Merchant Funeral Home

Merchant Funeral Home, located at 1000 7th Street in Clarkston, Washington, is a cornerstone of the Lewis-Clark Valley community, with a rich history dating back to 1898. Founded by Henry R. Merchant, who served as both a furniture maker and funeral director, as well as the local coroner, the business originally opened in Asotin, Washington, five miles upriver. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuous business in Asotin County. The original building was donated to the Asotin County Historical Society and now serves as a museum, preserving many of the early funeral equipment pieces. In 1955, Bob Larrabee joined the firm and later, with his wife Renee, purchased the funeral home in the 1970s. Their daughter Lisa and her husband Tom Sutherland assumed ownership in 2001, continuing the legacy of personalized, professional service that has defined the firm for over a century.

Today, Merchant Funeral Home is part of the Merchant Memorial Group, which also includes Mountain View Funeral Home & Crematory in Lewiston, Idaho, and Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens. The current facility was built by Henry Merchant in the early 1950s and is conveniently located near the center of Clarkston, offering a serene view of Vernon Park. The home provides a range of services to meet the diverse needs of families, including traditional burial services, cremation services, and an onsite chapel. The visitation room is tastefully decorated to ensure comfort and serenity, adaptable for traditional visitations, contemporary memorial gatherings, or private family services. Families are encouraged to personalize the space with mementos reflecting their loved one's life, with staff available to assist in displaying photographs and memorabilia. The chapel offers a dignified setting for those who prefer a non-church environment, featuring a mural of Swallow's Nest Rock by local artist JD Brown. The home also offers wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

Merchant Funeral Home is renowned for its compassionate and caring staff, who are available 24 hours a day to assist with immediate needs. They guide families through every step, from obituary writing and casket selection to service planning and memorial keepsakes. The firm also supports pre-planning arrangements, allowing individuals to relieve their families of difficult decisions during emotional times. Additional resources include grief support through a 365-day email program and a 52-week newsletter, as well as flower ordering services. The business maintains a perfect 4.9-star rating on Google Maps, with heartfelt testimonials highlighting the exceptional care provided by staff members like Brooke and Richard. Families consistently praise the professionalism, thoroughness, and genuine compassion that make a difficult time more manageable. With a commitment to honoring each life uniquely and serving the community with integrity, Merchant Funeral Home remains a trusted sanctuary for those in need.