Our Staff
Our Devoted Staff
Richard G. David
Owner
Richard G. David has devoted more than fifty-two years to serving families
throughout the Acadiana region with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast
commitment to community. His lifelong dedication to funeral service began early
in his career, when he completed a funeral director internship in 1973. He went on to graduate from the Commonwealth College of Sciences in Houston, TX, finishing third in his class—a testament to his discipline and passion for the profession.
In September of 1974, Richard earned both his National Board Certification and his Louisiana State Board of Funeral Directors license. That same year, he
expanded his emergency response knowledge by completing the Emergency Medical Technician program at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. This combination of medical, technical, and funeral service training established the foundation for the high standards of care he would uphold throughout his career.
Richard’s professional journey reflects not only dedication but also innovation. In 1982, he opened a flower shop to provide families with seamless, supportive services during times of loss. His commitment to meeting the needs of families continued to grow, and in 1985 he became a licensed insurance consultant, providing additional guidance and resources to the community he served.
His leadership within the funeral service profession deepened when, in 1993, he
became Secretary-Treasurer of the David Funeral Home Corporation. Richard helped guide the organization through expansions that complemented the funeral home’s mission, including the opening of David Marble and Granite in 1995 and the development of Beau Pre Memorial Park Cemetery in 2004. In 2005, Richard followed in his father’s footsteps and became President of the David Funeral
Home Corporation, carrying forward a legacy built on service, trust, and respect for families.
Following the sale of David Funeral Home, Richard still felt a profound calling to continue serving the Acadiana community. Motivated by his enduring desire to support families during life’s most difficult moments, he established Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services—an affordable, accessible alternative for funeral and cremation care. His vision was to create a service model grounded in transparency, dignity, and personalized care, ensuring that every family could
honor their loved one in a meaningful way regardless of budget.
Throughout his career, Richard has remained known not only as a leader in
funeral service but also as a compassionate presence for the families he assists. His decades of experience, paired with his deep roots in Acadiana, continue to guide his work and shape the values of Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services.
A native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, Richard is the proud father of two
children, Kelly Perkins and Lance David. His commitment to faith, family, and
community remains at the heart of everything he does.
Richard G. David
Owner
Richard G. David has devoted more than fifty-two years to serving families
throughout the Acadiana region with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast
commitment to community. His lifelong dedication to funeral service began early
in his career, when he completed a funeral director internship in 1973. He went on to graduate from the Commonwealth College of Sciences in Houston, TX, finishing third in his class—a testament to his discipline and passion for the profession.
In September of 1974, Richard earned both his National Board Certification and his Louisiana State Board of Funeral Directors license. That same year, he
expanded his emergency response knowledge by completing the Emergency Medical Technician program at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. This combination of medical, technical, and funeral service training established the foundation for the high standards of care he would uphold throughout his career.
Richard’s professional journey reflects not only dedication but also innovation. In 1982, he opened a flower shop to provide families with seamless, supportive services during times of loss. His commitment to meeting the needs of families continued to grow, and in 1985 he became a licensed insurance consultant, providing additional guidance and resources to the community he served.
His leadership within the funeral service profession deepened when, in 1993, he
became Secretary-Treasurer of the David Funeral Home Corporation. Richard helped guide the organization through expansions that complemented the funeral home’s mission, including the opening of David Marble and Granite in 1995 and the development of Beau Pre Memorial Park Cemetery in 2004. In 2005, Richard followed in his father’s footsteps and became President of the David Funeral
Home Corporation, carrying forward a legacy built on service, trust, and respect for families.
Following the sale of David Funeral Home, Richard still felt a profound calling to continue serving the Acadiana community. Motivated by his enduring desire to support families during life’s most difficult moments, he established Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services—an affordable, accessible alternative for funeral and cremation care. His vision was to create a service model grounded in transparency, dignity, and personalized care, ensuring that every family could
honor their loved one in a meaningful way regardless of budget.
Throughout his career, Richard has remained known not only as a leader in
funeral service but also as a compassionate presence for the families he assists. His decades of experience, paired with his deep roots in Acadiana, continue to guide his work and shape the values of Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services.
A native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, Richard is the proud father of two
children, Kelly Perkins and Lance David. His commitment to faith, family, and
community remains at the heart of everything he does.
Lance David
Funeral Director
After graduating from high school, Lance enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with no intention of entering the funeral profession. Although he grew up around funeral
service, he initially believed his path would lead elsewhere. Still, the influence of his grandfather, Dennis David, the founder of David Funeral Home, remained strong. From an early
age, Lance learned from him the importance of compassion, integrity, and caring for families during their most difficult moments—values that later guided his career decisions.
Lance eventually felt called to continue his family’s legacy of service. He graduated from ULL, then enrolled at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, graduating with honors. By
2012, he became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, as well as a licensed pre-need agent. For more than 15 years, Lance has served families across South Louisiana with
professionalism, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose.
Following the sale of David Funeral Home, Lance pursued a career in the electrical infrastructure construction industry, where he continues to work today. However, the calling that many funeral directors feel never left him. That dedication to serving families has brought him back to assist his father at Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services, providing
support, guidance, and compassionate care to the Acadiana community.
Lance is a native of New Iberia and a resident of Youngsville. He is married to Lulu David, and father to Maddox and Beckham David. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends
Lance David
Funeral Director
After graduating from high school, Lance enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with no intention of entering the funeral profession. Although he grew up around funeral
service, he initially believed his path would lead elsewhere. Still, the influence of his grandfather, Dennis David, the founder of David Funeral Home, remained strong. From an early
age, Lance learned from him the importance of compassion, integrity, and caring for families during their most difficult moments—values that later guided his career decisions.
Lance eventually felt called to continue his family’s legacy of service. He graduated from ULL, then enrolled at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, graduating with honors. By
2012, he became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, as well as a licensed pre-need agent. For more than 15 years, Lance has served families across South Louisiana with
professionalism, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose.
Following the sale of David Funeral Home, Lance pursued a career in the electrical infrastructure construction industry, where he continues to work today. However, the calling that many funeral directors feel never left him. That dedication to serving families has brought him back to assist his father at Southwest Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Services, providing
support, guidance, and compassionate care to the Acadiana community.
Lance is a native of New Iberia and a resident of Youngsville. He is married to Lulu David, and father to Maddox and Beckham David. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends