From the beginning, Shinn Funeral Service has been locally and family owned. Shinn Funeral Service was established in Russellville, Arkansas, in 1933 by Lemuel Avery Shinn and his wife, Ella Shinn. The new funeral home was located in a two-story structure at 319 South Commerce. When their son, Avery Shinn, returned from serving in the military in World War II, he and his wife, Ferne McFerrin Shinn, became active in the family business in 1946. As the area grew and families observed the caring service provided by the Shinns, the business grew also. In February of 1975, the current facility at 800 West Main was dedicated. In 1978, Van Moores and Johnny Morgan, both Russellville natives, became co-owners of the funeral home. Avery Shinn remained a part of the firm until his death in 1986. Van managed the insurance division of the business and served until his retirement in 1991. He remained active in the funeral home operations until June 2007. In October, 1998, Ormond W. Peters, also a Russellville native, joined Shinn Funeral Service and became owner of Shinn Funeral Service in 2000. Johnny continued until November, 2002, as a management consultant and funeral director.