About Us
About Us
In 1914, A.T. Colbert and his son, Ollie M. Colbert, established the first and only funeral home in Gretna. The original building was a two-story structure located on the Main Street lot from where the business still operates today. The lower floor of the building was a general store; the upper floor was used for the funeral establishment. With the advent of the automobile, gas pumps soon found their way to the front of the store and the business became Gretna's second gas station. Mr. Colbert was even offered the distributorship of one company's gasoline as cars became
more common, but he rejected the offer, focusing instead on the town's need for a mortician. At the urging of people within the community, son Ollie decided he would become an embalmer and establish a separate business. In 1915, he enrolled at Renouard Embalming School in New York and soon became an embalmer. In 1930, the upper floor of the building was removed and the funeral parlor was relocated to the first floor. In 1948, the building was moved back several feet as construction on Highway 29 began.
A tradition of service was being shaped, and that heritage became stronger in 1965, when Ollie M. Colbert sold the business to Carl and Fran Moran. In 1970, the Morans combined aspects of both old and new to create the impressive Colonial sand-brick finish structure that still stands today. The Morans designed and decorated the addition, providing a new and modern facility from which to serve the community.
Carl Moran and his wife Fran combined to serve the Gretna area for over fifty years. They were proud when their 2 sons, Kenny and Bruce, followed in the family business and became funeral service professionals. Carl and Fran's daughter Susan also provided another hand in the office. It was a truly a family business.
Today, Kenny’s son Yancy Moran and business partner Mark Marstin, along with the rest of the staff of Colbert-Moran Funeral Home continue to serve the community with all the respect and dignity of those that served before them.
Although many things have changed, the pride of a family business founded upon service remains unwavering.
