Meet The Staff

Tom Cantwell

Owner/CEO

Tom has over 15 years of experience in business/management in multiple areas including deathcare, healthcare, media and the auction industry. He is a certified Cemetery Representative and a certified Crematory Operator. He and his family reside in Forsyth and is active in sports, coaching his children’s teams and a PA announcer for Millikin University football and basketball.

Jason Murphy

Owner/COO

Jason has over 13 years of experience working in the funeral and death care industry. This includes management and sales experience in both funeral and cemetery industries. He has served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association. He is a licensed Cemetery Manager and Crematory Operator in Illinois and is a licensed Life Insurance producer. He and his family reside in Mahomet and is an assistant coach on the high school football team as well as coaches his children in multiple sports. Jason enjoys family, friends, sports and beach vacations.

Brett Zerfowski

Public Relation Director

Brett joined Central Cremation Center in August 2022 as the Director of Public Relations after spending a lengthy time in Decatur radio, formerly the host of the WSOY Swap Shop and high school football commentary. He also is part of the announcing team at the local dirt track, Macon Speedway. Brett is very much a local fixture having been part of the final graduating class of Stephen Decatur High School in 2000. He also went on to graduate from Richland Community College, where he was the Student Speaker at the Spring 2003 Commencement, and also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Illinois at Springfield in December 2005. Brett’s communication skills and ability to speak with individuals, families and groups is imperative to the CCC team. Brett coordinates speaking engagements with our area groups and organizations. Brett lives in Mt. Zion with his family–a wife, son and three step-children. He enjoys sports, puzzles and warm weather.

Keith Epperson

Care Advisor

Isabella Smith

Care Advisor Assistant 

Isabella joined Central Cremation Center in February of 2023 as a Care Advisor Assistant. She recently moved from Santa Clarita, California and currently lives in Forsyth with her grandparents and two dogs. Bella will be attending Millikin University in the fall with plans to become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. She aspires to bring light and joy to everyday! She loves to work out and take her dogs on walks.