Cecil V. Oliver established the funeral home in the mid 1930’s
on property located on East Main Street, which was owned by Mr. Oliver’s
grandmother.  Vince,
as he was known, and his wife, Martha, operated the funeral home until
his death in August 1957. Mrs. Oliver managed the funeral home for
the next two years, until Edward J. “Ted” Linsley, assumed
responsibilities in 1959. In 1963, he purchased the business from
Mrs. Oliver, who then moved to Florida. Ted’s son, Roger returned
to the East Palestine area in the fall of 1977, and became associated
with the family business. Together they formed a partnership, until
Ted retired in April of 1991.
Roger Linsley, a graduate of East Palestine High School and Mount
Union college, attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science,
and upon receiving his degree, served a yearlong apprenticeship
with the Lutton Funeral Home, Beaver Falls, PA. In September 1977,
he returned to the East Palestine area, forming a partnership with
his father, Ted, until 1991, at which time he assumed full ownership
and management of the funeral home.
Three major additions have been completed to the funeral home over
the years, the last occurring in 1971. In 1999 and 2002, new furnishings
and carpeting were installed to give the interior a more comfortable
feel. Other improvements over the years include a parking lot for
funeral home use only, and a handicapped entrance.
The Linsley family has been a strong supporter of the local community
over the past forty years. Ted and his wife, Doris, have been active
in various organizations including Kiwanis, Gamma Omicron Sorority,
and the First Church of Christ. Roger and his wife, Lynn, have continued
the involvement in the community, with Rotary, the East Palestine
schools, including band and athletics, as well as the Centenary
United Methodist Church. |
