G eorge Chaput was a gentleman farmer southwest of Aurora, Kansas. The local undertaker, Sidney Domoney, often hired George and his well-groomed horses to pull his hearse. With the full support of his wife, Lucy, George purchased the Domoney Furniture and Undertaking Store in 1909. He took possession on Thursday; Sunday, a fire completely destroyed his business; no firefighting equipment was available.

With the help of many good friends and neighbors, George rebuilt immediately and the Chaput Funeral Home tradition began.