About Us
Celebrating life since 1933
As a proud member of the Lebanon community since 1933, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our Story
A journey through the enduring history of Holman-Howe Funeral Home, a story of innovation, compassion, and family legacy since 1933.
Pioneering a New Concept in 1933
W.E. and Willie Jane Holman founded the first full-service funeral home in Lebanon, Missouri, introducing the area to a new concept: dedicated spaces for funeral services, moving away from the 'storefront' undertaker model. Together they created Missouri's first 'home' for funerals.
Dorsey M. Howe's Enduring Legacy Begins
In the summer of 1934, fresh out of high school, Dorsey M. Howe spent his summer at the funeral home with the Holmans. Following his college education, Howe returned in 1939, embarking on an enduring association with the funeral home culminating in Howe taking the helm.
Expanding Services
Over the years, we expanded our offerings to include a 24-hour emergency ambulance service, adapting to the community's needs. During this period of growth, the Holmans retired, passing the torch to Dorsey and Bethel Howe.
Kenneth Howe Joins the Family Business
Kenneth Howe, the son of Dorsey and Bethel, joined the family business, marking a new era of innovation and growth. His pivotal role led many expansions beginning in 1986 and spanning the next three decades including a new chapel, visitation rooms, selection and preparation rooms, and a larger parking lot with covered areas.
Growth and Expansion Beyond Lebanon
Under Kenneth and Valerie Howe's stewardship, the funeral home extended its compassionate services to neighboring communities, acquiring locations in Hartville, Mansfield, Seymour, Camdenton, and Bolivar, further embedding its legacy within the region.
Mount Rose Memorial Park
In 1998, Mount Rose Memorial Park joined the Holman-Howe family, enriching our service offerings.
Leadership Today
Matthew Shannon, joining in 2005 and now Executive Vice-President and CFO, alongside Kenneth (CEO) and Valerie Howe, lead our dedicated team.
Our Legacy Continues
From our humble beginnings in 1933 to serving multiple communities today, our commitment to compassion and service remains unwavering.
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Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.

John Waters CFSP, MBIE
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Charity Nelson
Publications

Johnathan West
Funeral Directors Assistant

Bradley Arnold
Maintenance Director

Rebecca Dinwiddie
Mt Rose Office Manager
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Kenneth Howe CFSP
President, Chief Executive Officer, Owner
Kenneth R. Howe is a resident of Lebanon and grew up in his family business. He is a graduate of Lebanon High School, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Southwest Baptist University, and Missouri State University. He is an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, the Lebanon Rotary Club (past president), Former Chairman of the Mercy Hospital Foundation,and the President of the Mercy Board of Directors. He is a former chairman and member of the Missouri State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He was named the 2012 Funeral Director of the Year by the American Funeral Director magazine and is active in the daily management of the family business. His firm was awarded the 2015 NFDA "Best of the Best" Award.

Valerie Howe
Funeral Director, Owner
alerie Howe is a lifelong resident of Lebanon, Missouri and a graduate of Lebanon High School and Southwest Baptist University. She taught in the Lebanon Public Schools before becoming a “stay at home” mom. Valerie is an active mom, and is a licensed funeral director and assists at the funeral home. She is also active in the women’s ministry of her church and is a speaker on Ladies Ministry issues in the Missouri Baptist Convention. In addition to making speaking engagements, writing as a published author, and hosting a daily radio devotional minute, Valerie is currently a household executive with a husband, five adult children, two grandchild, four dogs, and a cat.
Valerie is a fast-paced and witty speaker, motivating her audiences to action. She loves the Lord and has completed many hours of training in education, leadership, discipleship, and Bible Study.
Valerie is certified with the John Maxwell Team and is a Missouri Women’s Missionary Union Adult Specialist.

Taylor Dorsey Howe
Vice President, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Taylor D. Howe is a lifelong resident of Lebanon and a graduate of Lebanon High School. He graduated from Southwest Baptist University and Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Missouri Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.
Taylor is a member at Heritage Baptist Church along with his wife Caitlin, and three children; Ainsley, Duke, and Ellis. In 2022 Taylor became a licensed pilot.

Matthew Shannon CFSP, MBIE
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, and Corporate Secretary
Matthew grew up in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and is a graduate of the Mountain Grove Christian Academy. He is also a graduate of the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee. Matthew currently serves as Executive Vice President, and Secretary on the board of directors, and as Chief Financial Officer of Holman-Howe Funeral Homes. He is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Pre-Need counselor. Matthew has also served on the board of directors of the Lebanon Family YMCA and is immediate past President of the Lebanon Rotary Club, and on the board of directors of John A. Gupton College in Nashville, TN. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Missouri Funeral Directors Association, International Cemetery, Cremation, Funeral Association, Member of The British Institute of Embalmers, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practitioners. His greatest joy in life is his children Harley, Gabriella, Isabella, and Tucker.

Brett Eidson CFSP
Chief Operations Officer, and Corporate Treasurer
Brett grew up in Camdenton, Missouri and graduated from Camdenton High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and his A.A.S. in Mortuary Science from Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he currently serves on the Advisory Board for the School of Funeral Science. Brett is the past Treasurer of the Wright County Emergency Services Board, Past President of the Mansfield Community Center and the Mansfield Area Community Betterment Organization, he formerly served on the board of the Wright County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and is a member of the Seymour, Missouri Lions Club. He is currently serving as the President of Lake Valley Golf and County Club in Camdenton and the Chairman of the Camden County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund Board. He is also a member of Union Southern Baptist Church in Decaturville, Missouri, NFDA, and MFDA and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Stuart L. Gilstrap CFSP
Funeral Director, Office Manager
Stuart grew up in Independence, Missouri, and graduated from Van Horn High School, Southwest Baptist University, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Stuart is an experienced funeral director with a passion for ministering to families. He has also served several years as an associate pastor in Missouri, Indiana, and Washington. He and his wife Julie Rayl-Gilstrap are active members of Heritage Baptist Church and are enjoying life with their eleven grandchildren. Stuart is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Nancy Russell
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Russell joined the Holman-Howe Funeral Home staff in October of 2018 as an administrative assistant. She and her husband, Steve, moved to Lebanon in 2002 and have four children, Blake, Amy, Ashley, and Keith. She has five beautiful granddaughters, Sarah, Brooke, Caroline, Caitlin, and Ava.
She and her husband are members at Second Baptist Church where Nancy is the Music Director.
In her spare time, Nancy enjoys cooking, playing the piano and singing. She enjoys watching basketball and football and game shows.

Maxine Kincheloe
Hospitality Director/Funeral Assistant
Maxine Kincheloe is a lifelong resident of the Lebanon community. For many years, she and her husband, Ellis, owned and operated Kincheloe Photography in Lebanon. Maxine has served on the Holman-Howe staff since 2003 and is a tireless inspiration to the rest of the staff as receptionist, director’s assistant and director of “hospitality” for the funeral home. She attends each service and visitation as well attends the office as necessary. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon.

Nathan Shannon
Cemetery Operations Management
Nathan Shannon is a native of Mountain Grove, Missouri and a graduate of the Mountain Grove High School. And attended college at Ozark's Technical College. He is responsible for the day to day operations at Mount Rose Memorial Park. This includes all the things necessary to insure the continued beauty of the park.

Mike Groom
Custodian
Mike is a longtime resident of Lebanon. He serves as custodian and begins his workday at 6 a.m.each day. He is a dedicated worker and also serves part time as custodian at First Baptist Church in Lebanon. Mike also serves as a reading mentor helping local children.

Sue Anderson
Receptionist
Sue is a longtime resident of Lebanon. She serves as a receptionist and hostess during evenings and weekends.

Paula Walters
Receptionist
Paula is a longtime resident of Lebanon. She serves as a receptionist and hostess on evenings and weekends.

Tim P. Dollins
Aftercare Specialist
Timothy was born and raised in the Bootheel of Missouri in his hometown of Kennett. He has been married to Cammy for 32 years. They have a son, Aaron who is married and has 2 children. Jordan is their daughter who is married with 2 children as well. Timothy is a Licensed Assemblies of God minister and served in many pastoral capacities. Timothy has lived in Lebanon for the past 12 years and proudly serves as Family Services Counselor for Holman Howe.

Justin Mather
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Justin Mather, a lifelong resident of Lebanon and a graduate of Lebanon High School. Justin is a political science graduate at SBU, and a graduate Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas. He is also a member of First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.

Jack Parscale
1949 - 2023
Jack Parscale was raised in Clinton, Missouri, and graduated from Clinton High School and Central Methodist University. After teaching elementary school music in Lebanon for several years, he owned and operated the Flower Boutique in downtown Lebanon. He was the Office manager of Holman-Howe for 25 years and was a licensed funeral director. He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity. May his memory be eternal.

Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.

Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Holman-Howe Funeral Homes facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.




“Holman Howe is a wonderful caring group that makes every detail important.”
Author:— Kyra Crabtree rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Mom looked great thanks for working with us about price thanks alot”
Author:— Landon Little rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Made me comfortable as well as being kind and informative”
Author:— Valerie Horrocks rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The staff are lovely, very kind and accommodating. They go above and beyond, are very easy to work with”
Author:— Kimberly Benz rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I highly recommend Holman and Howe for their compassion and care in every aspect of the service we received from them.”
Author:— Debbie Robinson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“very passionate people...always try to do right by you...”
Author:— Dorothy Drinkall rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.

Holman-Howe is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.

We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Holman-Howe Funeral Homes offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.
