Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 North Teilman Avenue in Fresno, California, is a cornerstone of compassionate end-of-life care with a rich history dating back to 1885. Founded by L.O. Stephens as the first funeral home in California’s Central Valley—and only the 11th in the state—the chapel has evolved through generations while maintaining an unwavering commitment to serving families with dignity and respect. In 1895, L.O. Stephens partnered with his brother-in-law, Billy Bean, forming the Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel. Mr. Bean served as Fresno County Coroner, and Mr. Stephens became Fresno’s first mayor. In 1911, they built the region’s first state-of-the-art funeral chapel and mortuary at Tuolumne and Broadway, featuring a pipe organ and the West Coast’s first motorized funeral coach. The business relocated in 1950 to its current site on North Teilman, strategically placed near local cemeteries to eliminate lengthy processions. A crematory was added in 2002, making it a full-service facility. Today, Stephens and Bean is part of the Dignity Memorial® network, offering a wide range of services including traditional funerals, cremation, burial, and pre-planning. The chapel boasts an extraordinary Elizabethan-period oak room—originally from a 15th-century English mansion near Trafalgar Square—disassembled and shipped to San Francisco in 1930, then relocated to Fresno in 1985 to serve as a warm reception area. The facility is wheelchair accessible with free on-site parking, and offers onsite services, a chapel, and a 100% service guarantee. Families appreciate the personalized care, with a 4.9-star rating from 152 reviews. Services include prepayment plans, low-interest options, and 24/7 availability. The team listens carefully to create meaningful memorials that honor each life. Whether planning ahead or arranging immediate services, Stephens and Bean provides trusted guidance, combining local expertise with the resources of a national network. Their history is intertwined with Fresno’s growth, reflecting the promise of the American West.