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Landmark Funeral Group Expands into Kentucky and Indiana Through Partnership with Funeral Excellence Group

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:10:54 GMT

Expansion adds nine locally owned and operated locations to Landmark's network and accelerates Funeral Excellence Group’s expansion plans

Landmark Funeral Group (“Landmark”) today announced a partnership with Funeral Excellence Group, marking its expansion into Kentucky and Indiana. The partnership will add nine locally owned and operated locations to Landmark's network, five in Kentucky and four in Indiana, with local leadership and teams all remaining in place to grow the businesses and continue serving their respective communities.

Founded in 2023 by John Horan, Funeral Excellence Group is led by Luke Densow, who has more than 20 years of funeral service experience and will join Landmark as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, focusing on Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Partnerships. 

The nine Funeral Excellence Group locations that will become part of the Landmark portfolio are:

A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home in Glasgow, KY
Butler Funeral Home in Edmonton, KY
Caneyville Funeral Home in Caneyville, KY
Hartford Funeral Home in Hartford, KY
Leitchfield Funeral Home in Leitchfield, KY
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Homes in Vincennes and Washington, IN
Huber Funeral Homes in Tell City and Cannelton, IN

“The funeral professionals leading these local businesses have built lasting relationships in their communities,” said Seb D'Appolonia, President and CEO of Landmark Funeral Group. “We respect what they have built and are excited to be partnering with them. Our investment will help them to pursue their growth and expansion plans and enable the established local owner-operators to continue to guide the funeral home operations and provide the exceptional and personalized care their families expect.”

“In Landmark, we found a partner that values our leaders and staff and shares our principles of integrity, respect, kindness and teamwork,” said Densow. “This partnership gives us more resources to build on what our team has established and thoughtfully expanded.”

About Landmark Funeral Group

Landmark works alongside dedicated funeral professionals who share a commitment to compassionate care, operational excellence and preserving the legacy of community funeral homes. With advanced technology integrations, strategic resources, and thoughtful investment, Landmark helps independent funeral homes grow and thrive while enabling local teams to continue serving families with the care and trust that define the profession.

Legacy Partner Mark Noll Named Beaver County's Entrepreneur of the Year

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:41:00 GMT

Landmark Funeral Group is honored to share that Mark Noll, founder of Noll Funeral Home and one of our valued Legacy Partners, has been named Beaver County's Entrepreneur of the Year by Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.

A Legacy of Service

Mark began his career in funeral service in 1986, and in 1998 he founded and opened his own firm, Noll Funeral Home, followed by Noll-Schwerha in 2000. For nearly three decades, he has served as owner, president, and funeral director, guiding business operations, supporting his team, and, most importantly, caring for the families entrusted to him. Mark's commitment to Beaver County extends well beyond the funeral home. He serves as President of the Fort McIntosh Foundation and as a Board Member of PUSH, and he co-founded two Beaver restaurants, Grumpy Beaver and Hash N Smash.

Recognized for Excellence

The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an outstanding local business leader or founder who demonstrates exceptional innovation, leadership, and community impact within Beaver County. It honors individuals who drive economic growth, show a strong commitment to the region, and make their community a better place to live, work, and do business.

"Funeral service taught me that success is really about people: showing up, listening, and taking care of one another. That lesson has guided everything I've done since, in business and in the community. I'm honored by this recognition and grateful to have spent my career serving my community alongside wonderful colleagues. This honor belongs to those who've worked beside me and to the families and neighbors who've trusted us."
— Mark Noll, Legacy Partner, Noll Funeral Home

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Since joining the Landmark network of Firms, Noll Funeral Home has continued to serve Beaver County families with the same personal care and community commitment that has defined it for generations. This award is a reflection of the ongoing dedication that Mark has instilled in the business and continues to pour into the community today.

"Mark embodies everything we hope to honor and support at Landmark: a founder who built something lasting by putting families and community first. We're proud to call him a Legacy Partner, and we're thrilled to see Beaver County recognize what his team and the families they serve and care for have known for years."
— Seb D'Appolonia, CEO, Landmark Funeral Group

Congratulations to Mark and the entire Noll Funeral Home team on this well-deserved honor.

Dawson Funeral Home Joins the Landmark Family

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:59:22 GMT

For 92 years, the name Dawson has carried meaning in East Liverpool, Ohio, and across the Tri-State Area, bringing trust, comfort, and a steady hand during life's hardest moments.

We're honored to welcome Dawson Funeral Home into Landmark Funeral Group's network of firms.

A Legacy Built on “Service Above Self”

Dawson Funeral Home was founded in 1934 by Frank A. Dawson, an East Liverpool native who believed deeply in his community. Beyond his work as a funeral director, he supported local schools, service clubs, churches, and charities. As a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, he lived by the organization's creed, "Service Above Self," and made it the foundation of how his firm cared for families.

That commitment has been passed down through three generations. Today, Frank's grandson, Dike Dawson, leads the Firm with a simple promise to every family he serves: "We'll do our best.” It's a promise that shapes how the Dawson team cares for those who trust them with their most prized possession.

A Reputation for Excellence

Dawson has earned a reputation among its peers for excellence and for innovative, progressive practices. It is the area's only member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, an invitation-only association known for its high standards. The firm also offers the Dawson Family Center, a one-of-a-kind gathering space in the Tri-State Area, along with aftercare programs that support families long after a service ends.

A Word from Our Legacy Partner

"Landmark gives us stability to ensure that our community is served and served well for years to come. Landmark’s commitment to honor our past, recognize what we do well now, and support our team of dedicated professionals moving forward, makes for a strong partnership and allows us to remain focused on what matters most: taking care of families and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve. Jenny and I are proud to begin this partnership and look forward to the ways Landmark Funeral Group will strengthen the Dawson Funeral Home, our team, and ultimately the service we provide to our community."
— Dike Dawson, Legacy Partner, Dawson Funeral Home

Why Dawson Is a Natural Fit for Landmark

At Landmark, we partner with firms whose roots run deep in their communities and whose care puts families first. Dawson is a strong example of both. Our role is to support the Dawson team so they can keep doing what they do best. That means honoring the standards Frank Dawson set and keeping "Service Above Self" at the heart of how Dawson serves East Liverpool for generations to come.

"The Dawson family built their firm on 'Service Above Self,' and Dike and his team continue to live that value every day as they continue to care for families in their community. We are excited to welcome them to Landmark and we look forward to supporting them, protecting the standards that make Dawson special, and to helping carry that legacy forward for generations to come."

— Seb D'Appolonia, CEO, Landmark Funeral Group

Continuing to Serve East Liverpool

The people, the relationships, and the personal care families have always known will remain the same. Dawson Funeral Home keeps its name, its team, and its place in the community, now backed by the support and resources of the Landmark network.

Welcome to the Landmark family, Dawson. We’re honored to help carry your legacy forward.

To learn more about Dawson Funeral Home, visit dawsonfuneralhome.com.

A Message from Rodney and Gary Duster: Introducing Additions To Our Team and Giving Back to Our Community

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:59:55 GMT

Duster Funeral Home, a Landmark Partner firm in Tarentum, PA, has been serving Alle-Kiski Valley families since 1938. Legacy Partners Rodney and Gary Duster share a message about new additions to the team and the Firm's commitment to the community.

Pictured left to right: Michael Hudson, Gary Duster, Rodney Duster, Lydia D’Atri, and Olivia Hanus.

ALLE-KISKI VALLEY, PA — Since 1938, our family has had the privilege of leading Duster Funeral Home and serving families in the AK Valley during some of life's most difficult times. That trust has never been something we’ve taken lightly, and it has shaped everything we do. Today, we're excited to introduce the team who will continue caring for our community's families: Lydia D'Atri, Michael Hudson, and Olivia Hanus.

As Duster Funeral Home continues to grow, we're welcoming Lydia, Michael, and Olivia to help carry that same commitment forward, so families continue to receive the highest quality of care, compassion, and support they've always been able to count on. They'll be helping families with funeral arrangements, offering guidance, and providing a steady, caring presence during difficult times. Their addition to our team means families can continue to count on personalized and thoughtful care, all while receiving the same heartfelt service this community has always known.

We remain deeply involved with Duster Funeral Home, and we look forward to continuing to serve the families and community we've come to know so well. Bringing Lydia, Michael, and Olivia onto our team is about making sure Duster Funeral Home is even better equipped to care for families now and for generations to come.

Meet the Team

Lydia D’Atri began her career as a licensed funeral director in South Carolina, where she developed a deep respect for the importance of compassionate, personalized care. Now proud to call the Pittsburgh area home, she is honored to serve families throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley.

Michael Hudson has dedicated the past 34 years to serving as a funeral director. He is passionate about helping people through their most challenging moments and looks forward to continuing his service at Duster Funeral Home.

Olivia Hanus is a licensed funeral director with 6 years of experience in the field. She attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science while living in the New Kensington area. Olivia is a new addition to the Duster family and is excited to integrate and learn more about the community of Tarentum.

Duster Funeral Home has long been a trusted and familiar name in AK Valley, and we look forward to seeing that legacy continue through Lydia, Michael, and Olivia for years to come.

A Deep Connection to Our Community

Supporting the community has always been important to us and is another way to honor and serve local families. That's why we're proud to donate a financial contribution to the upkeep of our local cemetery and sponsor the Prospect Cemetery Annual Historical Ghost Tour alongside our colleague Cindy Homburg, a longtime local historian and integral part of the Duster team.

Held each October at Prospect Cemetery in Brackenridge, this beloved local tradition is a walk through the past that honors the people and history that built our community. This year’s tour will take place October 8th, from 6-9pm, with tickets available for $10 per person. As sponsors of this event, we hope our community members will attend and participate, with all proceeds helping support the cemetery’s maintenance to ensure it remains in the best possible condition for our community for years to come.

We’d love for you to join us for a fun, meaningful way to support the cemetery while learning more about our local history.

For more information, contact Duster Funeral Home at (724) 224-1526 or visit https://www.dusterfuneral.com/.

Sincerely,

Rodney and Gary Duster

Ownership Is More Than a Title

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:06:47 GMT

Landmark Funeral Group Announces SHARE: An Employee Equity Initiative.

For generations, the funeral homes that make up Landmark Funeral Group have been built on a simple principle: local ownership matters.

Long before our company existed, many of our partner firms were founded by families deeply invested in the communities they served. They built trusted businesses one family at a time, creating legacies that have endured for generations.

While much has changed over the decades, one thing has not. Exceptional funeral homes are defined by the people who serve families every day.

That is why we are proud to introduce our SHARE program, Landmark Funeral Group's employee equity initiative.

SHARE gives all eligible employees the opportunity to participate in the company's long-term financial success. More importantly, it extends the ownership philosophy that has long defined our partner firms beyond owners and leaders to the dedicated full-time professionals who help families every day.

Whether preparing a loved one with dignity, guiding a family through difficult decisions, coordinating a meaningful service or supporting operations behind the scenes, every member of our team contributes to the trust families place in our funeral homes.

We believe people who share in building long-term success should have the opportunity to share in it as well.

Developed through our partnership with Brenton Point Capital Partners and its founding commitment to Private Equity for Greater Good (PE4GG), SHARE reflects our continued investment in the people strengthen the success of Landmark every day.

As we recognize the contributions of working Americans this Labor Day, we are proud to recognize the professionals whose compassion, commitment and service continue to strengthen our funeral homes and the communities they have served for generations.

Meet Will: Landmark's First Intern

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:43:56 GMT

A summer of meaningful impact with Landmark's first intern

At Landmark, growth isn't just about the number of firms we partner with; it's about the people who help us get there. This summer, we put that belief into practice by welcoming our very first intern, Will Caruso, onto our M&A and FP&A team.

It was a first for us in every sense, and it's one we're already looking forward to repeating.

From day one, Will was brought directly into the work that drives Landmark's growth. Over the course of the summer, he:

Built post-partnership forecasting models to support newly integrated firms
Contributed to and helped present quarter-end and board meeting materials
Developed purchase price, offer alignment, and sensitivity analyses across three separate partnership deals
Led deal work and communicated directly with an outside consulting group on behalf of Landmark
Designed a company-wide digital portal to help the team track and manage past and future partnerships

“Our growth and the culture we’re building is rooted in our people. Will brought real curiosity and ownership to everything we gave him this summer, and that's exactly the kind of person we want representing Landmark. Investing in people like Will, early and intentionally, is how we build the next generation of leaders for this company and for the firms we serve.”

—Seb D'Appolonia, Co-founder, President and CEO, Landmark Funeral Group

A Front-Row Seat to How Landmark Grows

Beyond the day-to-day project work, Will was involved in some of Landmark's biggest conversations of the year, including our Q2 senior leadership team meeting and our H1 board meeting. It gave him a direct line of sight into how strategic decisions get made, and it gave our leadership team a chance to get to know him more as a professional and a person.

“As the program comes to a close, I leave with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people who made this experience special.”

— Will Caruso, Intern

Investing in People, the Same Way We Invest in Partnerships

Landmark is built on the idea of partnering with funeral professionals who've built something meaningful and are looking for a steward to help carry it forward while continuing to preserve its legacy. That same philosophy applies to our people internally. Investing in someone early, giving them real responsibility, and trusting them to rise to it is exactly the kind of culture we're building as we grow.

“Will was both curious and a reliable contributor. He exceeded our stretch goals for the position. The true marker of success is that the internship felt too short. We’re going to miss him.”

— Alfie Watterson, VP Corporate Development, Landmark Funeral Group

Will's summer with us is proof that opportunity here is available to anyone willing to bring curiosity and passion with a strong work ethic and genuine desire to contribute.

Thank you, Will, for everything you brought to our team this summer. We're proud to have been part of the start of your career, and we can't wait to see where it takes you next.

Landmark Funeral Group Appoints Jackie Short as Chief Operating Officer

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:12:45 GMT

Former Headlands Research COO brings deep multi-site operations experience to Landmark's growing network of funeral homes

TOLEDO, OH, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2026 -- Landmark Funeral Group today announced the appointment of Jackie Short as Chief Operating Officer. Short joins Landmark from Headlands Research, where she served as Chief Operating Officer of the private equity-backed clinical research network operating across the United States and Canada.

Throughout her career, she has led multi-site organizations through rapid growth, integration and operational transformation, building the leadership teams, operating models and infrastructure that enable local teams to deliver exceptional care while adapting to change.

Short's appointment reflects Landmark's continued investment in the leadership and operational excellence that support its growing network of locally owned and operated funeral homes. As the company expands, Landmark is strengthening the systems and local leadership that allow each funeral home to preserve its legacy while continuing to serve families in the community.

"As Landmark continues to grow, we're building an organization that gives our partner funeral homes the leadership, support and resources they need to succeed," said Seb D'Appolonia, President and CEO of Landmark Funeral Group. "Jackie has spent her career leading complex, multi-site organizations while developing strong teams and a culture of operational excellence. Her experience, leadership style and commitment to people make her an outstanding addition to Landmark as we continue investing in the long-term success of our funeral homes."

As COO, Short will oversee Landmark's operations across its partner firms, with a focus on developing local leadership, establishing scalable operating models, and strengthening the cultural foundation that connects the network. Her focus will be on giving funeral directors and their teams the resources and operational structure to best serve families, while preserving the autonomy and identity that make each funeral home unique.

In addition to her most recent role as COO of Headlands Research, Short's career spans some of healthcare's most operationally demanding environments. Previously, as Vice President of Central Operations at Marathon Health, she guided the merger of Marathon Health and Our Health through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also held regional and division leadership roles at DaVita Kidney Care and Trilogy Health Services, where she specialized in strengthening operations, developing leaders and building scalable operating models across multi-site organizations.

"The most important lesson I’ve learned is that organizations succeed when the people closest to the families they serve are trusted, supported and empowered," said Short. " That's what drew me to Landmark. The company is committed to strengthening community funeral homes while preserving the values and local relationships that make each one unique. I'm excited to help build the operational foundation that allows our funeral professionals to focus on what matters most: serving families."

About Landmark Funeral Group

Landmark works alongside dedicated funeral professionals who share a commitment to compassionate care, operational excellence and preserving the legacy of community funeral homes. With advanced technology integrations, strategic resources, and thoughtful investment, Landmark helps independent funeral homes grow and thrive while enabling local teams to continue serving families with the care and trust that define the profession.

Landmark Funeral Group Names Matt Dugas Director of Business Systems and Integrations

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:04:04 GMT

Funeral service technology veteran joins Landmark to strengthen operational support across its growing network of funeral homes

TOLEDO, OH, UNITED STATES, July 28, 2026 -- Landmark Funeral Group announced the appointment of Matt Dugas as Director of Business Systems and Integrations. Dugas, a seasoned funeral service technology leader and strategist, most recently with Park Lawn Corporation, joins Landmark to support the company's mission of partnering with family-owned funeral homes and equipping them with the resources to provide compassionate and exceptional funeral services that honor the unique lives of those they serve.

As Landmark's network of more than 30 funeral homes continues to grow, the company is investing in its people and operational infrastructure. In Dugas, Landmark has found a leader who shares its core values and has experience integrating new partner funeral homes and building systems that allow it to continue to effectively scale operations. He combines enterprise-level experience with a deep commitment to preserving the legacy of independent funeral homes.

“The strength of Landmark will always be our people,” said Seb D’Appolonia, President and CEO of Landmark Funeral Group. “As we grow, we’re committed to hiring leaders who share our values and bring meaningful experience to our partner firms. Matt’s deep understanding of funeral service and business systems will help strengthen our operations while enabling our funeral professionals to focus on what they do best, serving families.”

In his new role, Dugas will lead the integration of business systems across Landmark's network, with a focus on automating and consolidating the repetitive administrative tasks that often burden local operations. By streamlining these behind-the-scenes workflows, Landmark aims to free local funeral directors from paperwork so they can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time supporting families in their communities.

Dugas began his career in the funeral profession in 2009 at SRS Computing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he first came to appreciate the pride and deep community bonds shared by family-owned funeral homes. In those early years, he built a reputation for driving to meet owners across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, and New Jersey, understanding their challenges and implementing new technology that streamlined operations and administrative workloads.

He later helped platforms, including Passare and PlotBox, establish their early presence in the Northeast, then joined The Journey Group as Chief Technology Architect, leading multi-state technology deployments across Texas, Alabama, and California. Most recently, at Park Lawn Corporation, he and his team developed and deployed a custom, enterprise-wide ERP system that consolidated financial and operational data across the corporation. Dugas will be based in his hometown of Pittsburgh, returning to the region where his career began.

"From my first conversation with Seb, it was clear Landmark is building something different," said Dugas. "The company clearly puts its people first and is providing local funeral homes with the support they need to grow and evolve while protecting and preserving what has made them unique. I've always believed technology should streamline the work of funeral professionals so they can spend more time serving families. That's one of the things Landmark is focused on and why I'm excited to be joining them."

About Landmark Funeral Group

Landmark works alongside dedicated funeral professionals who share a commitment to compassionate care, operational excellence and preserving the legacy of community funeral homes. With advanced technology integrations, strategic resources, and thoughtful investment, Landmark helps independent funeral homes grow and thrive, empowering local teams to continue serving families with the care and trust that define the profession.

Landmark Funeral Group Partners with Physicians Mutual and Precoa to Expand Funeral Preplanning Services

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:47:02 GMT

Physicians Mutual to provide preneed funding and Precoa delivers marketing support, consumer education and planning expertise for growing funeral home network

TOLEDO, OH, UNITED STATES, July 22, 2026 -- Landmark Funeral Group today announced a partnership with Physicians Mutual and Precoa to expand funeral preplanning services across its growing network of more than 30 funeral homes throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The collaboration provides Landmark's locally owned and operated funeral homes with access to a comprehensive preplanning program that combines trusted funding with proven consumer education and outreach.

Consumer expectations surrounding funeral planning continue to evolve. Families today are more geographically dispersed, increasingly interested in access to information online, planning ahead, and seeking ways to reduce the emotional and financial burdens placed on loved ones.

At the same time, changing preferences, including continued growth in cremation and increasing demand for personalized memorial experiences, are reshaping how funeral professionals serve their communities. More providers are investing in services, technology, and resources that help families make informed decisions before they are faced with an immediate need.

Landmark is investing in its capabilities and in partnerships that help its funeral home professionals meet these evolving expectations while also protecting and preserving the trusted relationships, legacies and personalized care that have long defined community funeral service.

Precoa and Physicians Mutual have worked together for years to help funeral homes build successful preplanning programs and are bringing their strong relationship and proven model to Landmark's growing network of firms.

“The future of funeral service will be shaped by organizations that invest heavily in their people and support them to deliver exceptional and differentiated experiences for the families they selflessly serve,” said Seb D'Appolonia, President and CEO of Landmark Funeral Group. “Partnering with respected organizations like Physicians Mutual and Precoa strengthens the support available across our network of firms and reinforces our commitment to helping community funeral homes adapt, evolve, and thrive in a changing marketplace.”

The program is being implemented across Landmark's growing network of firms, giving local funeral directors additional tools and resources to help families make informed decisions before a funeral is ever needed.

Tim Reed, Vice President, Preneed at Physicians Mutual, said, “Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful gifts families can give one another. We’re honored to partner with Landmark Funeral Group and Precoa to offer trusted preneed funding solutions that empower families to plan with confidence while providing funeral professionals with another valuable resource to support the communities they serve.”

Tyler Anderson, Chief Growth Officer at Precoa, added, “Quality preneed is one of the most effective ways to meet the evolving needs of families and educate them about the value of ceremony, ritual, and gathering after a loss. We’re proud to work alongside partners like Landmark Funeral Group to help leading funeral homes prearrange more families so their loved ones can focus on connection when it's needed most.”

About Landmark Funeral Group

Landmark partners with exceptional funeral professionals who share a commitment to compassionate service, operational excellence and preserving the legacy of community funeral homes. Through thoughtful investments, strategic partnerships and long-term stewardship, Landmark helps independent funeral homes thrive while continuing to serve families with the care and trust that define the profession. Learn more at www.landmarkfuneralgroup.com .

About Physicians Mutual

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, Inc., Physicians Life Insurance Company and Physicians Select Insurance Company comprise the Physicians Mutual family. Physicians Mutual offers reliable dental and supplemental health insurance, and pet insurance. Physicians Life provides important life insurance, Medicare Supplement insurance and coverage for funeral pre-planning. Physicians Select Insurance Company additionally offers exclusive Medicare Supplement insurance. The companies have more than $4 billion in assets and consistently maintain some of the highest financial strength ratings in the nation from independent insurance analysts, including A.M. Best Company and Weiss Ratings. Founded in 1902, Physicians Mutual® is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. To learn more about the company, please visit PhysiciansMutual.com .

About Precoa

Precoa is the remarkably effective way to 2x your preneed. By delivering the highest quality preneed experiences, there’s no tradeoff between results for your business and meaningful moments for families. Precoa makes these moments repeatable through a complete marketing and sales system that gets you more quality leads, more appointments, and more prearranged funerals. Built to perform and designed to connect, it’s the proven way to reach new families and grow your market. Learn more at precoa.com .