Our Story
The Christ Family has deeply roooted history is our communities. Lamar S. Christ started in the funeral business after attending the former Eccles School in Philadelphia.
As an Army First Sergeant serving in WWII, he attended on the GI Bill. He began the practice of funeral directing in 1947. At that time most funerals were conducted in the deceased’s home.
He and his wife Merle (Kraus) built the funeral home where it stands now in Hometown, Tamaqua Pa. Merle Christ owned & operated a beauty shop in the FH building for many years.
Mark Christ and his wife Audrey came into the business in 1981. Mark worked along side his Father while teaching music at various schools in the community. Mark continue his father's legacy after his passing and continued to follow his passion for music until his retirement as Band Director of Panther Valley. While Mark and Audrey are still active in the funeral home, daily tasks have been handed to a local coal region native.
Coaldale native, Paul Derlunas and his wife Laura took an active role in the funeral home in 2022. Graduating from neighboring Panther Valley, Paul graduated from Mortuary School in 2009. He has been active in funeral service since 2005 and the founder and owner of Allentown Funeral and Cremation Services. His wife Laura is a teacher for Whitehall Coplay School District. Continuing Paul's path of chaos and destruction are his three children, Penelope, Henderson and Gideon. Even though Mark and Audrey are enjoying more time at the family farm and with their children and granddaughter, the legacy of the Christ Family will remain. The funeral home will still retain its name and relationship with the community.
Although there are many decisions you may have to make after the passing of a loved one, we assure you that we will guide you through the entire process every step of the way. We promise to help you:
- Design the most fitting memorial or funeral service to honor your loved one's memory and pay tribute to their life achievements and experiences.
- Select the most appropriate products, including a casket, burial vault, cremation urn, cemetery or mausoleum, to fit your budget and suit your needs and desires.
- Write a fitting obituary to honor your loved one’s life experiences and social connections and assist you in the publication of the obituary in the newspaper(s) of your choice.
- Create a Book of Memories™, a beautiful, permanent online memorial, where you and your friends can build a legacy of memories by archiving treasured photos and memories.
- Welcome your family and friends to our funeral home for your planned services, including a viewing, visitation, funeral or memorial service.
- Make all arrangements with regard to the services whether they are held at your place of worship, our funeral home, cemetery, or alternate gathering place.
- Select beautiful funeral print materials, including memorial folders, prayer cards and book marks. We also offer personalized note cards for you to acknowledge the emotional support you received from friends, co-workers and community members.
- In the selection and on-site arrangement of floral tributes.
- Access grief education and support materials, and with referrals to counseling services.
- Prepare all paperwork, including vital record statistics, permits, filing and obtaining death certificates, and assistance with life insurance, veteran’s benefits and Social Security claims.