Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home

Providing a comfortable place to gather and remember

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home offers a thoughtfully designed space that blends comfort with modern amenities. Guests often remark on the beauty of the building, and we’re proud to provide an environment that feels peaceful and inviting.

Our spacious chapel seats up to 230 in comfortable pews. Its soft white and light gray palette is a serene backdrop for services of all kinds. Two large TVs can display tribute movies and photo slideshows—personal touches that help tell a life story.

A smaller room accommodates more intimate gatherings and viewings. Comfortable furnishings and wheelchair-accessible layout ensure everyone feels welcome and at ease.

Offering personalized funerals and catered receptions

We believe every life is unique and every farewell should be, too. We take the time to sit with your family, to listen and learn what made your loved one special. From there, we design a service that truly reflects their spirit.

That might mean parking a classic car right out front for a lifelong auto enthusiast, serving a favorite meal like falafel sandwiches, or inviting guests to wear a loved one’s favorite color. If the service calls for it, our staff will dress in costume, or we can end a ceremony with a butterfly release. The possibilities are endless and personal for every loved one.

After a service, you may want to gather in our reception hall, just steps from the chapel. With space for up to 15 tables and a trusted local caterer, we can arrange anything from a casual breakfast buffet to a formal, sit-down dinner. 

Serving our community, first responders and veterans

We’re more than funeral providers—we’re part of the fabric of Houston. We’re honored to serve first responders, veterans and their families with the dignity and respect they deserve, from coordinating military honors to participating in the Homeless Veterans Burial Program.

What’s more, our commitment reaches beyond our chapel. We support local churches and their fundraisers, partner with the Bellaire Business Association and Houston Metropolitan Chamber, and contribute to causes like the American Diabetes Association, United Way and Bo’s Place, which supports families grieving children.

Whether we’re arranging a memorial or helping strengthen our community, we approach every act with gratitude and care.

Guiding with purpose and heart

Our mission is to take your family through tender moments with empathy, professionalism and care. We believe every life deserves a meaningful farewell, and we work closely with your family to reflect your values, culture and faith.

Families from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and secular traditions, choose us. Our team is experienced in honoring diverse customs. We always work to ensure services are authentic and meaningful—whether incorporating sacred rituals, adapting to specific timelines or blending spiritual and personal elements.

Making cemetery arrangements simple

Choosing a final resting place is essential to planning, and we’re here to make that process as seamless as possible. Over the years, Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home has built trusted relationships with some of Houston’s most respected cemeteries, including Forest Park Westheimer, Memorial Oaks, Forest Park Lawndale, Houston National and Woodlawn. These partnerships allow us to easily coordinate every detail, ensuring that your wishes are carried out with care. 

Though we often work with these cemeteries, we can collaborate with any you select, locally or elsewhere. Our role remains the same wherever you choose: to guide you with compassion, expertise and attention to every detail.

The history of Earthman funeral homes and cemeteries

James Bradshaw Earthman Sr. began his career as a blacksmith and livery service provider in Taylor, Texas. In those days, funeral homes were rare, and it was common for those in horse-related trades to lend a hand when a death occurred. When the town purchased a horse-drawn hearse, families often turned to Earthman, the trusted proprietor of the local livery stable, to help with their funeral needs.

In 1889, providing funeral services became James’ full-time profession. His company was among the first licensed providers in Texas.

A move to Houston

In 1904, James and a friend, railroad surveyor J.C. McCarty, moved to Houston and established the Earthman and McCarty Undertaking Company at 715 Main St. The company did well and, in 1924, James and J.C. built a funeral home at 2420 Fannin St. After J.C.’s death, the company became the J.B. Earthman Company.

After James B. Earthman Sr. died in 1931, James B. Earthman Jr. (J.B.), a St. Thomas High School and Rice University graduate, left his successful architectural career to manage the company. His wife, Blanche Bastien Earthman, worked with J.B. on daily operations. When Blanche earned her funeral director’s license, she was among the first women in Texas to do so.

A family tradition

J.B. pioneered funeral pre-planning, founding a burial insurance company in the 1930s. Together, J.B. and Blanche built Earthman Funeral Directors & Cemeteries into one of the largest family-owned-and-operated funeral companies in the United States. Their children and grandchildren joined to manage and expand the business. Some of them are still involved today.