Elyria funeral home owner retires after 58 years

Dave Dicken sells iconic downtown business founded by his father in 1948.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:30am

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph of a traditional brick and stone funeral home building, with a warm, hazy glow of light and color that evokes a sense of community history and enduring tradition.After nearly six decades of serving Elyria families, the iconic Dicken Funeral Home is passing the torch to new ownership.Elyria Today

After nearly six decades of operating the Dicken Funeral Home in downtown Elyria, Ohio, Dave Dicken has decided to retire and sell the iconic business that was founded by his father, Harold, in 1948.

Why it matters

The Dicken Funeral Home has been a fixture in the Elyria community for generations, providing services to local families during their times of grief. Dave Dicken's retirement marks the end of an era for the family-owned business, which has been a symbol of stability and tradition in the city's downtown district.

The details

Dave Dicken, who took over the funeral home from his father in 1968, has decided to sell the business to a larger regional funeral provider. The Dicken Funeral Home has been located in the same downtown building since it first opened its doors in 1948 under Harold Dicken's ownership.

  • The Dicken Funeral Home was founded by Harold Dicken in 1948.
  • Dave Dicken took over the business from his father in 1968.
  • Dave Dicken has now decided to sell the funeral home in 2026 after 58 years of ownership.

The players

Dave Dicken

The owner of the Dicken Funeral Home in Elyria, Ohio, who is retiring and selling the business after 58 years of operation.

Harold Dicken

The founder of the Dicken Funeral Home, who purchased the business in 1948 and passed it down to his son, Dave Dicken.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an honor to serve this community for so many years, but it's time for me to step aside and let a new generation take over.”

— Dave Dicken, Owner, Dicken Funeral Home

What’s next

The new owners of the Dicken Funeral Home are expected to maintain the business's long-standing traditions and commitment to the Elyria community.

The takeaway

The sale of the Dicken Funeral Home marks the end of an era for a family-owned business that has been a pillar of the Elyria community for nearly six decades. The transition to new ownership signals a changing of the guard, but also highlights the enduring importance of local, community-focused businesses in small-town America.