Walter J. Kent Funeral Home

Let's all be safe in our travel and celebrations over this weekend. Have a safe and happy 4th!

Over the recent days we have seen many changes and limitations announced regarding funeral homes and funeral services. Most recently, the directive of NYS funeral homes from the Dept. of Health and the Governor's Office is as follows: -Limited private family viewing and services taking place at the funeral home.... -No public services or gatherings. As always, we will work within our current ability to serve our families and facilitate the memorials and services desired.

CORONA VIRUS/ COVID 19 Walter and Tyler Kent of the Walter J. Kent Funeral Home in Elmira and the Barber Funeral Home in Horseheads announces their plan of action regarding the current COVID-19 event. First, we are closely monitoring and following the guidelines from the CDC, National Funeral Director’s Association, the NYS Funeral Director’s Association as well as state and local emergency contingencies.... We have set in place new measures to help protect and accommodate all guests who enter our facilities to ensure the safety and comfort while honoring their loved ones. There are currently no restrictions on viewings, burials or cremations. We can still hold services and you can attend funerals. New York State has issued an order of restriction on public gathering spaces to be reduced by 50%, which may compromise funeral gatherings. In order to avoid compromising the health of our guests, online condolences may be left on either of our websites (www.walterjkent.com of www.barberfuneralhome.com). If you are not feeling well or are concerned about contact with others, we encourage you to use these resources. We have placed reminders throughout our facilities to ask guests to limit physical contact as much as possible (hand shaking, hugging, etc.) and are providing hand sanitizer. We are taking extra precautions to sanitize public areas of our facilities. We are taking extra precautions with decedent transfers and handling to ensure all parties and institutions involved will not have unnecessary contact or unlikely transfer of any virus by following routine infection prevention, control procedures and practicing universal precautions. Our family and staff are here to serve, protect, and honor each family that calls upon us, along with our greater community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Our staff and family are always proud to assist the families of those who have served.

In spite of the weather yesterday, Walter was able to attend the dedication of the Heller Garden in Woodlawn Cemetery. The Garden will host a columbarium for the placement of urns in above ground burial. Woodlawn joins many cemeteries embracing the rising rates of cremation in our communities.

New carpet and office furniture after 16 years mean our growing staff can continue to provide unparalleled service to our families for years to come. Our thanks to everyone involved, including our staff, with moving, relocating, and giving our funeral home a facelift.

A great tribute to the late Ernie Langdon and all our fallen veterans; Ernie's family brought his '46 Willy's Jeep to Barber Funeral Home for the Horseheads Memorial Day Parade.

Let us not enjoy today's holiday before bowing our heads in a moment of silence to thank the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for America.

Plenty of hard work went into coordinating an educational gathering from all 4 mortuary schools in New York State. We're glad to meet some of those who will be caring for families and performing the sacred duties of funeral directors.

Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Please keep our veterans in your hearts and celebrate in remembrance by visiting the Vietnam War Museum - 1200 Davis St, Elmira, New York 14901

16 years ago today, we opened for business. Thank you to our community for embracing us and supporting us. I feel so blessed!16 years ago today, we opened for business. Thank you to our community for embracing us and supporting us. I feel so blessed!

A new sign out front. Thanks to JH Design in Elmira and all who helped to construct our new lawn decor. This replaces our 15 year old original sign from our opening in 2003.

Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause. ~ Abraham Lincoln #VeteransDay #GodBlessAmerica

With the Memorial Day holiday approaching, our staff at both Walter J. Kent Funeral Home and the Barber Funeral Home would like to take time to remind everyone about the importance of this holiday. The nice weather and 3 day weekend is usually the focus this time of year, however we have to remember and honor the sacrifices given for our nation. Please take part in a Memorial Day service in addition to attending one of our areas many parades and events. https://www.stargazette.com//memorial-day-events/84800820/

Today marks 15 years that our funeral home has been open and serving families. Walter, Tyler, and staff could not be happier to have served the community for so long. Of course we want to thank all of the families that have supported us over the years.