White Emerson Mortuary

• Funeral homes

• Philip R. White

  5th Generation Owner

  Born and raised in Whittier, Phil is the fifth-generation of the White family to own and operate White Emerson Mortuary. He graduated from Whittier Christian High School. After taking over the family business, the Whittier Narrows Earthquake of 1987 destroyed the mortuary building; Phil acted as Owner and Builder, rebuilding the current mortuary facility. Married to Rebekah since 1984, they have two children (Paul and Annie) who work for the family business and three grandchildren. Phil is an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing, and is passionate about cooking and gardening.

• Paul D. White

  Managing Director

  Funeral Director, Embalmer, Crematory Manager (California); Funeral Directors license (Utah)

  Sixth-generation funeral director in the family business. At age 16 he attended the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College and earned an Associates degree. He graduated from Biola University with a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. After college, he worked for a non-profit organization and then as a funeral director in Salt Lake City before joining the family business in Whittier. He is a member of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce and the Whittier Host Lions Club. In 2013, he helped found the Transitional Care Task Force (LA Chapter).

• Richard Crain

  Family Services Coordinator

  Licensed Minister; Grief Specialist Certification from the Grief Recovery Institute

  Born in Arkansas, raised in the San Gabriel Valley. Attended Pasadena College (Drum Major of the Official Tournament of Roses Band for two consecutive years), East Los Angeles College, and Azusa Pacific University's Masters in Conducting Program. Served in the U.S. military (basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ; MOS training at Ft. Lewis, WA). Worked as Operations Manager for Security Pacific National Bank. Studied at Berean School of the Bible (now Global University). Served as Worship Arts Director at First Family Church in Whittier, composed and created musical productions, produced choral recordings, sang with the Bonner Singers, and conducted the Southern California Edison Company Chorale. Later served as Chaplain for Silverado Hospice Company before joining White Emerson Mortuary. Conducts grief support meetings. Married to Ronalyn with two sons and two daughters-in-law; enjoys spending time with two granddaughters.

• Dan Anguis

  Support Staff

  Born in Los Angeles, raised in South Orange County, married in Whittier. Has been serving families in the funeral profession since 2013. As a creative, takes joy in helping bring families' visions to life. His talents are displayed through White Emerson's print and digital media and custom cemetery monuments.

• Miguel Acuna

  Funeral Assistant

  Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, attended Roy Miller High School. Served in the United States Marine Corps for two years. Joined White Emerson Mortuary in 1996. Enjoys BBQing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Serves as an Elder at Cornerstone Celebration Center International Church in Whittier.

• Cecilia Vallez

  Service Director

  Has served in the funeral industry for 18 years, joined White Emerson in 2014. Primary responsibility as service director, assisting families and clergy in coordinating funeral service details including church services and graveside ceremonies. Bilingual (English/Spanish), serving diverse families from the broader Whittier community. Native to Southern California, enjoys music, singing, surfing, spending time with her daughters, and long walks. Married to Mike for almost 25 years; makes home in Whittier.

• On-site crematory

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 from 276 reviews on google

General context, not specific to White Emerson Mortuary: a typical funeral homes price covers the items on the left. Those on the right are common add-ons billed separately — ask for an itemized list.

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