Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

Blending tradition with today

Though our offerings have evolved in the 130 years since a blacksmith from Taylor, Texas, named James Bradshaw Earthman Sr. began assisting families with their funeral needs, our commitment to exceeding expectations has remained unchanged.

Natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows floods the lobby and reception area of the funeral home. A clean-lined chapel with traditional pew seating welcomes up to 200 guests. The reception room allows you to host catered events—from a breakfast buffet or afternoon coffee to a sit-down dinner—before, during or after funeral services.

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 you, 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.

Guiding with purpose and heart

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

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

Serving veterans and their families

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home is only about a 15-minute drive from Houston National Cemetery, where members of the armed forces and their family members have been memorialized since 1965. The funeral home has performed services for many men and women buried there, and our associates are well-versed in military funeral honors.

A place of peace

When Earthman Resthaven Cemetery was founded in 1928, it was little more than a quiet stretch of farmland, bordered by fields and pastures. Nearly a century later, Houston has grown up around it, but inside the cemetery gates, the pace slows and the city feels far away.

The brick-and-iron entry opens to 105 acres of sweeping lawns, shaded by mature trees and accented with graceful statues. Designed with families in mind, the cemetery offers a wide range of choices. You can select what feels right for you, from traditional in-ground burial to aboveground mausoleum entombment or cremation property.

Caring for the community

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery hosts events throughout the year, creating spaces for community members to gather, reflect and honor loved ones. From Memorial Day to Father’s Day, Veterans Day to All Souls’ Day and more, each occasion is a chance for families to come together in remembrance.

One of the most meaningful traditions takes place on Mother’s Day. As families drive through the cemetery, our staff greets them with flowers and small keepsakes to honor the mothers they carry in their hearts. The simple gesture often sparks smiles, tears and heartfelt moments of connection—reminders that love continues long after loss.

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.