Our Staff
Our Valued Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
Since 1950
In 1950, W. Clyde Lankford and his wife, Eleanor, opened Colonial Funeral Home at 220 E. New York Avenue in DeLand, FL. They lived above the funeral home on the second and third floors and began raising their children, Cheryl and Larry. In the late '50s, the Lankford's changed the name to Lankford Funeral Home.
By 1965, the business had grown forcing them to expand with the addition of a chapel that would seat 175-200 people in comfort. Today the business has undergone a total renovation to lend a more home-like appearance and comfortable surroundings for the families they serve.
Lankford Funeral Home
In 2000
Clyde Lankford passed away in March of 2000 and Eleanor in March of 2006. Cheryl L. Lankford, Clyde and Eleanor's daughter, now owns and operates the funeral home on a daily basis.
Today, nearly 21 years, after Clyde Lankford's passing, Lankford Funeral Home is still proud to be operating and serving the community and the entire Volusia County area.
We take pride in our reputation and we strive each day to guarantee that your family is treated with dignity and respect when you call upon us. Lead by Cheryl Lankford, who earned a degree in Mortuary Science from Miami Dade College in 1978, Cheryl continues to serve the community of DeLand and greater Volusia County region.
Cheryl is a past president of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
She is also past president of Independent Funeral Directors of Florida and is active in Tallahassee championing consumer awareness with regard to the rules and regulations that govern the funeral industry. At present, she serves as a member of the board of directors for John Knox Village.
Lasting Memories 4 Pets
Since 2001
In 2001, when my 15-year-old Chinese pug became ill, my vet suggested euthanasia for her. It would be the most difficult decision I ever had to make; the life of another was in my hands.
Though euthanasia was the kindest thing I could do for her, it didn’t make my decision any easier. My pug was my child. She cared for me when I was sick, and even in her failing stature comforted me when my father died.
It was during this time I realized what a special service I could provide to pet owners who feel the same about their beloved pets.
As a licensed funeral director, it seemed only fitting that I offer the same caring service for pets as I do for their loved ones.
–– Cheryl Lankford, Founder, Lasting Memories for Pets
