🎯 Get Ready to Toss, Compete, and Conquer! 🎯

Think you’ve got the best aim in town? Grab your partner and join us for an epic **Cornhole Tournament!** Fun, friendly competition, and bragging rights are on the line—do you have what it takes to be the champion? 🌽🏆

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Agenda

Spring into Success: Join Us for OKFDA’s 122nd Annual Convention & Expo! 

As the warmth of spring rolls into Oklahoma, a renewed sense of energy and excitement fills the air. It’s a season of fresh beginnings, teamwork, and the perfect time to sharpen our skills—just like a great sports team preparing for a championship run. At the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association’s 122nd Annual Convention & Expo, we’re embracing this spirit with a sports-themed event designed to help funeral professionals stay ahead of the game! 

Get in the Game: April 6-8, 2025 | Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center-Norman, OK

This year’s convention isn’t just another gathering—it’s a game-changing experience for funeral service professionals across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rising star in the industry, we’ve crafted an all-star lineup of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on exhibits to keep you at the top of your game. 

Key Highlights of This Year’s Event:

🏆 Championship-Level Education–Gain insights from industry MVPs through dynamic keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and expert-led panel discussions covering the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory updates. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Duane Hills, President Emeritus of Gawler’s Son Funeral Home in Washington, D.C.—the esteemed funeral home serving U.S. Presidents.

🏀 Hall of Fame Networking – Connect with fellow professionals, share strategies, and build lasting relationships with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the profession. 

⚾ Expo with a Home Run Lineup– Explore the latest innovations in funeral service products, technology, and services, all showcased by leading vendors in the industry. 

🎉 Team Spirit & Fun – Get ready for an action-packed event filled with engaging activities, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to show off your team pride. Don’t miss our Opening Party Cornhole Tournament—wear your favorite sports team gear and join the fun!

Join the Winning Team!

Spring is the perfect time to refocus, refresh, and recommit to excellence in funeral service. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable experience at OKFDA’s 122nd Annual Convention & Expo—where we come together, elevate our profession, and ensure that Oklahoma funeral directors continue to lead the league in service and care. 

🏁 Save the Date, Suit Up, and Join the Game! —Get ready to hit the field with us this April—mark your calendar, throw on your jersey, and be part of the action. Register now by clicking the link below!

Register Now

Speakers

Duane Hills

Duane Hills is originally from rural Pennsylvania but moved into New York State before attending Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, New York. I graduated in 1978 and served a 12 month apprenticeship in Bath, New York. My first licensed funeral director position came the following year in Owego, New York where I remained for two years. In the fall of 1981 I purchased a small funeral firm in Big Flats, New York that had closed six months prior and named it Hills Funeral Home. The following spring I also opened a monument business at the same location. In 1992 I purchased a second funeral home this time in Corning, New York. The firm was the Beilby Funeral Home which I successfully ran until I sold both my firms in 1995 to the Loewen Group. I became a General Manager for them operating and managing four firms in the area. I stayed with them through the Alderwoods and SCI aquisitions with several territory positions. In 2008 I transferred with SCI to a group of funeral homes and a cemetery in Lufkin, Texas where I managed for four and a half years. In 2012 I transferred to Washington, DC where I became the Assistant Manager at Joseph Gawler’s Sons. In four months the position of president became open which I applied for and was promoted. I continue to ho;d the position of President at Joseph Gawler’s Sons. Over the years I have had memberships in Rotary International, fire departments, historical societies, churches, various Lincoln Groups as well as numerous volunteer opportunities to serve the communities I have lived and worked in. I have served on the DC Board of Funeral Directors. I am also currently licensed in DC, Virginia and New York State. In 2022 I self published a book on the history of Joseph Gawler’s Sons entitled, “One Block West of the White House.” My book has made it into the Presidential Library at the White House, the Law Library at the United States Supreme Court and the Scottish Rite Temple Library in Washington, DC. I retired on May 31, 2024 as the president of Joseph Gawler’s Sons in Washington, DC. Upon my retirement from SCI I was given the title of President Emeritus 

Kara Ludlum, CPA/Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kara Ludldum is a Certified Public Accountant and a licensed Oklahoma Funeral Director.  Her parents were also funeral directors, so she grew up the funeral profession.  Kara has a passion for helping funeral directors reach their financial goals through use of advanced technology and analysis of operations to discern best practices.  Kara has been providing accounting services for funeral homes and cemeteries since 1991 and is one of the founders of Osiris Software. Kara has an accounting degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science degree in Business from Cameron University.  Kara has been married to her husband, Marty since 1986.  They have three children, two grandsons and a granddaughter.

John T. Hill

John T. Hill is an Undertaker, currently licensed in 5 states. Based in North Carolina, he serves at James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville near the city of Charlotte. Additionally, he owns Hill Mortuary Service & Seminars, offering trade embalming, restorative arts, and continuing education. On his days off, he embalms at Rouse Mortuary Service in Greenville, NC, and shares his expertise as a mortuary science instructor at Pierce Mortuary Colleges for Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and Mid-American College of Funeral Service. John's journey to becoming a Restorative Arts Specialist involved intensive education in embalming and restorative arts under Vernie R. Fountain. He furthered his knowledge with continued training in Anatomical Preservation and Dissection Theory. Recognized for his contributions, John's story was featured in the September 2022 edition of Southern Calls Magazine. In 2024, he founded and initiated the RESTORE Program, designed to enhance mortuary science education with a focus on high standards of quality care in embalming, restorative arts, and body presentation. His dedication extends beyond serving grieving families; he aims to mentor and motivate current and aspiring funeral professionals, empowering them to excel, serve with excellence, and make a difference.

 

Teresa Carlson

Teresa Carlson is the Vice President, Small Business Lending Business Development Officer at The Bancorp. She currently uses her 25 years of small business lending experience to help funeral industry practitioners find Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Teresa has helped countless funeral businesses to find an SBA loan that helped them meet their financing needs, including increasing liquidity, funding renovations, buying real estate, restructuring debt, and more. “My goal is to help funeral businesses find SBA loans to meet their current needs, and encourage them to think about future possibilities,” says Teresa. Our nationwide team of Small Business Lending specialists partner with each client to understand their business and financing needs. We work alongside our partners from application through funding and beyond.”

Katie Cheap

Katie Cheap serves the Firm as an Attorney, with her practice focusing on estate planning, business succession planning, business formation and transactions, and asset protection. Katie earned a B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Sociology. During her undergraduate experience, Katie was involved in the President’s Leadership Class, which allowed her to study abroad in Italy. She also found leadership opportunities in the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Team as Chair, in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, as Fundraising Director, and as a Campus Tour Guide. Upon graduation, Katie was named a member of the Letzeiser Honor List, which distinguishes the top twenty-six graduating seniors based on academics, leadership, and community involvement. While in law school, Katie served as President of the Board of Advocates, a Dean’s Leadership Fellow, and an Admissions Employee giving prospective students tours of the law school. She also studied abroad in Oxford, England, where she earned the American Jurisprudence Award for the highest grade in Professional Responsibility. Katie loves spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants, reading, and going to the movies.

 

Ryan Raupe

Ryan Raupe is an estate and business planning attorney. Ryan’s practice focuses on representing individuals, families, and business owners with estate planning and business succession planning to ensure proper and efficient estate administration. Ryan also assists business owners from early formation stages, ongoing maintenance, and succession planning to ensure businesses continue to thrive after the exit or demise of one or more business owners. Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance and was involved in various organizations on and off of campus. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Ryan attended law school, where he earned his Juris Doctorate Degree. Ryan is currently a member of the Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division and its Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling, golfing, spending time with family and friends, and of course, attending sporting events.

 

Steve Shaffer

Steve Shaffer, Board Chair, President and CEO of Homesteaders Life Company, is a well-known and influential executive in the funeral and cemetery business. Prior to joining Homesteaders, he co-founded and served as President-CEO of Foundation Partners Group, LLC.  He led an organization created to combine the best aspects of conventional end-of-life care with new ideas and technologies.  Steve also co-founded and served as CFO and Executive Vice President for Keystone Group Holdings from 1996 through 2010. He has completed two three-year terms as a Funeral Service Foundation Trustee and served as the Chair of that organization in 2015. Steve’s experience in and commitment to the funeral service profession helps ensure Homesteaders is well-positioned to continue its strong tradition of growth, profitability and financial strength.

 

Exhibitors
A Game Plan for Success: Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Innovation!

Get Ready for the Big Game! 

We’re thrilled to invite you to suit up and join us at the 122nd Annual Oklahoma Funeral Directors Convention & Expo, set to take place April 6-8, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This year’s theme is all about winning plays and teamwork, and we can’t wait to have your team on the field!

This event is your championship opportunity to showcase your MVP products and services to funeral directors and industry professionals from across the state. With three days of networking, innovation, and game-changing connections, this is your chance to make the plays that matter most.

We’re counting on you to help us make this convention a slam dunk success. Please confirm your registration and booth setup so we can ensure you have the best position on the field.

Thank you for being a key player in this event. We’re excited to see the Oklahoma Funeral Supply Sales Club team bring their A-game to Norman this spring. Let’s make this convention one for the highlight reel!

Sincerely, 

Dustin B. Pierce
Executive Director

Register to Exhibit Here

2024 Convention Sponsors