Compton's Drive-Thru Funeral Parlor

While Southern California is widely acknowledged as the cradle of drive-thru culture in the US, a community institution in Compton has taken the concept to an entirely new level by bringing "the business of death a convenience of the living." Believed to be the only drive-thru mortuary in Southern California, and one of perhaps a handful in the entire nation, The Robert L. Adams Mortuary opened for business in 1974, and has since become a fixture of the community. The LA Times spoke with owner Peggy Scott Adams in Sunday's LA Times:

"It's a unique feature that sets us aside from other funeral parlors," said Scott Adams. She married into the business in 1988 when she became wife to businessman Robert Lee Adams Sr., a former Compton politician. He died in 2005. She continued his legacy. A suit-clad bust made in his image stands near the entrance.

"You can come by after work, you don't need to deal with parking, you can sign the book outside and the family knows that you paid your respects," said Scott Adams. "It's a convenience thing."

The venue provides a speedy way for well-known community folk to be viewed en masse. Seniors don't have to leave their cars. Those who can't stomach stepping inside a funeral home don't have to. Families can avoid the complications of hosting a formal indoor viewing. And the disabled can roll through in their own wheelchairs -- as one woman recently did.

Watch the LA Times video feature below:
 

Comments

[dbrett480]

07:35 PM on 05/28/2011

Drive by shootings naturally lead to drive-thru funerals.

[Taunie]

07:26 PM on 04/19/2011

This is real crazy to me. I mean I can see it working but I don't think I could fathom having my Family member on display like this. I bet she does not do Gang Funerals because that would not with stand all the drama that would ensue.

[Shantris Lachel]

05:31 PM on 04/19/2011

LOL @ her saying that people drive up not knowing what it is. I can just imagine a car full of kids "Heeey, we want Mcdonald's there's a drive thru" Pulling up, parents: WHAT THE F***??? Kids: Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!! cue the screeching tires and back bumper bouncing off the curb as they haul tail out of there. I'm in agreement with those who say this is super tacky.

[FTracy3]

05:14 PM on 04/19/2011

"Do you want flies with that?"

[frant52]

02:11 PM on 04/19/2011

So warm and comforting... does the family get together and watch all the cars drive through. I wonder how long before they'll offer an ap for this...

[PoliSci2008]

01:42 PM on 04/19/2011

It's also convenient for the drive-by shooters!

I'm not down with with this. Paying of Last Respect is just that....getting out of my home, my car and walking or wheel-chairing it to pay my respect.

[americancolonyinhell]

01:32 PM on 04/19/2011

Can I get a get strawberry parfait with that?

[thomp5000]

12:22 PM on 04/19/2011

Considering that it is in Compton I would guess that it will soon be a drive-by funeral parlor.

[NY Grandma]

11:48 AM on 04/19/2011

All I can say is "Lord have mercy on us all."

[Bohrski]

11:41 AM on 04/19/2011

This is just tacky - part of the need for a viewing is a chance to console the family and friends and that is important. The viewing of the body is secondary (unless you need to verify that the person is dead for some reason). If you do not have time to get dressed, get out and come greet and console the family then just don't come.

[SpaCyber]

10:43 AM on 04/19/2011

Ah, more entertainment for the day...;)

[norm57]

10:37 AM on 04/19/2011

This is so tacky. Just another example of the falling of the modern Roman empire.

[tennisguy]

10:27 AM on 04/19/2011

I would like to dispense with having a funeral, and just have my ashes sprinkled on court 1 of the tennis club. Then, I can be a part of good matches for the rest of eternity, or the demise of the club, whichever comes first.

[tennisguy]

10:24 AM on 04/19/2011

This raises the question of whether one may order fries and shakes when passing through.

Unless you tarry to sign the guest book, one may speed through at 25 mph.

[mediamarv]

12:43 AM on 04/19/2011

I think I would like the "In-N-Out" burger franchise... win-win.