Our On-Site Crematory in Wichita, Kansas: Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care
Have you ever considered that not all cremations are the same? Many local funeral homes do not have their own crematory facilities. When families choose these providers, their loved one must be transported to a distant location or handled by a third-party organization. At Downing & Lahey, our onsite crematory in Wichita, KS, means your loved one never leaves our direct care from the moment we are called until the cremated remains are returned to you. This commitment to continuity of care is central to everything we do.
Two Modern Crematories at Our Onsite Crematory in Wichita, KS
Downing & Lahey operates two crematories at our East Wichita chapel located at 6555 E. Central Ave. Our crematory facility is modern and recently renovated, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism. We are proud to be one of the few funeral homes in the greater Wichita area that owns and operates its own cremation facility, giving families an added level of transparency and trust.
Private Viewing Room for Families
Our crematory includes a private viewing room where family members can witness the cremation process if they choose to do so. This option provides additional peace of mind for families who want to be present for their loved one’s final care. Witnessing is entirely optional, and our staff will support you throughout the experience with compassion and respect.
Cremation Safeguards and Standards
At Downing & Lahey, we follow rigorous identification and tracking procedures to ensure that the cremated remains returned to your family are those of your loved one. Every step of the cremation process is documented and verified. Our crematory operators are trained professionals who treat each individual with the utmost dignity and respect. These safeguards are part of our promise to every family we serve.
Why an On-Site Crematory Matters
When a funeral home outsources cremation to a third party, families lose visibility into how their loved one is handled. The transfer process introduces variables that are outside the funeral home’s control. By operating our own onsite crematory in Wichita, KS, Downing & Lahey eliminates these concerns entirely. Your loved one remains under our roof, under our supervision, and under our care throughout the entire process. This level of accountability is something we believe every family deserves.
Trusted by Wichita Families for Over 100 Years
Downing & Lahey has been family owned and operated since 1913. The business is owned by Allison Morris Walden, Tom Morris, and Michael Morris, representing the fourth and fifth generations of the Downing family. All of our funeral directors hold active licenses issued by the State of Kansas. We are the only funeral home in greater Wichita to meet the standards of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a professional organization that fewer than 7% of funeral homes are eligible to join. To learn more about our on-site crematory or to discuss cremation services, contact our East Wichita chapel at (316) 682-4553 or our West Wichita chapel at (316) 773-4553.