Vensil-Wagner-Marshall Funeral Homes
About us
about us
The story of Vensil-Wagner-Marshall Funeral Homes began more than a century ago, rooted in the humble hills of Black Run, Ohio. In 1902, visionary craftsman and community servant, Daniel Brice Baughman founded the Baughman Funeral Home, operating from his family residence. By 1946, Mr. Baughman’s sons, Lester and Harold joined the family business and Baughman & Son’s Funeral Home opened a larger facility in Frazeysburg, where a chapel remains today. That same year, they purchased the Ransom Funeral Home in Dresden. Both Chapels have grown and expanded but still offer the same compassionate care to the families they serve.
In 1981, the torch was passed to Carl Vensil. Carl, growing up in Nashport, knew he wanted to be a funeral director from the age of 12. He felt a calling to help families deal with the immense loss of a loved one. Carl began working for the Baughman’s shortly after graduating from Tri-Valley High School in 1970. Carl, along with the help and support of his wife Carolyn, whom he married in 1974 and who is also a licensed funeral director, spent the next 50 plus years caring for the families in their community.
A New Era Rooted in Tradition
On January 1, 2026, Carl and Carolyn Vensil transitioned to a consultant role across all three locations. They both wanted to make sure the next generation of families would be taken care of as well as they had personally for the last 55 years. Their decision paved the way for the next generation of funeral directors to preserve and strengthen the legacy they helped steward.
The Frazeysburg and Dresden Chapels, the historic heart of the original homestead locations, were purchased by M. Paige Wagner and Justin L. Marshall. Together, these long-time employees, and new owners, pledge to carry forward their commitment to service and compassion under the new name:
Vensil-Wagner-Marshall Funeral Homes
The Newark Chapel was acquired by Bradley J. Chute and continues to serve the community as Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, honoring its reputation of kindness and professionalism.
Our Guiding Promise
From funerals held in the Baughman family home to today’s modern services, one core belief has never changed: a devotion to caring for families as if they were our own.
Every generation of this funeral home has shared one simple belief:
We are entrusted with something sacred — the opportunity to honor every life with dignity, respect, and love.
It is this belief that connects us to our past and guides us into the future. We proudly honor the foundation laid by Brice Baughman, the stewardship of Lester and Harold, and the enduring reputation built through the service of Carl and Carolyn Vensil. For more than 120 years, we have stood beside our neighbors - and we will continue to do so for generations to come.