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 attended Whittier Christian High School. After taking over the family business, he acted as Owner and Builder, rebuilding the current mortuary facility following the Whittier Narrows Earthquake of 1987. Phil is married to Rebekah and has two children, Paul and Annie, who both work for the family business. He is the proud grandfather to three grandchildren. Phil is an avid outdoor sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and golfing, and is passionate about cooking and gardening.

• Paul D. White

  Managing Director

  Funeral Director, Embalmer, Crematory Manager (CA); Funeral Director (UT)

  Paul White is the sixth-generation of funeral directors in his family's business. At age 16 he attended the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College and earned an Associates degree in Mortuary Science. He graduated from Biola University in La Mirada with a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. After college, Paul worked for a non-profit organization in Utah and then joined the funeral profession in Salt Lake City before returning to California to join the family business in Whittier. Paul is engaged with the local community as a member of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce and Whittier Host Lions Club. In 2013, he helped found the Transitional Care Task Force (LA Chapter), a partnership of funeral service providers and hospice organizations.

• Richard Crain

  Family Services Coordinator

  Grief Specialist Certification (Grief Recovery Institute); Licensed Minister

  Richard was born in Arkansas and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He attended Pasadena College where he was Drum Major of the Official Tournament of Roses Band for two consecutive years. He earned a Masters in Conducting from Azusa Pacific University and studied at Berean School of the Bible (now Global University). He previously worked as an Operations Manager for Security Pacific National Bank. After years of service in music and ministry—including serving as Worship Arts Director at First Family Church in Whittier and conductor of the Southern California Edison Company Chorale—he worked as a Chaplain for Silverado Hospice Company before joining White Emerson Mortuary. He conducts grief support meetings and finds satisfaction in helping families honor their loved ones. Richard is married to Ronalyn and has two sons and two daughters-in-law.

• Dan Anguis

  Support Staff

  Dan was born in Los Angeles, raised in South Orange County, and married in Whittier. He has been serving families in the funeral profession since 2013 and takes pride in helping others through significant life events. As a creative, he brings families' visions to life through White Emerson's print and digital media and custom cemetery monuments.

• Miguel Acuna

  Funeral Assistant

  Miguel was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and attended Roy Miller High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps proudly for two years. Miguel joined White Emerson Mortuary in 1996 as a funeral assistant. He finds the work rewarding because he helps families in a time of need. When not at work, he enjoys BBQ and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also serves as an Elder through Cornerstone Celebration Center International Church in Whittier.

• Cecilia Vallez

  Part-time Service Director

  Cecilia came to White Emerson in 2014 and has served in the funeral industry for 18 years. Her primary responsibility is as service director, assisting families and clergy in coordinating the details of funeral services, including church services and graveside ceremonies. Cecilia is bilingual, helping her serve diverse families from the broader Whittier community. She is a native to Southern California, enjoys music and singing, surfing, and spending time with her daughters. She has been married to her husband Mike for almost 25 years and makes her 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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