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, 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, 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. 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 is the fifth generation of the Morris family to serve at Downing & Lahey and is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. 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
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 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
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
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 moved to Wichita in summer 2022 to join the staff of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries as a Funeral Director and Embalmer. Prior to joining our staff, Julio graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College with an Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science in 2021 and completed his apprenticeship in the Kansas City area. When asked why he chose to move to Wichita, Julio says "to join the best funeral home in Kansas."
Julio is inspired to help others during difficult times, making him a perfect fit for funeral service. His also bilingual, and looks forward to assisting Spanish-speaking families.
In his spare time, Julio enjoys going to the drive-in movie theater, spending time with his family, and participating in community events with friends.
Lisa Noel joined the staff of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries in 2023. After retiring from her profession of 35 years, as a dental assistant, in order to become a funeral director and embalmer.
Growing up in Wichita, Lisa attended Goddard High School. She followed her dream to serve in the funeral industry by graduating from The University of Arkansas at Hope Magna Cum Laude. A move to Texas brought Lisa the opportunity to begin a career in Waco, TX. After several years she longed to be back with family in Kansas. That led her to Downing & Lahey Mortuaries.
In her spare time, she loves to sing at church, garden, shopping, and spending time with family.
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.
Kathy Frasco has been a front desk receptionist at our East location since December 2021. She enjoys being of service to Downing & Lahey families during their time of need.
Kathy comes to us with previous experience in the funeral industry; she was the office manager of a firm in Aurora, CO for 8 years. She then worked as a Corporate Receptionist at Oakwood Homes, LLC in Denver, Colorado for 19 years.
When not working, Kathy enjoys spending time with her son and daughter-in-law, and their 7 children. She is a member of the ICT Catholic 50+ Singles group, the treasurer of the St Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peters Catholic Church, and volunteers with the Lord's Diner-Backpacks Program through the Kansas Food Bank.
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.
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.
After retiring as an associate pastor at a local church, Phil joined Downing & Lahey Mortuaries as a funeral assistant in 2021. After 25 years in the community, he has had many opportunities to work with Downing & Lahey funeral directors.
In his spare time, Phil is an active Extension Master Gardener for Sedgwick County.
Charlotte recently joined the staff of Downing & Lahey as a Funeral Apprentice. She has completed her Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College.
During her time in school, Charlotte served her practicum with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, in Lawrence, KS.
When asked why she is interested in becoming a funeral director, Charlotte says "I like knowing that while I cannot erase a grieving family's pain, I am able to help at a time that can feel so helpless."
In her free time, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her husband, Caleb, and their bearded dragon, Xena. She raises and collects houseplants, likes to cook new foods, reads, and works on fiber crafts.
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
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
Madison has been a front desk receptionist at our East location since early 2022. Madison joined our team to gain experience in the field as she works toward becoming a funeral director. Previously, she has worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor.
Outside of work, Madison enjoys going to the zoo, trail walks with her grandmother, and swimming.
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 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 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.
Charley 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. Charley joins Downing & Lahey after a career of inside sales for Consolidated Electrical Distributors.
Charley has been married to his wife, Pam, for 40 years. They share two sons and one grandson. Charley enjoys volunteering at church and attending his grandson’s ball games.
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 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.
Charly has rejoined the staff of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries after a short hiatus. Charly was happy to join our staff after hearing of our reputation for excellence in funeral service, and experiencing it first hand.
Prior to joining Downing & Lahey, Charley was a State Farm Insurance agent for 47 years. He has 6 grandchildren, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He enjoys model building, toy collecting, and vintage bicycles.
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.
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 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 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.
Allan Sands joined Downing & Lahey Mortuary in November 2013 after developing a friendship with Bob Sterbens, Funeral Assistant, and Dick Miller, previous Funeral Assistant. A longtime member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Allan was the owner of “Flying Colors,” a local embroidery and screen printing store. He is also a member of West Wichita Rotary.
Allan has two daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoys sports and traveling.
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.