Harrell takes over Putnam Funeral Home as longtime owners retire
Owners Chris and Jessamyn Putnam have retired from Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory. Harrell Funeral Home will now operate the Highland Lakes business. Courtesy photo
Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory owners Jessamyn and Chris Putnam announced their retirement in July after more than 20 years in business. Harrell Funeral Homes has taken over ownership and plans ribbon cuttings at two of the Putnam locations Aug.12.
The official announcement of the ownership change is at 1 p.m. that day at the Kingsland location, 145 Texas Ave. A second ribbon cutting follows at 4:30 p.m. at Cremation Advocates by Putnam, 206 Avenue H in Marble Falls.
“The decision to retire required that I find a successor with a love for people and a passion for
service,” Chris Putnam wrote in a letter to business patrons. “I hand-selected Jason Harrell and Harrell Funeral Home to continue Putnam as an independent, family-owned funeral organization.”
Harrell Funeral Home has been in operation for 37 years and is currently owned by Jason Harrell, whose father opened the business. It is the largest family-owned funeral home in Central Texas.
Putnam has three locations, including a private crematory, and has been in operation since 2000. Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory and Cremation Advocates by Putnam will continue to operate under the same names.
Although the Putnams are leaving, longtime employee and third-generation funeral director Eli Heatley will remain on staff.
“I am proud and cherish the times of weeping, laughing, mourning, dancing, embracing, sharing, mending, and loving I have shared with my dear friends over the years in the Highland Lakes,” Chris Putnam wrote.