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July 12, 2024
Michael Soper Awarded TCU 2024 Valuable Alumni Award

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Congratulations, Michael!

Since 1954, Texas Christian University (TCU) has honored one exceptional alumnus each year with its Valuable Alumni Award.


With over 100,000 Horned Frog alumni, Legacy is happy to share that our president and CEO, Michael Soper, has received this prestigious accolade for 2024!


This recognition highlights his unwavering support and significant contributions within Legacy and beyond. 


Please click on the link below to view the full article published in the FSX Nationwide. Congratulations, Michael!!

READ THE ARTICLE

More From Legacy

Celebrating a Lifetime of Service - Bonnie Morrison

April 16, 2026
We are honored to share that Bonnie Morrison has been named the recipient of the Mildred N. Lucas Lifetime Achievement Award. A proud Amarillo native, Bonnie began her career in funeral service in 1997 at Schooler Funeral Home. She was part of the inaugural Mortuary Science class at Amarillo College, graduating in 2000. Over the next 26 years, she served hundreds of families across the Texas Panhandle with compassion and care at both Schooler and Angel Funeral Home into a leadership role as manager of both locations in 2008. In 2017, Bonnie and her husband Jim relocated to North Carolina, where she managed Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory. She returned to Texas in 2019 and continued serving families in the Concho Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, she made her way back to Amarillo to once again serve the community she calls home. Bonnie is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Texas and North Carolina. She is also a certified celebrant, crematory operator, and an active member of her community. Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and compassion for the families she serves. Please join us in congratulating Bonnie Patrick Morrison on this well-deserved recognition.

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.

Welcome Cassie Flanner, New Training and Development Coach

January 14, 2026
We are pleased to welcome Cassie Flanner as the new Training and Development Coach for Legacy Funeral Group. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Cassie grew up in a military family—an experience that shaped her adaptability, curiosity about human behavior, and commitment to serving others. She began her career in funeral service in 2002 and brings more than two decades of industry experience to her role. Cassie holds advanced degrees in mortuary science and criminal justice, including a PhD in Criminal Justice, and has published academic research focused on criminal behavior and justice. She also serves as an instructor at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, where she supports and prepares students for careers in funeral service. In addition to her professional background, Cassie is actively involved in the community and serves as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Cypress Fairbanks. She is also engaged with several professional organizations, including the National Funeral Directors Association and the Texas Funeral Directors Association. We’re excited to have Cassie join the Legacy family and look forward to the leadership, insight, and support she will bring to our training and development initiatives.

Leadership Changes - New Mexico Region

August 8, 2025
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!

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.

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.

Celebrating a Lifetime of Service - Bonnie Morrison

April 16, 2026
We are honored to share that Bonnie Morrison has been named the recipient of the Mildred N. Lucas Lifetime Achievement Award. A proud Amarillo native, Bonnie began her career in funeral service in 1997 at Schooler Funeral Home. She was part of the inaugural Mortuary Science class at Amarillo College, graduating in 2000. Over the next 26 years, she served hundreds of families across the Texas Panhandle with compassion and care at both Schooler and Angel Funeral Home into a leadership role as manager of both locations in 2008. In 2017, Bonnie and her husband Jim relocated to North Carolina, where she managed Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory. She returned to Texas in 2019 and continued serving families in the Concho Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, she made her way back to Amarillo to once again serve the community she calls home. Bonnie is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Texas and North Carolina. She is also a certified celebrant, crematory operator, and an active member of her community. Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and compassion for the families she serves. Please join us in congratulating Bonnie Patrick Morrison on this well-deserved recognition.

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.