KIMBLE FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Assistant Hospital Administrator at Kimble Hospital
Rev. Cecil D. Conner was born September 4, 1946, in Junction, TX, to Glenn and Ethel (Wagner) Conner.
Cecil was the youngest of 6 siblings, (the other's are all now deceased).
Cecil graduated from Junction High School in 1964, and spent a large portion of his life as a meat cutter and produce worker, and served for several years as Assistant Manager of Mansfield's General Store in Junction.
Cecil played drums and guitar and sang in Country dance bands throughout his teen years and early adult years. In 1966, Cecil accepted the call of God in his life, and gave up the "band business", and the many distractions that went with it! In October, 1966, he married the love of his life, Donleta Bundick.
Cecil and Donleta have two children, Cecil Martin Conner, who is currently assistant Hospital Administrator at Kimble Hospital (as well as the local Fire Chief), and a daughter, Nicole, who currently lives in Kerrville, and is working in child day care.
Cecil was licensed and ordained into the ministry in 1976 though the Gospel Ministerial Alliance, headquartered in Brady, Texas, serving as an assistant to the Pastor of the Junction Full Gospel Church. In 1980, Cecil was selected as Pastor of the Junction Full Gospel Church, a position he kept until ill health forced his retirement in 2008. Cecil also holds a Bachelor of divinity Degree from Grace Apostolic Bible College in Niles, Ohio, attained though extension courses.
Cecil spent several years assisting with Graham Funeral Home before Mr. Graham's retirement. He was very proud to be a part of the KFH family, serving Kimble and Kerrville Funeral Homes where needed.
Cecil's main focus in life was serving other people, and Cecil was very proud to be a part of the staff in meeting the needs of those who needed the services offered.
Cecil will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by all who knew him.
Donleta was born May 28, 1945 in Junction, TX to Leslie and Ruby Bundick. She was the youngest of 5 born to her parents. Donleta married the love of her life, Cecil D. Conner in Oct. 1966. They were Married for 44 years until Cecil's passing in July 2011. Donleta and Cecil have 2 children, Cecil Martin Conner, of Junction, Tx , and a daughter, Nicole, who lives in Junction. Being a stay-at-home mother, she took pride in raising her children. As the children got older, Donleta helped her sister-in-law, Fern, at the family's local doughnut shop. Donleta and her family attended the Junction Full Gospel Church where Cecil was the Pastor for 28 years. Loving to work in her yard where she maintained her plants and a beautiful lawn, she also enjoyed helping decorate for the Annual Thanksgiving dinner held at the Junction Volunteer Fire Dept. each year. Donleta was honored at her funeral service as being the "Mother" of the Junction Volunteer Fire Department. Donleta joined the Kimble and Kerrville Funeral Home family after the passing of Cecil in 2011, assisting as needed. She had been a valuable asset to the KFH Team who enjoyed helping others in their times of need. She will forever be a part of the KFH family, and missed by us all.
Born and raised in the small community of Walnut Springs, (Bosque County) TX, Frankie was from a large family who has always maintained a close relationship. Once the last of the family graduated from high school, her parents moved to the Panhandle and West Texas.
After attending college, Frankie met and married Elbert Allen, Sr. who had just returned from a tour of duty during WW II in the United States Army. Two children were born from the marriage, Linda and Gene. Frankie spent most of her life as a housewife and mom while Elbert made his career in the Oil and Gas Industry in West Texas, living most of that time in Levelland, TX.
Upon retirement, they moved to Brownfield, TX where they co-managed an apartment complex for 23 years. After the loss of her husband, Frankie relocated to the beautiful Texas Hill Country to be close to her son and family along with assisting in many areas of Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes, whenever she may be needed.
Frankie enjoys reading, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and of course, her "grand-canines," Phoebe, Chaz, Dublin, and Max.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- General Manager
- President
- Member of the Sons of the American Revolution
After spending almost 20 years as second generation in the Oil and Gas Industry, with most of his time spent in Management and Administration, Gene made a drastic career change.
Raised in rural West Texas, Gene graduated from Plains High School, South Plains College with a degree in Criminal Justice and continued his studies at Wayland Baptist University. Upon making the career change to the Funeral Service Profession, he graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service with a degree in Mortuary Science. Gene became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Texas after successfully negotiating the exams of the International Conference of Examining Boards and is licensed in the State of New Mexico as well. He later completed his Bachelors of Science degree from Mid-America College in Funeral Service Management, and has now completed an MBA from Sullivan University.
Gene has spent most of his adult life in community service having served on numerous boards, committees, and civic organizations. He was elected to three terms on the Levelland City Council before his move to the Dallas Metroplex. Prior to that, he served on the City of Levelland Planning and Zoning Commission for two terms.
Starting in a Funeral Home in Levelland, Texas, Gene's career continued for three years in the Dallas area. On December 18, 2001, the purchase of Kerrville Funeral Home became official. Independent ownership and service to others in the community became reality. On September 1, 2010, Kimble Funeral Home in Junction, Texas joined the KFH family, ready to serve the families in the Junction area. On December 23, 2015, the building was purchased, and construction began for Krestridge Funeral Home in Levelland, Texas to become reality and also join the KFH family, giving the Levelland community a choice that was not present before. Upon completion of construction, Krestridge Funeral Home officially opened for business on September 1, 2016.
Gene is a current member of the Sons of the American Revolution, a current member and Past President (2004-2005) of the Kerrville Host Lions Club; a past member of the City of Kerrville Planning and Zoning Board for 2008-2011, elected to serve for four terms as Councilmember, Place 4 for the City of Kerrville and served as Mayor Pro-Tem (2011 - 2012 and again in 2014-2015), past Vice-President for the City of Kerrville, Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation; former Chairman and Advisory Board member of Kerrville Main Street; Advisory Board Member for The Haven Alzheimer's Care Center; former Board Member for the K'Star Youth Shelter; former Board Member for the Hill Country Chapter of the American Red Cross; former Board member for the Dietert Senior Center; a former member of the Starkey Elementary Campus Improvement Team from 2005 - 2012. He is also a former member of the Kerr County Ambassadors, a member of the 20th Anniversary Class (2005) of Leadership Kerr County, a current member of the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Kerrville Networking Group; currently a member the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce, the Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce, and is also a current member of the South Plains College Foundation Board currently on the Executive Committee, and a current member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Texas Tech Chapter #15.
Gene Allen, President / General Manager, had a vision that stemmed from the Grahams' decision. After several months of planning and making preparations, on September 1, 2010, Kimble Funeral Home became reality and extended independent ownership for the sole purpose of continuing to serve Junction and Kimble County residents with a quality, honest, and respectful business.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Vice President of Operations
- Member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association
Reese was born in Lubbock, Texas and a graduate of Smyer High School, and attended South Plains College on a livestock judging scholarship. In 2006 he enlisted in the United States Army, being stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington after basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served our country for 6 years, with one tour in Afghanistan as an infantryman, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Battalion 23rd Infantry Regiment. After returning from his tour of duty, in the summer of 2012, Reese made the decision to move to the Texas Hill Country and pursue a career in the Funeral Profession as a valued member of the KFH Team. Having obtained his Certificate as a Certified Crematory Operator, he then graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Dallas, TX in November of 2014 and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Texas after successfully negotiating the exams of the International Conference of Examining Boards.
In August of 2015, Reese married Amanda Evans Taylor, whom he met while residing in Dallas. They now make their home Kerrville, TX where Amanda is also a Funeral Director with the family business. His children are his pride and joy, and the reason he works hard every day to be a father that his sons and daughter can be proud of. Reese enjoys golfing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He is also a loyal fan of the Texas Tech Red Raiders," Guns Up!" Reese graduated from Texas Tech University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Reese is a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America, Board Member the TFDA South Central Region, Hill Country Funeral Directors Association, and the Funeral Ethics Association, along with memberships in Kerrville Masonic Lodge #697, A.F. &A.M., Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce.
Reese is very thankful for the opportunities life has dealt his way. He is very pleased to be a part of the Team for Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes, and looks forward to having a long and fulfilling career helping families in the area that we serve.
Holly was born in Houston, TX and soon moved to Ingram, TX at the age of four where she remains to be a resident of west Kerr County. Holly comes from a large family with strong family values and religious ties.
Being raised in the country, Holly loves just sitting on the back porch watching the sun set, spending time outside with family, friends and her many animals. Holly greatly enjoys gardening, fishing and swimming. She has travelled to many different places, but she loves the Texas Hill Country above all other places.
Holly was a private care giver for 15 years. She has owned and operated her own business and was the store manager of a local retail store.
In 2005, Holly meet a wonderful man named Matthew Porter and in 2007 they were married. Between the two, Holly and Matt are blessed with 6 children and 9 grandchildren thus far. To the grandchildren, Holly and Matt are known as Hada and Pops. Holly is very blessed to live a humble life on family owned property that her mother bought in the early 1960s. When Holly's father passed away at the age of 42 leaving a wife to raise 7 children they all had to pitch in and grow up fast. Holly and her family are members of Calvary Temple Church in Kerrville. Holly is also a member of Calvary Temple women's Ministry. Thru the women's Ministry, Holly had the opportunity to have short stories of how God has blessed her life published in a daily devotional for women called "Heartstrings".
In 2011 Holly joined the staff of Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes as an Administrative Assistant. In 2015, Holly was named Office Administrator, and is an integral part of the business.
Holly loves life to the fullest, but her greatest passion is loving the Lord with all her heart spending time with her children, and grandchildren along with helping others. At the end of the day, it's not about whom you love, but who loves you. One of Holly's favorite scriptures is 2 Corinthians 5: 8 KJV, "we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."
Jeff was born February 20, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. Jeff grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated High School in 1961. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy in 1961, served 28 years, and retired as Command Career Counselor of Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. He moved to Kerrville in 1988 where he worked for the VA Hospital for 18 years. Jeff joined the KFH Family and contributed to serving families for several years until his health prevented him from doing so. Jeff liked to travel by sea with his wife, Christine, and had dreams to go again. He was loved by all, a patriot who honored God, country and family. Jeff was a man of his word and a faithful provider who never knew a stranger. One of Jeff's favorite quotes was "Five minutes early is ten minutes late." Jeff will forever remain in our hearts and minds, as he will be missed by us all.
Josh joined the Kerrville Funeral Home family in 2016 after spending almost 25 years with FedEx Express, including seven years as an operations manager. He retired from FedEx in Kerrville, having also worked with the corporation in San Antonio and Colorado Springs.
Raised in Grapevine, Texas, Josh graduated from Grapevine High School and studied psychology at the University of North Texas. He continued his studies at Amarillo College, where he studied Mortuary Science. Josh has also obtained his Certificate as a Certified Crematory Operator.
While at North Texas, he met and married his cherished wife, Jackie. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1993 where Josh enjoyed racing motorcycles on the weekends, and together they started a successful advertising agency in 2001. Josh and Jackie have been married for 31 years and have one son who is currently studying aerospace engineering at Mississippi State University. They are members of Calvary Temple Church in Kerrville.
Job Titles:
- Director of Grief Recovery
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association
Coming from a background of social work and education, Katie Allen is well experienced in working with people.
As a child of an Air Force family, Katie grew up in various locations, but considers San Angelo, TX her home town and attended Angelo State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Katie continued her education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX earning a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling.
After years of social work, Katie had the opportunity to begin a rewarding career as a school counselor, focusing on Special Education. During this time, she became licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and opened a Private Counseling Practice in which she offers counseling to individuals and groups. In the summer of 2018, Katie retired from Kerrville ISD after many years serving as Counselor on two different campuses. She failed Retirement 101 and became the counselor at Ingram ISD Middle School. She has retired again after three years assisting in that capacity and is now available full time in the KFH family of Funeral Homes.
Certified in Trauma and Loss, Katie currently serves as the Director of Grief Recovery and After Care for Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes. She continues to further develop the After Care programs for the families served by the Funeral Homes as well as others in the communities who might need these services. Katie is a Licensed Funeral Director, having completed her Funeral Director studies through St. Louis Community College, and is willing to serve families along with the rest of the KFH Team.
Katie has been active in the Kerrville community in many different areas. She has previously served on the Advisory Board for The Haven Alzheimer's Care Center, the Advisory Board for Any Baby Can, a Board Member of the Hill Country Crises Council, volunteered as a trainer and facilitator for Peterson Hospice through the "Bridging the Gap" children's grief program, has played for the Hand Bell Choir of First United Methodist Church, a member of the Kerrville Order of Eastern Star #24, Texas Counseling Association, and the Hill Country Counselors Association in which she is served as President (2011 - 2012).
Katie is a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America, the Hill Country Funeral Directors Association, and the Funeral Ethics Association, along with membership in Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce.
As the wife of a Funeral Director and being a Funeral Director herself, along with the credentials that she brings with her to the Funeral Homes, Katie feels that she clearly understands the importance of the needs of family members who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Her compassion for people and their emotions are a valuable asset to compliment the many areas of service that the Funeral Homes have to offer.
Katie Allen, his family, and the entire staff at Kimble Funeral Home takes great pride in being a part of the Junction community and look forward to a long and rewarding life serving the families of the Hill Country. Mr. Allen's philosophy is "families first," and he is committed in continuing to operate the business based on personal service and personal relationships in the community. Serving the community with a set of basic guidelines, Kimble Funeral Home serves each family with "dignity, pride, and honor."
Matt was born August 19 1966 in Del Norte, CO. Matt graduated high school in Ruidoso, NM and after graduation Matt moved to Dallas, TX where he pursued his career in Food & Beverage and Hotel Management & administration. Matt lived in Dallas close to 20 years before he was transferred to Waco, TX.
Matt moved to the Texas Hill Country in late 2004, which is where he met his wife, Holly. Matt and Holly were married in March of 2007. Between the two, they have six children, and nine grandchildren.
Matt truly understands that everyone has a different set of wants and needs during their times of grief. Knowing this, Matt is committed to each person he comes in contact with and wants to help them to make their situation the very best it can be.
In 2011, Matt joined the staff of Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes, assisting as needed.
He will be missed by us all.
Rev. Andy L. Phea, a native of Texas, was born on May 20, 1924 and raised in Bonham, Texas. His parents, Luther and Leavie Phea worked on the XD Barr Ranch and his father was a rodeo contestant for many years.
Rev. Phea went to high school in Bonham, Texas and is a veteran of WWII, where he served as a medic in the United States Army. He graduated from the Oklahoma School of Religion in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He also attended the Way Side Theology in Sylvester, Texas. Rev. Phea has served numerous congregations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, as well as Texas.
Among his many talents, Rev. Phea was employed in the Funeral Profession for a number of years. Serving a Funeral Home in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he served as a valuable member of the "Team" with the KFH Family until his passing on November 28, 2009.
He will be missed by all, but never forgotten.
Rev. Sam, a native Texan, received his calling for the ministry while in high school. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and pursued his ministerial goals with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Texas. Over the last sixty years, Rev. Sam has served the Baptist community primarily as a Minister of Education with churches in Denver, Colorado and the Kerrville, TX areas. In addition, Rev. Sam is certified by the Association of Christian Counselors, with his expertise in marital and premarital counseling.
His musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, enabled him over the years to serve as organist, soloist, and assistant to church music directors. Currently, Rev. Sam is a Music Associate at Trinity Baptist Church. In his spare time, he performs at community, civic, and private functions.
Rev. Sam serves as the Chaplain for Kerrville and Kimble Funeral Homes. We are fortunate to be able to call on him to provide ministerial duties and musical accompaniment for Funeral and Memorial Services.
Rev. Sam and his wife, Nancy Carol, have three sons, Mark, Phillip, and Stephen, 3 grandchildren, as well as 6 great-grandchildren. Rev. Sam maintains an interest in interior design and remodeling, and a special hobby of refinishing antique furniture. He and his wife have always enjoyed studying the architecture of older buildings in the areas of the country that they have lived in.
Standing ready to help and serve the families that choose our services, Rev. Sam is a tremendous asset to not only the KFH Team, but to the community as a whole.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Support Services Manager
- Member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association
Rob was born in Arcata CA. on March 11, 1953 to Clarence and Ruby Miller. Rob has been blessed with two daughters and 3 grandchildren. Rob is a Pianist and an Organist and in his lifetime, he has been a Minister of Music in two different churches, along with being a Musician in various other churches as needed.
Rob started in the funeral profession in 1987 where he served part of his apprenticeship in Riverside, CA., and ultimately finishing his apprenticeship in Eureka, CA.
Rob attended San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1990 and completed his degree in 1991. Rob went back to Eureka, CA. where he was employed by Chapel of the Ferns where he worked with four Funeral Homes in three cities.
In 1996, Rob and his wife moved to the East Bay area he was employed at Greer Family Mortuary in Alameda, CA. In 1998, Rob's wife changed employment so they moved to Santa Rosa, CA. where he was employed at Daniels Chapel of the Roses. During his tenure at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, Rob's wife passed away.
In 2006 Rob took a break, during that four year break, Rob worked for the world's largest seminar company, "Get Motivated Seminars," where he was the director of operations for the logistics of the show.
Rob is a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America, the Hill Country Funeral Directors Association, and the Funeral Ethics Association, along with memberships in the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce.
Rob joined the team at Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes in 2010 where he serves as the Manager of Support Services. He resides in Kerrville so he can enjoy being close to his granddaughter.
Bill was born in Ft. Worth, TX, moved to Abilene, TX as an infant and lived there until he completed the 10th grade. He attended and graduated from Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, TX. Bill is also a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and was a member of Phi-Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the Blue Key National Honorary Fraternity. After college, he furthered his education at Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science (now Dallas Institute of Funeral Service) in Dallas, TX.
After completing mortuary school in 1963, Bill moved back to Abilene, TX to serve his apprenticeship at Kiker-Warren Mortuary. In September of 1966, Bill and wife Karen moved to Kerrville to enter into business at Plummer-Fair Funeral Home. He remained in this business until 1973 when he sold his interest in the funeral home and purchased The Rose Shop.
Bill has served on the Kerrville City Council from 1976-1980; Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission from 1995-2001; Past President of the Kerrville Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Bill is an Elder and member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville.
Professional memberships include the National Funeral Directors Association, the Texas Funeral Directors Association, Funeral Ethics Association, the Hill Country Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America along with being a member of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, the Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Levelland Chamber of Commerce.
With Bill's experience and compassion for the Funeral Profession, Kerrville, Kimble, and Krestridge Funeral Homes are very proud to have him as a vital part of the Team. He is available to help in any way that a family might need.
Bill will forever remain in our hears and minds, as he will be missed by us all.