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About Us

Who we are

Celebrating life since 1953

As a proud member of the Longview & Henderson communities since 1953, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.

What we stand for

Our promise

Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity

Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance

Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy

Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.

Our story

The Rader family tradition of service now spans four generations, and dates to the late 1920’s when LeRoy Rader was a young man living in Illinois with the desire to become a mortician.

After working in Paris for just a few years, LeRoy decided to move his family, which now included a young son, Charley to Longview where he began working for Welch Funeral Home.  After only two years, Thomas Welch asked LeRoy to manage the Everett and Welch Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas.  In 1938, LeRoy and Thomas Welch formed a partnership and opened Welch and Rader Funeral Homein Kilgore, Texas.  Shortly thereafter, LeRoy purchased his partner’s interest in the funeral home to create Rader Funeral Homeof Kilgore, an East Texas landmark still operating today.

In 1953, LeRoy purchased a funeral home on North Fredonia Street adjacent to First United Methodist Church in Longview.  He asked his son, Charley, who had just graduated from North Texas State University to manage the newly acquired funeral home.  In 1954, Charley and his wife, Betty moved to Longview, where they became very active community supporters.

In 1970 property was purchased on Judson Road and in February of 1971 a beautiful new Rader Funeral Home was opened at 1617 Judson Road and the former location was purchased by the First United Methodist Church.

In 1981, Betty and Charley’s son, Charles returned to work after graduating from Texas Tech University and Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  He is now owner, President and General Manager of the Rader Companies.  

In 1989, they opened Rosewood Park, a perpetual care cemetery and mausoleum in North Longview.

And in 2006 an opportunity presented itself and Charles and his wife, Lacy opened Charles Rader Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC in Henderson, Texas.  A beautiful 10,000 sq. ft. facility designed to serve the Henderson and Rusk County area.

Their son, Preston returned to work in January 2011 after graduating from Texas Tech University.  A licensed funeral director, he is a graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and is active in Longview and Henderson community.   

40K+

Legacies Honored

70

Years in Business

Moments Remembered

Meet the team

Our incredible staff

Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.

James Baker

James Baker

Funeral Director - Longview

Cody Welch

Cody Welch

Funeral Director - Longview

Erik Duggins

Erik Duggins

Funeral Assistant - Longview

Paul Fortner

Paul Fortner

Funeral Assistant - Longview

Lindsey Buck

Lindsey Buck

Funeral Assistant - Longview

Spencer Barton

Funeral Assistant - Longview

Freda Parsons

Freda Parsons

Receptionist

Bart Clemens

Bart Clemens

Assistant Manager - East Texas Crematory

Isaac Bell

Isaac Bell

Crematory Operator

James Ray

James Ray

Rosewood Park - Grounds Superintendent

Billy Hall

Billy Hall

Rosewood Park - Groundskeeper

Jordan Guevarra

Jordan Guevarra

Rosewood Park - Groundskeeper

Donna Roycraft

Receptionist - Henderson

Stephanie Hood

Receptionist - Henderson

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Our Locations

A place of healing

We welcome you to explore the Rader Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.

We're here for you

We exist to serve the unique needs of every family

Seamless Arrangements

We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.

Unique Funerals and Tributes

Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Around the Clock Support

We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Reviews

Hear from the families we've served

“Well done Very professional”

Author: Richard Mcdaniel rated with 5 stars

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Plan Ahead

Plan for the future, today

Pre-planning lets your loved ones focus on honoring life instead of hashing out details. Learn the choices you can make now, so a future funeral becomes more of a celebration than a burden.