Family Funeral Service

Our Staff

Dwight Olmstead

Owner

B. Dwight Olmstead was born in Dallas, Texas in 1951 while his father was attending Mortuary School. I am a 1969 graduate of Heber Springs High School where I participated in athletics, was a 4 sport letterman and graduated from University of Central Arkansas as a 2 sport letterman in 1974 and The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1975. I am a licensed funeral director and embalmer. I married Lisa Barnes in 1977, she is a licensed funeral director and we have 3 children, Ryan who is a funeral director and embalmer and two daughters Alesha and Alexis who are funeral directors. My daughter in law Shanda is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a son in law Preston who is a funeral director. Together we all have over 143 years of funeral experience.

I have participated in local and state associations. I am past president of the Heber Springs School board the Past Vice President of the Arkansas State School Board, the past president of the Heber Springs Airport Commission. Past member of Rotary International, Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce, past Finance Chairman of Heber Springs First United Methodist Church. I have been active in the funeral Industry, being past President of the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association, past president of the Arkansas State Burial Association Board, past president of the Arkansas State Club of Burial Associations, past policy board member of the National Funeral Directors Association and was awarded the MOTS (Morticians of the Southwest) Award as the Arkansas Funeral Director of the Year in 2003. I have been licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 50 years and myself and my family will continue to operate funeral homes in Arkansas and will provide the most dignified and respectful services to families with the personal service they deserve.

Lisa Olmstead

Owner

Lisa owns Clinton Funeral Service with her husband of 44 years., Dwight Olmstead. We have 3 children who are fifth generation funeral directors/embalmers. We have 5 grandchildren. Lisa got her Funeral Directors license in 2010. She owned and operated Heber Springs Florist and Gifts for 22 years. She has worked for Teleflora Wire Service as well as the Past President of Arkansas Florist Association and Arkansas Teleflora Unit. She has worked for Heber Springs School District for 19 years. Serving people and helping them in their time of need is a honor.

Alexis Olmstead Cranford

Alexis Olmstead Cranford has been a Cleburne County resident all her life. She graduated from Heber Springs High School in 2004 and attended Arkansas Tech University. Alexis returned to Heber Springs after attending college to work with her family at the funeral home and start a family. She is married to Preston Cranford and they have one child named George. Like her father, her funeral career started when she worked at the family's funeral home in High School. She is a funeral Apprentice and has worked with the family for 19 years. She loves having the opportunity to help families in their time of need.

"Quality service with a caring attitude is what Family Funeral Services, Clinton Funeral Services, and Mountain View Funeral Services is about. It is truly our family helping your family through a difficult time, and that is not just a catchy slogan, it is a fact."

Preston Cranford

Preston Cranford has been a licensed funeral director at Family Funeral Service for three years. He and his wife, Alexis Olmstead Cranford, have a 11 month old son and reside in Heber Springs. Preston attended high school in Heber Springs and college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He takes pride in being part of a family owned business and providing caring, professional service.

Debbie Crawford

Funeral Director/ Embalmer

Debbie Crawford lives in Heber Springs. She has 2 children, Dustin and Alison, and a dog, Reba. They are her pride and joy. Debbie earned her funeral science degree from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. She has worked as a funeral director and embalmer for 4 years. "She loves what she does, and is grateful God has given her the ability to find her calling."

Kathy Hutto Avery

Funeral Director

My name is Cathy Hutto Avery. My husband Sam Avery and I have been married for 2 years. I have one child, Tori Green and two grandsons, Mason and Colby Green. I retired from the Cleburne County Sheriff's Department after 15 years. I have been a licensed Funeral Director since 1992. I am honored to serve people in their time of need.

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