State Revokes Licenses of High Ridge Funeral Director Following Serious Violations
A High Ridge funeral director has had his licenses revoked following a disciplinary ruling by the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, concluding a months-long process that raised significant concerns about public safety and professional conduct.
According to a formal order issued March 24, 2026, the Board determined there was cause to discipline Robert Schaefer after findings by the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission late last year.
Schaefer, who held both a funeral director license and an embalmer license dating back to the 1980s, appeared in person for a disciplinary hearing held March 18, where evidence was presented and later reviewed by the Board.
Findings Raise Public Safety Concerns
At the center of the Board’s decision were multiple violations tied to both administrative failures and the handling of human remains.
Among the findings were the failure to timely correct a death certificate, leaving a deceased individual in an unsecured building, failure to maintain required embalming and register logs, and maintaining a facility described as dirty and unsanitary.
The Board concluded that Schaefer’s actions jeopardized the public welfare, a key factor in determining disciplinary action.
Testimony Deemed Not Credible
During the hearing, Schaefer provided limited explanation for the violations. However, the Board found his testimony regarding delays and facility conditions to be wholly not credible.
The order states that Schaefer failed to adequately explain why the body remained for days in an unlocked building, why required records were not maintained or provided, and why the facility was in poor condition.
These findings reinforced the Board’s decision to move forward with the most severe penalty available.
Licenses Revoked, Practice Prohibited
As a result of the ruling, Schaefer’s licenses have been formally revoked. He is prohibited from applying for a new license for at least three years and must immediately cease all funeral directing and embalming activities.
The order also requires the return of all licenses and registration materials within 10 days, removal of any reference to funeral services from signage, websites, and advertising, and full cessation of any regulated activity under Missouri law.
Even after the three-year period, reinstatement is not guaranteed and would require further approval from the Board.
The revocation remains in effect indefinitely unless the Board determines otherwise in the future.
Long-Term Impact
The case underscores the strict regulatory standards governing funeral services in Missouri, particularly when public health and dignity in death care are involved.
For Jefferson County residents, it also serves as a reminder of the oversight role state agencies play in ensuring that licensed professionals meet basic standards of care and accountability.
The disciplinary order was finalized March 24, 2026, following review of evidence and testimony presented at the March hearing.
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