Meet Our Caring Staff
Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.
Rick & Kalen Wilhide
Owners / Funeral Service Licensees
On March 5, 1992, LaFayette Funeral Home was founded to serve our community. In October of 2011, LaFayette Funeral Home reopened under new management, while being affiliated with Crumpler Funeral Home. Frank and Dayne Crumpler founded Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford in 1960 and has since expanded to Pinebluff, Red Springs, and now Fayetteville, NC. Rick and Kalen are the 2nd generation owners of LaFayette Funeral Home. Kalen is the daughter of the late Frank and Dayne. She has been around Funeral Services all her life. Rick married Kalen in 1997. They are blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. After retiring from singing with the Southern Gospel Group, The Anchormen, Rick attended the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He received his Funeral Service License in 2001. Kalen received her Funeral Directors License in 2014 from Fayetteville Technical Community College as well. Rick and Kalen attend Rockfish Church.
Rick & Kalen Wilhide
Owners / Funeral Service Licensees
On March 5, 1992, LaFayette Funeral Home was founded to serve our community. In October of 2011, LaFayette Funeral Home reopened under new management, while being affiliated with Crumpler Funeral Home. Frank and Dayne Crumpler founded Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford in 1960 and has since expanded to Pinebluff, Red Springs, and now Fayetteville, NC. Rick and Kalen are the 2nd generation owners of LaFayette Funeral Home. Kalen is the daughter of the late Frank and Dayne. She has been around Funeral Services all her life. Rick married Kalen in 1997. They are blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. After retiring from singing with the Southern Gospel Group, The Anchormen, Rick attended the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He received his Funeral Service License in 2001. Kalen received her Funeral Directors License in 2014 from Fayetteville Technical Community College as well. Rick and Kalen attend Rockfish Church.
Jennifer Wheeler
Funeral Service Licensee / Crematory Operator
Jennifer was born in Columbus, GA and raised in Spring Lake, NC.
She graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2025 with an associates in applied science - Funeral Service Education, with highest honors. She obtained her Funeral Service license in January 2026.
She is continuing her education at Fayetteville State University, majoring in Forensic Science.
Jennifer Wheeler
Funeral Service Licensee / Crematory Operator
Jennifer was born in Columbus, GA and raised in Spring Lake, NC.
She graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2025 with an associates in applied science - Funeral Service Education, with highest honors. She obtained her Funeral Service license in January 2026.
She is continuing her education at Fayetteville State University, majoring in Forensic Science.
Kathryn Maestas
Funeral Director / Crematory Operator
Kathryn Maestas
Funeral Director / Crematory Operator
Serenity Nunnery
Funeral Service Assistant
Serenity was born in Moore County, NC, and raised in Carthage NC. She is currently enrolled in the Funeral Service program at FTCC where she is expanding her knowledge and preparing for a career in funeral service. She is honored to be part of a team committed to helping our community with care and dignity.
Serenity Nunnery
Funeral Service Assistant
Serenity was born in Moore County, NC, and raised in Carthage NC. She is currently enrolled in the Funeral Service program at FTCC where she is expanding her knowledge and preparing for a career in funeral service. She is honored to be part of a team committed to helping our community with care and dignity.
Carmelo Rosario
Funeral Service Assistant
Carmelo Rosario
Funeral Service Assistant
Gerald Myrick
Former Funeral Service Licensee
Gerald was born and raised in East Tennessee. He served 20 years in the Military, 8 years in the Marine Corps, and 12 years in the Air Force. Gerald retired from the Military in 2013.
Gerald graduated from FTCC in 2012 with his Associate in Applied Science - Funeral Service Education. He is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director.
Along with Church, Music is his passion. He teaches Drums and Bass Guitar and plays in the Pipes and Drums Band.
Gerald now resides in Clarksville, TN, but will always be a part of the LaFayette Funeral Home staff.
Gerald Myrick
Former Funeral Service Licensee
Gerald was born and raised in East Tennessee. He served 20 years in the Military, 8 years in the Marine Corps, and 12 years in the Air Force. Gerald retired from the Military in 2013.
Gerald graduated from FTCC in 2012 with his Associate in Applied Science - Funeral Service Education. He is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director.
Along with Church, Music is his passion. He teaches Drums and Bass Guitar and plays in the Pipes and Drums Band.
Gerald now resides in Clarksville, TN, but will always be a part of the LaFayette Funeral Home staff.
