History
In May of 1959, Foster and Doris Heath purchased property on the corner of East Lime and South Ingraham Avenue. At that time the property consisted of some land and a small wood frame house which had been built in 1908. The official opening of Heath Funeral Chapel was November23, 1959. At this time all the funeral homes in Lakeland also provided ambulance service to the community.
In 1971, a large chapel was added such that a full funeral service could be provided on the premises. A crematory was also added on the premises. Then in 1994 another addition was made which included a large viewing room. Over the decades, the adjacent land has been purchased as it has become available such that the property extends to Highway 98. Through its several additions and renovations the original wood frame house purchased in 1959 still stands today.
Foster Heath continued to maintain an independent-owned funeral home in spite of the trend of corporate buy-outs. In May 1989, Bill Schichtel and his family moved to Lakeland and Bill joined his father-in-law at Heath Funeral Chapel.
Foster Heath is still active in the business on a daily basis and serves as President. Bill Schichtel serves as Vice-President and Manager.
Through the many changes and renovations over the years, Heath Funeral Chapel has maintained a commitment to service and continues to operate as a family-owned business providing serving the Lakeland community it has been a part of for over 47 years. The funeral home is still located in its original location and is now part of the Lakeland Downtown Historical District.