East Funeral Home

East Funeral Home, located at 602 Olive Street in Texarkana, Texas, has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1898 by Elias C. "E.C." East. Originally situated on the Arkansas side of Texarkana at 214 Vine Street (now Olive Street), the funeral home began as a modest operation providing embalming services and funeral supplies, with a female attendant always available for the care of women and children. After E.C. East's death in 1908, his widow Queen continued the business with the same dedication. In 1911, William F. Meissner purchased the funeral home from the East heirs and undertook a thorough modernization, making it the first modern funeral home in the region. Known as one of the best morticians in the Southwest, Meissner brought an understanding heart and gentle sympathy to his work, serving families of all means with equal dignity. After his passing in 1935, his wife Jennie and other family members remained active in the business for many years. Later, the Malaby family took ownership, with David W. Malaby purchasing the funeral home from his mother Leota. David remained active until his death in 2009, after which his son-in-law Brad Thomas and daughter Crista Malaby Thomas continued the legacy. In 2009, East Funeral Home became a member of the Dignity Memorial network, joining a family of funeral, cremation, and cemetery service providers that offers additional benefits such as a 100% service guarantee, lifetime flexibility, and relocation protection for prepaid plans. Today, the funeral home serves Texarkana and the four-state area from its historic downtown location, with a second location at Moores Lane built in 2002 to accommodate the growing population. East Funeral Home is committed to personalized funeral service, treating each family's story as unique and crafting one-of-a-kind tributes that may include themed decor, live music, and catered receptions. The facility offers onsite services, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Services include burial, cremation, and memorialization, with prepayment plans available. The funeral home holds a notable 4.9-star rating from 74 reviews, reflecting its reputation for compassionate care. Licensed by both Texas and Arkansas, the establishment is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Texas Funeral Directors Association, and Arkansas Funeral Directors Association. With over a century of service, East Funeral Home continues to provide expert guidance and support to families during their most difficult times, honoring the legacy of its founders and the values of integrity and community commitment that have defined it for generations.