The Bissonnet Street building and chapel

In December 2016, Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home relocated to 4525 Bissonnet St. (from 6700 Ferris St.). The new space allows us to accommodate a larger number of guests in an updated environment, and we’re flattered when guests comment on its beauty.

When you walk into the funeral home, past the reception room, you’ll find our very large chapel. It seats up to 230 people in pews and has a palette of white and light gray for a clean, modern look.

All of our furniture is up to date, so you and your guests will feel right at home. Two large TVs in the chapel can be used for multimedia slideshows—or music videos or a favorite movie. We have a smaller room that’s often requested for intimate viewings.

The whole funeral home is wheelchair accessible for the elderly and physically challenged.

Customized funeral services

At Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, we are experienced at finding ways to personalize funeral services with touching reflections on each life.

We always sit down with a family, talk and discover what made a person special. This is a chance for us to connect with you on a deeper level and get a real feel for you or your loved one's life. Every person touches us in a different way—and we strive to design a funeral or memorial that truly captures someone's spirit.

What does this look like? Maybe we bring in a car lover's pride and joy. Maybe we serve falafel sandwiches followed by fireworks. Our team could dress in costume or friends and family could all come wearing a favorite color. The possibilities are literally endless—and they start with a story.

Catered receptions

Many families are delighted by our inviting catering hall. When you enter our front door, take a right down a small hallway and you’ll find space enough for 15 tables. We work with a local caterer to arrange virtually any size and type of reception. From a breakfast buffet to evening wine and cheese to a sit-down dinner with waiter service, our caterer makes sure your guests are fed well and made comfortable.

Cemetery and crematory partners

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home has long, close relationships with Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, Memorial Oaks Cemetery, Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston National Cemetery and Woodlawn Cemetery. Our staff is quite skilled and we’re happy to coordinate with any cemetery you choose.

We do conduct cremations. If you’re interested in cremation, simply let our staff know and we’ll walk you through the process. Cremations are conducted off site at Brookside Crematory.

History

James Bradshaw Earthman Sr. was a blacksmith and livery service provider in Taylor, Texas. The town of Taylor purchased a horse-drawn hearse, and, as proprietor of the livery stable, Earthman was frequently asked by the people of Taylor to assist with their funeral needs. Funeral homes were uncommon at the time, so often people with horse-related businesses would help with funerals.

Beginning in 1889, providing funeral services became James’s full-time profession. His group was among the first to be a licensed funeral provider in Texas.

Building a funeral home

In 1904, James and his 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, Earthman's constructed a funeral home at 2420 Fannin St. After J.C.’s death, the company became the J.B. Earthman Company.

The next generation takes over

After James B. Earthman Sr.’s death in 1931, James B. Earthman Jr. ("J.B.”), a graduate of St. Thomas High School and Rice University, left his successful architectural career to manage the company. His wife, Blanche Bastien Earthman, worked with J.B. in the daily operation of the business. Blanche was one of the first women in Texas to become a licensed funeral director.

J.B. was a pioneer in funeral planning, founding a burial insurance company in the 1930s. Together, J.B. and Blanche built Earthman Funeral Directors & Cemeteries into 1 of the largest family-owned and operated funeral companies in the United States. Their children and grandchildren continued to manage and expand the business.

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home is now part of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers.

Community involvement

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home is involved in the Houston community. It’s our belief that a funeral home should make a positive contribution whenever it can.

We’re regularly involved with local churches, especially in supporting their fundraisers. We are a part of the Bellaire Business Association and the Houston Metropolitan Chamber, where we get together with other businesses to find ways to help each other and the community.

Our staff is proud to be a supporter of the American Diabetes Association. We participate in their bikeathons and walkathons, helping to raise money for this worthy cause. Our funeral home also helps raise money for United Way.

We’re honored to be involved with Bo’s Place support groups, which help grieving families who have lost a child.

At Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, we support veterans. We work with all military families to help them learn about their VA benefits. We’ve arranged elaborate military funerals, including flyovers and firing squads. We also participate in the Homeless Veterans Burial Program, coordinating with veterans agencies to provide funeral services and burials for homeless veterans.