Our Excellent Staff

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Karen Johnson has been serving families as a Pre-Planning Consultant with Downing & Lahey since 2018 and has more than 23 years of experience in the funeral profession. As a Pre-Planning Consultant, Karen works with individuals and families to make funeral and memorial decisions in advance of need, helping reduce emotional and financial stress when a death occurs. Her thoughtful guidance ensures that each plan reflects the wishes of the individual and provides peace of mind for loved ones.

Karen is dedicated to easing the burden for families by helping them prepare well in advance, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered. Her compassionate approach has made her a trusted resource for the Wichita community.

She is married to Michael Johnson, a long-time business owner in Wichita. Together, they have five children, and Karen especially enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Pauline Jernigan joined Downing & Lahey in 2022 and finds deep fulfillment in walking alongside people during life’s most difficult moments. As a warm and compassionate presence at the front desk of our West Chapel, she is honored to greet and support families as they begin their journey through grief and healing.

She is a member of Grace Place Church and brings a faith-centered approach to her work. Her experience as a trained Stephen Minister, a lay caregiver who provides one-on-one, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual support, equips her to meet others with empathy, understanding, and confidentiality.

Outside of work, Pauline enjoys spending time with her family and with the families she serves. She finds peace in nature, enjoys walking and reading, and treasures quiet moments of reflection and beauty.

Rick Baird joined Downing & Lahey in 2022 after retiring from a 40-year career with the United States Postal Service. Known for his attention to detail and genuine care for others, Rick finds great purpose in supporting families during difficult times

He and his wife, Donna, have been married for 44 years and enjoy time with their two grown children and three grandchildren. Together, they are active in the community through Riverlawn Christian Church, serving in an after-school Bible club, volunteering at The Lord’s Diner, and helping at the 2nd Blessings Thrift Store.

David Bridgewater became part of the Downing & Lahey team in mid-2022 after a 35-year career with Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems. He brings a heart for service and a strong desire to continue supporting others in meaningful ways. David finds fulfillment in helping people and serving as a steady, compassionate presence during times of loss.

He and his wife of 39 years are members of Ridgepoint Church, where he has been actively involved in mentoring both elementary and high school students. His investment in their personal and spiritual growth, along with his engagement with families, has helped him build lasting relationships within the Wichita community. These connections now enrich his work, allowing him to serve families with empathy and care.

David has two sons who live and work in Wichita and Tulsa. He cherishes spending time with his four grandchildren, who bring him great joy. Whether at home with family or assisting at the mortuary, David values relationships and strives to offer comfort to those around him.

Jim Carney joined the Downing & Lahey team in 2020 after a long and dedicated career in public service. He served nearly 25 years with the Wichita Police Department, followed by 20 years as Director of Security and Transportation at Wesley Medical Center. His life has been rooted in service to others, and he finds great fulfillment in supporting families through his work with the funeral home.

Jim values the strong connections he shares with his coworkers and the families they serve. He is committed to treating others with professionalism, respect, and kindness, guided by his Christian faith and a deep desire to uplift the Wichita community. He considers his ability to connect easily with others to be one of his greatest strengths.

A lifelong advocate for service, Jim is an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He and his wife participate in many parish activities, and he is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which provides outreach and support to those in need.

Outside of work, Jim enjoys an active lifestyle and spends as much time as possible with his family. He and his wife have six grown children and 14 grandchildren. He also enjoys playing golf and appreciates the balance of staying involved while not working full time.

Larry Dostert joined Downing & Lahey in 2021 and appreciates the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that makes the funeral home a special place to work. He values the opportunity to support families during times of loss and feels honored to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team.

A lifelong educator and coach, Larry taught at St. Francis of Assisi School for 11 years and served in various roles at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School for 33 years, including as teacher, coach, and athletic director. These decades of service helped him build meaningful connections with families throughout the Wichita community, many of whom he continues to serve in his current role.

Larry and his wife, Martha, have been active members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish since 1983, where they serve as Eucharistic Ministers and participate in numerous parish ministries. They have been married for over 51 years and are proud parents of five children and grandparents to eight grandchildren.

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.

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.

Marty Miller joined Downing & Lahey in 2024 and considers it an honor to bring comfort to families during their time of loss. With a background in law enforcement and years of community service, Marty brings calm, compassion, and strength to his role.

A lifelong Wichitan, Marty is best known for his work at Botanica and is an active member of Chapel Hill Church. His experience helping others through moments of hardship has shaped a deep understanding of care and empathy.

Marty is grateful for a life filled with meaningful experiences and personal resilience, and he remains committed to serving others with kindness and integrity.

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.

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.