When you’re driving down 5th Avenue in Durant, it’s hard to miss the building at 121 North. It’s got that solid, reliable look to it. But for a lot of folks around here, that spot is more than just a piece of local real estate. It's where they went when the worst day of their lives happened. If you’ve been searching for information on the Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home in Durant, you’re likely looking for more than just a phone number. You’re looking for a sense of who they are and whether they can actually handle the heavy lifting when a family is grieving.
The history here is deep. Like, "older than the state of Oklahoma" deep.
While many people still refer to it as Coffey-Murray, the business actually evolved into Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home after Dalton-Holmes merged into the location. We’re talking about a legacy that stretches back to 1894. Back then, things were different. Funeral homes often started as furniture stores because, well, furniture makers were the ones who knew how to build caskets. That’s exactly how the Holmes side of the family started.
Who owns Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home anyway?
There’s often a lot of confusion when local businesses change hands. People worry that a corporate giant from out of state is going to swoop in and turn a personal service into a cold transaction. Honestly, that's a valid fear in the funeral industry.
But here’s the deal with this place. Since 2006, the home has been part of Shain Family Funeral Service. Brent and Mary Shain took the reins, and they brought a very specific "neighbor helping neighbor" vibe to the operation. Brent has been in the business since the early 80s, and his son Stephen is a licensed director who actually lives right here in Durant.
It makes a difference when the person helping you pick out a casket is someone you might see at the grocery store or a high school football game. They aren't just clocking in; they're serving their own community.
What it actually costs: The numbers nobody wants to talk about
Let’s be real. Funerals are expensive. It’s the elephant in the room that everyone tries to ignore until they’re sitting in the office with a box of tissues.
If you look at the current landscape of funeral costs in Bryan County, Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home sits in a middle-to-upper tier, reflecting their full-service nature. According to recent price lists, a traditional full-service burial can run around $9,355. Now, if you’re looking for something simpler, like direct cremation, you’re looking at closer to $2,545.
Here is a rough breakdown of what those costs usually cover:
- Basic Professional Services: This is the fee for the director’s time, overhead, and legal paperwork. Usually around $1,795.
- Facilities and Staff: If you want a viewing or a ceremony at the chapel, you’re paying for the space and the people to run it.
- Transportation: The hearse, the lead car, and the transfer from the place of death.
- Preparation: Embalming is typically around $745, though it’s not always legally required depending on the type of service you choose.
It’s a lot of money. But most families choose them because they handle the "logistics of grief"—the stuff you’re too exhausted to think about, like filing death certificates or coordinating with the cemetery.
Beyond the standard burial
One thing that surprises people is how much the industry has changed lately. It’s not just "open casket or bust" anymore. The team at Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home has leaned into some of the newer trends that people are asking for.
For example, they do a lot with Legacy Touch keepsakes. Basically, they take a fingerprint of your loved one and can turn it into jewelry. It sounds a bit "out there" to some, but for a daughter who wants to feel her dad’s thumbprint on a pendant, it’s incredibly powerful.
They also offer green burial options. If your loved one was the type who spent every weekend at Lake Texoma or hiking the Oklahoma trails, a traditional "metal box in a concrete vault" might not feel right. Green burials focus on a smaller environmental footprint, using biodegradable materials.
Why the "Murray" name sticks around
Names have power in small towns. The "Murray" in the name comes from a long-standing tradition of local service that families have relied on for decades. Even after the merger with Dalton-Holmes, keeping that name was a way of telling the community, "We’re still the same people you’ve trusted for years."
When you read through local testimonials, you see names like the Royce Couch family or the Smith family. They don't talk about the carpet or the lighting. They talk about people like Merle or Stacey. They talk about how someone made a stressful process feel "effortless."
Making the "First Call"
If you’re in a position where you need to contact them right now, here’s the practical stuff. They are located at 121 N. 5th Ave, Durant, OK 74701. Their main line is (580) 924-3331.
Because it’s a funeral home, they’re technically open 24/7 for what they call the "first call"—that’s when someone has passed away and needs to be brought into their care.
Actionable steps for families in Durant:
- Check for a Pre-Plan: Before you sign anything, look through your loved one's old files or safety deposit boxes. Many people in Bryan County pre-paid for services years ago at Dalton-Holmes or Coffey-Murray. The current firm is obligated to honor those contracts.
- Ask for the GPL: By law (the FTC Funeral Rule), they have to give you a General Price List. Don't be afraid to look at it and say "no" to things you don't need. You don't have to buy the most expensive casket to show you care.
- Think about the "Celebration" aspect: If a traditional church service doesn't fit the person who died, tell the directors. They have the facilities to do more upbeat "celebration of life" events that feel less like a funeral and more like a tribute.
- Veteran Benefits: If your loved one served, the Shain family is particularly good at navigating the VA paperwork for honors and burial in national cemeteries.
Dealing with a funeral home is never fun, but knowing the history and the people behind the desk makes it a lot less intimidating. Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home has survived for over a century by being consistent. Whether you need a full traditional service or a simple cremation, the key is to be clear about your budget and your wishes from the very first meeting.