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October 31, 2024
Halloween 2024 at Legacy Funeral Group

Happy Halloween!

At Legacy Funeral Group, one of the core values that drives our success is fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among our team members. A united, supportive work environment boosts morale and helps us provide the best possible service.


To emphasize this bond, Legacy hosts its much-anticipated Annual Halloween Party.


It's an occasion where employees can relax, have fun, and connect outside of the usual workday atmosphere. This spirited celebration has become one of the year's highlights, filled with joy and laughter.


At Legacy, we pride ourselves on curating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

More From Legacy

Legacy Funeral Group's 11th Annual Crawfish Boil (2026)

April 24, 2026
REFLECTING ON AN INCREDIBLE YEAR The Legacy team gathered once again at the Home Office in Houston, TX for our 11th Annual Crawfish Boil, bringing colleagues together from across the organization. This annual gathering gives us the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us and recognize the incredible individuals who make our organization what it is. 2025 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS This year, we recognized several individuals across the organization for their exceptional performance and dedication. Harry Drew - Legacy President's Award Home Office | Houston, TX Tonya Combest - Manager of the Year Combest Family Funeral Homes & Crematory | Lubbock, O'Donnell & Tahoka, TX George King - Funeral Professional of the Year Pellerin Funeral Homes | Iberia Parish, LA Eric McCrossen - Sales Professional of the Year Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home | Baton Rouge, LA Thomas McBride - Maintenance Professional of the Year Bunker's Funeral Homes & Cemeteries | Las Vegas, NV Donna Richard - Administrator of the Year Louisiana Holdings | Eunice, LA SaTara West - Legacy Home Office Employee of the Year Home Office | Houston, TX HONORING A LEGACY Among the award recipients, special recognition was given to Harry Drew, who received the Legacy President's Award in honor of his 18 years of dedicated service as Chief Financial Officer. Throughout his tenure, Harry has been a respected and trusted leader, guiding the company through periods of growth, challenge, and transformation with integrity and care. As he prepares to retire this May, we celebrate Harry’s many accomplishments and the lasting impact he’s had on Legacy and the many lives he’s touched throughout his career. 2025 EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS ReederVogel Advertising also presented three funeral homes with the Excellence in Customer Service Award, honoring locations that demonstrated exceptional care and service to the families they serve. Recipients were selected based on the Family Satisfaction Survey feedback and Google review ratings, with locations grouped by their 2025 annual case volume. Combest Family Funeral Homes & Crematory - Managed by Tonya Combest 301+ Families Served | Lubbock, O'Donnell & Tahoka, TX Magnolia Chapel Funeral Homes - Managed by Danah Minges 151-300 Families Served | Northport & Tuscaloosa, AL Ascension Funeral Home - Managed by Jeff Cain 0-150 Families Served | Gonzales, LA PARTNER RECOGNITION Additionally, we were honored to receive the 2025 Top Ownership Group Award from Funeral Directors Life. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and the support they provide across our organization and in the communities we serve. CELEBRATING THE LEGACY FAMILY We are proud to celebrate another year of growth, leadership, and tradition. Events like the Crawfish Boil remind us that while our company continues to expand, our strength will always come from the people who make up the Legacy family.

Martinez West Funeral Home Grand Opening, Odessa, Texas

February 4, 2026
We are pleased to share that the newly established Martinez West Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas, recently celebrated its Grand Opening with a community-wide event on January 22, welcoming more than 300 guests. Led by Managing Funeral Director, Tristan Herrera, alongside Area Manager, Billy Vallie Jr., the Grand Opening celebration brought together families, friends, and community members for an afternoon of connection and hospitality. Guests enjoyed catering by the local Chuck Wagon Gang and live music by Mariachi band Son de Chihuahua, creating a warm and festive atmosphere throughout the event. Martinez West Funeral Home and Crematory is located in west Odessa. Together with Martinez Funeral Home and Crematory on South Dixie Boulevard and Sunset Memorial Gardens off I-20, we are positioned to support every family across Odessa, offering thoughtful services and options to meet a full range of needs and budgets. The strong turnout and positive community response reflect the important role Martinez West Funeral Home plays in serving families with compassion, professionalism, and care. We’re proud to welcome this location as it continues to build meaningful relationships within the community. Please join us in congratulating the Martinez West Funeral Home team on a successful Grand Opening and this exciting milestone

Memorial Oaks Chapel Opens New Location in Carmine, Texas

January 15, 2026
We’re excited to announce that Memorial Oaks Chapel has officially opened a new location in Carmine, Texas. Located at 107 Augsburg Avenue in Carmine, the new location will serve the communities of Round Top, Carmine, La Grange, Giddings, Burton, Windale, Warrenton, and the surrounding communities. This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing compassionate, professional service close to home.  An Open House Grand Opening celebration was held on December 3, 2025, welcoming approximately 185 community members. Guests enjoyed catering from JW’s Steakhouse, and live music from the Black Cat Choir Trio, helping make the event both welcoming and memorable. We’re happy to share that the Carmine location is now open and available for services. Thank you to everyone who helped make this Grand Opening and event a success. Please join us in congratulating the Memorial Oaks Chapel team on this exciting milestone.

Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Earns 2nd Place in Ozark Christmas Parade

December 31, 2025
The 2025 Christmas season was filled with celebration and community spirit in Ozark, Alabama, as the Kiwanis Club of Ozark hosted its annual Christmas Parade. Among the many festive entries, Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home proudly participated with a beautifully designed float that captured the heart of the community - earning an impressive 2nd place award. The float was brought to life through the dedication and collaboration of several team members and friends. Special recognition goes to Lauren Chancey, Elizabeth Gericke, Justin English, and Jason and Megan DiFilippo. Lauren Chancey and Megan DiFilippo crafted many of the float’s decorations by hand, investing significant time and creativity into making the display truly stand out. Jason and Megan DiFilippo generously contributed their time and talent, helping transform the vision into a festive reality. Their combined efforts resulted in a float that reflected not only the joy of the season, but also the strong relationships and community ties that define Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home. Events like the Ozark Christmas Parade highlight the power of community connection. From planning and decorating to celebrating alongside neighbors and friends, the experience was a meaningful reminder of the funeral home’s commitment to being actively involved in the lives of the families they serve. "We truly enjoy being one with our community, and we’re already looking forward to creating even more memories together." -John Cawley, Managing Funeral Director

Taylor Mendoza Named TFDA’s Panhandle Young Professional of the Year

May 5, 2026
Please congratulate Taylor Mendoza on being named Young Professional of the Year for the Panhandle Chapter of the Texas Funeral Directors Association. A licensed funeral director and embalmer for nearly seven years, Taylor began her career at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland and now serves families in Lubbock as a funeral director and embalmer at Combest Family Funeral Homes. She has become a respected and valued member of the funeral service community, known for her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the families she serves. Beyond her daily role, Taylor has made a meaningful impact on the profession, serving on the Panhandle Funeral Director Association Board and advocating for the industry. She also recently founded the No Whispers Foundation, which supports families facing unexpected loss and helps cover funeral costs for child victims, ensuring no family navigates tragedy alone. Help us congratulate Taylor on this exciting and well-deserved honor.

Chelsea Henderson Named TFDA’s West Texas Funeral Director of the Year

May 5, 2026
Chelsea Henderson Named TFDA’s West Texas Funeral Director of the Year We are proud to share that Chelsea Henderson has been named Funeral Director of the Year for the West Texas Chapter by the Texas Funeral Directors Association. This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify compassion, professionalism, and a true commitment to serving families. Chelsea embodies these qualities in every aspect of her work. She currently serves families as a funeral director at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa, where her care and dedication make a meaningful difference each day. After raising her two children, Chelsea pursued her calling in funeral service, earning her degree in Mortuary Science from Northeast Texas Community College. During her studies, she faced the devastating loss of her son, yet returned with remarkable strength and determination, achieving Phi Beta Kappa honors. What sets Chelsea apart is the way she serves others. With quiet strength, compassion, and grace, she supports families through some of life’s most difficult moments, offering comfort and clarity when it’s needed most. Her commitment to lifelong learning, her devotion to her community, and her servant’s heart make her a shining example of what it means to be a funeral director. Please join us in congratulating Chelsea on this well-deserved recognition.

Jaime Trevino Named TFDA’s South Texas Embalmer of the Year

May 5, 2026
Jaime Trevino of Charlie Marshall Funeral Home has been named Embalmer of the Year for the South Texas Chapter of the Texas Funeral Directors Association. With more than three decades in funeral service, Jaime is known for his technical expertise, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the families he serves. A third-generation funeral professional and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has been licensed since 1988 and has dedicated his career to upholding the highest standards of care. Throughout his career, Jaime has taken on roles that extend beyond daily service, including mentoring others in the profession and serving as a clinical instructor for future funeral professionals. Since joining Legacy in 2017, he has continued his work at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, where his attention to detail and pride in his work are evident in every case he handles. Jaime served as a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT). In this role, he had the profound honor and responsibility of caring for many of the children of Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, an experience that reflects both his professional skill and his deep compassion during times of unimaginable loss. Congratulations to Jaime on this well-earned recognition.