Our Staff

Luis, originally from Plainview, TX, completed his secondary education at Plainview High School in 2004. Recognizing his true passion, he entered the funeral industry in 2007 and obtained an associate degree in Mortuary Science from Amarillo College in 2009.

Since 2009, Luis has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer, demonstrating his dedication to the field. He has actively participated in numerous organizations and served on various boards, including Moore County Crime Stoppers, Dumas Noon Lions Club, and Amarillo College Mortuary Science Advisory Board.

Having held esteemed positions such as President of the Dumas Rotary Club, President of the Panhandle Funeral Directors Association, and President of Sigma Phi Sigma, Luis has showcased exceptional leadership skills. As a devoted single father, he cherishes his spare time and finds solace in activities that promote relaxation. Above all, Luis takes great pride in his service to others and is eager to carry on the rich legacy and time-honored traditions that Dalhart and its surrounding communities deserve.

Bear is a certified therapy dog and a best friend to all. He provides cuddles to adults and children as they go through their hardest moments. Bear can be present as needed for arrangements and/or services to help families in difficult times. 

Bear's favorites include chew toys, belly scratches, treats, and being with people. 

Brenda Gilmore was born and raised in Dalhart, Texas, and graduated from Dalhart High School in 1995. Brenda has always had a passion for helping others and began working at Hass Funeral Home while still attending high school until 1997. 

She is an active member of this community and still involved in Eta Epsilon Sorority. After leaving the industry for many years, what appeared to be her true calling circled back around and she was given the opportunity to join the team at Horizon Funeral Home. She worked for Phillip Hass until his untimely passing in 2020 and continued to serve families alongside the new funeral director, Luis Mendoza. Although it was not an easy decision, she knew it had to be made if she wanted to continue caring for families the only way she knew how, so she made the move to the newly opened Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services, working once again in the historic downtown building where it all began. 

Brenda is married and has two boys, and together with her husband Winston Gilmore, they have six children. She also works alongside both her husband and father-in-law, Rusty Gilmore, doing her part in the family business, Rita Blanca Well Service. 

In her free time, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and is an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. 

She believes in the value of face-to-face interaction and cherishes the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with her colleagues at Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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DeWayne Schafer and wife, Thelma have raised a family of four children, consisting of three boys and one girl. As they have all grown up and started their own lives, they find themselves reflecting on the almost 49 wonderful years they have spent in Hartley County. More recently, they have made Dalhart their home, where they have resided for the past decade.

For nearly six years now, DeWayne has had the privilege of working in the Funeral Industry. It

is a profession that resonates with him deeply, as his utmost desire is to extend a helping hand to the members of our community during their times of greatest need.

Before that, he and his wife were engaged in farming. However, after some time, they decided to shift gears and embark on a new venture. They established and operated DeWayne's Country Repair, which proudly served the community on Highway 87 north of Hartley, Texas. This business remained an integral part of their lives for two decades, until they made the decision to relocate to Dalhart. Hartley will always hold a special place in their heart and are still active

there today, they resided there for a remarkable 34 years.

Throughout their journey, they have been active members of the Countryside Mennonite Church, which they have faithfully attended since our arrival in the Texas Panhandle. The warmth and kindness they have experienced from the Dalhart community has been truly heartwarming, and

they eagerly anticipate many more years spent in this close-knit community.

One of his favorite past times is tending to his yard and flowerbeds. He and Thelma cherish moments of relaxation on their patio, where they often enjoy grilling together.

Melanie, a Texline High School graduate, obtained an Associates in Office Administration from Amarillo College. She embarked on her career at Horizon Funeral Home in 2018, under the guidance of Phillip Hass. Melanie's passion for the industry grew, as she recognized it as a true calling and a privilege to extend love, compassion, and support to those in her community during their time of need. In March 2023, Melanie bid farewell to Horizon Funeral Home and ventured into a full-time role at the Dallam County Attorney's Office. However, she eagerly utilizes her off-hours to once again serve her community at Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Melanie is happily married to T.J. Trimble since 2006, and they are blessed with three beautiful children: Emarald, Tripp, and Lanie. The family relocated to Dalhart in 2008 and actively participates in the First Baptist Church and the Dalhart Fire Department

With more than 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Tracy witnessed firsthand how unprepared many families are—both emotionally and financially—when faced with loss. In 2014, tragedy struck her own family when her stepson was killed in a motorcycle accident. Within 24 hours, she found herself sitting in a funeral home, overwhelmed by decisions no one ever wants to make. Over the next few years, she would face additional heartbreak, including the loss of her five-month-old grandson in 2017.

Then, in 2024, Tracy experienced the most profound grief of all—losing her husband and another precious grandson just five weeks apart. Through these deep personal losses, her faith and sense of calling only grew stronger.

Tracy believes God has placed her on this path to walk beside others as they plan ahead for life’s most difficult moments. Since transitioning from nursing into funeral preplanning, she has helped hundreds of families find comfort, clarity, and peace of mind in knowing their wishes are in place.

While every story of loss is unique, Tracy’s message remains constant: planning ahead works. Her mission is to help families prepare with compassion, faith, and understanding—so when the time comes, their loved ones are cared for, not burdened.