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August 8, 2025
Leadership Changes - New Mexico Region
David Houston

We’re pleased to announce the promotion of David Houston to General Manager of the Roswell Market, overseeing Ballard Funeral Home & Crematory and LaGrone Funeral Chapel & Crematory in Roswell, and Terpening & Son Mortuary in Artesia.

David began his funeral service career in 1982 after graduating from Lamesa High School. He earned his Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses in Texas before relocating to New Mexico, where he became an FSP in 1989. David has held leadership roles on the New Mexico Funeral Service Association Board (twice as President) and the New Mexico Board of Funeral Service (four years as Chairman).

David has been a steady presence at Terpening & Son for many years, and we’re confident he will bring strong leadership and direction to the Roswell Market in this new role.

Congratulations, David!

More From Legacy

Welcome Tristan Herrera, Managing Funeral Director at Martinez West

February 5, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Tristan Herrera as the new Managing Funeral Director of Martinez West Funeral Home and Crematory, West Odessa, Texas. Tristan was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University, followed by a Master of Business Administration. His early career as a fitness specialist at Covenant Lifestyle Centre allowed him to work closely with patients recovering from cardiac and respiratory trauma and reinforced his passion in caring for others. Driven by that calling, Tristan entered the funeral profession and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2025. He gained hands-on experience with Combest Family Funeral Homes and is licensed as both a funeral director and embalmer. Tristan is committed to serving families with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. Outside of work, he enjoys life with his wife, Gabby, and their two dogs, Bear and Mia, and continues to prioritize wellness and personal growth. We’re excited to have Tristan step into this leadership role and look forward to the impact he will make at Martinez West Funeral Home and Crematory.

Leadership Changes - Southwest & Texas Panhandle, Central Texas, Louisiana

August 7, 2025
We're pleased to share several exciting leadership updates within the Legacy Family: Kevin Combest, a former owner and Regional Manager, is promoted to Regional Director. Kevin will take on an expanded leadership role across the Southwest and the Texas Panhandle. With the support of Billy Vallie, Jr. (Area Manager), Kevin will oversee both the Odessa and West Texas Markets, along with the Texas Panhandle. He will also help guide the Abilene Market in partnership with Bryan Hicks (Area Manager). In addition, Kevin will continue his managerial responsibilities throughout New Mexico. We are also excited to announce the promotion of Ryan Stephens to Regional Director. Ryan has been the Regional Manager of Central Texas for some time now. In this new role, Ryan will work alongside Norman Gonzales (Regional Manager) to oversee both the South Texas and Central Texas Markets, supporting continued growth and operational excellence across the region. Ray Dupre has been named Regional Manager for the entire state of Louisiana. In this expanded role, Ray now provides leadership and oversight statewide, including the recent addition of the Baton Rouge Market—comprising Ascension, Baker, and Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home. Ray’s dedication and leadership to his team continues to strengthen as he works to assist with the care provided to families across Louisiana. Please join us in congratulating Kevin, Ryan, and Ray on their well-deserved promotions. These leadership changes reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and position us for continued success throughout the communities we serve.

Legacy Funeral Group Welcomes Loomis Family Funeral Homes

May 9, 2025
Orlando, FL — May 2025 — Legacy Funeral Group announces the acquisition of Loomis Family Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida, and Loomis Family Cremations in Minneola, Florida. Established in 1946 by Francis E. Loomis in Winter Garden, Florida, Loomis Family Funeral Home is a third-generation, family-owned institution deeply rooted in Central Florida. The Apopka location was opened in 1987 by James "Jim" R. Loomis and, following his passing in 2015, continued under the dedicated leadership of his sons, James R. "Bob" Loomis and Steven P. "Steve" Loomis. This acquisition enhances Legacy's presence in the Orlando area, complementing existing locations, including Highland Memory Gardens and Funeral Home, Orlando Memorial Gardens, Carey Hand Colonial, and Collison Funeral Homes. William R. Gray, who has served as Managing Funeral Director for 25 years, will continue leading the Apopka team. Born and raised locally, William is deeply connected to the community and committed to exceptional care. Legacy Funeral Group warmly welcomes William R. Gray and the Loomis Family Funeral Homes team.

Welcome Tristan Herrera, Managing Funeral Director at Martinez West

February 5, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Tristan Herrera as the new Managing Funeral Director of Martinez West Funeral Home and Crematory, West Odessa, Texas. Tristan was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University, followed by a Master of Business Administration. His early career as a fitness specialist at Covenant Lifestyle Centre allowed him to work closely with patients recovering from cardiac and respiratory trauma and reinforced his passion in caring for others. Driven by that calling, Tristan entered the funeral profession and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2025. He gained hands-on experience with Combest Family Funeral Homes and is licensed as both a funeral director and embalmer. Tristan is committed to serving families with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. Outside of work, he enjoys life with his wife, Gabby, and their two dogs, Bear and Mia, and continues to prioritize wellness and personal growth. We’re excited to have Tristan step into this leadership role and look forward to the impact he will make at Martinez West Funeral Home and Crematory.

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.