State Board Revokes License Of West Philadelphia Funeral Director
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Citing gross incompetency, a state board has revoked the license of a West Philadelphia funeral director and ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors pulled the license of Blair Hawkins, and ordered his business, Hawkins Funeral Services, closed.
It was nearly a year ago that authorities inspecting a facility Hawkins operated in the 5300 block of Vine Street found three decomposing bodies, two of which were covered by trash and debris.
In its final ruling and order, the board stated Hawkins' conduct constituted gross immorality.
And, the board said, rather than treating the deceased with dignity and respect, Hawkins treated them no differently than the bags of garbage stacked atop and around them.
