Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We aren't just a funeral home. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.

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 Homes (Longview – Henderson) in Kilgore, Texas. Shortly thereafter, LeRoy purchased his partner’s interest in the funeral home to create Rader Funeral Homes (Longview – Henderson) of 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 Homes (Longview – Henderson) 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. And in 2016, his wife, Erika became our Community Relations Coordinator and is very active in both communities as well.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Charles Rader
President - Funeral Director
Charles was born in and raised in Longview, graduating from Longview High School and Texas Tech University. He attended and graduated the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service returning full time to Longview in August of 1981. Charles is active in many Longview organizations including the Longview Greggton Rotary Club, where he is a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. He has volunteered with the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center, the March of Dimes, Buckner Children and Family Services, and the Greater Longview United Way. He enjoys all kinds of hunting, especially duck and pheasant hunting. He and his wife, Lacy are the proud parents of a son, Preston and his wife, Erika, and their children, Benjamin and Abigail. Their daughter, Sarah. They attend Lifebridge Christian Center and they enjoy summer vacations, pistol shooting, and other family activities.
[email protected]

Preston Rader
Funeral Director - Longview and Henderson
Preston was born and raised in Longview, and was a 2005 graduate of Pine Tree High School. He is also a 2010 graduate of Texas Tech University, and is 2011 graduate of The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston. Preston currently resides in Longview with his Wife, Erika and their two children, Benjamin and Abigail. He is an active member of the Henderson Rotary Club and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador. He is a Past President of the East Texas Funeral Directors Association and served on the Board of the Texas Funeral Directors Association for 4 Years. He is an avid golfer and hunter, enjoys anything outdoors and spending time on the lakes here in East Texas, along with using his time off to be with family and friends.
[email protected]

Erika Rader
Community Relations

Jonathan Horn
Funeral Director - Manager - Longview
Jonathan is a native of Longview and a graduate of Longview High School. He graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in May 2003 and enjoys helping people as a funeral director. He and his wife, Molly, are members of Mobberly Baptist Church and they have one daughter Hattie. He also enjoys all type of water sports, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and working in his yard. Jonathan is the Manager of the Longview location.
[email protected]

John McClough
Funeral Director - Compliance Director - Longview
John W. McClough, Funeral Director, a Rader member since 2011. John is from the West Coast, born in Springfield Ore. He entered the funeral industry in 1984 and has been serving families ever since. John considers it an honor and ministry being able to help families during their most difficult times in life. He has 2 sons that served in the US Navy as he did, and a daughter who lives in WA. John and his lovely wife Kaye, who is a Texan native, are very active in music ministry at Fellowship Baptist church in Liberty City. Between the two of them they have 10 wonderful grandchildren. [email protected]

Paul Uhles
Funeral Director - Longview
Paul was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas; he attended Tyler Junior College where he was involved with the Apache Drum Line. Paul then graduated in 2011 from the University of Texas at Tyler. He then graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2012. Paul enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as working with computers.
[email protected]

Erik Duggins
Funeral Assistant - Longview

James Baker
Funeral Director - Longview

Cody Welch
Funeral Assistant

Carla Allen
Office Administrator - Longview
Carla was born and raised in Longview, where she graduated from Longview High School. After graduation she attended Michael's Beauty School and is a licensed cosmetologist. Carla moved to White Oak in 1978 where she raised one daughter, Julie Allen Groves. She is also mom to her 2 dogs, Little Man & Wolfie. Her son-in-law, Roger Groves, is a Longview fireman. Carla loves being "Granny" to her step-granddaughter Micayla Groves who lives in Gilmer. Some of her hobbies include sewing and working in the yard. Most of all she loves being around her family and friends.
[email protected]

Roy Hensley
Assistant
Roy started his career with Darr Equipment, later purchased by Holt Cat, after graduating from high school in Yale, Oklahoma. He retired after 45 years as Warehouse Manager. Roy and his wife, Cathy have two sons, Bryan and Brent and two grandchildren. They attend First Baptist Church. Roy enjoys working in his yard, going to estate sales and watching the Dallas Cowboys.

Martha Jordan
Administrative Assistant - Longview

Freda Parsons
Receptionist

Margaret Musslewhite
Weekend receptionist
Margaret has lived in Longview all of her life. She has two sons and daughter-in-laws and two gradnsons and granddaughters which are very dear to her heart! Also, a dachshund named Hank. She opened "Weddings of Distinction" 38 years ago and did complete wedding for a lot of families. Now she only does wedding, groom and speciality cakes. A national cake decorating magazine has had featured articles and pictures of her designed cakes. She opened up her own flourist - "Flowers of Distinction" for a few years and then sold. She helped open and design "Books & Coffee" a unique used book store until she came to Rader's. She loves working at Rader's, helping families. Her hobbies include Floral and cake decorating and sailing has always been a large part of her life that she enjoys very much. Due to her work schedule she attends OHBC and Mobberly and loves both.

Ronnie Stribble
Assistant - Night receptionist

Jim Taylor
Pre Need Counselor Longview and Henderson
Jim grew up in Roswell, New Mexico and graduated from Roswell High School. After high school he attended and graduated from Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in San Dimas, CA with a degree in Church Music. He spent 22 years in full-time Christian ministry and has spent the last 16 years helping familes as a prearrangement specialist. He and his wife of 38 years, Renee are the parents of three adult children, Laura, James and Daniel and two grandsons, Matthew and Wyatt. Jim and Renee attend the Grace Community Church in Tyler, TX. He enjoys golf, fishing, hunting and cooking.
You can contact Jim by email at - [email protected]

Debbie Martin
Receptionist

Todd Peterman
Manager East Texas Crematory
Todd is a native of Longview and graduated from Pine Tree High School and Kilgore College. He has been a member of the Rader Funeral Home team since 1982. He is the manager of East Texas Crematory. Todd enjoys yard work, home improvement projects, music, and reading.

Bart Clemons
Assistant Manager - East Texas Crematory

William H. Brown
Funeral Director - Henderson
Born 3-2-49 in Henderson. Graduated from Henderson High School in 1967. Attended Kilgore Jr. College. Graduated from Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science & Gupton Jones in September, 1970. Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Texas since that time. Graduated from East Texas Police Academy in Kilgore in 1973. Spent 52 months with the City of Henderson Police Department and joined Rusk County District Attorney’s Office as Investigator in September 1977. Still employed by Rusk County DA’s Office. Graduated from FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in December, 1981. Currently Assigned to East Texas Violent Crime Task Force through the FBI in Tyler, Texas. Member and Past President of Henderson Noon Lions Club. Melvin Jones Fellow from Henderson Lions Club. Member Rusk County Chamber of Commerce and named Henderson’s Outstanding Young Man in 1983. Named Investigator of Year for Texas District and County Attorney’s Association in 2006. Member of East Texas Chapter of Texas Association of Sports Officials as a Football Official since 1982. Member and Men’s Sunday School teacher at Henderson’s First Baptist Church.
Married to Sharon Ramsey Brown since 1969. three married daughters, Traci Cummings of San Antonio, Lori Moores of Henderson and Adrianne Yantis of San Antonio. 5 grandchildren. Enjoys traveling, fishing, golf, yard work, and of course, grandchildren.

Theresa Williams
Rosewood Park Office Manager
Theresa entered the funeral and cemetery industry in 2001. She feels privileged to work next to people who genuinely care about the wellbeing of others. Theresa perceives her role as an opportunity to provide compassion and comfort for families going through such a difficult time. She and her husband Jay, have four children; Brittany (Daniel), Caitlin, Coby (Sydney) and Austin; two grandchildren, Elliot and Ezra. Together, they love being outdoors and traveling. In her free time Theresa enjoys walking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
[email protected]

Johnny Greathouse, CPC
General Manager- Rosewood Park and Rader Monuments
Johnny is an East Texas native growing up in the Kilgore/Longview area. He is a graduate of both Kilgore High School and Kilgore College with a degree in General Business. He also attended the University of Texas at Tyler.
In 1998, Johnny began his career in the funeral industry. Since then, Johnny has continued his education and training by taking various courses of study. In addition to his training, Johnny has served on several preneed funeral advisory boards.
In 2013, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has awarded the nationally recognized Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) designation to Johnny which he still maintains.
Additionally, to coincide with Johnny’s role in overseeing Rader’s granite business, he attended Elberton’s Granite Institute. After successful completion, he graduated from their Monument Retailer’s Course. Johnny is also a member of the Veteran’s Recognition Foundation.
Johnny’s passion to provide families with peace of mind in their most difficult times is something he takes great pride in. Knowing he can make a difference in the life of each family he serves is rewarding.
Johnny and his wife, Andrea are proud parents of their daughter Hannah. In his spare time, he enjoys being active, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering.
[email protected]

Elizabeth Smith
Aftercare
Elizabeth is our aftercare followup coordinator.
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