History
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home has been serving Crowley & Iota area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
In the midst of the Great Depression, Lloyd Geesey and A. M. Bunny Ferguson traveled from Dallas looking for a town, which could possibly give them an opportunity to start and prosper in the burial vault business. Because there were fewer empty buildings on Parkerson Avenue than they had observed anywhere from Dallas south, then east on Highway 90, they chose to investigate Crowley further. Mrs. Steve Toler, a recent widow and owner of Toler’s Funeral Parlor, hired Mr. Geesey as an embalmer, and gave them space for the manufacturing of burial vaults, which Mr. Ferguson supervised. Within the first year, these two men bought out Mrs. Toler’s interest in the funeral home.
With their hard work and sense of community service, Lloyd Geesey and A. M. Bunny Ferguson managed to succeed in a very precarious business climate in establishing Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in January of 1934 and has continuously met the needs of the area, with the third generation of the Geesey family in ownership.
A sense of service, an essential element in the funeral service, has pervaded over the generations and has extended into civic and community affairs. Lloyd Geesey was very active in the Crowley Chamber of Commerce, Crowley Rotary Club, and Rice Festival and was very supportive of the Crowley Millers baseball team. He also is a Past President of the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association. George Geesey was active in the Crowley Chamber of Commerce, Crowley Rotary Club, Rice Festival and Boy Scouts of America. Roy Geesey has been active in the Crowley Chamber of Commerce, Crowley Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America, and is a Past President of Louisiana Funeral Directors Association.
Now Justin and Hollie Lee as owners of the Funeral Home are involved in the community as well. Justin is a past board member of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce, active in Crowley Kiwanis Club, and a member of Louisiana Funeral Directors Association. Just as previous generations of family have been involved with the community and donated generously, both time and resources, to churches, schools, and organizations. Justin believes in service to the community as an essential element of being in the funeral service.
Four generations of service and commitment to our community. Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home continues to provide services as we approach our 80th year of commitment to Crowley, Iota, and the surrounding communities. As our motto states, A commitment to service from friends who care.
Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Justin Lee, President and Owner of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. is a native of Crowley and has been dedicated to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. since 1999. He is a 1997 graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School and a 1999 graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science. Justin is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Louisiana Funeral Directors Association, and a past governor of Southwest Funeral Directors Association.
He is a member of the Crowley Kiwanis Club where he served as a past-president and was a member of the board of directors. He and his wife, Hollie Schmaltz Lee have two sons, Jackson and Benjamin, and are active parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
“It is an honor to help and comfort the families of this great community at such a terrible time in their lives. I will continue to strive to provide service with the utmost dignity and integrity that everyone in this community deserves at their time of need.”
-Justin M. Lee
Tiger is a native of Crowley and has been dedicated to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. for over 29 years. He is 1978 graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School and a 1979 graduate of Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science. Tiger is a member of National Funeral Directors Association, Louisiana Funeral Directors Association and a member and past-governor of Southwest Funeral Directors Association. He became a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) in April of 2007 which is a prestigious earned recognition for ongoing education in funeral service, and continued involvement in the funeral industry, civic organizations and community outreach.
He is married to Debby L. Istre and is the father of two daughters, Natalie Pugh and Elizabeth Miller; and three grandchildren Millie, Norah, and Charlie. Tiger is a member of the Crowley Rotary Club where he is a past-secretary for two years and the Crowley Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Debby are parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
“To be a funeral director and servant to the families and friends we serve, through their most difficult times, is a privilege. As our motto states, A commitment to service from friends who care.”
-Anthony J. Tiger Istre
Matthew is a native of Crowley and has been dedicated to the funeral industry for over 5 years. He is a 2006 graduate of Notre Dame High School. Matthew is a veteran of the United States Army. He is the third generation of his family to work in the funeral home profession. Matthew looks forward to continuing service to his community as a funeral director with Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home.
Mark joined Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home staff in June of 2016. Mark was born and raised here in this great community of Crowley, LA, and is the proud father of one son, Zachary Harris.
Mark has extensive experience in Human Resources, Marketing and Operations with numerous awards, licenses and certifications. He also works closely with our directors, assisting them with various tasks but most of all, responds to the needs of our clients with sensitivity and respect.
Mark is actively involved in his community. Currently serving as Board member of the Crowley Lions Club, TAPS, Veteran's Remembered Program, Healing House for Children, K.I.D.S. inc. and many other clubs and organization. He's currently a member of Jesus Worship Center in Jennings, La.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in the stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of your friends and family.“
-Mark Harris
Clifton Lejeune joined Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home November 25, 2019. Clifton was born in Rayne, Louisiana and raised in Crowley. He is married to Priscilla W. Lejeune of Gueydan, Louisiana. Stepfather to Crystal Potier and grandfather of James and Elli Fruge.
Cliff has worked with Limousines LTD for 5 years where he transported loved ones to final destinations. He works closely with our staff assisting them with various tasks.