Immediate need? We're available 24 hours a day, every day — (937) 555-0118
Get in Touch

Three Generations of Care

Since Harold Whitmore opened our doors in 1962, our family has been honored to serve the families of Dayton, Ohio during their most difficult moments.

Our History

A Family Business Built on Trust

Harold Whitmore founded Evergreen Memorial Chapel in 1962 with a simple conviction: that every family deserves the same quality of care, regardless of their circumstances. He built the chapel himself on a quiet street in Dayton, and for twenty years served his neighbors with quiet dedication.

In 1987, Harold's son Thomas returned to Dayton after earning his mortuary science degree and his funeral director's license. He brought new ideas about grief counseling, pre-planning, and family support—while keeping the same unhurried, personal approach his father had established.

Today, Thomas's daughter Claire leads the chapel alongside her father. A licensed funeral director and certified grief counselor, Claire has expanded the chapel's services while honoring the values that have made Evergreen a trusted name in the community for more than sixty years.

We are not a franchise or a corporate chain. Every decision is made here, by people who live in this community, worship alongside you, and genuinely care about the families we serve.

1962 Harold Whitmore founds Evergreen
1987 Thomas joins and expands services
2014 Claire becomes licensed director
Our Directors

The People Behind the Care

Our staff are licensed professionals who chose this work because they feel called to it. You'll find them attentive, unhurried, and genuinely committed to your family's wellbeing.

Claire Whitmore-Oakes

Funeral Director & Owner

Third-generation owner and licensed funeral director. Claire holds a Master's in Counseling Psychology and is a certified grief counselor through the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She oversees all family care and ensures every service reflects the family's wishes.

OH Licensed FD ADEC Certified NFDA Member

Thomas Whitmore

Funeral Director & Founder Emeritus

With over 35 years of experience, Thomas brings a depth of knowledge and calm presence that families find immediately reassuring. He remains an active part of the chapel and personally oversees pre-planning consultations. He served on the Ohio Funeral Directors Association board for twelve years.

OH Licensed FD OFDA Board Member 35+ Years

James Renner

Licensed Funeral Director

James joined Evergreen in 2018 after eight years with a Cincinnati firm. He specializes in veteran honors, military ceremony coordination, and working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds. He is fluent in Spanish and active in Dayton's veteran community.

OH Licensed FD Veteran Services Bilingual
Our Chapel & Facilities

A Peaceful Space for Every Gathering

Our building was designed with families in mind—quiet, comfortable, and private. Everything your family needs is under one roof.

The Main Chapel

Our primary chapel seats up to 200 guests and features warm wood accents, adjustable lighting, and a sound system to accommodate live music or recorded audio. It can be arranged for services of any faith tradition.

Visitation Rooms

Three private visitation rooms accommodate intimate gatherings of 10 to 75 guests. Each room has its own entrance and can be individually customized with photos, music, and personal mementos.

Reception Room

A comfortable gathering space adjacent to the chapel, available for post-service receptions. Seats up to 80 and is equipped with a full kitchen for catered meals or simple refreshments.

Memorial Garden

Our enclosed memorial garden provides a quiet, outdoor space for reflection. Families are welcome to visit during daylight hours. It's also available for intimate outdoor services in mild weather.

Family Lounge

A private room exclusively for the immediate family—a quiet retreat during visitations and services. Stocked with refreshments and comfortable seating, away from the main gathering areas.

Planning Suite

A private, comfortable office where families meet with our directors to make arrangements. Designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical, with ample time and no sense of hurry.

In the Community

More Than a Business—A Neighbor

Evergreen Memorial Chapel is woven into the fabric of the Dayton community. We believe a funeral home has a responsibility that extends beyond its front door.

Every year, we host free community events on grief, end-of-life planning, and senior wellness. We sponsor local youth programs, partner with area hospices, and support veterans' organizations throughout the region.

  • Annual free grief workshop series for the public
  • Partnerships with Hospice of Dayton and other local hospices
  • Sponsor of the Dayton Veterans Memorial Foundation
  • Free "Planning Ahead" seminars for seniors and their families
  • Scholarship fund for mortuary science students
  • Supporter of the Montgomery County NAMI chapter
Licensing & Memberships

Professional Standards You Can Count On

We meet and exceed every professional and regulatory standard in the industry.

State of Ohio Licensed

All funeral directors hold current Ohio state funeral director and embalmer licenses.

NFDA Member

Active member of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1968.

OFDA Member

Ohio Funeral Directors Association member in good standing. Thomas Whitmore served 12 years on the board.

FTC Compliant

Full compliance with the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule. Price lists and disclosures provided to every family.