Our History

Loved ones that have passed on

Where it all began
 
Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home was established on February 3, 1952, as a partnership between Lawrence H. Hamlar and Harry C. Curtis, Jr. When they incorporated the business several years later, Marilyn Curtis became an official part of the organization even though she was a participant from its inception.

Hamlar-Curtis has expanded its facilities twice since it began business in 1952. The first expansion occurred in 1959 due to a fire that almost totally destroyed the building. The second expansion was a proactive way to increase the space to better serve our families. This new space included a chapel with seating capacity of 300, three spacious family rooms and an administrative suite.

Hamlar-Curtis grew steadily in the 1960s, becoming bigger and better. The continuous growth eventually prompted another building expansion, which occurred in 1972. Former, Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, a friend of both families, gave the keynote address at the dedication ceremony.

The firm members are members of the Western District Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Morticians Association, Virginia Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association, among many other organizations.

Members of both the Hamlar and Curtis families have been community-oriented, serving on key boards and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of many people in the Roanoke Valley.

Much of Hamlar-Curtis's growth is due to faithful employees like Funeral Service Licensee Fred Galloway and Funeral Attendant Richard Broady. Both men have served the funeral home for more than 40 years. Additionally, there is a dedicated staff that consistently ensures Hamlar-Curtis maintains its reputation of quality, professional service.

Our families deserve the best and that is what they will receive from Hamlar-Curtis. For almost six decades, we have been serving with dignity, respect and compassion. Our motto is: "Your interest is the heart of our business."

During its business lifespan, Hamlar-Curtis has lost three vital partners. On August 30, 2000, Founder Marilyn Curtis peacefully passed away. She was the wife of Founder Cecil Curtis. Owner Michael Lee Hamlar, passed away on December 12, 2003, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). He was married to Betty Hamlar. On December 31, 2003, Founder Lawrence H. Hamlar answered his calling. He was married to the late Constance Hamlar. Marilyn, Michael and Lawrence have been sorely missed over the years; but, their memories will be cherished forever by their families, the community and the staff.

Although the Founders and former owners cannot be replaced, their legacies will live on through their second and third generation offspring, H. Clarke "Duke" Curtis and Michael Lawrence Hamlar. Both are now owners of Hamlar-Curtis, along with its original Founder Cecil Curtis.