Our Legacy

Our Legacy

Elliott Mortuary & Crematory is a family-owned and operated funeral home, and is honored to have served the families of Hutchinson and Reno County. The funeral home was established in 1935 when Jim Elliott partnered with Dale Gard to establish Elliott-Gard Funeral Home. Both men had fathers in the profession, and Jim’s brother was a partner of Dale’s father in Anthony, Kansas. At this time in history, our area was just emerging from the Great Depression, and dust storms continued to plague Western Kansas.

Jim’s sons, Bill and Don Elliott, joined the funeral home in 1948 and 1953, respectively. Bill joined after serving in the Army during World War II and college, while Don joined following service in the Korean War and college. In 1952, the Elliott family acquired the Gard partnership. The name was changed to Elliott Mortuary in 1962.

Jim Elliott remained active at the funeral home until his death on August 17, 1977. Don and Bill continued the operation with increasing help from Don’s sons, Tom and Paul Elliott. Tom joined the funeral home following completion of college in June of 1982. He is currently the third-generation owner and president of Elliott Mortuary & Crematory, and is committed to continuing the legacy of providing comfort, understanding, innovation, and professional service for many years to come.

Pictured below is the original home at 1219 N. Main St. in the early 1900s. Our facilities have remained in this same location since 1935, with many additions and improvements to accommodate families at their time of need throughout the generations.