Our Staff
Dwight Olmstead
Owner
B. Dwight Olmstead was born in Dallas, Texas in 1951 while his father was attending Mortuary School. I am a 1969 graduate of Heber Springs High School where I participated in athletics, was a 4 sport letterman and graduated from University of Central Arkansas as a 2 sport letterman in 1974 and The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1975. I am a licensed funeral director and embalmer. I married Lisa Barnes in 1977, she is a licensed funeral director and we have 3 children, Ryan who is a funeral director and embalmer and two daughters Alesha and Alexis who are funeral directors. My daughter in law Shanda is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a son in law Preston who is a funeral director. Together we all have over 143 years of funeral experience.
I have participated in local and state associations. I am past president of the Heber Springs School board the Past Vice President of the Arkansas State School Board, the past president of the Heber Springs Airport Commission. Past member of Rotary International, Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce, past Finance Chairman of Heber Springs First United Methodist Church. I have been active in the funeral Industry, being past President of the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association, past president of the Arkansas State Burial Association Board, past president of the Arkansas State Club of Burial Associations, past policy board member of the National Funeral Directors Association and was awarded the MOTS (Morticians of the Southwest) Award as the Arkansas Funeral Director of the Year in 2003. I have been licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 50 years and myself and my family will continue to operate funeral homes in Arkansas and will provide the most dignified and respectful services to families with the personal service they deserve.
Lisa Olmstead
Owner
Lisa owns Clinton Funeral Service with her husband of 44 years, Dwight Olmstead. We have 3 children who are fifth generation funeral directors/embalmers. We have 5 grandchildren. Lisa got her Funeral Directors license in 2010. She owned and operated Heber Springs Florist and Gifts for 22 years. She has worked for Teleflora Wire Service as well as the Past President of Arkansas Florist Association and Arkansas Teleflora Unit. She has worked for Heber Springs School District for 19 years. Serving people and helping them in their time of need is a honor.
Alexis Olmstead Cranford
Alexis Olmstead Cranford has been a Cleburne County resident all her life. She graduated from Heber Springs High School in 2004 and attended Arkansas Tech University. Alexis returned to Heber Springs after attending college to work with her family at the funeral home and start a family. She is married to Preston Cranford and they have one child named George. Like her father, her funeral career started when she worked at the family's funeral home in High School. She is a funeral Apprentice and has worked with the family for 19 years. She loves having the opportunity to help families in their time of need.
"Quality service with a caring attitude is what Family Funeral Services, Clinton Funeral Services, and Mountain View Funeral Services is about. It is truly our family helping your family through a difficult time, and that is not just a catchy slogan, it is a fact."
Preston Cranford
Preston Cranford has been a licensed funeral director at Family Funeral Service for three years. He and his wife, Alexis Olmstead Cranford, have a 11 month old son and reside in Heber Springs. Preston attended high school in Heber Springs and college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He takes pride in being part of a family owned business and providing caring, professional service.
Joseph A. Blake
Manager/Funeral Director
Since January 1, 2017, Joseph has worked for Mountain View Funeral Service. Joseph is a Stone County native, where his family has been for several generations. In 2015, Joseph graduated from Mountain View High School. In 2016, Joseph married his high school sweetheart, Skyler. Together they have one child Canaan Olivia Blake. Joseph has been in ministry for over twelve years. He is currently the lead Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church of God, in Mountain View. In 2019, Joseph became the youngest Coroner ever elected in Stone County and the State of Arkansas. He also serves on the Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department. Joseph enjoys spending time with family, going to church, playing the piano, singing, being outdoors, and serving others. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4"
"It is a true honor and privilege to live and work in my hometown. I'm thankful to be able to help families during their time of grief and sorrow". -Joseph A. Blake
Vickie Blake
Funeral Director Apprentice
Vickie joined Mountain View Funeral Service January 16, 2017. Born and raised in Stone County, Vickie graduated Mountain View High School in 1986. On August 2, 2018, she graduated from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, with a technical certificate in funeral directing. Currently, Vickie has three kids, Lacy, Heather, and Joseph; ten grandkids, Brody, Lexi, Lonnie, Skylar, J.R., Ty, Abby, Callie, Canaan, and Nolan; one great-grandchild, Addy. Vickie is a member of Grace Fellowship Church of God, where she serves on the praise and worship team. She enjoys spending time with family, spoiling her grandkids, going to church, and singing. Vickie is also a full-time dispatcher for the Stone County Sheriff's Office and part-time Deputy Coroner.
"I love helping families in need. It is a sure blessing to treat others, as your own loved one." -Vickie Blake