MOUNT VERNON – Focusing on care for families in and around Knox County, two local family companies have merged their operations. Founded in 1922 Snyder Funeral Homes – which operates three funeral chapels and two crematories in Knox County – has acquired Lasater Funeral Home on Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon from Brent Lasater and Gloria Lasater.
“I have always had the highest respect for the Snyder family, and when the time came for us to find a successor, we knew just where to look,” said Brent Lasater. Brent will stay on as manager of Snyder Funeral Home Lasater Chapel, continuing to serve client families as he has for years. “I am pleased that the history of service with Dilley Funeral Home, and Dilley-Lasater Funeral Home, looks bright with the Snyder Family, our friends with prearranged or prefunded funeral plans will not be affected.”
Lasater Funeral Home began in 1925 as Harris Funeral Home in Bladensburg. John “Pete” and Mary Dilley purchased the Harris business and bought the North Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Brent Lasater and Gambier native Gloria (Dickerson) Lasater bought both locations.
Like many industries, funeral professionals find that consolidating operations becomes more efficient and provides much-needed cost savings – which can be passed on to client families.
“Regulatory agencies are impacting the end-of-life-care profession. This can be difficult for some funeral homes – funeral directors who prefer to focus on caring for bereaved families – and not spend time on endless regulation,” said Wes Snyder, vice president of Snyder Funeral Homes, “so working with a larger funeral firm allows a funeral director to focus on what they do best.”
Gloria Lasater will continue working with the Snyder organization.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome the Lasaters to our company,” said Snyder. “More than a fine facility, Brent, Gloria and Jason bring a concern for our community that is consistent with my love for Mount Vernon.” Jason Frazer will also continue in his role as a funeral director at Snyder Funeral Homes.
The Snyder family operates funeral homes in nine Ohio counties. The Lasater Chapel becomes its 18th funeral home location. Through five generations, 10 members of the Snyder family are active in the operations of the business.
