TFDA 2017 Convention and Expo Join Your Colleagues for Food, Fun and Adventure

Volume 66, Issue 4 April 2017

TexasThe Official Publication of the Texas FuneralDirector Directors Association www.tfda.com

Meet Kermit the Dog, Austin’s First Grief Therapy Pooch

50 Years of Service: Winston Moore, Jr TFDA 2017 Convention and Expo Join your colleagues for food, fun and adventure

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Texas Funeral Directors Association 1513 South Interstate 35 Austin, Texas 78741 512/442-2304 TFDA 2017 Convention and Expo Fax: 512/443-3559 Join your colleagues for food, fun and adventures 16

www.tfda.com (with a helping of education) STAFF T URE Executive Director Ann Singer Speakers for All Directors 16 [email protected] Continuing Education Schedule member and Regional services V ER F EA 18 Joyce Dawson CO [email protected] Convention at-a-Glance 19 Finance Karen Grice Exhibitors 20 [email protected] . Director of Legislative Affairs and Finance Marco Mancillas [email protected] Features Lobbyist Meet Kermit the Dog, Austin’s First Grief Therapy Pooch...... 12 Bill Haley [email protected] Veteran San Marcos Funeral Director Honored by Hays County Friends of Scouting...... 14

Publisher Watch Your Language...... 28 Sail House Publishing Tips on Helping Patrons with Physical and/or Intellectual Disabilities. 3510 Crowncrest Dr., Austin, TX 78759 50 Years of Service: Winston Moore, Jr ...... 30 512-346-0892 [email protected] The Move to Vendor Life...... 32 Publisher Kim Scheberle Education Editor Safety/Is Your Firm a Danger Zone ...... 34 Alice Adams Workforce/Why Coffee Breaks are Important ...... 36 Art Director/Designer Kiki Pantaze

Advertising Sales President’s Message...... 4 Patty Huber TFDA Leadership...... 6 512-310-9795 TFDA News...... 8 210-579-7054 - Fax Emerging Leaders ...... 10 [email protected] Community News...... 38

ar tm en t s Endorsed Providers ...... 42 TFDA Services Inc...... 44

De p Index to Advertisers...... 45 Calendar of Events ...... 45 President’s Message Heather Edwards Hauboldt

The Evolution of Change

As our seasons change, and advance, which means we have from our membership on loca- a family friendly fundraiser at the flowers are all in bloom, it made commitments to room tions you would like for us to Hill’s Café on Sunday evening occurs to me that not everyone nights, reserved space for our consider for our future conven- this year, which will include live may realize how change hap- expo, our meeting and class- tions and for any ideas you have music out on the patio with a pens in this great association. It room space, and ball rooms for in further improving our events, southern buffet. There will be has taken five years to make the our various events, etc. As you expo, continuing education, etc. games to play, such as jumbo changes we have made to our can imagine, getting venues to Please feel free to email me your jenga, bean bag toss, horseshoes, annual convention, and while I make changes to these commit- suggestions at hhauboldt@tslic. etc. They will also be doing a Twinwood Mortuary Service know some are not comfortable ments can be difficult and the com or give me a call at 325- live auction again to raise mon- TOLL FREE: (844) 2-EMBALM with change, the overwhelming earlier you start talking to them 370-3645. ey to be used in the unfortunate response has been very positive. about changes the better chance Well, enough about that! I event of a disaster in this great Houston Local: (713) 526-1234 Fax: (713) 529-1113 These “Waves of Change” you have to accomplish what encourage everyone to visit the state of Texas. They are ask- started with Darryl Thompson you need to accommodate this Texas Funeral Service Commis- ing for items to be donated for at his convention in Galves- evolution of change. sion’s website for the updates on the live auction, so if you want HOUSTON’S PREMIER INDEPENDENT MORTUARY SERVICE ton, continued with “Change That, in and of itself, is one the proposed rule changes that to donate an item, please call is Making a Difference” with of the major reasons why these were discussed at their meeting Karen at the TFDA office and *Rapid *Excellent *Superior Charlotte Chism Waldrum in ideas started back with Past on March 21. Some were ap- let her know. Arlington, and then Charles President Darryl Thompson proved and others were tabled The welcome party is going Removals Embalming Service Hauboldt got us “Moving in and are finally really coming to for further due diligence and to be held on Monday night the Right Direction” in Cor- fruition this year. Our Conven- will be brought up again at their this year and will also be fam- We offer Removals, Embalming, Refrigeration, Ship-In and Ship-Out Service, pus Christi, which brought us tion Site Committee is working next meeting in June. ily friendly at a great venue. We International Ship-Outs, Overland Transportation, Airport Transfers, to “Don’t Stop Believing and on the location and venue for Whew, they say time flies will have buses at the Hyatt Documentation Service, Complete Cremation Service, Take the Journey with TFDA” our 2020 convention and trying when you are having fun, and Hotel to take us to The Do- and Funeral Director’s for Graveside Services. in Austin this June. to find a way for us to try some that is certainly true about my main to Punch Bowl Social,

We all worked together, along new locations, but the difficulty year as your president! Can’t which has vintage bowling Learn more about us by visiting our Website: with our convention commit- is finding a place that can ac- believe as you read this I will be lanes, a 16-person foosball table tee members, suppliers, board commodate the space we need taking my “Spring Tour of Tex- (I definitely see some tourna- TFDA www.twinwoodmortuary.com NFDA members, past presidents and and will guarantee us the space as” installing our new officers in ment opportunities with this!), Ann, Karen and Joyce to create and room nights. our regions and attending the pool tables, ping pong, shuffle- this evolution of change. For some of our major cit- NFDA Advocacy Summit in board, vintage arcade games, I am not sure who all is aware ies, we are just simply not a big Washington, DC. karaoke rooms, you name it of this, but our Convention enough convention for them to I will actually have to miss and they have it. I truly think Site Committee is responsible guarantee us that if a larger con- the Panhandle and West Texas it will be lots of fun and will for finding new places for us vention wanted the same time- regional meetings because they create a little competition. Of to hold our annual convention frame we wouldn’t get bumped. are the same week that I will be course, we will have food and and we are typically booked and As the president of this as- in Washington, so I would like drink stations scattered about, contracts are signed five years in sociation, I would love to hear to say a big thank you to Past so no reason to leave hungry President Charlotte Chism or thirsty! So again, mark your Waldrum for taking care of calendars because you do not Emerging Leaders Planning Session their installations. I will sure want to miss the 131st TFDA miss seeing everyone in Lub- Convention! Tuesday, June 6, 6:30 a.m bock and San Angelo! In closing, I would be remiss Dominican Joe’s Coffee Shop, 515 S. Congress Ave. In continuation with last if I did not wish many, many month’s article, I would like to blessings for each and every one

The Emerging Leaders will meet to go over current plans as showcase a few more events of you during this this month of well as future goals to gain momentum and build value in for our annual convention be- renewal and reflection. I hope joining TFDA and the Emerging Leaders. This will be an ing held in Austin June 4th your Easter basket is full of all open discussion and everyone is invited to attend. through the 7th. The TFDA of your favorite candy and gifts. Disaster Committee is hosting Happy Easter! J 4 Texas Director • www.tfda.com

Feature

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April 2017 • Texas Director 5

2016/2017 TFDA Leadership

TFDA Executive Board Officers 2016-2017 Board of Directors

Heather Edwards Hauboldt Christopher Aguilar Luis Mendoza President Dodge Miller Mortuary and Crematory Svc. Texas Service Life Insurance Co. Seguin Lubbock 209 Woodridge Drive South Texas Region [email protected] Victoria, TX 77904 Panhandle Region (800) 756-7306 [email protected] Tiffany Aguilar Palmer Mortuary Jay Morrill Lee Castro Seguin Lucas Funeral Home President-elect South Central Region Keller Legacy Chapels North Texas Region 4610 South Jackson Road Edinburg, TX 78539 Jennifer Branton (956) 618-5900 Vera Lee Garments Lois Keller Nelson [email protected] Fort Worth Cremate Texas Sales Club President South Houston Charles W. “Chuck” Sales Club Vice President Robertson, CFSP Secretary Treasurer Jeremy Cameron Robertson Funeral Directors Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home Jeffrey Nobles P. O. Drawer 1090 Mt. Vernon Nobles Funeral Chapel Clarendon, TX 79226 East Texas Region Navasota (806) 874-3515 Southeast Region [email protected] James Campbell Charles H. Hauboldt III Robert Massie Funeral Home David Patterson, CFSP Past President San Angelo Global Mortuary Affairs, LLC Grace Funeral Home West Texas Region Mesquite 2401 Houston Hwy. East Texas Region Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-4341 Brant Davis [email protected] Amarillo College Alejandro “Alex” Villarreal Amarillo Laredo Wayne Giese Panhandle Texas Region South Texas Region Director at Large Memoria Oaks Chapel, Inc. 1306 West Main John Goobeck Brenham, TX 77833 Greenwood Funeral Homes - Cremation Sabrina N. Young, CFSP (979) 836-4565 Fort Worth Harper Talasek Funeral Home [email protected] North Texas Region Temple South Central Region Bill Vallie NFDA Policy Board Rep. Andy Graves Sunset Memorial Gardens Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Executive Director & Funeral Home Huntsville Ann Singer 6801 E. Business 20 Southeast Texas Region Texas Funeral Directors Association Odessa, TX 79762 1513 S. Interstate 35 (432) 559-4252 Austin, TX 78741 [email protected] Shana D. Hass (512) 442-2304 Batesville Casket Company Fax (512) 443-3559 Dalhart [email protected] West Texas Region

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TFDA’s annual election will be held at the TFDA’s Secretary Treasurer please email Board of Directors. Directors will serve a General Session on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at [email protected] or send a letter to Ann Sing- three-year term. the 131th Annual Convention at the Hyatt er at TFDA, 1513 S. Interstate 35, Austin, If you are interested in serving on the in Austin. Texas 78741. Letters must be dated and TFDA Services, Inc. Board of Directors, Licensed funeral directors with a strong post marked no later than 30 days prior to please email [email protected] or mail a letter commitment to serve are invited to run. the election (May 8th). to Ann Singer at TFDA, 1513 S. Interstate The general membership will be notified 35, Austin, Texas 78741. Letter must be of the candidates at least 15 days before the TFDA Mission Statement: The Texas dated and post marked no later than 30 days election for the following: Funeral Directors Association is a profes- prior to the election (May 8th). sional organization composed of funeral directors, embalmers and sales members. Services, Inc. Mission Statement: The The mission of the Texas Funeral Direc- purpose of Services, Inc., and its board The office Secretaryof Treasurer for the tors Association is to promote and improve members, is to review, discuss, and enhance Texas Funeral Directors Association will the funeral profession and consumer rela- benefits offered to the members of the Texas be elected for a one-year term beginning June, tions. Through education and legislative Funeral Directors Association (TFDA). We 2017. This officer moves to President Elect the representation, we empower our members will continually strive to act responsibly in following year and then President of TFDA. to better serve their local communities. our actions and make decisions based on eth- Please go to the TFDA website to view ical and sound business practices to enhance requirements: www.tfda.com, Members the financial stability of the Association. section, Code of Conduct & Bylaws, Candi- date Qualifications for Secretary Treasurer. There will be three (3)director posi- “The best way to find yourself is to lose If you are interested in running for tions available on the TFDA Services, Inc. yourself in the service of others”, Gandhi. J Join a TFDA Committee Today President Elect Lee Castro is in the process of contacting individuals who are interested in serving on a TFDA Committee. Once ap- pointments are made, you will serve from July 2017 - June 2018.

NAME: ______Firm:______Address:______City:______State: ______Zip:______Phone: ______Cell:______Email:______

Yes, I am interested in serving on the following TFDA committee(s): 1st Choice:______2nd Choice:______3rd Choice:______I will serve where needed. ______

Committee choices: Awards Committee, Bill Pierce Memorial Golf Tournament Committee, Budget Committee, Bylaws Committee, Convention Commit- tee, Ethics Committee, John Cathey Memorial Golf Tournament Committee, Legislative Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, Media Relations Committee, Membership Committee, Nominating Committee, Programs and Education Committee, Resolutions Committee, TFDA PAC Committee

Thank you for your commitment and support of TFDA!

8 Texas Director • www.tfda.com TFDA News Bylaws Changes

TFDA’s annual election will be held at current year, but the actual selection of the mittee are to provide an ongoing slate of pro- the First General Session on Tuesday, June designee shall be made by the last three (3) grams geared toward management and staff 6, 2017 at the 131st Annual Convention at two (2) living recipients of the same award, levels which will address current industry the Hyatt in Austin. except the Ed C. Smith Lifetime Achieve- concerns, promote personal and professional ment Award, and additional committee development, and enhance the quality of ser- Changes to bylaws are highlighted in yellow. members to be appointed by the President vice rendered to the funeral consumer. J of the Association. ARTICLE XI Add: There will be one committee mem- 50-Year COMMITTEES ber from each region. The chairperson will Licensee Ceremony be the Immediate Past President. Selection Do you know someone who was Awards Committee. (Page 10) will be made by (sealed) ballot and votes to be licensed in 1967? If so, TFDA would counted by Executive Director & Immediate like to honor them at our annual The committee is also responsible to se- Past President. The recipient of each award convention in Arlington. The 50- lect the “Young Funeral Professional” Annu- will be kept anonymous until presentation. year licensee reception will be held at al Distinguished Service Award. Nominees 11:00 am at the Hyatt Regency Hotel must be 40 years of age or under on Decem- Programs and Education Committee. Austin. Following the reception, they ber 31 of the year nominated. They also (Page 12) will be recognized at a special awards must be a licensed funeral director who is presentation and will receive a 50-year employed by a TFDA member firm and/or This committee shall be appointed by the pin to wear proudly! Please contact be an individual member of TFDA. President and made up of a chairperson, one Ann Singer at (512) 442-2304 or member from each TFDA region, and [email protected] to make sure that all Nominees for such awards, will be the Members at-large from each accredited Texas eligible recipients are invited to attend. names submitted by each region for the mortuary college. The duties of this com-

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April 2017 • Texas Director 9 Emerging Leaders Meet Austin’s Melissa Unfred

If you went back to school, what class would you like to take that wasn’t offered? Thanatology – a more in depth study of death and dying.

What has surprised you most about being a director? How difficult it is to get simple documents from some of the smaller towns. Some still use fax machines! And in 2017, how is it that fetal death certificates are still filed on paper. If any new students want to understand the earlier frustrations of paper filing each and every death certificate, offer to run a fetal dc to the doctor, etc. Get ready to spend several days in traffic and teaching a medical professional how to write within the lines so it doesn’t get reject- ed by Vitals.

How and why did you become attracted to green burial? I have been performing Green Burial for every family pet I have every had… first under the pecan trees at my grandpar- ents’ farm, and then later, my sweet cat Bella, I buried at Eloise Woods. I wrote a blog post about her death. I had a home euthanasia and home vigil for her before her burial. I saw green burial first on HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” when I was an early student in funeral service in 2001. The family had wrapped the deceased in a shroud and were lowering him into a grave in a nature pre- Emerging Leaders: Meet Melissa N. Un- to have played a role as a mentor to me in serve... a beautiful natural return. I’ve chased fred, CFSP one capacity or another to list only a few. it ever since. To those of you – who may read this – that Employer: Self Employed- Home Funeral had a hand in guiding me along this path, I Talk about your philosophy regarding Care Consultant, Green Burial Educator, thank you. grief dogs? I have read articles and studies The Modern Mortician on the benefits of dogs, not only for grief Why did you decide to pursue a career in comfort, but also in health and wellness. I High school and date of graduation: funeral service? Honestly? My decision to have now witnessed, first hand, what grief Coronado High School, Lubbock Texas, enter funeral service bothered my mother. therapy dogs can do. They provide a sense of May 1997 At first, that was the reason I applied to comfort and trust – to the families we serve work at my first funeral home the summer and to ourselves as well. Mortuary school and date of licensure: of 1996 while still in high school. After that, Amarillo College, Department of Mortuary I was drawn to it naturally as an empathetic What one piece of information would Science. Licensed: January 2012 and artistic individual. help the general public when it comes to funerals? Remember, the funeral is for you Who have been your mentors? I have What surprised you most about mortu- – the living – to celebrate the life of another worked with many colleagues connected ary school? What surprised me most was being and the impact of that life on you and to my growth as a funeral professional who the difference between a private mortuary others...and you can have as much or as little have taken the time to teach or share their school and a public one. I am one of the few hands-on as you want with that. knowledge with me. I have been fortunate who has attended both in her educational in that there have been too many I consider pursuit. In your estimation, what can be done to 10 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Emerging Leaders educate the public about options when tos and bios of students seeking clinical and As a funeral director, what is your great- death occurs? We have to talk about death. apprenticeship positions, AS WELL AS est reward? Bringing comfort to chaos. Scratch away at the taboo, and be open and funeral service operations and employers communicative about death and death care. seeking students to fulfill these roles within What funeral service will you never for- As young funeral professionals, we should be their establishments. Each establishment get? April 2013 – The West Fire Fight- actively educating our communities on every could be rated by former students and ap- ers funeral at Baylor in Waco. Fourteen choice available to them. We must be knowl- prentices – how easy it was to get cases, how men lost their lives in an explosion, and I edgeable in our field, and creative and flexible was the staff at mentoring, etc. All funeral watched a community of funeral profes- enough to fulfill the desires of our client fami- homes, TFDA member or not, should be sionals from all across Texas come together lies without making ourselves obsolete. represented, with higher search results given to help however they were needed at Ader- to the members of TFDA first. hold Funeral Home – from meeting with Why did you join TFDA? I joined TFDA Or assign a mentor! families to creating memorial tribute vid- for camaraderie. Most people in our daily eos, folders, orchestrating every detail as lives don’t really understand being a funeral What’s your greatest challenge as a funer- a professional family. From standing by professional. I felt strongly about being in- al director today? Shutting off my brain at the night of the explosion, to the heart- volved with other funeral service profession- night. I think that could be a challenge any wrenching funeral service finale with the als in a leadership capacity. day for a funeral director. You’re always POTUS in attendance, it was a service I thinking ahead. will never, ever, forget. J If you were speaking to mortuary school students, what TFDA offering do you think would appeal to students most? The ability to network with a wide array of Know an Emerging Leader? professionals, making your growth in the We would like to interview folks new to the funeral profession. Email us their profession a bit easier. name and contact information and we can feature them in Texas Director. If TFDA could offer one new service to Email Kimberly Scheberle at [email protected]. directors, what would it be? A free and easy to navigate online job bank with pho-

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April 2017 • Texas Director 11 Feature Meet Kermit the Dog, Austin’s First Grief Therapy Pooch

First, some statistics: Now meet Kermit the Dog, Austin’s pop- • Dogs have been companions to humans ular grief therapy dog! He’s a Border Collie for about 32,000 years. with a wee bit of Aussie, but his appearance • In the United States, there are approxi- is distinctive because one eye is blue while mately 77.8 million dogs living in homes the other is brown. as pets. Kermit the Dog’s journey actually began Dogs enhance our lives in many ways – 10 years ago – long before he was born always glad to see us when we come home, – when his owner-handler and TFDA always there for us when we need comfort. member Melissa Unfred first heard about Yes, dogs tend to be innately sensitive to hu- a grief dog at Ballard-Durand Funeral and man emotions, more than other animals. Cremation Services in White Plains, New Therapists often recommend clients stroke York. “That dog had been trained to kneel their dogs to help lower anxiety and help and pray,” she remembered. “Her name was them relax. A study by Judith Siegel, Ph.D., Lulu, a goldendoodle, and, for some reason, indicates that petting a dog increases sero- images of her working just stuck with me.” tonin and dopamine levels. Other health Then last year, after her beloved cat died, benefits include lowering stress and blood the funeral director found a Waco No-Kill pressure, something mutually beneficial be- The G.H. Hermann Funeral Home in Shelter called “Fuzzy Friends” through pet- cause the dog’s blood pressure is also lowered. Indianapolis employs six service dogs that finder.com. “I emailed them, saying I was Today, dogs are not just companions but work on different shifts. The dogs are an in- looking for a rescue dog. They responded, also can be trained helpers. There are com- tegral part of the funeral home. They greet saying they had a good candidate, so I drove fort and therapy dogs that go into schools to people at the door and frequently are invited up to find Kermit and his brother, running help students learn how to read, as well as to accompany the mourners who come to in a field. They were three months old and hospitals, airports, prisons, nursing homes, make funeral arrangements. sadly malnourished.” and hospices. Some psychotherapists use April Williams, funeral director at the While Kermit was more docile, his dogs in their sessions. Psychiatric service Hermann Funeral Home, said they have brother – named Slash – was all over the dogs have been used for people with se- only had two families who have chosen not place. The choice was easy and Kermit The vere PTSD. Anywhere there is tension or to have their dog present. Reportedly many Dog had found a loving new home that anxiety, people are likely to find a comfort of their dogs have become “rock stars:” The sunny day. dog. Comfort dogs have been used at almost dogs have fan clubs, families and individuals Unfred had already found a trainer for every major tragedy from 9/11 to the recent come back to visit them, children write, and Kermit, Janet Perry, an Austinite who had flooding in Louisiana, according to a Sept. send them pictures they have drawn. been training dogs since high school and was 19, 2016 posting on the Psychology Today While every visitor is positively impacted now in her 60s. “I liked the way she handled website. by the dogs’ presence, children and adoles- her own dog, Max,” Unfred remembered. More recently there is a growing move- cents receive the greatest benefit. Adoles- “Janet spoke softly and Max listened. She ment among funeral homes to utilize dogs cents in particular will talk to the dogs and used correction and redirection. She also to help soothe mourners in their time feel free to express their emotions with- had trained service dogs for veterans.” of grief. D’ann Downey, PhD, is the presi- out fear of judgment. Kermit The Dog spent two nights at Me- dent of Compassionate Paws, Inc. in Rome, When a loved one dies, there are many lissa’s home, to get accustomed to his new Georgia. She facilitates the training of the things that need to be done. No one enjoys surroundings before he went into training. dogs and handlers and has witnessed the going to the funeral home to make arrange- Perry trained Melissa, too. life enhancing benefits they provide. Dr. ments. It is a time of much grief, stress, and “Kermit The Dog goes everywhere with Downey shared a story about how a patient tension. The funeral service, itself, is a time me, and when I go to the Medical Exam- in a nursing home who had not spoken in of great sorrow. Having a dog to pet or hug iner’s Office, where dogs are not allowed, he years began to speak to the dog that she was provides a brief respite from the sadness and stays crated in the car with the AC on,” the petting. She also said while dogs are typi- gives comfort because all of us need as much director said. “He has his own rubber boo- cally used, cats, small horses and even llamas help as we can get to make it through one of ties for the crematory.” have been trained as comfort animals. the worst times of our lives. But, Kermit’s life is far from all work and 12 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Feature no play. “Because it’s so important to social- dog is not without its costs, including food aminers, nurses, funeral directors and the ize him, he’s invited when I go out with and regular vet visits, but the investment is children he meets during his work days. friends, we go to dog parks to be with other well worth it when the dog brings calm to When asked what Kermit The Dog has dogs, and while he’s playing, I have an op- nervous and anxious families, even in adver- added to her own life, Funeral Director portunity to talk about end of life planning sarial situations.” Melissa Unfred’s list is long. “He keeps my with other dog owners,” she said. She also suggests looking for a dog at a spirits high, keeps me on routine, makes it “The most difficult part of training -Ker shelter rather than buying a dog from a easier to talk to people about death, about mit,” Unfred said, “was training me. As an breeder. “If, for some reason, the dog doesn’t planning. He also makes people smile when example, when I first taught him to knock at work out, you can always take them back to they come to the funeral home and brings a door, he was to sit and bark. Shortly there- the shelter. A breeder’s dog is usually non- light to a very dark time. He also makes me after, he got my signals confused and barked returnable and non-refundable.” laugh and it’s like having a best friend and in a church. His bark echoed through the Along with his own business cards, Ker- co-worker. I’d say Kermit The Dog has en- sanctuary. We’ve corrected our signals now. mit has an Instagram following so fans can riched my life, alot.” Potty training, like with small children, see how he’s growing and what he’s doing. “I’ve always loved animals, but I didn’t ex- came with a few accidents at first. Now he’s His followers include vet techs, medical expect it to this degree,” she added. J good to go anywhere.” With his ever-present backpack, Kermit The Dog is self-sufficient as he carries a little bag of food, a poop clean-up bag or two, a pop-up water dish, balls – his reward for riding – extra chews and a spare leash. The techs at the Travis County morgue come out to the parking lot to see Kermit, nurses in area hospitals love him and he is becoming a familiar figure at South Central Funeral Directors functions. When Unfred makes a removal, she takes Kermit – not a cot – in with her first. “I ask permission for him to sit with us while I take some information. As he sits with them, many begin petting him, and this brings down the family’s anxiety level,” the director explained. At graveside services, Kermit The Dog stays on his leash beside his handler, after she has asked the family’s permission. The director said she’s always amazed as Kermit’s knack for knowing who to go to first. “One evening two women came to view one of the women’s brother,” she remembered. “I introduced Kermit to them, and before they went in to view the brother, Kermit approached the sister of the deceased. Then, as she stood by the casket, crying over her brother, Kermit went and sat down by her.” Next, Kermit, who will be a year old in May, will begin certification training with the Austin Dog Alliance so he can be called upon for service in nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Unfred encourages funeral homes to add grief dogs to their staffs. “They can be trained to work with mourners and to attend funerals...and any time they want to make a change, the funeral home can adopt the dog out to someone who needs a service dog,” she said, adding, “Training a service April 2017 • Texas Director 13 TFDA Member News Veteran San Marcos Funeral Director Honored by Hays County Friends of Scouting

Bill Pennington and his high school bandmates from “The Traits”

example of the kind of service- and values- oriented leader Scouting aims to produce. “For 107 years in America, Scouting has taught young men the importance of helping others,” said Ellen Ault, event co-chair. “Bill Pennington’s dedication to community service and honest, compassionate business practices present a perfect example to all Scouts. Imagine what kind of world we would have if more people and businesses Second-generation funeral director Bill was a roomful of serious-looking men,” Pen- followed Bill’s example.” Pennington was recently honored as a pil- nington said. “That year, I was in charge of Pennington has served in dozens of pro- lar of the San Marcos business and phil- the Scout-a-rama, where all the Boy Scouts fessional, community, and charity leadership anthropic community at the 2017 Hays and Cub Scouts came to San Marcos and positions, including roles with the Texas Fu- County Friends of Scouting luncheon. spent the day swimming, running races, do- neral Directors, Capitol Area Council Boy Presented by the Texas Pioneer Foun- ing archery, target shooting and camp-out in Scouts of America, San Marcos Jaycees, dation, this annual event raised more than City Park.” American Heart Association, San Marcos $40,000 for a wide array of youth-serving “Ever since then, I’ve just been helping Rotary, Hays County Youth Association, programs provided by the Capitol Area out with whatever the Council needed,” the San Marcos Historical Society, First United Council, Boy Scouts of America in commu- director said, adding he had never been in Methodist Church, San Marcos Chamber nities across Hays County. Scouting as a boy. of Commerce, Texas State University and Also attending the salute was Bill’s wife, When he was approached about being several more. Linda, and his daughter, Kristin Pennington honored, Pennington was his usual bashful Along with many more activities and Wingard. self, but at the urging of a very persuasive achievements, the Guest of Honor was in- “Back in the 1960s, they needed a district Scouting official, he finally gave in – and felt ducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in chairman for the Boy Scout Council, so I extremely honored at being chosen. 2007 with bandmates, Roy Head & The said I would do it,” Pennington recalled. “I The icing on the cake was when long-time Traits, with whom Pennington played since had no idea what I was getting into, but I friend Fred Markham of Texarkana flew to his high school days. was young so I was the chairman for Blanco, Central Texas to attend the event. “Fred and In 2009, TFDA named Pennington “Fu- Hays and Caldwell Counties. Col. Wil- I were in the same Sunday School class and neral Director of the Year,” based on his ac- liam Edward Speir was running the Texas we worked together on the Texas Higher tive support of funeral directors and Texas Department of Public Safety and was the Education Authority,” the honoree said. Funeral Directors Association, and at the Council Commissioner and President of Emcee Jimmie Scott, president of San TFDA State Convention in 2011, the di- the Capitol Area Council.” Marcos Academy and one of Pennington’s rector was honored with the presentation of “So I went to the DPS office and there friends, saluted the funeral director as an the coveted “50-Year Service Pin.” J 14 Texas Director • www.tfda.com TFDA Member News

Matthew C. Smith Owner & Licensed Funeral Director Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory Harvey C. Smith, Jr Former Owner Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory HONORING TRADITION, FINANCING GROWTH

If you are planning to purchase or grow your funeral home business, Live Oak Bank’s lending experts are ready to guide you through the process.

Contact Tim Bridgers at 910.685.7446 to learn more.

April 2017 • Texas Director 15 Convention 2017

It’s that time of year! The time when you start looking forward to summer and all that entails. Kick your summer off by joining your colleagues from around the state for the Annual TFDA Convention and Trade- show. Austin loves playing host, and you won’t be disappointed in your time here. In addition to all of the planned activities with TFDA, you can count on ter- rific food, fun outdoor adventures, music listening opportunities and a particular “weird” vibe the city creates. Don’t delay in registering for your room and sign- ing up so the TFDA staff can make appropriate plans.

Convention Speakers All Funeral Directors Can Enjoy

Jim Kurtz Chris Layton Jimmy Lucas Ken Whittaker Soo Teal Ryan Thogmartin

While the highlight of the TFDA Convention & Expo for most tor and embalmer since 1973 and is currently regional sales manager funeral directors usually has more to do with the social events and in Texas for SinoSource, International, SunBridge Caskets. He is the late night (and golf course) activities, don’t underestimate the ex- also a noted funeral historian and educator. citing time that awaits attendees with a stellar lineup of educational speakers. This month and next month we’ll profile the professionals Christopher Layton has a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State who will be filling out the CEU classes. In this issue, we’ll focus on University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston. day one of the educational offerings. Layton graduated from the mortuary science program at Cypress College in Cypress, Calif., and is a licensed funeral director and em- Panel Discussion balmer in Arizona, California and Texas. Funeral History, Best Practices Layton began working, as a teenager, for his cousin’s funeral home in The convention CE will kick off Sunday mid-morning with a pan- Safford, Ariz. While attending Arizona State University, he served his el discussion on Funeral Industry History & Best Practices, moder- apprenticeship at Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale, Ariz. After gradua- ated by Jim Kurtz and including Chris Layton, Jimmy Lucas, Ken tion, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he taught school and continued Whittaker and Jay Carnes. working in the funeral profession on the weekends. In 1988, he joined Moderator Jim Kurtz is the president-elect of the North Texas the training department of Pierce Brothers Mortuaries, one of the largest Funeral Director Association. He has been a licensed funeral direc- and oldest funeral firms in Los Angeles. In 1991, he accepted a position

16 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Convention 2017

with the training department of Service Corporation International in Bachelors in Sociology and Social Work. She has been with VSU for Houston. At that time, he began teaching part-time at Commonwealth over four years. Prior to her position in Field Services, she worked as an Institute and full-time in 1992, he accepted it. He is currently Dean of early education teacher in North Texas, investigated abuse for DFPS, Students and teaches mainly in the funeral service arts. and has worked for the State of Texas for over eight years. He currently serves on the board of the Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association and chairs the Programs and Educa- Social Media tion Committee of the Texas Funeral Directors Association. Round out your Sunday education with a presentation from Ryan Thogmartin on How to Drive Leads on Social Media, It’s Not Just Jimmy Lucas graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University ‘Good Will’ Marketing. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and worked for Child Pro- Ryan Thogmartin is a death care entrepreneur, the CEO of DIS- tective Services for several years prior to joining his family’s funeral RUPT Media and creator of ConnectingDirectors.com. DISRUPT and cremation business. The Lucas family owns and operates 18 Media is a social media first marketing company that focuses on funeral homes, two crematories, manages one cemetery and most social storytelling for funeral companies. DISRUPT uses insights recently began a start-up online cremation company, Simple Crema- gained through analytics to build creative campaigns that achieve tion.org. Jimmy is a member of ICCFA, CANA, NFDA, TFDA, actual business goals. the North Texas Funeral Directors Association and other presti- ConnectingDirectors.com is the leading online daily publica- gious organizations. He is very active in the Keller community and tion for funeral professionals with a reader base of over 45,000 of donates his time and gifts to many local and nonprofit charities. the most elite and forward-thinking professionals in the profession. With ConnectingDirectors.com Ryan has created a global commu- Ken Whittaker has been affiliated with funeral service for over nity through an online platform allowing funeral professionals to 53 years and has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for Stay Current, Stay Informed, and Stay Elite. J over 45 years. He is founder, consultant, education director and sole proprietor of Whittaker Funeral Support Services, L.L.C. Whittaker previously served as a consultant and education director for Pierce Companies, Dallas, Texas having been with the Pierce organization for over 37 years. Additionally, he was employed with the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service for over 33 years having served as Dean of Students and full-time instructor in the subjects of Embalming, Restorative Art & Cosmetology, Speech, Funeral Service Ethics, Funeral Service History and Texas State Law. He is a current member and former member of several associations including: NFDA, ICCFA, TFDA, North Texas FDA, the Dallas County Funeral Directors Association and The British Insti- tute of Embalmers

Jay Carnes owns Carnes Funeral Home Texas City, Carnes Fu- neral Home South Houston, Bay Area Funeral Directors Texas City, and Cremate Texas Crematory South Houston. Carnes Fu- neral Home ranks at the top of the largest funeral organizations in Texas handling 4,000 cases each year. Carnes Funeral Home holds the State of Texas TDCJ contract, Harris County Indigent Services contract, multiple whole body donation contracts and many county medical examiner contracts. Jay graduated in 1989 from Stephen F. Austin State University with a BBA in Management and Marketing. He graduated in 1999 from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. He began working in the funeral industry at a young age with his brothers Rusty and Michael Carnes, who own Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston. In 2002, Jay and his wife, Lori, opened their own funeral service operations. The Texas City couple have been married for 23 years. They have an 8-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who is the joy of their lives.

Vital Statistics Sunday afternoon will feature Soo Teal on Vital Statistics. Soo Teal graduated from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas with a

April 2017 • Texas Director 17 Convention 2017

Continuing Education Schedule

Sunday, June 4 10:00 a.m. 2 hours Panel Discussion – Funeral Industry History & Best Practices Jim Kurtz, Moderator Chris Layton/Ken Whittaker/Jimmy Lucas/Jay Carnes 1:30 p.m. 2 hours Vital Statistics – Soo Teal 3:30 p.m. 2 hours Social Media – Ryan Thogmartin

Monday, June 5 8:00 a.m. 2 hours Pre-Need Updates – Jesse Saucillo / Eric Dahlquist 10:00 a.m. 2 hours Rules and Regulations Update – Kyle Smith 1:30 p.m. 1 hour Panel - Green Burial – Melissa Unfred/ Ellen Macdonald/Sarah Wambold Tuesday, June 6 8:00 a.m. 2 hours Ethics – Mark Owen 2:00 p.m. 1 hour Keynote Speaker/General Session

Wednesday, June 7 10:00 a.m. 1 hour TFDA Expo

18 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Convention 2017

CONVENTION AT A GLANCE Don’t Stop Believing & Take the Journey

Saturday, June 3 50-year Licensee Reception Past Presidents & Former First Spouses Dinner (invitation only) 50-year Award Presentation Sales Club Lunch & Business Meeting Sunday, June 4 General Session/Keynote Speaker Registration Open CEU - 6 hours Quarter Century Club Meeting Mike Honeycutt Memorial Bike Ride PAC Reception Committee Meetings Emerging Leaders Event Disaster Team Meeting TFDA Board Meeting Wednesday, June 7 Disaster Fund Raiser, Hill’s Café Registration Open CEU – 1 hour Ribbon Cutting Monday, June 5 Exhibits Open (9:00 – 4:00) Registration Open CEU - 5 hours Breakfast and Lunch in Exhibit Hall John Cathey Memorial Golf Tournament Kids Zone Falconhead Golf Club Idea Center Stage Wine Pairing TFDA Board Meeting Welcome Party, Punch Bowl Social President’s Reception Gala Tuesday, June 6 Awards Presentation Registration Open CEU - 3 hours Raffle Drawing Services, Inc. Meeting Entertainment by Groove Knight Service of Remembrance Casino Parlor

April 2017 • Texas Director 19 Convention 2017

Exhibitor List

ABM Funding, Inc. Shields Professional Vehicles AFP Horizon SinoSource Intl. American Mortuary Service Skyways Media ASD - Answering Service for Directors Southeast Texas Crematory B & L Cremation Systems, Inc. Southwest Professional Vehicles, Inc. Bass-Mollett Publishers Texas Funeral Service Commission Batesville Texas Service Life Insurance Company Body Scoop by B-Mobile Trust 100 C & J Financial, LLC Tukios Inc. C & M Concrete - Precast United Benefits, Inc. Capital Mortuary Services Unity Financial Life Cathedral Park Urns US Cremation Equipment Classic Coach & Limousines Vaughan Specialty Automobiles Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. Custom Air Trays Wise Products, Inc. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service Directors Choice Assignment Service Dodge Company Eagle’s Wings Air (EWA) Federated Insurance First Call Coaches Wine Pairing FRIGID FLUID Full-Circle Care Program Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company Global Atlantic Financial Group Homesteaders Life Hoyt Matise Corporation ICCFA Infinityurns, LLC JST Architects Legacy Touch Live Oak Bank Messenger Miller & Sons Funeral Car Sales Mission Valley Bank Monday, June 5, 2017 MKJ Marketing Monarch Resources 3:00—5:00 pm Mortuary Lift Company, Inc. National Funeral Directors Association Hyatt Regency Austin

NGL Insurance Company 208 Barton Springs Road Passare Pierce Austin, TX 78704 Precoa Reeder Vogel Advertising $65 per person Regions Bank Riley-Gardner Memorial Sponsored by: Roark Casket Company Hunter Daniels-Batesville, Lee Castro-Legacy Chapels, Glenn Vaughn-Messenger, San Antonio College Velma Sue & Leon DeLeon-Memorial Funeral Home, Frank & Geoff Miller-Miller Coaches, Security National Life Insurance

Sentiments Unlimited

20 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Convention 2017

John Cathey Memorial Golf Tournament Falconhead Golf Club 15201 Falcon Head Blvd. Austin, TX 78738

Monday, June 5, 2017 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start 4-Man Best Ball Team Scramble Benefitting TFDA PAC

Transportation is provided

$150 per golfer or $200 per hole sponsor $500 for 4 person team $40/ per team Mulligan

Team Information Sponsorship Information (please print or type)

Player 1 ______Handicap: ______Funeral Home/Company/Individual

Player 2 ______Handicap: ______Contact Person

Player 3 ______Handicap: ______Mailing Address

Player 4 ______Handicap: ______City/State/Zip

______Company Name Cell Phone # To register for the golf tournament, return the flyer to: TFDA, 1513 S. IH 35, Austin, TX 78741. Make checks payable to TFDA PAC.

For credit card payment: Name on card: ______

Card Number: ______Exp. Date: ______

Billing Address: ______

City/State/Zip: ______

Email (for receipt):______Total charge: ______

Signature of Card Holder:______

For more information contact: Mike Dolan (214) 883-2033

What makes Falconhead particularly special is that it was laid out by the PGA Tour Design architects so you can be sure that every inch of the layout measures up to the exacting standards of the PGA and that the course will offer you the same kind of quality that the pros experience. We invite you to experience one of the best courses in Austin golf.

April 2017 • Texas Director 21 Convention 2017

TFDA Disaster Team Fundraiser

Sunday, June 4, 2017 Hill’s Cafe 6:30—10:30 Tickets $40 Adults $10 Children 12 & Under

After a day of Continuing Education, put on your boots or dancing shoes and come for a fun night of music and good ol’ Texas grub at Hill’s Cafe. Hill’s Cafe is a South Austin Tradition established in 1947. All proceeds from this fun event will go to the TFDA Disaster Team to help them respond to communities when mass casualties occur. Come out and support the Team!

SPONSORS NEEDED! If you are interested contact Ann Singer (512) 442-2304 or [email protected].

Transportation provided

22 Texas Director • www.tfda.com TFDA Gala June 7, 2017

President’s Reception 6:30—7:00 Sponsored by: Trust 100

Gala 7:00 $100 per ticket Dinner Awards Presentation Pre-registration price Music and Dancing Higher price on site Casino Parlor

Band & Casino Parlor Sponsored by: Texas Service Life Ins. Co. Remember your 80’s Prom? Missed it? Then this Gala is for you!!

Groove to Groove Knight Enjoy the Casino — win prizes! Convention 2017

THANK YOU CONVENTION SPONSORS! As of March 2017

additional convention sponsors

Nancy Pierce Barber Capital Mortuary Services Don’t Stop Believing Hunter Daniels/Batesville JST Architects Memorial Funeral Homes Become a Convention Sponsor Velma Sue & Leon DeLeon Messenger/Glenn Vaughn Today Miller Coaches/Frank & Geoff Miller Riley-Gardner Memorial Contact Ann Singer for details National Funeral Directors Association

24 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Convention 2017

Welcome Party Punch Bowl Social at the Domain Monday evening

This is a fantastic way to start this year’s convention. The Punch Bowl Social is a cool concept offering: Bowling, ping pong, video games, darts, board games, foosball, shuffle board and karaoke. There is a 360-degree bar, tasty food in a fun packed, family friendly atmosphere!

Thank you to our sponsors: Batesville, Federated Insurance, Funeral Directors Life, Matthews Aurora &TFDA Services, Inc.

April 2017 • Texas Director 25 Texas Funeral Directors Association 2017 Convention Pre-Registration 131st Annual Convention & Expo ~ June 4 – Austin, TX

Company Name: Key Contact: 7, Mailing Address: Cell Phone: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax:

**FDIC or member firm owner receives a complimentary, Convention One Day Only Wine Disaster Raffle Gala non-transferable pre-registration. Only one complimentary Registration Welcome registration per firm. Registration Tasting Team Ticket & Check box: Party (Mon) Fundraiser Casino There is a $25 charge for on-site registration.** Member $200  SUN $ 30 (Tues) Registration Total Line Family (18+) $100  $40 Adult MON $130 Required Child (12-17) $ 50 Amount Due: PRINT or TYPE Registrants Names (make a copy to  TUE $130 $ 65 n/c $10 Children $50 $100 include additional names) Non-Member $450  WED $130 12 and under 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. To receive Pre-Registration prices, we must receive your form with payment by May 19, 2017. GRAND TOTAL DUE: $ On Site Registration in Austin will result in higher costs. In the event that you must cancel, a 90% refund will be made if cancellation is given in writing no later than May 26, 2017.

Please mail or fax completed form with payment no later than May 19 AMEX DISC MC VISA to: Credit Card #: TFDA **This form is for Convention 1513 S. IH 35 Registration ONLY. You must Exp. Date: e-mail: Austin, TX 78741 call the hotel directly to make Name on Card: your room reservation.** Fax: 512-443-3559 Signature: Assignments hA ve your c A shflow tied up?

www.CJF.com | (800)785.0003 Feature

intervened when they heard someone called the r-word jumped 21 percentage points com- Watch Your Language pared to nine years ago. What’s more, almost none of the teens said they were indifferent or joined in when these situations arose. The Scene: A family, one who has re- “Teens embracing inclusion and advocat- cently relocated in your city, comes to your ing against the demeaning and dehumaniz- firm, saying their beloved son, 42, passed ing use of the r-word are spreading a new away, unexpectedly, this morning at the state conversation of acceptance, friendship and school, 100 miles away. They are request- empowerment,” said Soeren Palumbo, co- ing his body be transported to your funeral founder of the “Spread the Word to End home for cremation and a memorial service. the Word” campaign, a push to get people to No one in the room has used the word, commit to stop using the word retard. but the “state school” implies intellectual Roughly 9 in 10 of those surveyed said and/or physical disability. This is an op- And, adults today are more likely to say they are comfortable being neighbors with portunity for the funeral director to dem- they’ve heard someone called “a retard” than or participating in a group with people who onstrate their understanding of the world of a year ago. Meanwhile, 91 percent of teens have intellectual disability. Only 13 percent the disabled and their families. said as much, down just slightly from 95 of adults and 10 percent of teens indicated Here’s why: percent in 2008. they would not want to be friends with Despite the efforts of disability advocates However, there are signs that young peo- someone with such a diagnosis. J – through advertising, the media and social ple are becoming more sensitive. media, a new national poll finds use of the The vast majority of teens said they know Editor’s Note: This story is based, in part, on word “retard” remains commonplace and someone with intellectual disability and the an article by Shaun Heasley published in the many Americans see nothing wrong with number of adolescents who indicated they March 2017 edition of Disability Scoop. it. It is, however, considered hurtful by the disabled and their families. More than 90 percent of teens and adults Tips on Helping Patrons with Physical say they’ve heard someone refer to another and/or Intellectual Disabilities person as “the r-word” Roughly half of those polled said the reference was aimed at an in- What should funeral directors keep in mind when dealing with patrons with dividual with intellectual disability. both physical and/or mental disabilities. An online survey of 2,319 adults and 512 1. When speaking to someone with obvious disabilities, it is important to make teens ages 13-17 across the country, con- eye contact. ducted by The Harris Poll between January 2. When speaking to someone in a wheelchair – if possible – get on their eye 24 and February 3, reported these findings. level. This may mean sitting in a nearby chair, bending down or squatting down In cases where participants reported hear- to achieve this eye-to-eye communication. If the person in the wheelchair has to ing a person called a retard, about 50 percent look up to gain eye contact with you, it may be painful, especially in their necks. said they felt bad or sorry for the subject of 3. Make certain the funeral home and/or church have doors wide enough to the attack and the same number reported accommodate wheel chairs and all areas are accessible for people in wheel- they told the perpetrator it was wrong to say. chairs (with ramps, no stairs), on walkers and motorized scooters. Women were more likely to speak up 4. Make certain there are accessible restrooms available that meet ADA re- against the label, as were those living in a quirements. household with someone with intellectual 5. Seat older mourners closer to the front of the church or chapel so they will be disability, the survey found. Both men and able to hear and see without problems. women were more likely to speak against 6. For services where older mourners or mourners with disabilities are expected, the label in cases where the person called assure your staff is trained to assist them in and out of the visitation area, in and “the r-word” had intellectual disability. out of the chapel or church. Your staff should be aware of the locations of ramps The Harris Poll found there has been little and/or accessible options, such as churches with stairs, etc. change in American habits surrounding such 7. If a reception is planned, staff should be available to assist older mourners or language, even as Special Olympics, Best Bud- mourners with disabilities, i.e., carrying drinks and plates to tables, etc. dies and other disability advocacy groups have 8. Staff should always be available to open doors, guide to arrangement office worked in recent years to call attention to use and assist with opening and closing doors at the end of the arrangement conference of the word and its offensive connotations felt when people with disabilities come to the funeral home to make arrangements. by those touched by disabilities. 9. It is always important to ask permission to help a person with disabilities, The Harris survey found 27 percent of “How can I help you? Do you need help, transferring from the wheelchair to a teens and 38 percent of adults said there chair? May I help with doors? Do you know where the ramps are located? May was nothing wrong with describing a thing I hold that for you? May I help you to your car?” or situation as “retarded.” 28 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Interested in obtaining a degree in the funeral service industry?

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (CIFS) now offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service partially online! The online format allows you the opportunity to earn a degree in a growing industry, no matter where you are.

THE PROGRAM OFFERS:

• High-Quality Education – All instructors are licensed funeral directors and embalmers

• Accelerated Format – Obtain a degree in only 12 to 15 months at your convenience • Reputation – A leading provider of funeral service education

Take the next step to your future! www.commonwealth.edu

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service 415 Barren Springs Dr. Houston, TX 77090 (800)628-1580 (281)873-0262 April 2017 • Texas Director 29 Feature

50 YEARS OF SERVICE: day. Tex Garton was a hero and mentor to me, and I respected him highly.” Moore said there were 150 students in his graduating class from Commonwealth. Only Winston Moore, Jr. two – Ted Adams and Moore – were on hand to receive their 50-year-pins last June. After working for Lewis Hill, a Gonza- Growing up raising peanuts and wa- “Judy, who was salutatorian of our gradu- les funeral home owner, Moore thought he termelons on a farm in Nixon, Winston ating class, played piano for her sister, who might have to rethink his career choice. “We Moore, Jr., knew – when he graduated from sang for funerals in our hometown and the were on call 24 hours a day and in six months, Nixon High School in 1962 – he was not, surrounding communities,” Moore contin- had only been allowed a half-day off,” he re- in any way, interested in farming. ued. “After I completed mortuary school,” membered. “I was making $200/monthly. “I had no clue what I was going to do,” con- Judy and I married. That was 52 years ago.” My wife was making $100/monthly as a fessed Moore, owner of Moore Funeral Home Moore attended San Antonio Commu- teacher’s aide and we were starving.” in Refugio (pronounced Rah-furr-ee-o), about nity College until 1964, and still had not He sought the counsel of another funeral 20 miles east of Beeville and 44 miles north found his professional passion. director and past TFDA President Robert of Port Aransas. In 2014, there were close to “Judy and I were engaged in 1964 and it was Goodwin, who owned a funeral home in 3,000 residents in this town, known mainly for Judy who first brought up mortuary school.” Sinton. “I had gone to mortuary school with its multi-state championship football team. After thinking about it, Moore registered at Robert’s father-in-law and respected both “Yes, Refugio’s high school has a lot of tal- Commonwealth College in Houston and ar- men a great deal,” Moore explained. ented athletes,” agreed Moore, who was in at- rived, right on time for his first day of classes. After working and learning alongside tendance at AT&T Stadium, Dec. 15th, when “I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted, Goodwin for almost five years, Winston the mighty Refugio Wildcats beat Crawford, “so when Tex Garton, the instructor, came in Moore, Jr., became the youngest director 23-20 to add another state championship tro- and began speaking, he captured me. It felt like in the area when he purchased the funeral phy to the high school’s trophy case. falling in love all over again for the first time.” home in Refugio. He was 24 years old. That win capped off a good year for Little did he know, once his class graduat- “The funeral home was old and run down,” Moore, who was honored in Corpus Christi ed, it would be the last class Garton taught, the 50-year veteran recalled. “We built a new at the TFDA convention, when he received due to illness related to the pancreatic cancer facility in 1988, but in the beginning, we had his 50-year service pin. that would take his life a few years later. ambulance service and answered all emergen- As it happened, Winston and his future “Tex Garton was probably one of the cies. My son Mark is licensed and works with wife had been friends almost all their lives. smartest and most dedicated men I know,” me. We’ve been here for 48 years, we know “The first funeral I attended, Judy – who Moore shared. “His lectures were so filled everyone and I am fortunate (with my wife’s was 10 – played the piano for the service. with information, you had to take notes help) to have chosen a great profession.” “The funeral was held at Country Church to help remember it all, and he taught me, Truly a family funeral home, Judy Moore in Union Valley, and it was for a young boy above all, we are a part of a service-based handles the books while her husband and who was killed in a motorcycle accident. profession – something I think about every son meet families, make arrangements and direct funerals and burials. “We’ve served three generations in many Refugio families,” the director said. “It’s like you have a ministry, but it’s in funerals. It’s a service-oriented business. Unlike the chain stores that have replaced Mom-and-Pop shops and no longer offer service. “Families we have served come back because of the way they’re treated,” Moore continued. “They know we won’t take advantage of them...they trust us and know we’re fair.” Moore also is proud to say his funeral home has served all races, all religions from its beginnings. “We are here for everyone in their time of need,” he said, “and our staff through the 48 years we’ve been here has represented every area of our community.” About his recent honor in receiving his 50- year service pin, Moore thinks before saying, “Fifty years goes by in a hurry,” he began, “but if you’re doing something you love, it’s like you’ve never worked a day in your life.” J 30 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Feature

April 2017 • Texas Director 31 Feature The Move To Vendor Life…

state that allowed me to complete half of requires finesse and a deeper client relation- my apprenticeship before going to school. ship. It was in the sale of homes I discovered I did 4 of the 6 months, and then moved how to truly build a bond with a client, asking away. Once I enrolled in school, I started the right questions to gain the right answers. work for a funeral home in the city. It was Working through a slower process allowed an amazing time of growth and learning, me an immense amount of insight into the both in the book smarts of the business and pre-arrangement side of our profession, the common sense, practical wisdom from working with clients all the way up to their the directors I served with. (If any of them time of need. It is a phenomenal skill to have. are reading this now, they’ll know who they Then I took a turn in retail, working for are… and how much they mean to me.) a cellular company that holds many awards After school I returned home to complete for their distinguished program of coach- the remaining 8 months of apprenticeship, ing and developing leaders and teammates. and then received my license. I worked for I spent a few years with them in a leadership a couple years, and then there was a change position and learned how to coach people to needed… due to an immaturity and inabil- greater levels of success. I also learned how “If you’ll serve a family in the way they need ity to deal with the death of children. This to read through the numerical side of a busi- to be served… and not in the way you wish to is a very real issue in our business and it ness and analyze patterns to forecast greater serve them… then the sales will occur organi- caught up to me quickly. But I did some- success in the future. These skills, combined cally. At that point, you have become a true thing unique with that opportunity… I left with excellent practice in building relation- Service Professional.” and expanded my skill set. ships and rapport, would serve to be the ...Dylan Stopher I sold cars. I know...not exactly what you’d launch pad for much greater success in my think a director would turn to, but it turned career than I ever could’ve hoped. I am a funeral director and embalmer. I out to be phenomenally helpful. I learned the I took a job to reciprocate my license into am also a husband, father, friend, musician, ability to qualify what someone needs, rather the state in which we were living, and that teacher, author, poet, small group leader, and than what they want, and methods to keep was the sole and express purpose of that myriad other things. But I am a funeral di- them from going into financial ruin. It is vital role. I am grateful to that firm for allow- rector and embalmer. we, as funeral service professionals, recognize ing me the chance to do so, and we were all I’m 37 years old, and I started in the fu- that there are people who do have a cham- aware it would be that and likely nothing neral profession when I was 19. Like most pagne taste with a water bottle budget, and more. When I was done, with a fresh license directors, it was something that just sort of we need to protect them from themselves in in hand, I went to work for a firm in a differ- “happened,” and I couldn’t really explain to this debt-ridden culture. Trust me, they’ll ap- ent part of our city, requiring my family to you at the time why I was okay with moving preciate that much more than the collection move… and there is where I began the great- from bartending and restaurant manage- notices and bills that follow the funeral. est journey you could imagine. ment to funeral service. But I can now tell Then a hurricane forced relocation, and I I was a funeral director… an embalm- you, I am so glad that it happened… and I’d started selling homes (after a brief and un- er… then an assistant manager of a stand- make this leap a thousand times over. eventful return to the restaurant business). alone… then an assistant manager and care I started young, yes, and I worked in a Real estate is a slower selling process, one that center supervisor of the largest combo in the group… then a location manager of our Let’s Make newest acquisition. I served a team of won- Austin Mortuary Service derful directors, and we led our region in averages in almost every category (trumping Your Austin Connection! our far larger competitors both in percent- • Removals • Cremations age and dollar amounts). • Embalming • Quality Service I assisted our corporate trainer at times • Shipping • Se Habla Español with insight, and was allowed the oppor- • Transportation • TFDA member tunity to train several directors in specific Thelma T. Garza • Gravesides metrics. And in 2012, I was awarded the Owner/Operator Funeral Director of the Year for the highest overall sales average in both burial and cre- Austin Mortuary Service, LLC (new ownership) 13200 Pond Springs Rd. E-36 • Austin Texas 78729 mation, both pre-need and at-need in our 512-441-3114 • fax 512-276-6761• [email protected] region. It was phenomenal. During that time, I met my current leader, 32 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Feature owner of a vault production and sales li- things. So when I speak to my clients, I’m one censes current, and I’m ready to go and serve cense in our area of the US. The first time of them as much as I’m their vendor. if called upon. I maintain close friendships I met him in 2010, I told him when he was So given my path to becoming a vendor, with the directors I know, and I forge new ready to replace himself, I’d like to have the there’s only a few things I can share with you ones with those I meet. I understand and re- opportunity to interview. It took about four in closing. First, vendor spots are rare. If this is member what it’s like to be in the shoes of a years, but I finally made the switch. something that calls to you as it did to me, seek funeral director under extreme pressure, and First, I have always wanted the opportuni- it out and don’t give up until you get the posi- I will always temper myself towards that level. ty to train professionals to be more successful. tion you want. Second, there’s nothing wrong I am a funeral director and embalmer. I’m an avid believer our profession thrives on with staying in a funeral home. I do miss serv- I am a vendor, yes… and I serve the larger education to the consumer, and that directors ing families directly, and I can name some of populace by serving the funeral profession- and counselors can only educate and serve those families and tell you exactly why I miss als… but I am, first and foremost, a funeral properly if they are educated and served thor- them… don’t feel like the only path up is the director and embalmer. J oughly. I love to see people gain a higher level path out to vendor life and away from direct of success, and I find joy in that. service to the families in need. Dylan Stopher wears all the hats he mentions Second, I don’t do as well in a single office. And lastly, possibly the most important in his article. More specifically, he is Regional In my favorite role in a funeral home, when I thing I can share with you: never stop be- Sales Manager in the Greater Houston Terri- managed a team of funeral directors and ran ing a funeral service professional. That might tory for Wilbert Vaults - Houston...and lucky a care center in the same building, I was al- sound silly, but let me explain. I keep my li- for us, he likes to write! ways busy… always running… always having a meeting for something. I found great plea- sure serving in that specific role, and it was challenging every day. However, it was not as much fun, or as exciting, as being able to visit with as many professionals as I do now. I drive… a lot. And some days are very boring, riddled with windshield time spent, only to find my intended visit for the day has had a walk-in or a death call, and had to leave the office. But I visit with over 200 people annu- ally, and I get to learn from their individual business models, and share wisdom to them from a specific niche in our profession. Third, I speak their language. I have liter- ally sat across a table from thousands of people who have needed the service of a funeral professional, and I’ve done what my clients do. I know their stressors, I know their pain, I know their love for serving others… and I know if they say they need to meet another time, they mean it. I also know when there is an issue that needs discussion, they don’t have a ton of time to go through every fine detail. They need answers quickly, and I can Receiving Remains for Arlington National Cemetery deliver them in a way they understand. (And Casketed- $650 • Cremains - $80 I mean no disrespect to those who are ven- dors that are not also funeral directors and/or embalmers… please don’t think that.) Last, and probably most importantly, I’m crazy just like they are. Why? For the same reasons as above. I’ve seen what they’ve seen, and I’ve listened to what they’ve listened to. I know the pain of carrying the countless se- crets that are shared in an arrangement office, and I know the joy of a family thanking you for a once-in-a-lifetime tribute that fits per- fectly to the life of their loved one. We laugh about the same things… and we clutch our knees in a corner and cry about the same April 2017 • Texas Director 33 Director Education Workplace Safety Is Your Firm a Danger Zone?

Sometimes, we’re so familiar with a space or between desks. Also, make sure electrical and its furnishings, we fail to see the haz- and computer cords aren’t stretched across ards, but it is possible for any area of a firm possible pathways where they can trip peo- to present hazards. Who knew, right? ple up. You even may be surprised to learn that roughly 80,000 private-industry office em- Open it? Then close it! ployees and administrative workers suffer If you open a desk drawer, file cabinet on-the-job injuries each year, based on Bu- or closet, close it — even if you’re going to reau of Labor Statistics estimates. Want to open it again in a couple of minutes. You’d guess the most common culprits? If you said be amazed how many people bark their slips, trips and falls you are exactly right, and shins, trip, fall or run into doors that were those are followed by being struck by, caught momentarily left ajar. on or knocking into objects and ergonomic And open just one drawer at a time. It’s injuries — most, if not all, of which are pre- not only dangerous, but nobody wants to be ventable injury accidents. the one who has to put everything back in So let›s talk about compliance with away from sharps and not looking down at its proper place when a file cabinet tips over! OSHA regulations and safety codes. As you your phone while you’re racing out of the know from experience, compliance is usually prep room, here are a few basic no-brainers Keep your feet on the ground up to each employer. In funeral service, the to keep people safe at your firm. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, bookcases, main focus is, first and foremost, creating a file cabinets or fellow employees to reach safe work environment in the prep room be- Keep it clear. Keep it tidy. something or put up that mistletoe over cause of the chemicals involved. Get rid of storage boxes, discarded office your cubicle. If you are aiming high, use a This task also requires common sense on chairs, broken coat racks, old holiday decora- proper stepladder that is fully opened and every embalmer›s part. In addition to wear- tions and any other detritus that might have placed on level ground. Don’t climb higher DCAS_Kasi Welch Backer Testimonial Ad 475x475_Layout 1 2/27/2017 11:46 AM Page 1 ing Personal Protection, keeping fingers been piled up or abandoned in the hallways than the step indicated as the highest one that is safe to stand on.

“We love Directors Slack your Stacks Speaking of reach, use some common Choice Assignment sense when stacking stuff. Don’t pile boxes Services. They are very, too high, and make sure the weightiest ones are closest to the floor. Try not to put heavy very efficient and books or objects on top shelves or atop cabi- accurate. Within nets. Most important, make sure nothing minutes we get the — including furniture — is higher than 18 inches below fire sprinkler heads. information we need, which is key for us. Adjust yourself Their customer service Because you probably spend the bulk of your day seated at your desk working on a is top notch. Being able computer, you might think getting flabby is to maintain cash flow is the biggest risk you face. But office work also makes you prone to strains, pains and re- also very important. We petitive stress injuries that can become quite love it, and our families debilitating. Make sure you have adjustable love it as well.” equipment — chair, keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc. — and know how to make it work in a way that protects your health. KASI WELCH BAKER Owner/Funeral Director Going to the office every day shouldn’t Nalley-Pickle & Welch be dangerous. Keep these rules in mind and Funeral Homes 800-692-3688 you’re a lot less likely to ever get injured on Midland, TX www.directorschoiceservices.com the job, need worker’s comp or end up sitting next to Andy Dwyer in the ER. J 34 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.

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Everybody loves their afternoon coffee. sumption among the Swedes. Funeral directors and funeral home employ- King Gustav III, who suffered from acute ees don’t often have the luxury of a formal paranoia, feared coffee consumption caused Exclusive distributor coffee break, so many find themselves head- health problems. But he also worried these ing for the coffee machine during lulls in ac- secret coffee meet-ups would lead to plan- tivities. However, most visitors to Texas fu- ning to overthrow the monarchy. of Armbruster Stageway neral homes are offered coffee, tea or water. He decided to use science to ban coffee. A These coffee breaks serve as a mental, set of twins proved handy; the two had been emotional and physical refresher and, like condemned to death, and the king offered the name implies, a break – or a rest – from them life imprisonment instead, on the the usual grinding routine. condition that they partake in a health ex- But nobody enjoys formal coffee breaks periment. One twin would drink three pots quite like the Swedes. In fact, gathering for how the books’ scenes seemed to always re- of tea daily for the rest of his life, while the afternoon coffee has become a bonafide ritual volve around endless servings of coffee: other would drink three pots of coffee daily. for the majority of the country’s caffeine ad- “…everyone works fervidly into the night In an ironic twist, both twins outlived dicts. This gathering, otherwise known as and swills tons of coffee; hardly a page goes the doctors monitoring their health, and taking part in “fika,” the act of having a cof- by without someone “switching on the coffee the king was assassinated in 1792, prior to fee socially with friends, family, or coworkers. machine,” ordering “coffee and a sandwich” or any results being revealed. But the irony More often than not, Swedes consume responding affirmatively to the offer “Coffee?” doesn’t stop there. The tea drinker actually coffee alongside traditional Swedish pastries, So where exactly does Sweden’s rich cof- died first, at a whopping 83 years old, while otherwise known as fikabrod, and usually in- fee tradition come from? According to his- the coffee-drinking twin continued to live. cludes those delicious, gooey cinnamon buns torical accounts, coffee made its way to Swe- Understandably, multiple failures of the ban (kanelbulle)...and in many Swedish compa- den in the mid-1670s and found popularity resulted in its removal in the 1820s, when nies, it’s not just a ritual — it’s actually man- among the wealthy about 100 years later. coffee drinking skyrocketed. datory for employees of these companies to But in 1746, the king imposed a hefty tax Nowadays, the Swedes generally take two take two fika breaks per workday. on the newly popular beverage, which the fika breaks a day: once in the mid-morning, In a New York Times review in Swedes refused to pay. and again around 3 p.m. The word “fika” ac- 2010 about author Stieg Larsson’s hit Swed- Ten years later, coffee was banned from tually derives from the 19th-century slang ish trilogy (The Girl Who Kicked the Hor- Sweden, though that didn’t stop the locals word for coffee, kaffi. It’s pretty simple: In- net’s Nest. The Girl Who Played With Fire from continuing to drink it. Higher tax- vert the word kaffi, and you get fika. And for and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), the es were imposed on coffee, leading to a the Swedes, fika is pretty serious business; Times reviewer wrote incredulously about black-market-type situation of coffee con- along with Finland and the Netherlands, Sweden rounds out the three biggest coffee- consuming nations in the world. In 2015, the percentage of Americans who drink a cup of coffee every day declined for the third straight year, the National Cof- fee Association (NCA) reported, reflecting The most innovative slacker consumption from older drinkers. The National Coffee Drinking Trends study in 2015 showed 59 percent of Ameri- new car in the industry. cans drank a daily cup of coffee, down from 61 percent in 2014 and 63 percent in 2013. 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April 2017 • Texas Director 37 Community News Deaths/Memorials

over the entire Gulf Coast. Joel was a member of Tejas Vacqueros Elizabeth “Libby” Clayton Leslie Seibel and a lifetime member of the Houston Live- Ella Marie Duncan TFDA Executive Board & Staff stock Show and Rodeo and served on the Charlie & Heather Hauboldt Breeder’s Greeters Committee. Joel E. Levingston Gary & Della Shaffer He served as Commissioner for Drain- TFDA Executive Board & Staff Douglas Nobles & Jeffrey Nobles age District #7 for eight years during which Charlie & Heather Hauboldt Robby & Betty Bates time the levee protecting our area was built. Gary & Della Shaffer Matt Boyd – Funeral Planning Agency He also served on Drainage District #3 for Douglas Nobles & Jeffrey Nobles 20 years. Robby & Betty Bates Emma Florence Slavik Joel was appointed to the State and Na- Matt Boyd – Funeral Planning Agency TFDA Executive Board & Staff tional D-Mort Teams. He was activated Wayne Giese Family Charlie & Heather Hauboldt during 9/11 attacks and served in New Dorendia & Frank Watkins Gary & Della Shaffer York City. Steven & Karen Murray, Lynn Murray Douglas Nobles & Jeffrey Nobles Funeral services were held March 2 at Troy & Jimi Murray Robby & Betty Bates Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Matt Boyd – Funeral Planning Agency a military graveside following in Greenlawn Myra Bell Swindell Mumaw Memorial Park. TFDA Executive Board & Staff Joel is survived by his wife, Portia A. Lev- Charlie & Heather Hauboldt ingston of Port Neches, daughter, Kathy Gary & Della Shaffer Levingston Lewis and husband John of Douglas Nobles & Jeffrey Nobles Port Neches, son, Jay Levingston and wife Robby & Betty Bates Belinda of Hamshire, four grandchildren, Matt Boyd – Funeral Planning Agency Kara Scott, Katie Scott, Brooks Levingston and Brock Levingston. Joel will be missed by his companion “Lil Buddy”. Joel dedicated his life to serving others. Levingston the state. Today his children, Kathy and Jay Those that knew him know he did just that. Joel Levingston, rancher, funeral director, Levingston run the business. husband and father, and most important to He was named by Groves Jaycees as Mumaw him grandfather, died February 27. He was “Business Person of the Year” twice, Funeral Myra Belle Swindell Boggs Mumaw, age the founder of Levingston Funeral Homes director of the year by Texas Funeral Direc- 96, quietly and graciously unclasped her in Groves and Port Neches, and was named tors Association- and too many awards to earthly bonds on March 10, 2017, and was TFDA Funeral Director of the Year in mention. welcomed into her Heavenly home by her 1997. Joel was a member of The Methodist loving Father where she embraced so many He was born on September 19, 1931 in Temple, serving as Chairman of the Board, beloved family members. She is the mother Port Arthur, Texas to Capt. S.W. and Aileen Methodist Men’s, usher and other positions of Alice Berthelsen Adams, longtime editor Keeney Levingston. thru the years. He served on the Boards of of this publication. Joel was a native of this area his entire life, First Bank and Trust, Doctor’s Hospital Born November 25, 1920, in Childress, except for time in college and the military. and Groves Senior Citizen Center. He was TX, Myra Belle grew up in Dallas, where He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson a member and past president of Groves she lived with her parents, the late Ridley High School and attended Landig Mortu- Rotary Club, member and past president Williams Swindell and Little Effie Swind- ary College in Houston where he received of Groves Chamber of Commerce, Groves ell, where she was an active member of Oak his degree in Mortuary Science. He held Masonic Lodge #1315, member and past Lawn United Methodist Church and, later, both a Texas Funeral Director’s and Texas president of El Mina Shrine, past president Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. Embalmer’s license. Joel served in the Unit- and member of Bachelor’s Club, and past She was the second of five children, in- ed States Army during the Korean Conflict chief of Cav-oil-cade Commodores. cluding Betty June Metz, the late Mary Alice as head of a Graves Registration Lab. He was a lifelong Boy Scout. He earned Abel, the late Dorothy Jeanne Brinson and He established Levingston Funeral the rank of Eagle Scout, served as Scout- the late Ridley (Sonny) Swindell, Jr., Myra Home upon his return in 1955. Joel dedi- master in Groves and formed Sea Scout Belle’s five-year-old baby brother. His death cated his life to funeral service. By the age of Ship #501. He received the Silver Beaver – the result of the simultaneous onset of nine he was washing cars for a local funeral Award, highest honor in scouting. measles and pneumonia – before antibiotics. home. Joel served as Groves Civil Defense Di- When she was seven, Myra Belle and her That same year he married Portia Smith – rector for many years following the loss family gathered with other Dallasites along who he had dated since she was 15 years old. of their first funeral home to the tornado Oak Lawn Avenue to see Charles Lind- Together they built Levingston Funeral that struck Groves in 1957. At one time he bergh pass in an open car during a parade Home into one of the most successful in served as Emergency Management Director in his honor after his trans-Atlantic flight. 38 Texas Director • www.tfda.com 2014 TFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

She and neighborhood girls had planned held at the home of the bride, after which manager for a number of physicians in the to shout out, “We love you, Lindy!” when the couple left for a honeymoon in Mon- Locke Medical Building. When she retired, the ruggedly handsome aviator passed, but terey, Mexico, she had also worked for the late Leonard when the moment came, the girls stood in Mr. and Mrs. Boggs moved to San An- Gravier, M.D., a pediatric surgeon, for more stunned silence as their hero rode by. gelo, Herschel’s hometown. There they had than a decade. Graduating with North Dallas High two daughters, Alice Ann (1946) and Susan After all three girls had earned their bach- School’s Class of 1938, Myra Belle was of- Dale (1949). Myra Belle served as mother elor degrees, Myra Belle and Herschel filled fered a math scholarship to then-Hockaday and homemaker as well as volunteer in the their empty nest with activities, travel, and Jr. College, but as her mother rationalized, Santa Rita Elementary School PTA, room friends. “A college degree doesn’t make having ba- mother, Brownie Scout leader, costume de- Herschel Boggs died in 1980 after a val- bies any easier,” so, instead of going to col- signer for the girls’ dance recitals, San Ange- iant, two-year battle with lymphoma, and lege, Myra went to comptometer (first com- lo Cotillion, the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, an for the next 8 years, Myra continued loyal at- mercially successful key-driven calculator) active member of First Presbyterian Church tendance at Lover’s Lane United Methodist school. and Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible and the Swingin’ Saints Square Dance Club. After her daughters earned their first School Director, ladies circle leader, Candle- She also enjoyed daily three-mile walks on degrees, Myra returned to the classroom at lighting Service Director and anything else the track at Town North YMCA, her group Brookhaven College and earned more than she was called on to do. of widowed lady friends, appropriately call- 30 credits toward her bachelor’s degree. The Boggs family moved to Dallas in ing themselves “The Girls” and traveling. After completing her business school 1957, where a third daughter -- Melinda Over her lifetime, Myra Belle visited a training in 1930, she was hired as a comp- Lee (1957) -- was born. Again, Myra Belle number of countries, including the United tometer operator for Otis Elevator and was involved in PTA at Caillet Elementary, Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany, the eventually, Sears, Roebuck & Co., on Ross E.H. Cary Jr. High and Thomas Jefferson Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and others. Ave., where she also modeled hosiery in the HS. Along with making a home, she par- After meeting the newly-widowed James 1940s. ticipated in church activities at Oak Lawn L. Mumaw through her volunteer work During WWII, she volunteered as a Methodist, women’s and dinner bridge with Widowed Persons Services, the two hostess for the USO in downtown Dallas. clubs, scouting, etc. married a little more than a year later at In wartime, and the Swindell family host- She was an excellent seamstress, sewing Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. ed many soldiers and sailors at their home most of her daughters’ clothing, a gourmet Jim, who was a bomber pilot during WWII at 2726 Welborn for Sunday dinners and cook, a fine Christian role model and a lov- and retired as a captain from Braniff Air- Saturday night dances. For the latter, they ing wife. She dedicated herself to providing ways, consented to take square dance les- rolled up the rugs, moved furniture from her family with a comfortable home and a sons. Later, the two also took round dance the large living room and played records on wonderful life...and when it came time for lessons. On the many cruises they enjoyed, their Victrola. the girls to go away to college, Myra Belle they commanded the dance floor with their Myra Belle had a beautiful voice, loved to took a job, first with Sanger-Harris at High- dance expertise and were applauded by their dance and enjoyed the orchestra music on land Park Village and then as medical office audiences around the world. the rooftop of the Hotel Adolphus, in the ballroom of the Baker Hotel, Cotton Club, and others. One evening popular orchestra leader Joe Reichmann heard Myra Belle sing and offered her a job. However, her parents nixed the idea of her traveling with the band, unchaperoned, and so the disappointed songbird returned to her job at Sears the following Monday. Myra Belle’s magnetic smile and cheer- ful attitude attracted people to her, and she • Award-Winning App made many, many lifelong friends during her life’s journey. • Highly Trained Staﬀ She met Herschel Jefferson Boggs at the • Tools For Growth Farrow Class at Oak Lawn Methodist in 1944. Herschel, who had been working as • 30-day Free Trial a Spanish interpreter for the State Depart- ment in Washington during WWII, had been given a new assignment in the Dal- las area. After an appropriate and proper Funeral Solutions courtship, the couple married at Oak Lawn Methodist Church, the Rev. Dr. John Do- 1-800-868-9950 myASD.com naho officiating. The wedding reception was April 2017 • Texas Director 39 After 20 years of marriage, the two traded Siebel others and love for her husband and fam- the burdens of home ownership for a care- A full of life, 64 year-old who was a beau- ily. Leslie was also a gifted organizer, cook, free lifestyle in The Tradition senior com- tiful person, loving wife, sister, mother and decorator, shopper and conversationalist. munity. As Myra’s health became more frag- grandmother should not need an obituary She always thought of others before her- ile, they moved again, this time to Caruth at this early time. self and never liked attention. Her wed- Haven Court. Jim passed away May 2016. Sadly, Leslie Seibel of Austin, Texas ding anniversary was more important to Myra is survived by her daughters Alice passed away after a brave and courageous her than birthdays and her four grand- Ann, Susan Dale, and her husband, Sam, battle with cancer on March 15, 2017 sur- daughters meant the world to her. and Melinda Lee, and her husband Bill, nine rounded by her husband, sons, daughters- She enjoyed camping, hiking, beaches, grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. in-law and grandchildren. She is the wife the outdoors and being with friends and In addition, she is survived by Jim’s two chil- of Ron Seibel, who works with TFDA family. She was a graduate of Norwalk dren, Ted Mumaw, and his wife Jackie, Linda Endorsed Provider Advanced Benefit So- High School (Norwalk, Ohio) and re- Douglas, and her husband Ron and their lutions. ceived her Bachelor’s Degree from the Uni- families. She is also survived by her sister, Bet- She was born April 22, 1952 in Colum- versity of Phoenix. She was a member of ty Metz and numerous nieces and nephews. bus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by the Austin Association of Underwriters Myra’s Heavenly journey leaves many her Father, Harold Boyd Woodward and and a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts with heavy hearts, and at the same time, we Mother, Jane Claire (McFeely) Woodward. of America. rejoice in our bountiful memories and the Leslie is survived by her husband of nearly A celebration of Leslie’s blessed life was knowledge our loving mother has realized 43 years, Ronald E. Seibel of Austin. In ad- held on March 20 at Harrell Funeral Home God’s promise for everlasting life and the dition, she is survived by her sons Philip in Austin with burial at Phillips Cemetery eternal peace only angels can know. M. Seibel (Charity), Geoffrey S. Seibel in Dripping Springs, Texas. (Kristin) and four granddaughters, Allison, Family encourages financial gifts made in “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death Brooklyn, Madeline and Shelby. She is also memory of Leslie Seibel to Hospice Austin, of his saints.” survived by her sisters Beth Hanley, Ellen 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, TX ----Psalm 116:15 Meranda and Laurel Woodward Straker 78759 or on-line to hospiceaustin.org. You (Norm). may also make a donation to Texas Oncol- Funeral direction was entrusted to Syd Leslie and Ron had a blessed life to- ogy Foundation, 12221 Merit Drive, Suite Waldman with Syd Waldman Funeral Care gether and were truly in love from the 500, Dallas, TX 75251 and please indicate in Houston. Visitation and interment were moment they met in Washington, D.C. Clinical Research in the memo line of the under the direction of Restland Funeral Leslie was an insurance benefits advisor check. Group of Dallas. After family graveside rites for over 20 years and worked with her at Restland Memorial Park on March 20, a husband in a family owned insurance Slavik celebration of Myra Belle’s life was held at agency, but she was most admired for her Emma Florence Slavik, 96, of Edna, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. infectious smile, spunky attitude, care for passed away on March 14, 2017. She was the former co-owner of Slavik Funeral Home in Edna, which was established in 1946. Victoria Mortuary & Cremation Service She was born on March 6, 1921 in Wei- “On site crematory – Serving Funeral Directors Only” mar, Texas to William and Antonia Kofron Lichnovsky. Emma attended St. Michael Also Serving the Corpus Christi Bay Area Catholic School in Weimar and graduated from Weimar High School. She received Adrian Fulton her RN Diploma from St. Joseph Hospital Funeral Director in Houston. Air • Combo • Cremation Trays in stock On April 6, 1942, she married Charles Slavik, and they were blessed with three sons and one daughter. Emma and Charles 1-888-524-1646 were members of St. Michael Catholic Removals • Embalming • Gravesides • Cremations Church in Weimar until they moved to • Transportation Edna where they joined St. Agnes Catholic Church, where she became a member of the 1505 La Valliere Ave. PO Box 7662 Catholic Daughters and taught third grade Victoria, Texas 77901 Victoria, Texas 77903 The Fulton Family Sunday School 361-578-4646 361-578-0228 Her funeral was held March 17, 2017 at St. Agnes Catholic Church with interment BAY CITY • CUERO • EDNA • GANADO • GONZALES • HALLETTSVILLE NIXON • PALACIOS • PORT LAVACA • REFUGIO • SCHULENBURG • SHINER at the Memory Gardens of Edna. Services WAELDER • WHARTON • WEIMER • YOAKUM • YORKTOWN were under the direction of Slavik Funeral Home. 40 Texas Director • www.tfda.com “Our company culture has been vital in creating the overall success of Legacy Funeral Group. We empower our employees to make it personal and ensure that every individual who visits our funeral homes or attends one of our services leaves saying, ‘That’s how I want to be remembered!’”

Bill Wimberly Senior Vice President It’s worked out fine.

For a confidential talk, call Michael Soper, CEO 713-529-5770 P.O. Box 56005 Houston, TX 77256-6005

www.legacyfuneralgroup.com

For questions on how to join our family of professionals or to find other opportunities to advance in the funeral care industry, please visit our website. up for payments. For more information, Services, Inc. contact Josh Holloway (205) 572-5640 TFDA or email [email protected]. Endorsed Providers Website: www.stairwaylending.com Group Health – Retirement (401k) Answering Service be taken to their website where you can sign Advanced Benefit Solutions offers TFDA ASD — Answering Service for Direc- up for CE hours. TFSC has approved all the members a free confidential evaluation of tors was the first answering service devoted continuing education modules. It is possible their employee benefit program. ABS can solely to serving the needs of funeral direc- to get all 16 hours, including the required offer proven cost-saving alternatives and in- tors and has been family-owned and op- hours, through this program. You may study creased benefits. Products include employee erated since 1972. Many funeral directors the modules and take the tests online, or retirement programs, group life insurance, began using this service at its inception order the modules through the website and long-term disability, dental and group medi- and continue using it today. ASD main- have them mailed to you. The cost is reason- cal insurance. Call Ron Seibel at (800) 291- tains the highest degree of professionalism able and the process user-friendly. 2009 or fax (512) 582-9493. Customer ser- with extensive training, cutting-edge tech- vice and satisfaction is guaranteed. nology and an unmatched level of service. Credit & Debit Card Processing Contact Jason Bathurst at (800) 868-9950 Authorized Credit Card Systems has no Internet/Phone/Cable or [email protected]. start up fees, no monthly fees, no contracts SimplySmart Solutions can help with ser- and no cancellation fees. Their credit card vice and/or equipment. Let us know when Banking processing rates are very competitive and your current contract is expiring if you want Live Oak Bank provides financing solu- may be lower than the rates you are pay- to improve internet speeds and/or phone tions to funeral home and cemetery owners ing now. For a quick comparison of rates, services to make your business more efficient. nationwide. Beginning with funeral home or to add a new location or for questions Contact: Jessica Dusek at (512) 691-6260 lending and later expanding to funeral and regarding your existing service, please con- x104 or [email protected]. cemetery trust services, we are dedicated to tact Anthony Truitt at (512)659-5592 or helping funeral professionals succeed. Our [email protected]. Online Newsletters team works solely with funeral home and MultiView produces and provides cemetery owners allowing us to truly un- Electricity a weekly email newsletter, Funeral derstand the unique needs each client faces. SimplySmart Solutions offers competi- Trends, to the TFDA membership. The To learn about Live Oak Bank, visit liveo- tive non-biased electricity bids from multiple information in the newsletter is industry akbank.com/funeral or contact Tim Bridg- Retail Electric Providers with personal at- related covering a variety of news stories ers the General Manager of Funeral Home tention, accessibility and customer service. from across the country. They also Lending at [email protected] The team works together with each custom- sell advertising on the TFDA website. or 910-685-7446. er to ensure that member’s electricity needs Members have the opportunity to are met in a timely and cost-effective way. purchase advertisements in the newsletter Business Insurance Contact: Jessica Dusek at (512) 691-6260 or on the website. For information on Federated Insurance Cos. is the endorsed or [email protected]. advertising rates, please contact Geoffrey TFDA Services, Inc., property/casualty, li- Forneret at (469) 420-2629 or email ability and workers’ compensation insurance Final Assistance [email protected]. provider. Federated is recognized as the na- Full Circle Care is a unique service will tional leader in partnering with trade associa- provide your families with the assistance Phone “On Hold” Systems tion and buying groups and has been endorsed they need to finalize matters such as credit Hear Here “On Hold” Systems by 29 state funeral directors associations. The cards, bank accounts, credit bureaus, pen- offers customized music and message “on company has more than 100 years’ experience sions, social security and much more. They hold” service to TFDA and its members. providing insurance and risk management ser- make calls with the family on a three-way They can help you project your profes- vices to business owners. They currently have conference call. For more information, sional image each time you find it neces- 29 representatives in Texas to serve you. Feder- please call Matt Van Drimmelen, (888) 713- sary to place a caller “on hold” by creating ated offers very competitive rates. 4625, [email protected] custom productions especially for your business. They are proud to offer their Continuing Education Funeral Financing services without any equipment to buy APEX Continuing Education Solutions Stairway Lending is a quick and easy way or contracts to sign. You can hear a sam- is now partnering with TFDA to help you for your family to secure a loan for funeral ple of their service by calling the TFDA meet your continuing education needs. To expenses. They assist the family in their time office. For more information about this qualify for the TFDA partnership, simply go of need from a large pool of lending institu- great image enhancing marketing tool, to TFDA.com and click on “Continuing Ed- tions. It is much like a personal loan. The call Vince at (800) 613-3197 or visit ucation” and then on the Apex link. You will funeral director has no obligation to follow them online at www.hearhere.net. 42 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Endorsed Provider Do you “Drive S.A.F.E.”?

How often do you consider that there Attention, Fatigue, and Emotion. Branded Remain in control of your emotions and are far more serious consequences to unsafe “Drive S.A.F.E.,” Federated Insurance’s driv- act responsibly. Put space between you and driving than just getting ticketed? In most er awareness program helps business own- motorists whose actions aren’t sensible. states, if you killed or injured someone be- ers and risk managers call attention to these Drive S.A.F.E. has one goal: to help keep cause of distracted driving or playing a role in behaviors to help their employee drivers you and your loved ones out of harm’s way. a road rage incident, you could be criminally understand the risks each can present, and Please make it home safely today! For more charged. If that’s not bad enough, these risky their resulting consequences. information on all of Federated’s risk man- driving behaviors also put your loved ones in Risky driving habits typically develop agement programs, contact your local mar- harm’s way, whether or not they are even in over time and can be hard to break. Keep- keting representative today, or visit our web- the vehicle with you. Think about it: What ing the S.A.F.E. factors in mind may help site www.federatedinsurance.com.. J would your loved ones do if your behind-the- you overcome the temptation to engage in wheel conduct resulted in your being seri- behind-the-wheel conduct that puts you ously injured or killed in a car crash, or you and others in danger. Before each trip: Would you like are sent to prison because your actions con- Give yourself ample time to get where you’re tributed to another’s injury or death? Bottom going. Not only does it feel good to be early to advertise in line: Poor driving decisions could ruin your and not rushed, you can significantly reduce Texas Director? freedom and tear your family apart. your chances of being involved in a crash. At some point, everyone has made a poor Make a commitment to pay attention to Contact driving decision: speeding to make up for the task at hand, mentally and physically. Be Patricia Huber lost time, reading an incoming text message, on the lookout for inattentive drivers and driving when too tired, or letting emotions drive defensively. [email protected] take over when encountering a “crazy” driver. Get enough rest to help ensure peak men- 512.310.9795 The majority of all auto crashes can be tal awareness so you can react to hazards 210.579.7054 fax traced back to four driving behaviors: Speed, that may require split-second maneuvers.

Fa m i l y O w n e d , Fa m i l y O p e r a t e d . 2 9 Y e a r s + i n t h e I n d u s t r y.

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April 2017 • Texas Director 43 TFDA Services, Inc. Member Services These services are provided to TFDA members only . Executive Officers

AT&T Discounted Cell Phone Service TFDA members are eligible for a 10 percent discount. This is for personal accounts under users’ social security numbers. Business President accounts are not eligible. They offer some great specials not available anywhere else. D. Michael Land To access the link, you must go to the Members Only portion of the TFDA website Hurst and log-in. You may also take your membership card to any AT&T store to verify eligibility.

TFDA Job Bank assists funeral homes, commercial embalming establishments Vice President and crematories looking for personnel. Information is posted to the TFDA Gary Westerman, CFSP website for 90 days unless otherwise stated. Using the TFDA job bank signifi- Irving cantly increases your applicants and shortens your search time. Licensed funeral directors and embalmers are encouraged to email their resumes to joyce@tfda. com so that potential employers can contact them. Contact the TFDA office at (512) 442-2304 for more information. Secretary Treasurer Verizon Wireless Service TFDA members (all existing and new customer Veri- Zach Carnley, CFSP zon accounts) will receive an 8 percent discount off their monthly bill along with Kennedale discounts of up to 25 percent off all accessories. This discount applies to business Board Members accounts and personal accounts. All activation fees will be waived for new services provided, along with early termination fees up to $350. All agreements will be for a duration of two years. Apple products will not receive discounts. To initiate your ac- count, contact Will Godfrey (832) 349-5106, [email protected]. El Dorado Motor Group offers TFDA members and their employees the ability to Bob Earthman Houston purchase GM vehicles at fleet pricing. El Dorado Motors will sell all eligible vehicles at GM Supplier Pricing as detailed on the manufacturer’s invoice. This is truly a “no hassles/no haggle” process. For each vehicle purchased, they will donate $50 to the Colin Owens Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contact Tom Bresnahan in McKinney, Texas, at (972) 569-0101. Larry Don Graves Huntsville Funeral Service Credit Union, located in Springfield, Illinois, is a state-chartered credit union established in 1983 that provides financial services to funeral service professionals, their employees and immediate families. This credit union is endorsed by NFDA, many other national funeral service organizations and state funeral directors associations. They offer many services and very competitive rates. For more informa- D. Elree Griffin, Jr., CFSP tion, visit www.fscunet.org or call toll-free (866) 701-3728 or (217) 546-5480. Wylie Music Licensing TFDA members are eligible for the same low rate for music licensing as is available to NFDA members. NFDA allows members of the state associations to receive a discounted music license. The 2017 music license is $246. This is a con- siderable discount over the price you would pay to become licensed directly with each agency (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC). For a copy of the 2017 NFDA music license Dick Owens renewal form, go to www.tfda.com and click on “Helpful Forms.” Failure to obtain an Wolfe City annual license may result in substantial fines. Men’s Wearhouse Men’s Wearhouse is the go-to menswear store for funeral directors of all ages. Superior suit selection is broad on styles and brand names. To get discounts go to www.tfda.com, then Members Only. Larry W. Payne, CFSP West

Christopher Ramsey Fort Worth

44 Texas Director • www.tfda.com

Index to Advertisers 2017 TFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS American Forensics 13 ASD Inc. 39 April Austin Mortuary Service, LLC 32 4 Tu East Texas Meeting Mineola C & J Financial, LLC 27 6 Th Southeast Texas Meeting College Station Capital Mortuary Services 36 10 Mon North Texas Meeting Fort Worth Commonwealth Institute 12,13 South Texas Meeting Laredo of Funeral Service 29 Continental Computer 31 18 Tu TFDA Services, Inc. Board Austin Doric Texas 19 19 W TFDA Board Meeting Austin FDLIC 34 25 Tu Panhandle Meeting Lubbock Kirk Mortuary Service of Houston 9 26,27,28 Advocacy Summit Washington, DC Legacy Funeral Group 41 27 Th West Texas Meeting San Angelo Live Oak Bank 15 Metropolitan Funeral Service 33 June Miller & Sons 11 4-7 TFDA Convention Austin Miller & Sons 43 Olinger Mortuary Service 18 August Pekin Life Insurance Co. 35 7,8,9 TFDA Leadership The Woodlands Shields Southeast Sales Inc. Back Cover October Southwest Professional Vehicles, Inc. 37 24 Tu TFDA Services, Inc. Board Austin Texas Service Life Inside Front Cover The Carlson Law Firm 30 25 W TFDA Board Meeting Austin Twin Wood Mortuary 5 29 – Nov. 1 NFDA Convention Boston, MA Vaughan Specialty Auto 7 Victoria Mortuary Services 40 Wilbert Funeral Services and Signet Supply Inside Back Cover

Memorial Form Please mail this form with your contribution

Name of Deceased

Acknowledgement to go to Full Name

Address, City, State, Zip

Donor is Full Name

Address, City, State, Zip

Please designate donation for either the q Colin Owens Memorial Scholarship q Building Fund

Mail to TFDA Memorial Fund • 1513 S. IH 35 Austin, TX 78741

April 2017 • Texas Director 45 Remembering A Life Why Was this Man Buried in a Pringles Can?

ing. Baur designed a foil lined can made by rolling lengths of cardboard into a cylindrical tube. The tube protected the chips which are stacked, thus preventing much breakage.

Baur held the patent for the tubular Pringles container and for the method of packaging the curved, stacked As funeral directors, you’ve chips in the container. His probably had more than other accomplishments one unusual request when included development of it comes to disposition of frying oils and freeze-dried human remains...like the ice cream. motorcycle rider’s friends who asked the director to After the funeral service, the An excellent student through A 2008 Time magazine turn his back while they took three Baur children honored high school, Baur graduated article quipped, “If there one more toke with a de- the chemist’s request to bury from the University of To- were a junk food hall of ceased friend...or the well- him in one of the cans by ledo and received both his fame, the original Pringles to-do Galvestonian whose placing part of his cre- Masters and PhD degrees in can would stand proudly wife asked the director to mated remains in a Pringles organic chemistry at Ohio next to a Toblerone pyramid place a bottle of a favorite container in his grave in State University. in the exhibit on ingenious bourbon and some riding suburban Springfield Town- packaging shapes.” boots in the vault before ship in Ohio. He enlisted in the Navy on her husband’s casket was April 15, 1944 as an avia- “Baur’s canister has become lowered...but who would The rest of his remains were tion physiologist stationed a treasured symbol of snack request their family to bury placed in an urn buried in San Diego during World culture around the globe, as a portion of their cremated along with the can in a War II. Aviation physiolo- recognizable as a Hershey remains in a Pringles can? grave beside his wife, Elaine gists conducted research on bar or Coke can from Ar- Baur, who died in 2001, in the medical aspects of flight. gentina to Zambia.” It seems one Dr. Fredric Arlington Memorial Gardens J. Baur, Jr., of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, with some In the late 1940s, after the Pringles, the potato and died May 4, 2008 at Vitas placed in another urn and war, Baur went to work for wheat-based stackable Hospice in Cincinnati. He given to a grandson. Cincinnati-based Proctor snack chips, were first sold was 89. & Gamble. His initial job in the U.S. in 1967 and Baur requested the burial was as a chemist and food were originally marketed According to Baur’s chil- arrangement because he storage technician who as “Pringles Newfangled dren, on their way to the was proud of his design of specialized in research and Potato Chips.” Pringles funeral home, they stopped the Pringles container, said development and quality today are sold in more than by a Walgreen’s drug store his son, Lawrence Baur, of control. 140 countries and were the and decided their dad Michigan. fourth most popular snack would prefer the original The invention of the Pringles brand after Lay’s, Doritos flavor of the popular snack Born June 14, 1918, in chip, which used potato and Cheetos in 2012, with food container he devel- Toledo to Fredric, Sr., and flakes rather than slices, 2.2 percent market share oped for Proctor & Gamble Sophia Baur, Fredric Jr., was was a bit fragile, calling for globally, compared to Lay’s back in 1966. an only child. specially designed packag- share of 6.7 percent. J 46 Texas Director • www.tfda.com Cross over to a better future

Educated Selection ProcessTM

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Contact your Wilbert Funeral Services representative today!

Amber Lee Robert Babineaux Regional Marketing Manager Regional Marketing Manager (806) 392-1390 (318) 423-0613 [email protected] [email protected]

Sly Jackson Matt Stewart Regional Vice President Regional Vice President (806) 762-0505 (580) 504-1199 [email protected] [email protected]

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