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About Us

Who we are

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.

What we stand for

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.

Meet the team

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.

We're here for you

We exist to serve the unique needs of every family

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.

Our Locations

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.

Reviews

Hear from the families we've served

“Holman Howe is a wonderful caring group that makes every detail important.”

Author: Kyra Crabtree rated with 5 stars

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Associations & Awards

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.

Our Awards

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.

Plan Ahead

Plan for the future, today

Pre-planning lets your loved ones focus on honoring life instead of hashing out details. Learn the choices you can make now, so a future funeral becomes more of a celebration than a burden.