In 1950, W. Clyde Lankford and his wife, Eleanor, opened Colonial Funeral Home at 220 E. New York Avenue in DeLand, FL. They lived above the funeral home on the second and third floors and began raising their children, Cheryl and Larry. In the late 50's, the Lankford's changed the name to Lankford Funeral Home.

In 1962, the Orange City Chapel opened to accommodate families in the southern portion of Volusia County. Together the funeral homes serve a 50-mile radius including the operation of their own crematory.

By 1965, the business had grown forcing them to expand with the addition of a chapel that would seat 175-200 people in comfort. Today the business has undergone a total renovation to lend a more home like appearance and comfortable surroundings for the families they serve.

Clyde Lankford passed away in March of 2000 and Eleanor, in March of 2006. Their children, Cheryl and Larry operate the funeral home on a daily basis.

In July 2004, the Lankford's purchased five and a half acres of land in Deltona, FL and plans are on the table for a new, state of the art funeral home in the near future.

The Funeral Directors and Staff at Lankford serve the community with the belief that "strength, service and commitment to the families we serve comes first", and we will continue to support our families and community for years to come.