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
As the fifth generation of the Morris family at Downing & Lahey, Allison Walden began her career here part-time in 2005 and became a full-time team member in 2012 as Office Manager. In 2019 she was named Vice President, and in 2024 she became President. For Allison, there is no greater honor than helping families navigate the preplanning, funeral, and aftercare process during some of life's toughest moments.
A native Wichitan, Allison loves working in a community that feels like home. She is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and actively supports a number of local organizations including Troop Leader and Cookie Mom for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, a Sustaining Member of Junior League of Wichita, Past President and Board Member of Executive Women International (Wichita Chapter), and Board Member of the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation. To Allison, Wichita is the perfect place to work, play, and raise a family.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies, Human Services, and Gerontology from Kansas State University and licensure as a Funeral Director, Allison brings attention to detail, compassion, and creativity to every family she serves. She prides herself on her ability to respect cultural and religious traditions while thinking outside the box to meet each family’s unique needs.
When she’s not working, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their three children. Together they stay busy with sporting events and other family activities, and in her free time Allison loves to get lost in a good book, cycle, and craft.
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 Goudie has been a dedicated funeral director and embalmer at Downing & Lahey Mortuaries since 1998. What he loves most about his role is helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Drawing on decades of experience, Brian is able to anticipate families’ needs before they even realize them, offering thoughtful guidance and options that make a meaningful difference.
Having called Wichita home for over 50 years, Brian cherishes the connections he’s built here. He’s especially active in the Rotary Club of West Wichita, having served as President, Advisor, Chairman of the International Committee, as well as with the Wichita Executive's Association, where he is a past-President. These community roles have given him the chance to participate in service projects and meet people across all walks of life.
Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his four adult children and two grandchildren, all of whom live in the area. The son of a retired minister, Brian appreciates family traditions and loves following professional sports, especially cheering on his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Bina
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mike Bina
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mike Bina has been a valued member of the Downing & Lahey team since 2001. What he enjoys most about his role is that every day is different. Each day brings new opportunities to help families in meaningful ways. Providing support and guidance during difficult times is at the heart of his work.
A parishioner at Church of the Resurrection, Mike appreciates that Wichita feels like a small town where familiar connections and a sense of community run deep. Being part of such a welcoming environment allows him to truly connect with the people he serves.
With empathy for every family and a strong educational background with 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 Associate’s in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College, Mike is equipped to meet each family’s unique needs with care and expertise.
When not serving the community, Mike enjoys spending time with his three children and his grandchild.
Doug Chartier
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Doug Chartier
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Doug Chartier joined the Downing & Lahey team in 2024 and is dedicated to helping people navigate difficult times with compassion and care. For Doug, every day offers an opportunity to support families through one of life’s most challenging experiences.
Wichita’s vibrant community is one Doug truly enjoys being a part of. Doug is active in several local organizations, including Albert Pike Masonic Lodge #303, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2019, the Midian Shriners, and the Scottish Rite Masons.
Doug’s personal connection with each family sets him apart. His career in funeral service began at Kansas State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree while working in the funeral profession. After receiving his Mortuary Arts degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College, Doug spent time working in the profession in Albuquerque before returning to Kansas in 2004 to continue his career in Wichita.
When he’s not at work or involved in his Masonic and Shrine commitments, Doug enjoys spending time with his significant other, Dena, playing golf, and relaxing at home with their dog, Mr. French, and cat, Doodles.
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 Graber has been part of the Downing & Lahey team since 2022. For Delaney, working in the funeral profession is an honor. Her role allows her to support and care for families during their most difficult times. She enjoys being part of a team of professionals who share her commitment to compassion and excellence.
Although she’s a transplant to Wichita, Delaney has embraced the city’s warm, welcoming spirit. A parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church, she looks forward to becoming more involved in the community and attending RiverFest each June to celebrate the culture and energy of the city.
Delaney’s empathy and understanding enable her to exceed clients’ expectations. A graduate of Ulysses High School and the University of Central Oklahoma, she brings a genuine sense of compassion and care to every family she serves.
When she’s not at work, Delaney enjoys playing volleyball in a women’s league and is learning the ropes of farm life just outside Wichita, including helping with the wheat harvest and driving a combine.
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 Moore-Jansen has been part of the Downing & Lahey team since 2014, and she truly enjoys working alongside families to help plan meaningful funerals for their loved ones. Compassionate and dedicated, she believes this work is a vital part of honoring lives and supporting those left behind.
Jenny loves being part of the Wichita community and all it has to offer. She attends Reformation Lutheran Church and appreciates the wealth of opportunities that make the city and surrounding areas a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
A good listener with deep empathy, Jenny’s ability to truly hear what each family needs enables her to go above and beyond in providing personalized care. Every family deserves patience and understanding, and she strives to give them her full attention at every stage.
When she’s not at work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband Rorik, their two children, and their pets: two rabbits and two turtles.
Tami Bond
Office Manager
Tami Bond
Office Manager
Tami Bond has been serving as Office Manager at Downing & Lahey since 2021. Getting to know each family and honoring the life of their loved one through customized memorials is one of her greatest joys. Tami believes this personal connection is what makes Downing & Lahey's work so valuable to the Wichita community.
Wichita holds a special place in Tami’s heart. She attends Central Community Church and appreciates that Wichita is diverse and welcoming, with the perfect balance between a close-knit feel and big-city amenities. From community events to the ever-changing options for entertainment, she loves living in a city where everyone can feel at home.
Tami’s strength lies in making personal connections with families. By truly understanding who they are and what’s important to them, she can craft a service that honors their loved one in a meaningful and personal way. Every family she meets is assured that they are the most important part of her day, an approach that is central to the care they receive at Downing & Lahey.
When she’s not at work, Tami enjoys spending time with her husband Kurt, their son Levi, daughter-in-law Zeina, and their first grandson William. They’re especially excited about welcoming Levi’s family back to Wichita and embracing their new roles as grandparents. On warm summer weekends, you can often find Tami and Kurt out camping with friends and family, making memories together.
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 and deeply appreciates the servant spirit of the company. What he loves most is being part of a professional team dedicated to helping people and their families during times of sorrow and need. This calling to serve carries on a lifelong commitment to his community, one that began long before his work at Downing & Lahey.
Prior to his current role, Loyd dedicated 35 years to public safety and law enforcement, including 3.5 years as a Derby Police Officer, 25 years as an Airport Security Officer (police & fire), and 7 years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. This background has shaped his strong sense of compassion and professionalism, qualities he carries into every interaction with the families he supports.
Loyd and his wife Sharon have been married for 50 years and are active members of Asbury Church, where they participate at both local and conference levels. They have two adult children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who mean the world to them.
When he’s not serving others at work or in the church community, Loyd enjoys traveling, golfing, reading, and cheering on KU and Wichita State 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 joined Downing & Lahey in February 2014 after retiring from a successful career as a Supply Chain Senior Buyer with Cessna Aircraft. Drawn by the company’s strong reputation for care and professionalism, Gary was excited to become part of the service and attention that make Downing & Lahey truly stand out in the community.
A devoted member of Central Community Church, Gary actively participates in the church choir and a men’s Bible Study group. He values the opportunity to serve Wichita families with compassion and support during their times of need.
Gary brings a detail-oriented mindset from his previous professional experience, along with a calm and respectful presence that helps families feel at ease. His commitment to service and community continues to shape his work each day.
In his free time, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife, Bonnie, their children, and grandchildren. Whether traveling, fishing, or cheering on his grandsons at their sporting events, family remains at the heart of his life.
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.
Greg Taylor
Funeral Assistant
Greg Taylor
Funeral Assistant
Greg Taylor joined the Downing & Lahey team in 2023, bringing with him a lifelong dedication to serving others. A former Wichita police officer and educator of 29 years, Greg has always found purpose in helping people during life’s most important moments.
A resident of Augusta, KS, Greg appreciates the friendliness and politeness of the community he calls home. His calm demeanor and service-first mindset make him a valuable asset to families during times of grief and transition.
Greg’s compassionate nature and decades of public service experience allow him to connect meaningfully with the people he serves, offering both support and understanding when it’s needed most.
In his free time, Greg enjoys traveling, bike riding, exploring history, and relaxing at home with his wife of over 30 years and their beloved cats.
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.
Your services have been great everytime our family was in need.