It’s been predicted that the next couple of years could see massive ownership changes in the business of funeral homes.  While the public companies in the business generally let us know of their acquisitions via press releases and quarterly earnings reports it is a little harder to get an idea on what is happening in the private funeral home ownership sector.

However, at Funeral Director Daily we scour newspaper reports on a daily basis in North America for changes in funeral home ownership.  We find a lot of announced ownership changes. . . . there are a lot more than we can report simply because many times small local newspapers are now putting pay walls up and we don’t feel right about linking articles with pay walls.

However, here’s just a few of the funeral homes that have been reported changing ownership in the past couple of months or so that don’t have pay walls to the articles.

California:  Debbie Plato takes full ownership of Callaghan Mortuary and Livermore Crematory:  Continuing a legacy of compassion and excellence.  Cision PR web

• Callaghan Mortuary-Livermore Crematory website

Ohio:  Talk about Clyde:  New Owners at Auxter Funeral Home.  Fremont News-Messneger (OH)

• Auxter-Recker Funeral Home website

Iowa:  Cranston Funeral Home in Fairfield acquires Gould Funeral Home.  Southeast Iowa Times (IA)

• Cranston Family Funeral Home website

Nebraska:  Marshall finishing 54 years in the mortuary business.  Gude Funeral Home to take over services.  News Channel Nebraska (IA)

• Gude Funeral Homes website

Iowa:  Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Services holds Sidney ribbon cutting, recognizes Marshall’s over 40 years of service.  NMA Land Radio (NE)

• Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Services website

Texas:  Broussard’s Mortuary has new owners.  Beaumont Enterprise (TX)

• Broussard’s Mortuary website

Connecticut:  Two Naugatuck funeral homes merge leaving only one other in borough.  CT Post (CT)

• Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home website 

Pennsylvania:  2 companies partner to purchase central PA funeral home.  Penn Live Patriot News (PA)

• Snyder Bean Funeral Home website

. . . and here’s an interesting expansion in the state of Ohio:

Local family funeral home expanding.  WKBN Vienna News (OH)

• Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home website

More news from the world of Death Care:

• Taking after-death planning out of the unknown:  Know your options.  Seattle Times (WA)
• Can you legally be composted after death in Louisiana?  Here’s what the law says.  KPEL Radio (LA)
• Forest Lawn unveils Legacy Mausoleum among rising burial demand.  Video news story and print article.  WGRZ NBX Channel 2 – Buffalo (NY)
• UC professor advocates for equal death care.  WYSO Ideastream Public Media (OH)

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Financing Funeral Home Growth: Smart Loan Options for Owners

The funeral home industry is experiencing a shift, with more business owners looking for ways to expand, modernize, or acquire additional locations. Understanding the right financing options is critical to making these business moves successful. Whether you’re planning to buy an existing funeral home, build a new facility, or invest in cremation services, knowing your funding options can help you make informed decisions.

SBA 7(a) Loans: A Strong Option for Funeral Home Owners

One of the most accessible and beneficial loan products for funeral home acquisitions is the SBA 7(a) loan. This loan is particularly appealing because it requires less upfront capital, making it ideal for first-time buyers or those looking to expand. 

If you are an existing funeral home owner with a well-defined expansion strategy and a proven business model, equity injection may be flexible, which is the leading advantage of expansion through acquisition.

Industry Trends: The Rise of Acquisitions

Funeral home acquisitions are rising as more owners look to expand their market reach. Many business owners prefer keeping cash to support healthy cash flow and rainy-day funds rather than tying up significant funds on purchases, which is where SBA-backed loans become attractive.

SBA 7(a) loans allow owners to buy additional funeral homes with minimal upfront cash, preserving their financial reserves for operational needs. For those hesitant to take on large loans, seller financing can help bridge the gap, making acquisitions more financially manageable.

Financing a Crematory or Retort Addition

With cremation rates rising nationwide, many funeral home owners are considering adding a crematory to their business. Financing this addition requires specific loan products that cater to mid-sized investments.

Live Oak Bank offers a Live Oak^® Express Loans, which provide quick funding between $10,000 and $500,000. This loan is perfect for business only acquisitions, equipment, vehicle purchases, working capital and more.

 Working Capital and Marketing Expansion

Financing can also be used for marketing and business development. Whether modernizing a website, investing in advertising, or implementing digital marketing strategies, securing financing for marketing expenses can significantly impact business growth. Many funeral home owners now use specialized loan products to cover marketing investments that help them reach new clients and expand their service offerings.

Choosing the Right Loan for Your Funeral Home

Not all funeral home acquisitions or expansions require the same type of financing. Factors such as existing cash flow, business structure, and real estate value play a role in determining the best loan option. Whether it’s a traditional bank loan, SBA financing, or a specialized industry loan, finding the right product can make all the difference in ensuring long-term business success.

Final Thoughts

Financing a funeral home expansion, acquisition, or upgrade requires a clear understanding of the available options. SBA 7(a) loans offer flexibility for acquisitions, while specialized loans like Live Oak^® Express provides fast capital for crematories and facility improvements. With the funeral home industry evolving, having access to the right funding resources can ensure your business thrives for years to come.

For more information on funeral home financing, reach out to Andrew Kennedy at Live Oak Bank: 📧 Andrew.Kennedy@LiveOak.Bank 📞 (336) 671-0089