Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - A fire overnight Friday destroyed an east side Indianapolis funeral home. It happened at the Williams-Bluitt Funeral Home on Doctor Andrew J Brown Avenue, near 30th Street.
For nearly 15 years, the Williams-Bluitt Funeral Home and its 25 employees have been an anchor in the Bright Wood-Martindale neighborhood.
"Mr. Bluitt has improved the building to make it look good, to make the corner look nice," said Ricky Woodard, neighbor and employee.
The business has lifted up the community, and supported families during their darkest times.
"We try to give them understanding and love during their loss," said Nathan Bluitt.
But now it is Nathan Bluitt and his working family that need consoling.
"This is my life," Bluitt said.
Their building is destroyed with the roof caved in. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution because of the chemicals stored in funeral homes.
Seventy-five firefighters worked all night, but by the time day broke, only some decorations could be salvaged.
While Mr. Bluitt watched his funeral home burn, he went to the morgue, put on a surgical mask, and with the help of firefighters, removed the deceased, three children and four adults.
"I was thinking of their families and the fact that they've gone through enough strife having their loved one pass away, let alone have them destroyed in a fire. But God is good. He did not allow the fire to touch them," Bluitt said.
Several funerals were scheduled for this weekend. Over the telephone, and face to face, families were relieved to hear that services will take place.
"The community has poured in with support. We have churches that have volunteered their facility. We have funeral homes that have volunteered their facility. We feel loved at this time, when we need it most," said Bluitt.
With that support, business will go on, even during the re-construction of a new Williams-Bluitt Funeral Home.
This setback only reveals the strength of a neighborhood rising from the ashes. Nathan Bluitt says he will rebuild the funeral home on the same site.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
