Our Excellent Staff
Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one’s life while beginning your grief journey.
Tom Morris
CEO
Tom Morris
CEO
Tom, who serves as the owner, director, and funeral director, is the fourth generation of the Morris family to serve at Downing & Lahey. He began working at the mortuary as a child, pulling weeds for 25 cents a bag, then went on to wash the funeral home’s cars and clean the facilities. Tom earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Kansas, and an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from the College of Boca Raton. He completed his apprenticeship at Downing & Lahey and was hired full-time in 1986. Tom and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, four grandchildren, and a Welsh Pembroke Corgi named Moose. In his free time, Tom enjoys woodworking, golfing, and working to achieve his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.
"Tom Morris, owner, handled it (our services) personally! Always available, called me often." ~ Charley
Allison Morris Walden
President
Allison Morris Walden
President
Allison, the fifth generation of the Morris family at Downing & Lahey, started working with us part time in 2005, then joined the team full time in 2012 as our office manager. In 2019, she became the company's Vice President, and in 2024 the company's President. Allison, originally from Wichita, earned Bachelor’s Degrees from Kansas State University in Family Studies, Human Services, and Gerontology. After working full-time for a few years, she became a licensed funeral director in 2016. Allison and her husband, Tyler, have three children who keep them very busy. As a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Allison enjoys volunteering in different capacities within her parish. She is also an active volunteer in her daughters' Girl Scout Troop. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Wichita and a past President and current board member of Wichita's Chapter of Executive Women International. In her free time, Allison enjoys reading and cycling.
"The entire staff were so friendly and made us feel they had a personal investment, rather than just business, in helping us through the process. Allison was especially warm and made me feel I could talk to her as a friend." ~Lori
Michael Morris
COO/Treasurer
Michael Morris
COO/Treasurer
Michael is the fifth generation of the Morris family to serve at Downing & Lahey and is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer, as well as the company's COO. Michael, originally from Wichita, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems & Technology from the University of Kansas, and an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. He passed the state and national boards in 2018. Michael enjoys spending time with his dog, Bear, a rescue from the Kansas Humane Society, and curating the fish tank in the east side location. In his free time, you can find him playing golf, exercising with Bear, or watching University of Kansas basketball and Kansas City Chief’s football.
"In an awfully hard situation, Michael was patient and caring of our range of emotions from me, our four kids, and their spouses. ...He was compassionate and patient with us through our jokes and stories. Like one of the family." ~Jana
"Michael Morris is Downing & Lahey's best asset. I cannot stress how efficient, but at the same time, how patient, he was. Amazing service." ~ Thuy
Brian Goudie
Senior Funeral Director & Embalmer
Brian Goudie
Senior Funeral Director & Embalmer
Brian started working in funeral homes in 1980 before joining the Downing & Lahey staff as a Senior Funeral Director in 1998. He graduated from Butler County Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Arts from Central State University in Edmond, OK. Brian is involved in the Rotary Club of West Wichita, where he recently served as president, and is the current President of the Wichita Executive’s Association. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his four adult children and his grandchildren, participating in community events, and watching sporting events, especially when the Kansas City Chiefs are playing. Brian is a member of Pathway Church in Wichita.
"Brian Goudie was both helpful and knowledgeable without being 'pushy' or overbearing. He showed class and respect toward the bereaved family at all times." ~ James
Mike Bina
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mike Bina
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mike has been with Downing & Lahey since 2001, after serving his apprenticeship with us. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Emporia State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Kansas Medical Center, and an Associates in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Originally from Marion, Mike and his wife, Gretchen, have three children. In his free time, Mike enjoys attending his children sporting events, exercising, spending time with family, and going to Mass at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church.
"Mike Bina did a spectacular job and made it as beautiful as possible for such a devastating time." ~Bob
Doug Chartier
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Doug Chartier
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Doug feels that funeral service is a ministry to the family, friends, and community at a time of loss. Downing & Lahey is dedicated to providing a high standard of care to the Wichita community, while being locally owned and operated.
Doug's career in funeral service began during his time at Kansas State University. While completing his Bachelors Degree, he worked at Edwards-Yorgenson-Meloan Funeral Home before receiving his Mortuary Arts degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College . He then worked with French Mortuaries in Albuquerque before beginning his career in the Wichita area in 2004.
Outside of work, Doug is very active in the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge #303, having served as Worshipful Master in 2019, as well as the Midian Shriners and Scottish Rite Masons. He also enjoys watching sports, golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Charlotte Crawford
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Charlotte Crawford
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Charlotte finds deep fulfillment in supporting families of diverse cultures during their most vulnerable moments. With a deep appreciation for each family's unique beliefs and traditions, she takes pride in creating meaningful services that reflect their values. While she knows she cannot take away a family's grief, she strives to be a compassionate presence when support is most needed.
An Augusta native, Charlotte cherishes serving a community she frequented in her youth - often sharing stories and memories with families who know the same local landmarks. She brings both professional training and heartfelt dedication to her work, holding an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College and having completed her apprenticeship with Downing & Lahey. Her skillset includes running service media, as well as beautician services like hair, makeup, and nails.
Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys life with her husband Caleb and their pets: bearded dragon Xena and kittens Georgia Peach and Cheese Cake. She loves raising houseplants, trying new recipes, reading, and practicing fiber crafts.
Delaney Graber
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Delaney Graber
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Delaney joined the staff of Downing & Lahey Mortuary in 2022. A graduate of Ulysses High School and the University of Central Oklahoma, Delaney enjoys her work in the funeral industry because of the great honor it brings her to work with families in their time of need. She feels Downing & Lahey is the right fit for her because of the way the mortuary upholds high standards, morals, and ethics when serving families. She couldn't be more happy to work with a team of professionals that serve the Wichita community with grace and dignity.
When not working, Delaney enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, and reading, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
"Everything was so taken care of, but Delaney went the extra step to make it very personal to our family. She felt like a friend I'd always had helping us get through the process from death to the funeral and even further details afterward." ~ Annie
Julio Minon
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Julio Minon
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Julio finds deep meaning in his role, especially in helping families find closure after the loss of a loved one. Drawn to Wichita “to join the best funeral home in Kansas,” he brings both dedication and empathy to every family he serves. A fluent Spanish speaker, Julio excels at meeting the emotional and cultural needs of diverse families, always striving to provide a compassionate, personalized experience.
He appreciates that Wichita combines the vibrancy of a big city with the warmth of a small town. With countless activities and a strong sense of community, Julio enjoys engaging in local events, playing trivia at neighborhood venues, and spending quality time with his family at the drive-in theater.
Jenny Moore-Jansen
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Jenny Moore-Jansen
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Jenny joined the team at Downing & Lahey as a funeral director and embalmer in 2014, after serving her apprenticeship with us. Jenny, originally from Sioux Falls, SD, earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in Criminal Justice, and an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. She and her husband, Rorik, have a daughter named Kaylee and two pet turtles. In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family and working on jigsaw puzzles.
"Jenny - our funeral director - was the best aspect. I trusted her completely. She had done things even before we came in for our first appointment. I was astonished!" ~Ann
"I was so appreciative that Jenny took care of all the requirements to get the death certificates. She contacted the Social Security Administration and KPERS for us. She arranged for everything with the cemetery, even helped us with the flowers. She was there with us until the casket went into the ground." ~Kent
"Jenny is a perfect fit for this work because of her delightful blend of patience, warmth, listening skills, knowledge, and attention to details." ~David
Tami Bond
Office Manager
Tami Bond
Office Manager
Tami has re-joined the Downing & Lahey family since her departure in 2003. She is located on the west side as the Office Manager and ready to serve families. Tami is married to Kurt and they have one adult son. She and her husband enjoy camping in their free time, attending and volunteering with Central Community Church, and spending time with friends and family.
"We worked mostly with Tami Bond. She was wonderful... they were wonderful from start to finish. We were able to rely on them to complete every detail which they did with compassion and professionalism." ~ Anonymous
Karen Johnson
Pre-Planning Consultant
Karen Johnson
Pre-Planning Consultant
Karen Johnson is our Pre-Need Specialist. She has been serving families just like yours for over 23 years with Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning. She is committed to helping families ease their burden by planning before the time of need. She is married to Michael Johnson, who is a long-time business owner here in Wichita. She is the mother of five children and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
"I appreciated having my mom's directives honored without any attempt of upsale on behalf of the funeral home. Downing & Lahey's respect of Mom's wishes made the process easier for the family." ~Anonymous
Abbey Evans
Receptionist
Abbey Evans
Receptionist
Abbey joins Downing & Lahey after losing many people in her life. One in particular, her father, was a service Downing & Lahey handled. She observed the directors and staff at Downing & Lahey lead with professionalism and the upmost care for her and her family, something she now strives to deliver each day to the families she meets.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys working in theatre, which she studied at Wichita State University, and restorative art and desairology. She has recently worked as a stagehand for a few shows at the Form Theatre in downtown Wichita.
Abbey enjoys spending time with her partner, Seth, and their cat, Astoria.
Pauline Jernigan
Receptionist
Pauline Jernigan
Receptionist
Pauline has been with Downing & Lahey Mortuaries since October 2022. After the loss of her child many years ago, working part-time at the mortuary allows Pauline to walk alongside other who are hurting. She appreciates the high standands the staff upholds in all areas of their business, especially in the care they put into the appearance of the deceased and their close attention to detail.
Pauline is a retired Associate Broker with Golden Realtors. She has been married to her husband for over 55 years. They share one son and one grandson. She enjoys reading and is a charter member of her church, Grace Place.
Rick Baird
Funeral Assistant
Rick Baird
Funeral Assistant
Rick's interest in the funeral service started early in life. His great-grandfather was the superintendent of Highland Cemetery in the 1930's. Rick is glad to be associated with Downing & Lahey Mortuaries because of his personal experience with the care and concern they show grieving families.
Prior to joining the mortuary, Rick was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 40 years.
Rick and his wife, Donna, have been married 41 years. They are members of Pathway Church. They have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 4 grand-dogs. Rick enjoys the outdoors, working with wood, spending time with family, and attending their grandchildren's events.
David Bridgewater
Funeral Assistant
David Bridgewater
Funeral Assistant
A member of the Downing & Lahey team since mid-2022, David joins us after a career with Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems as a Project Planner in the Fuselage section of teh 737, 747, 767, and 777 models.
David has 2 sons that live and work in Wichita and Hutchinson. He has one granddaughter who is very special to him, who he enjoys spending time with. He also enjoys serving in his church and community with other volunteers.
Stewart Carnahan
Funeral Assistant
Stewart Carnahan
Funeral Assistant
Stewart Carnahan has been with Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory for 5 years. He is a dedicated member of our team who joined us after retiring from Hawker-Beechcraft after 25 years. Stewart enjoys his role as a funeral assistant and the way it allows him to help people.
Stewart and his wife of 36 years are members of the United Methodist Church. Together they raised two children.
Stewart enjoys car shows, classic cars, and collecting currency.
Jim Carney
Funeral Assistant
Jim Carney
Funeral Assistant
Jim joined the staff of Downing & Lahey in 2020 after nearly 25 years with the Wichita Police Department and 20 years as the Director of Security and Transportation for Wesley Medical Center. He enjoys working with the funeral directors and helping them do right by the families they serve.
Jim and his wife have 6 grown children and 14 grandchildren. They are active at St. Joseph Catholic Church where they participate in many parish activities and Jim is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Charlie Deitchler
Funeral Assistant
Charlie Deitchler
Funeral Assistant
Charlie joined the Downing & Lahey team in May of 2018 after being impressed with their professionalism and compassion for families in their time of need, something he’d witnessed first hand through his volunteer work with the funeral ministry at his church, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Charlie joins Downing & Lahey after a career of inside sales for Consolidated Electrical Distributors.
Charlie has been married to his wife, Pam, for 40 years. They share two sons and one grandson. Charlie enjoys volunteering at church and attending his grandson’s ball games.
Larry Dostert
Funeral Assistant
Larry Dostert
Funeral Assistant
Larry Dostert recognizes Downing & Lahey Mortuaries as the premier Catholic mortuary in the Wichita area. When a position as a funeral assistant opened up, he felt a call to join the staff and assist with funeral services.
Prior to becoming a funeral assistant with Downing & Lahey, Larry was employed as a teacher, coach, and athletic director with the Wichita Diocese Catholic Schools. He spent 33 years at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and 11 years at St. Francis of Assisi Grade School.
Larry and his wife have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Together they enjoy traveling, gardening, and being active in their parish, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Kevin Edmundson
Funeral Assistant
Kevin Edmundson
Funeral Assistant
Kevin Edmundson joined Downing & Lahey in February 2018 after a long career as a Vice President/Partner with a local men’s clothing store. On why he joined the Downing & Lahey team, Kevin says “I wanted to be associated with a great team that has a reputation for caring and excellence.”
Loyd Hamrick
Funeral Assistant
Loyd Hamrick
Funeral Assistant
Loyd Hamrick was invited to join the Downing & Lahey team in January 2014. He enjoys the servant spirit of Downing & Lahey – serving people and families in the time of their sorrow and need. He enjoys being a part of a professional group serving others, just as he did during his career. Loyd served 35 years in Law Enforcement and Public Safety to both the Derby and Wichita communities – 3.5 years as a Derby Police Office, 25 years as an Airport Security Officer (police & fire), and 7 years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.
Loyd and his wife, Sharon, belong to Asbury United Methodist Church and have been active in their church community both at the local and conference levels. They have been married for 45 years and share in raising 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
In his spare time, Loyd enjoys traveling, golfing, serving and volunteering in his church community, reading, and supporting and watching KU and Shocker basketball.
Travis Helmstetler
Funeral Assistant
Travis Helmstetler
Funeral Assistant
Supporting families and working with the professional team at Downing and Lahey provides Travis with a part-time job opportunity with meaning. In his full-time job, Travis protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public from environmental and safety dangers as a Professional Sanitarian with the Veteran's Administration.
Travis earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from Midwestern State University and has been working with Downing & Lahey since April 2023.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family exploring parks, zoos, and festivals, as well as hiking and riding bikes.
Gary Huddle
Funeral Assistant
Gary Huddle
Funeral Assistant
Gary Huddle, formerly a Supply Chain Senior Buyer with Cessna Aircraft, joined Downing & Lahey in February 2014. Having heard of Downing & Lahey’s excellent reputation in the community, Gary was excited to be a part of the service and attention that make Downing & Lahey different.
A member of Central Community Church, Gary enjoys studying for his men’s Bible Study group, reading, and working outside. He and his wife, Bonnie, enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and watching their grandsons participate in sports.
Jan Jacob
Funeral Assistant
Jan Jacob
Funeral Assistant
Recently retired, Jan served Downing & Lahey as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for many years. Now, he lends us his talents as a Funeral Assistant, helping to facilitate funerals.
Originally from Broken Bow, NE, Jan earned his Associate Degree in Mortuary Arts from Kansas City Kansas Community College, and served as an apprentice with Byrd-Snodgrass Funeral Home in Wichita.
He and his wife, Vicki, have a daughter and grandson, along with two dogs. Jan is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and in his free time, Jan enjoys spending time with his family and riding motorcycles.
"Exemplary help and care. Mr. Jan Jacob has the patience of a saint." ~JoAnn
Jack Mitera
Funeral Assistant
Jack Mitera
Funeral Assistant
With Downing & Lahey since 2016, Jack Mitera joined the staff in an effort to stay active following his retirement after 40 years in the clothing industry.
An excellent addition to our team, Jack belongs to Pathway-Goddard, loves gardening and outdoor work, fly fishing, and bicycling.
Gilbert Rosales
Funeral Assistant
Gilbert Rosales
Funeral Assistant
Gilbert Rosales joined the Downing & Lahey team in 2004 because his family had always used Downing & Lahey for their funerals and he was consistently impressed by the professionalism and care shown to families. Gilbert was a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service for 35 years before joining Downing & Lahey Mortuaries.
He and his wife of 50 years, Debbie, are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, parents to three children, and grandparents to seven. In his spare time, Gilbert enjoys yard work and catching up on Debbie’s “honey-do” list.
Frank Runa
Funeral Assistant
Frank Runa
Funeral Assistant
Frank Runa began work with Downing & Lahey as a Funeral Assistant in August 2010. A member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church (Haysville, KS), Frank joined the Downing & Lahey team after retiring from the United States Marines, York International, and Goodwill Industries of Kansas. After being active in many organizations and his church for years, Frank was interested in joining the Downing & Lahey team when the opportunity arose. The Downing & Lahey organization radiates a servant atmosphere and allows him to assist families in their time of need. He appreciates the opportunity to be a part of a team of dedicated professionals who serve the deceased and their family with dignity and honor.
Frank is married to his high school sweetheart of 52 years, Jan, and has 3 adult children, 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a spoiled Yellow Lab named Sadie. He, Jan, and Sadie enjoy life in the country where they spend time with their family, maintain their home, work on odds and ends of too many hobbies, and live each day being the best he can be.
Bob Sterbens
Funeral Assistant
Bob Sterbens
Funeral Assistant
After 25 years, Bob retired from full-time duties with Downing & Lahey Mortuaries in September 2018. However, Bob is still very active within our organization on a part-time basis.
Outside of the office, Bob remains active in both the community and the funeral industry. He is a past president and serves on the board of directors of the Kiwanis Club of Wichita – Downtown, a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Foundation, a past president and board member of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association, a member of Wichita Business Promotion Club, and a Kansas Infant Death & SIDS Network board member.
Bob and his wife, Shirley, have two children, and two grandchildren.
Dave Walker
Funeral Assistant
Dave Walker
Funeral Assistant
Dave Walker joined the part-time staff of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries after a long career in the Wichita Area.
In his career, Dave has held many different positions, but spent he majority of his career in education. His last teaching position was with Maize High School as an English teacher. Dave also enjoyed many years coaching athletcits at Maize - bowling, football, wrestling, softball, and track. Dave was also the third President of the Rotary Club of West Wichita - which is where he met Brian Goudie and started his relationship with Downing & Lahey.
Dave has been married to his wife, Diane, for nearly 50 years. They share 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren and enjoy reading and doing puzzles.
Greg Taylor
Funeral Assistant
Greg Taylor
Funeral Assistant
Greg Taylor joined the staff of Downing & Lahey in April 2023 after retiring from a 29-year career in education. Greg served as both a teacher and administrator, as well as serving the City of Wichita as a police officer before his teaching career.
He wanted to join the Downing & Lahey team because of their caring and service-oriented approach to helping care for people during a difficult time. He appreciates the entire team's dedication to caring for others.
When not working, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife of 35 years, traveling, bike riding, history, and taking care of his cats.
Your services have been great everytime our family was in need.