Staff

Our dedicated staff members are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.

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John R. Kreft Owner & Funeral Director

John R. Kreft III has been working in the funeral industry for over thirty years. He attended Worshman College of Mortuary Science in illinois. John graduated from the accredited mortuary science program in 1992 earning licensing in both funeral directing and embalming. John continued to practice in the Metro-Chicago area until 2019. It was the dedication to his craft that eventually led him to purchase Austin Funeral and Cremation Services later that year. John is happy to continue serving the people of the Greater Nashville Area as a licensed funeral director, embalmer and pre-need sales agent. Along with being an active member of the Noon Rotary Club in Brentwood, John also enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife and three daughters. John is proud to continue his family-run business with Austin Funeral and Cremation Services that so few can provide in today's industry. 

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Carol Austin Funeral Director

Carol is a licensed funeral director and has been working in the funeral industry for over twenty years. Carol graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Education and later obtained her funeral director’s license from Gupton College. Her background in education provided her with the skills necessary to counsel families compassionately and effectively. Carol is a past member of the Brentwood-Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club of Nashville, the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, and formerly served on the advisory boards of the Better Business Bureau of Williamson County and the Martin Center in Brentwood. Carol is an active member of Brentwood Baptist Church and is the proud mother of twin daughters and proud grandmother of five. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

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Kathy Burton Advance Planning Specialist/Funeral Assistant

Kathy has been working in the funeral industry since 2002, assisting families with their funeral and cremation needs. She is a licensed insurance agent which allows her to help families make funeral plans in advance. Kathy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Her training and her faith have helped her assist families in making difficult decisions with compassion and kindness. Kathy is a member of the Senior Services Network of the Mid-South where in the past she has served as a Co-Chair of the Central Chapter. She is also a member of the Williamson County Geriatric Council. She has two children and two grandchildren and in her spare time she enjoys gardening and travel.

John R. Kreft

Owner & Funeral Director
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John R. Kreft III has been working in the funeral industry for over thirty years. He attended Worshman College of Mortuary Science in illinois. John graduated from the accredited mortuary science program in 1992 earning licensing in both funeral directing and embalming. John continued to practice in the Metro-Chicago area until 2019. It was the dedication to his craft that eventually led him to purchase Austin Funeral and Cremation Services later that year. John is happy to continue serving the people of the Greater Nashville Area as a licensed funeral director, embalmer and pre-need sales agent. Along with being an active member of the Noon Rotary Club in Brentwood, John also enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife and three daughters. John is proud to continue his family-run business with Austin Funeral and Cremation Services that so few can provide in today's industry. 

Carol Austin

Funeral Director
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Carol is a licensed funeral director and has been working in the funeral industry for over twenty years. Carol graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Education and later obtained her funeral director’s license from Gupton College. Her background in education provided her with the skills necessary to counsel families compassionately and effectively. Carol is a past member of the Brentwood-Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club of Nashville, the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, and formerly served on the advisory boards of the Better Business Bureau of Williamson County and the Martin Center in Brentwood. Carol is an active member of Brentwood Baptist Church and is the proud mother of twin daughters and proud grandmother of five. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Kathy Burton

Advance Planning Specialist/Funeral Assistant
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Kathy has been working in the funeral industry since 2002, assisting families with their funeral and cremation needs. She is a licensed insurance agent which allows her to help families make funeral plans in advance. Kathy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Her training and her faith have helped her assist families in making difficult decisions with compassion and kindness. Kathy is a member of the Senior Services Network of the Mid-South where in the past she has served as a Co-Chair of the Central Chapter. She is also a member of the Williamson County Geriatric Council. She has two children and two grandchildren and in her spare time she enjoys gardening and travel.