Allen L. Dave, Jr.
President
Allen L. Dave, Jr. is Chairman and President of Death Care Management & Financial Groups DBA; Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Texas (Houston, Brenham Carthage) and Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
National Board-Certified Funeral Director and Cremation Specialist Allen L. Dave, Jr. graduated from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services in 2003 with high honors and received Todd W. Van Beck President's Award in Funeral Service Management and the Most Impressive Performance Student Award. Allen completed the educational programs of International Cemetery Cremation Funeral Association (ICCFA) at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. In 2003, College of Sales & Marketing, 2004 College of Funeral Home Management, 2005 College of Cremation Services and 2006 College of Cemetery Administration and Management. Allen graduated as class valedictorian in 2006 and continued completing the master's program in 2007 and became a Certified Crematory Administrator and Certified Crematory Counselor. In 2008, he attended the College of 21st Century Services and In-Sight Institute Funeral Celebrant Training becoming a certified celebrant.
In 2009, he completed the College of Cemetery & Land Management, and in 2010, he accomplished final academic requirements in death care education, the C.E.O. program. He joined the educational staff, becoming a professor at ICCFA University at the University of Memphis. He lectures in the Celebrant Program and International Program with a focus on African American funeral studies. Allen Dave served as Allied Industry Chairman from 2009-2011, appointed Secretary of the Board of Directors of ICCFA under President Mark Krause and elected to the board of directors twice from 2011-2016. In 2010, Allen Dave created a management company, Death Care Management & Financial Group, LLC., to manage funeral homes in Texas. Bob Lomison of Letum, Inc., offered Allen his first management contract in Central Texas.
In 2014, Allen joined the senior management team of Letum, Inc. as vice president of the funeral home division, and in 2015, vice president of Letum, Inc and 2016 named president of the funeral division. Death care leading professional association (ICCFA) honored and awarded Allen with his certification accreditation as a Certified Funeral Executive at their 2014 national convention. This is the highest honor recognized by his peers and the national association. In addition, in 2014 Allen became a Texas Certified Crematory Operator and is a Louisiana and Texas life insurance agent, serving his second term on the ICCFA Board of Directors expiring 2016 and a featured speaker across the country. January 2016, Allen Dave received his approval from the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors to practice in the State of Louisiana. Louisiana Cremation Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Letum Inc. and acquired Winnfield Holding Corporation February 29, 2016.
Allen Dave was named president of the company. Winnfield Funeral Homes consists of three funeral homes and a cemetery. Allen Dave has the unique opportunity of owning, operating, and managing funeral homes and crematories in Louisiana and Texas. In January 2020, he was appointed to The ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Board of Trustees embracing the foundations philanthropic spirit and bringing experiences and expertise to the table. Final, January 1, 2022, the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors approved the establishment license of Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center. Making it the first expansion back into Louisiana with our new brand.
Allen Dave plan to continue expanding in acquisitions of other funeral homes to enhance their brands and continue building their legacy. He is one of the few funeral directors in the nation who have completed this level of death care management education. Therefore, he strongly believes he is of immense value to consumers and the death care industry. He promises to always conduct business at the highest level of professional standards. He and his wife Micca have three children, college graduates: Barrington, Jasmine, Alexandria, and two grand pets.
Allen L. Dave, Jr.
President
Allen L. Dave, Jr. is Chairman and President of Death Care Management & Financial Groups DBA; Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Texas (Houston, Brenham Carthage) and Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
National Board-Certified Funeral Director and Cremation Specialist Allen L. Dave, Jr. graduated from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services in 2003 with high honors and received Todd W. Van Beck President's Award in Funeral Service Management and the Most Impressive Performance Student Award. Allen completed the educational programs of International Cemetery Cremation Funeral Association (ICCFA) at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. In 2003, College of Sales & Marketing, 2004 College of Funeral Home Management, 2005 College of Cremation Services and 2006 College of Cemetery Administration and Management. Allen graduated as class valedictorian in 2006 and continued completing the master's program in 2007 and became a Certified Crematory Administrator and Certified Crematory Counselor. In 2008, he attended the College of 21st Century Services and In-Sight Institute Funeral Celebrant Training becoming a certified celebrant.
In 2009, he completed the College of Cemetery & Land Management, and in 2010, he accomplished final academic requirements in death care education, the C.E.O. program. He joined the educational staff, becoming a professor at ICCFA University at the University of Memphis. He lectures in the Celebrant Program and International Program with a focus on African American funeral studies. Allen Dave served as Allied Industry Chairman from 2009-2011, appointed Secretary of the Board of Directors of ICCFA under President Mark Krause and elected to the board of directors twice from 2011-2016. In 2010, Allen Dave created a management company, Death Care Management & Financial Group, LLC., to manage funeral homes in Texas. Bob Lomison of Letum, Inc., offered Allen his first management contract in Central Texas.
In 2014, Allen joined the senior management team of Letum, Inc. as vice president of the funeral home division, and in 2015, vice president of Letum, Inc and 2016 named president of the funeral division. Death care leading professional association (ICCFA) honored and awarded Allen with his certification accreditation as a Certified Funeral Executive at their 2014 national convention. This is the highest honor recognized by his peers and the national association. In addition, in 2014 Allen became a Texas Certified Crematory Operator and is a Louisiana and Texas life insurance agent, serving his second term on the ICCFA Board of Directors expiring 2016 and a featured speaker across the country. January 2016, Allen Dave received his approval from the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors to practice in the State of Louisiana. Louisiana Cremation Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Letum Inc. and acquired Winnfield Holding Corporation February 29, 2016.
Allen Dave was named president of the company. Winnfield Funeral Homes consists of three funeral homes and a cemetery. Allen Dave has the unique opportunity of owning, operating, and managing funeral homes and crematories in Louisiana and Texas. In January 2020, he was appointed to The ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Board of Trustees embracing the foundations philanthropic spirit and bringing experiences and expertise to the table. Final, January 1, 2022, the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors approved the establishment license of Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center. Making it the first expansion back into Louisiana with our new brand.
Allen Dave plan to continue expanding in acquisitions of other funeral homes to enhance their brands and continue building their legacy. He is one of the few funeral directors in the nation who have completed this level of death care management education. Therefore, he strongly believes he is of immense value to consumers and the death care industry. He promises to always conduct business at the highest level of professional standards. He and his wife Micca have three children, college graduates: Barrington, Jasmine, Alexandria, and two grand pets.
Christia L. Bobb, CFSP
General Manager / Funeral Director In Charge
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, it was ALWAYS a passion for Christia to become a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. Upon completing her studies at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, she made the transition to Houston, Texas, to pursue a career in the Funeral Service Industry. Although, at one point when this industry was heavily male dominated, Christia knew with hard work and perseverance she would make it to the top tier of the death care industry.
What was once known as a male dominated industry, now has become an even playing field for women in the death care industry. Christia became a part of the industry when women had to prove that they were just as intelligent and qualified as their male counterpart if not better. With 30 years in the death care industry, Christia has become one of the most sought-after female Funeral Directors in Houston, Texas, with a plethora of knowledge as well as commendations and a vast clientele from state & local dignitaries; clergy; law enforcement; fire and rescue, professional musicians, actresses / actors to sport professionals, just to name a few. Ms. Bobb has also served families with respect to local high-profile cases, in which is one of her specializations. Not knowing how life would bring about a change, Ms. Bobb, never could have imagined that she would be a part of history and a national as well as international platform movement of “Black Lives Matter”, as she had the honor and privilege of serving the family of George Perry Floyd, Jr., as the Funeral Director in Charge of Logistics with Fort Bend Memorial Planning Center. This moment in history was truly humbling as we shall NEVER forget 8:46 (8 minutes and 46 seconds) “I Can’t Breathe”.
In more recent years, Ms. Bobb has taken on the role of assisting new aspiring funeral entrepreneurs with the implementation of their own firms and or re-branding of their firm. With her knowledge and expertise, they are sure to become a cutting-edge multi-service firm. She as well as her team are taking the funeral industry into a new direction, NOT forgetting tradition but enhancing tradition. Ms. Bobb has been a staple in Houston and surrounding areas for 26 years serving families with EXCELLENCE. Ms. Bobb’s words to her staff continually are, “People don’t know how much you care until they see how much you care.” She is one who truly cares for the client families she has the privilege of serving, as well as her community and others she has encountered through religious and various civic organizations, for she has a servant’s heart!
Christia is a 24 Year proud member of The Church Without Walls under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr., where she is a Ministry Leader and serves in multiple ministries throughout the church. Christia is also a distinguished member of the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, Inc., where she was honored as a Woman of Distinction in Funeral Service for the State of Texas in 2015, and was also the first scholarship recipient of the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, while attending mortuary school at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service.
She is a 22-year member of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association; The Independent Funeral Directors of Texas, Inc., The Houston Funeral Directors & Morticians Association Women’s Auxiliary, where she has served as the Secretary, and now currently serves as President; as well as a member of The Houston Funeral Directors & Morticians Association. She has also served as a Board member of the Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association and member of The Coastal Funeral Directors of Texas and National Funeral Directors Association.
She is also a proud member of The Order of the Eastern Star – Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter of Texas, Inc., under the auspices of United Most Worshipful Scottish Rite Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Texas, Inc., where she serves as the Worthy Matron of Daughters of Light No. 17, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter.
She was a Charter member of Ladies of Bethel #7 Order of the Eastern Star, under the auspices of Lilly of the Valley Grand Chapter (Houston, TX) where she has served as Associate Conductress, Secretary, Chaplain, and Starpoint Heroine Electa. She is also a member of the Illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Christia is the youngest of five siblings, mother of one son, Keegan Jermaine and “Glam-Ma” to her grandsons Kai Jermaine and Koa Jayce, as well as “GiGi” to her godchildren and “Nana” or “Nanny Christi” to her Nieces and Nephews.
In her time of leisure, Christia loves being surrounded by her family & her close inner circle of sisters, mentoring future funeral professionals, listening to various genres of music, watching any television show that involves Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Files or anything related to medical or law enforcement, as well as a good Tyler Perry movie series. She also enjoys the great outdoors & cooking authentic Creole dishes.
Christia knows that with ANY success in life, GOD must be the center of it all! Without HIM you have nothing and can do nothing! Her favorite scripture to keep her grounded and focused is Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NIV), “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. Just when she may begin to doubt, she is reminded of her testimonial scripture that she has embedded in her heart, Jeremiah 29:11(NIV), “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Christia is a true testimony to what God can and will do if you TRUST him!
Christia L. Bobb, CFSP
General Manager / Funeral Director In Charge
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, it was ALWAYS a passion for Christia to become a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. Upon completing her studies at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, she made the transition to Houston, Texas, to pursue a career in the Funeral Service Industry. Although, at one point when this industry was heavily male dominated, Christia knew with hard work and perseverance she would make it to the top tier of the death care industry.
What was once known as a male dominated industry, now has become an even playing field for women in the death care industry. Christia became a part of the industry when women had to prove that they were just as intelligent and qualified as their male counterpart if not better. With 30 years in the death care industry, Christia has become one of the most sought-after female Funeral Directors in Houston, Texas, with a plethora of knowledge as well as commendations and a vast clientele from state & local dignitaries; clergy; law enforcement; fire and rescue, professional musicians, actresses / actors to sport professionals, just to name a few. Ms. Bobb has also served families with respect to local high-profile cases, in which is one of her specializations. Not knowing how life would bring about a change, Ms. Bobb, never could have imagined that she would be a part of history and a national as well as international platform movement of “Black Lives Matter”, as she had the honor and privilege of serving the family of George Perry Floyd, Jr., as the Funeral Director in Charge of Logistics with Fort Bend Memorial Planning Center. This moment in history was truly humbling as we shall NEVER forget 8:46 (8 minutes and 46 seconds) “I Can’t Breathe”.
In more recent years, Ms. Bobb has taken on the role of assisting new aspiring funeral entrepreneurs with the implementation of their own firms and or re-branding of their firm. With her knowledge and expertise, they are sure to become a cutting-edge multi-service firm. She as well as her team are taking the funeral industry into a new direction, NOT forgetting tradition but enhancing tradition. Ms. Bobb has been a staple in Houston and surrounding areas for 26 years serving families with EXCELLENCE. Ms. Bobb’s words to her staff continually are, “People don’t know how much you care until they see how much you care.” She is one who truly cares for the client families she has the privilege of serving, as well as her community and others she has encountered through religious and various civic organizations, for she has a servant’s heart!
Christia is a 24 Year proud member of The Church Without Walls under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr., where she is a Ministry Leader and serves in multiple ministries throughout the church. Christia is also a distinguished member of the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, Inc., where she was honored as a Woman of Distinction in Funeral Service for the State of Texas in 2015, and was also the first scholarship recipient of the 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, while attending mortuary school at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service.
She is a 22-year member of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association; The Independent Funeral Directors of Texas, Inc., The Houston Funeral Directors & Morticians Association Women’s Auxiliary, where she has served as the Secretary, and now currently serves as President; as well as a member of The Houston Funeral Directors & Morticians Association. She has also served as a Board member of the Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association and member of The Coastal Funeral Directors of Texas and National Funeral Directors Association.
She is also a proud member of The Order of the Eastern Star – Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter of Texas, Inc., under the auspices of United Most Worshipful Scottish Rite Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Texas, Inc., where she serves as the Worthy Matron of Daughters of Light No. 17, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter.
She was a Charter member of Ladies of Bethel #7 Order of the Eastern Star, under the auspices of Lilly of the Valley Grand Chapter (Houston, TX) where she has served as Associate Conductress, Secretary, Chaplain, and Starpoint Heroine Electa. She is also a member of the Illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Christia is the youngest of five siblings, mother of one son, Keegan Jermaine and “Glam-Ma” to her grandsons Kai Jermaine and Koa Jayce, as well as “GiGi” to her godchildren and “Nana” or “Nanny Christi” to her Nieces and Nephews.
In her time of leisure, Christia loves being surrounded by her family & her close inner circle of sisters, mentoring future funeral professionals, listening to various genres of music, watching any television show that involves Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Files or anything related to medical or law enforcement, as well as a good Tyler Perry movie series. She also enjoys the great outdoors & cooking authentic Creole dishes.
Christia knows that with ANY success in life, GOD must be the center of it all! Without HIM you have nothing and can do nothing! Her favorite scripture to keep her grounded and focused is Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NIV), “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. Just when she may begin to doubt, she is reminded of her testimonial scripture that she has embedded in her heart, Jeremiah 29:11(NIV), “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Christia is a true testimony to what God can and will do if you TRUST him!
JonWesley Gatlin
Crematory Director
JonWesley Gatlin is a native of the Joaquin, TX and Logansport, LA area. He is the son of David “Block”Gatlin and Novelle Gatlin. Staying with his Grandmother Leevern Stotts, he attended and Graduated Joaquin high school in 2008. After high school he attended Southern University graduating in 2010 with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Sciences with concentration in Health Studies.
Then in 2011 he attended Commonwealth Institute of Funeral service graduating with the embalmer of the year award for embalming excellence and an associate’s degree in Mortuary Science.
He has a religious background in the Church of God in Christ where he began preaching in 2005 at the age of 15 at Keatchie Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Supt. Booker McMillon.
He is now the Lead Elder of Keatchie Church of God in Christ following his appointment in 2025 by Bishop James W. Proctor.
JonWesley joined the Allen Dave family in 2023 and has been serving the Carthage and East Texas area with a spirit of excellence ever since. He is a firm believer and advocates for dignity and respect as he strives to exemplify this with each family he serves.
JonWesley Gatlin
Crematory Director
JonWesley Gatlin is a native of the Joaquin, TX and Logansport, LA area. He is the son of David “Block”Gatlin and Novelle Gatlin. Staying with his Grandmother Leevern Stotts, he attended and Graduated Joaquin high school in 2008. After high school he attended Southern University graduating in 2010 with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Sciences with concentration in Health Studies.
Then in 2011 he attended Commonwealth Institute of Funeral service graduating with the embalmer of the year award for embalming excellence and an associate’s degree in Mortuary Science.
He has a religious background in the Church of God in Christ where he began preaching in 2005 at the age of 15 at Keatchie Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Supt. Booker McMillon.
He is now the Lead Elder of Keatchie Church of God in Christ following his appointment in 2025 by Bishop James W. Proctor.
JonWesley joined the Allen Dave family in 2023 and has been serving the Carthage and East Texas area with a spirit of excellence ever since. He is a firm believer and advocates for dignity and respect as he strives to exemplify this with each family he serves.
Andrea Young
Marketing & Advance Planning Director
Andrea Young serves as the Marketing & Advance Planning Director for Allen Dave Funeral Homes & Crematorium, bringing 35 years of diverse marketing and sales experience across multiple industries. Her extensive professional background, combined with a compassionate and service-focused approach, allows her to guide families through advance planning and funeral service decisions with care, empathy, and understanding.
Andrea is dedicated to creating an environment where end-of-life planning feels more approachable, thoughtful, and accepted. She takes the time to listen carefully to the unique needs, wishes, and concerns of each individual and family, helping them determine the advance planning options that best reflect their values and desires. She strongly believes meaningful conversations and proper planning provide families with peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.
Known for her reliability, professionalism, and genuine compassion, Andrea earns the trust of the families she serves by offering guidance, support, and comfort when they need it most.
Andrea Young
Marketing & Advance Planning Director
Andrea Young serves as the Marketing & Advance Planning Director for Allen Dave Funeral Homes & Crematorium, bringing 35 years of diverse marketing and sales experience across multiple industries. Her extensive professional background, combined with a compassionate and service-focused approach, allows her to guide families through advance planning and funeral service decisions with care, empathy, and understanding.
Andrea is dedicated to creating an environment where end-of-life planning feels more approachable, thoughtful, and accepted. She takes the time to listen carefully to the unique needs, wishes, and concerns of each individual and family, helping them determine the advance planning options that best reflect their values and desires. She strongly believes meaningful conversations and proper planning provide families with peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.
Known for her reliability, professionalism, and genuine compassion, Andrea earns the trust of the families she serves by offering guidance, support, and comfort when they need it most.
Telicia Callier
Executive Administrative Assistant
Telicia Callier
Executive Administrative Assistant
Namon Thomas
Operations Director
As a young man growing up in Northwest Houston (Acres Home Area), I always knew I had a passion for the Death Care Industry.
In 1982, I began working at Frazier Mitchell Funeral Home. This is where I learned all aspects of the industry. After graduating from high school in 1985, I joined the United States Army. I served one Tour in Desert Storm, the Gulf War in 1990.
After returning home, I completed my Tour of Duty in a Reserve Unit in Houston, Texas. As a Reservist, I returned to work at Frazier Mitchell Funeral Home and also continued my education at Commonwealth School of Funeral Service. I graduated in 1993 with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service. After serving families for several years in the Fifth Ward Community in Houston, I began a new direction in my career. In 2009,1 met Allen Dave, owner of Allen Dave Funeral Home located in the Greater Greenspoint Area of Northwest Houston. I was hired as Director of Operations. In 2016, I transferred to Winnfield Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the Operations Manager. In 2017, I returned to Allen Dave Funeral Home in Houston and continued as the Director of Operations.
I have been married for 30 years to Shante Cooper Thomas. We have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I am a member of M.W. Abraham Grand Lodge AF & AM State of Texas (Hour Glass 1 Lodge) /G\.
Every day, I am excited that I get to go to work and serve families with the same love and compassion that I have continued to extend for more than 30 years.
Namon Thomas
Operations Director
As a young man growing up in Northwest Houston (Acres Home Area), I always knew I had a passion for the Death Care Industry.
In 1982, I began working at Frazier Mitchell Funeral Home. This is where I learned all aspects of the industry. After graduating from high school in 1985, I joined the United States Army. I served one Tour in Desert Storm, the Gulf War in 1990.
After returning home, I completed my Tour of Duty in a Reserve Unit in Houston, Texas. As a Reservist, I returned to work at Frazier Mitchell Funeral Home and also continued my education at Commonwealth School of Funeral Service. I graduated in 1993 with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service. After serving families for several years in the Fifth Ward Community in Houston, I began a new direction in my career. In 2009,1 met Allen Dave, owner of Allen Dave Funeral Home located in the Greater Greenspoint Area of Northwest Houston. I was hired as Director of Operations. In 2016, I transferred to Winnfield Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the Operations Manager. In 2017, I returned to Allen Dave Funeral Home in Houston and continued as the Director of Operations.
I have been married for 30 years to Shante Cooper Thomas. We have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I am a member of M.W. Abraham Grand Lodge AF & AM State of Texas (Hour Glass 1 Lodge) /G\.
Every day, I am excited that I get to go to work and serve families with the same love and compassion that I have continued to extend for more than 30 years.
LaTanya "Nikkie" Daugherty
Administrative Services
LaTanya "Nikkie" Daugherty
Administrative Services
Johnel Francis
Fleet Management
Johnel Francis
Fleet Management