Here's Our Story

In November 2007, we celebrated our 100th Anniversary. That is an accomplishment for any business, but for us, it is especially important because we have remained family owned. This is significant because it means that we have stayed true to the principles the business was founded on. Principles established in 1907 when Chester T. French saw the need for caring services for families experiencing the death of a loved one. He opened his first funeral home on the corner of Central and 5th Street in Albuquerque. Since that time, he moved locations, expanded the business and continued to provide the highest level of service to those in need. His reputation as a sensitive, caring individual was instrumental in the growth and success of the business. At the time of his death in 1966, his grandson, Chester French Stewart, took over the business. Over the years, French has grown into a thriving funeral business with four locations throughout Albuquerque and an ever- growing family of businesses. On July 1, 2010 Tom E. Antram became the fourth President and COO, following in the footsteps of CEO D.F. “Duffy” Swan; Chairman Chester French Stewart and Founder Chester T. French in the long history of the French Family of Companies - French Funerals Cremations, French Advance Planning, Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque Monument & Engraving and Best Friends Pet Services. Today we pride ourselves on the caring services we continue to provide. And we look forward to the next 100 years.