About

People's Funeral Chapel has been an important part of the Hanford community since the early 1900s. Located in the city's historical downtown, our funeral home provides a warm atmosphere and caring staff to serve families of all faiths and cultures.

Let’s celebrate life

Celebration of life venue for services, gatherings and receptions at People’s Funeral ChapelWhether you are planning for yourself or a loved one, our bilingual team is ready to help you create a meaningful celebration that reflects the personality and passions that makes a life unique. We find inspiration almost anywhere—in a favorite song, hobby, even an iconic style—and turn that into a funeral or memorial filled with thoughtful and meaningful details. You’ll find there’s almost no limit to the special tribute we can create.

We understand that losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and we are committed to helping our families with compassionate, professional and personal service. Our professional funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide you.

Please call us when we can help.

History

When Hanford, California, became a city in 1891, the People’s Undertaking Association handled most of the mortuary business in the area.

Century of Dignity LogoAround that time, Cecil G. Demme, who was working with his father in a furniture store and funeral parlor in Emerson, Nebraska, received a letter from a friend that informed him that "Hanford was in need of a funeral parlor.”

Cecil came to Hanford with his wife in 1924 and, along with parishioners from the Hanford Presbyterian Church, formed the People's Undertaking Parlor Corporation for the purpose of selling stock to raise money to build a funeral parlor.

The corporation drew up plans for the funeral parlor, which was to be located on North Douty and 8th streets in Hanford. The People's Funeral Chapel was completed in 1925.

A transfer of ownership in 1950 prompted a remodel of the funeral home, as well as the name change from People's Undertaking Parlor to People's Funeral Chapel. One of the more noticeable changes made was the addition of decorative cement block walls on the south and west sides. This addition gave the building its iconic modernistic appearance.

Celebration of Life Planning

Our planners are celebration of life experts. We plan more celebrations each year than any other provider, and we know just what to do to create a uniquely beautiful and heartfelt tribute with attention to detail like no other.

Every family who entrusts us with their loved one’s service can expect an event that includes:
  • meaningful music celebration of life
  • cherished memories celebration of life
  • a personalized message celebration of life

Start planning a celebration of life today

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Get inspired by our offerings

When planning a celebration of life, your imagination is the only limit.

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Plan a Simple Cremation

Simple can still mean exceptional. Let us show you how.

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Express your sympathy with flowers & gifts

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Remember the one you love

Honor the memory of your loved one with cemetery flower placement.

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Express your sympathy with flowers & gifts

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View arrangements

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Express your sympathy with flowers & gifts

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View arrangements

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Unable to find an obituary?

Not finding what you are looking for? Search for your loved one's obituary across any of our other locations.

VIEW OBITUARIES
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Express your sympathy with flowers & gifts

teleflora-logo-130px

View arrangements

Vintage photos scattered

Unable to find an obituary?

Not finding what you are looking for? Search for your loved one's obituary across any of our Washelli locations.

VIEW OBITUARIES
Vintage photos scattered

Unable to find an obituary?

Not finding what you are looking for? Search for your loved one's obituary across any of our other locations.

VIEW OBITUARIES