Old barn wood is being repurposed in Buda, Illinois, where Ron Skaggs turns reclaimed lumber into custom caskets for local families, according to a May 29 report. Skaggs operates Cole Creek Creations with his wife, offering handmade coffins that provide families with a personal way to honor loved ones.
“I wanted the families to be able to represent the person the best that they could,” Skaggs said.
The wood used for these caskets comes from old barns across northwestern Illinois, some dating back to the 1890s. The boards are stored in his shed until they are ready for use. Skaggs, who previously worked as a truck driver and construction specialist, said he once tore down barns for farmers and now gives the material new life. “We don’t waste any, because barn wood has gotten kinda rare and expensive, and so you have to make good use of everything,” he said. “The reason I use these is because all of the character. They have old rusty nails in them and stuff. You just can’t get that with anything else.”
Skaggs began woodworking by building cabinets with his father before turning to coffin-making in 2010. Since then, he has crafted more than 430 coffins by hand using only U.S.-sourced materials; each weighs about 120 pounds and takes roughly 50 hours to complete. He also makes detachable handles and picture displays that families can keep after funerals.
His wife Brenda designs interiors for each casket and has created ten unique options so far—including one featuring scripture passages. She said, “Sometimes it’s kind of tough to do these. My son just lost his best friend a year ago, and he told my son he wanted it before he passed. So when you get those, those are a little tough. Unfortunately, they aren’t very often.”
Skaggs described receiving positive feedback from grieving families as especially meaningful: “When you see the family face to face, and they’re in tears, and they tell you how much they appreciate what you’ve done—I mean—that’s better than money.” He continued: “Money don’t mean nothing…You need do something with your life somebody will remember.”
AgWeb authors publications on topics ranging from commodity markets to farm leadership strategies; influences farming culture through leadership programs; presents awards such as Top Producer Awards; functions as a subsidiary of Farm Journal; reaches agriculture professionals through online content; and aims to supply farmers with essential news, according to the official website.
