Forest Lawn Funeral Home

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, located at 5740 South Pine Avenue in Ocala, Florida, has been a pillar of compassionate care in Marion County since the 1950s. Originally established as Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, it became the area's first true full-service cemetery. Purchased by the Lohman family in the 1970s, the funeral home was later added, making it the only funeral home situated on a cemetery property in the greater Ocala region. Today, it operates as part of the Dignity Memorial network, combining local, family-oriented service with the resources of North America's largest provider of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services.

The funeral home itself features a modern, welcoming atmosphere with soft colors, contemporary lighting, and updated decor. It offers three distinct event spaces named after Triple Crown horse races: the Derby Room, which accommodates up to 150 guests for large memorial services or receptions; the Belmont Room, seating up to 35 for more intimate gatherings; and the Preakness Room, designed for private viewings. Services are highly personalized, ranging from traditional funerals to unique celebrations of life that reflect the deceased's passions—whether an afternoon ice cream social, a beach-themed gathering, or a motorcycle procession. The staff includes bilingual team members and translators to serve the area's diverse population.

Forest Lawn Memory Gardens spans 25 serene acres shaded by live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The cemetery offers a wide variety of burial and cremation options, including indoor crypts, private bench estates, mausoleums, cremation gardens, family estates, and hedged estates with irrigation. Four mausoleums provide peaceful settings, and the Veterans Garden honors military service with flags from all five branches. The funeral home works closely with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide military honors and participates in the homeless veterans burial program.

Beyond its facilities, Forest Lawn is deeply involved in the community. The team regularly partners with local businesses, veterans groups, churches, and clubs, offering grief counseling and educational seminars. They host services for widow and widower support groups and conduct seminars at The Villages retirement community. An annual luminary program in December draws nearly 200 guests for a reflective indoor service followed by a candlelit walk through the cemetery. With a 4.8-star rating from over 200 reviews, a 100% service guarantee, and 24/7 availability, Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memory Gardens remains a trusted source of comfort and support for families in Ocala and beyond.