Services You Can Trust
Providing Funeral & Cremation Services Since 1913
Immediate Need
We are available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days a week, including holidays.
Funeral Options
We offer a unique, personalized funeral experiences, designed to honor the life of your loved one.
Cremation Options
Choosing Cremation doesn’t limit your option. Discover new and innovative service options.
THE DOWNING & LAHEY DIFFERENCE
When a loved one passes, the moments that follow can feel overwhelming. At Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory, as your local funeral home in Wichita, KS, our mission is simple: to walk beside families with compassion, clarity, and respect. For more than a century, Wichita families have trusted us to provide comfort, guidance, and meaningful ways to honor those they hold dear.
For over 100 years, we've been committed to providing families with the highest quality care and service in their time of need.
"We're here for you."
Receive Our Free Personal Record Guide
Planning for your funeral in advance can offer you and your family a number of benefits
Veterans
Downing and Lahey is well versed in the benefits offered by state and national veteran cemeteries in Kansas and across the country. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist your family in securing the honors and benefits you have rightfully earned. Let us help you navigate the process with care and expertise.
Respecting all Faiths
We welcome, honor, and respect all beliefs and traditions. When you choose our funeral home in East Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, our compassionate team is here to provide support and gentle guidance in creating a meaningful tribute that reflects your faith, culture and customs.
Support Around the Clock
Loss doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. When you’re looking for a funeral home in Wichita, KS, it’s important that they’re available for you. Our team is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. From the very first call, you’ll find a steady hand and a compassionate voice ready to guide you through immediate decisions and longer-term planning.
Personal Tributes That Truly Reflect a Life
Every individual has a unique story, and we believe their farewell should be just as personal. Whether you are considering a traditional funeral, a modern celebration of life, or cremation with customized memorialization, our funeral home in East Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas will work closely with you to design a service that reflects your loved one’s values, passions, and legacy.
A Legacy of Local Service
As a family-owned funeral home for five generations, we understand what it means to be rooted in the community we serve. Unlike corporate-owned funeral homes, our decisions are made locally, with your family’s best interests in mind. We take pride in carrying forward traditions of trust, integrity, and personal connection that have defined us since 1913.
Honoring Every Tradition
With our diverse local community, as a local funeral home in Wichita, KS, we recognize and respect the diverse cultural and spiritual traditions that enrich our community. Whether you wish to incorporate religious customs, military honors, or a more contemporary approach, we are here to ensure every detail reflects what matters most to your family.
Planning for Tomorrow, Comfort for Today
Many families find peace of mind in planning ahead. Pre-arrangement allows you to make thoughtful choices now, sparing your loved ones difficult decisions later. Our complimentary Personal Record Guide can help you begin that process with confidence.
At Downing & Lahey, we believe every life deserves to be honored with dignity, compassion, and respect. For more than a century, families across Wichita have turned to us in moments of loss, trusting our family-owned funeral home to provide comfort and guidance. Whether you’re planning ahead, arranging a traditional service, or creating a modern celebration of life, our caring team is here to walk beside you every step of the way. With a legacy built on service, community, and heartfelt compassion, as a funeral home in East Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, we are dedicated to helping you create a meaningful tribute that reflects your loved one’s unique story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do when a loved one passes away?
If a death has just occurred, the first step is to notify the proper authorities, whether your loved one is at home, in a hospital, or in hospice care. Once that call is made, please contact Downing & Lahey. We’re the funeral home in Wichita, KS that families have relied on at any time. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to guide you through the next steps with care and clarity. We will handle transportation, necessary paperwork, and help you begin making arrangements when you feel ready.
What makes Downing & Lahey different from other funeral homes?
Unlike many firms that are part of national corporations, we are family owned and have been serving Wichita families for over 100 years. That means our decisions are made here, by people who understand the community and care deeply about the families we serve. We are also the only funeral home in the area to meet the rigorous standards of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a distinction that reflects our ongoing commitment to integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
Do I have to choose between a traditional funeral and cremation?
Not at all. Cremation is simply a form of disposition, but it doesn’t limit the way you honor a life. Many families choose to hold a traditional service with viewing before cremation, while others prefer a memorial service afterward. As a funeral home in East Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, our team can help you explore all the options and design a service that feels right for you.
Can you accommodate religious or cultural traditions?
Yes. When you’re looking for a funeral home in Wichita, KS, it’s important that they can truly meet your family where they need. We are honored to serve families of all faiths and backgrounds. Whether you wish to incorporate traditional liturgy, cultural rituals, military honors, or a more contemporary celebration, we will work with you to ensure that every detail reflects your beliefs and values.
How much do funeral and cremation services cost?
The cost depends on the type of service, merchandise, and options you choose. We believe in transparency and will provide a written estimate for every arrangement so you can make informed decisions. Our goal is to offer meaningful services within a wide range of price points, ensuring every family can honor their loved one with dignity.
Is pre-planning really necessary?
Pre-planning provides peace of mind for both you and your family. It ensures your wishes are documented and relieves your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during an emotional time. Many people also choose to pre-fund their plans, which locks in today’s prices and protects against inflation. Even documenting a few preferences with a funeral home in East Wichita, KS, along with West Wichita and the surrounding areas, can make a meaningful difference for your family later on.
What are my options for memorializing cremated remains?
There are many meaningful choices, including burial in a family plot, placement in a columbarium niche, interment in an urn garden, scattering in a special location, or keeping the urn in your home. We also offer custom memorial items such as keepsake jewelry and personalized urns. Our staff can guide you through all available options.
How do I arrange military honors for a veteran?
Our team is experienced in coordinating military services. We will help you secure the benefits your loved one is entitled to, such as a flag presentation, honor guard, or a committal service in a national or state veterans cemetery. Simply let our funeral home in Wichita, KS know about your loved one’s military service, and we will handle the details with respect and care.
Can services be livestreamed for family and friends who cannot attend?
Yes. We offer livestreaming and recording options so that loved ones near and far can participate in the service. This has become especially meaningful for families with relatives living out of state or overseas.
How do I get started?
If you have an immediate need, please call us anytime, day or night. If you’re interested in planning ahead with a funeral home in East Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas, we invite you to schedule a conversation with one of our counselors. You can also request our free Personal Record Guide to begin organizing your thoughts and documenting your wishes at your own pace.