he realized he really missed serving families and helping them at one of the most difficult times in their lives.    After receiving an opportunity to return to serving families at The Funeral Chapel, he decided to drop retirement from his vocabulary.  Ron has been married to Kathy Sparks Deremiah for 45 years and they have three married sons and nine grandchildren.  Ron is a member of Westside Community Church, American Legion Post 18, Life Member, VFW Post 604 and Ellettsville Masonic Lodge.  A member and past President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, member and past member of the Policy Board and Convention Committee of the National Funeral Directors Association, and a life member of the Academy of Funeral Service Practice (CFSP).

Nick Neibel, Funeral Director - Intern Email: nick@thefuneralchapel.net A Columbus, IN native, Nick graduated from Columbus North High School and Mid - America College of Funeral Service. Nick began working in funeral service during his senior year of high school and found funeral service to be a very rewarding career path. “I became interested in funeral service following the passing of my mother at a young age, and realized the value and importance of funeral services.”He began working with The Funeral Chapel in June of 2024. Nick and his wife, Nicole have two children, Everett and Emerson. They reside on the Southside of Bloomington. Aside from serving families in Monroe and surrounding areas, Nick has served as a volunteer firefighter for a little over 10 years, enjoys traveling and being outdoors with his family.

Mike Pate, Greeter/Pre Need

Jake Bartlett, Funeral Director Email: jake@thefuneralchapel.net

Linda Clark, Greeter - Retired Linda is an "Original" with The Funeral Chapel. She joined our staff when we opened in June, 2009 and has been with us the whole time.  Linda retired from Cook Medical and was married to the late William "Bill" Clark. Linda is a member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.   Linda has retired from her time with us here at The Funeral Chapel but we cherish the time spent with her through the years and wish her the best.