Emerald Coast Funeral Home | Funeral & Cremation Services for Fort Walton Beach, FL

Who We Are

Our professional staff has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. We are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.

When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

Our History

Our firm traces its roots back, deep into the 20th century, when our first facility was dedicated. Many years later, this location has seen renovations and changes, but has always been and will continue to be an integral part of this community.

Over the years, the original mission of the firm hasn't changed. We have always intended to provide the best, most professional services, complemented by the finest products. Today, we pride ourselves on being current with the major changes in funeral service trends - and bring those innovations and memorialization options to our client families with integrity and insight.

Our Valued Staff

Mr. James R. Bass, Managing Partner

A graduate of Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science, Houston, Texas. Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1978. Schooled in staff management, leadership, human resouces and civic leadership.
James Bass and the staff provide an atmosphere of understanding and care for your loved ones Celebration of Life. We are highly devoted professionals dedicated to providing the most meaningful celebrations of a loved ones life and offering families an environment for peaceful reflection.
Kevin Lee Farris, Funeral Director

Kevin Farris, Funeral Director and Location Manager
Kevin is a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1988. He received his education at Forrest Park Community College in St. Louis, MO earning his associate degree in Funeral Service Education. He is licensed in Missouri and Florida. Kevin has been a part of the McLaughlin/Emerald Coast family since 1993 and is active in local civic and community affairs.
Mr. Mark Alan Neal, Funeral Director

Born and raised in central Illinois, graduated from Vincennes University in 1986, with a degree in Mortuary Science. A third generation Funeral Director/Embalmer, growing up in his families Funeral Home business. I love working with families and helping them thru this hard time in their life.
Dwight Johnson, Funeral Director

A Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and a 1994 graduate of Bishop State College in Mobile, Alabama. Serving the community since graduating, at the following locations McLaughlin Mortuary, the former Little Chapel, Twin Cities Niceville & Emerald Coast. He served a Church Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is Retired from the United States Air Force serving for 24 active duty years.
Antoinette Richard, Administrator

Antoinette has enjoyed a career in the Floral Industry for over 20 years and has worked and come to know many families in the Fort Walton Beach Community and surrounding areas. She is a registered Notary and a Subregistrar for the State of Florida. She has been with Carriage Services for 3 years, assisting our families, and has a tremendous ability to personalize each funeral service for each family that she serves.
Wade Welle, Administrator Assistant

Wade is a 40 year native of the Okaloosa County area who has an extensive background in service to the community through public safety as a firefighter/paramedic. Wade currently serves families by functioning as our medical liaison to the Physician community.
Darlene Day, Advanced Planning Counselor

11 years experience as a Pre-Need Counselor. Part of the Emerald Coast family for 10 years.