Richard D. Gardner is licensed by the Texas Funeral Service Commission as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, a Certified Celebrant trained by the Insight Institute, and is a Certified Crematory Operator.

Richard and his wife Rebecca (also a Funeral Director and Embalmer) purchased Lowe Funeral Home from Dwayne Lowe in March of 2021 to keep the tradition of family-owned funeral service in Wood County available to those in need in our area.

Richard was born and raised in Southeast Texas and has served as a funeral director since 1992. After attending Sam Houston State and his service in the United States Army, he attended and graduated with honors from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. Richard is a member of the Quitman Rotary Club, American Legion Post 296 in Mineola, National Funeral Directors Association, and Texas Funeral Directors Association.

The Gardners have three children; Tambrey, Isaac, and Veda. Richard and his family enjoy many community activities, traveling, and especially family time at their home in rural Wood County.

Heather started working for the funeral home in 2016. She attended Tyler Junior College before graduating from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2015. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service degree from the Dallas Institute. She is a licensed Texas Funeral Director and Embalmer, licensed pre-need agent, Certified Crematory Operator, and assists in monument sales.

Heather graduated from Quitman High School in 2009 and still resides in Quitman. She is married to Carson Turner and together they own and operate Turner’s Land Management. In 2019 their family grew by 1 when they welcomed their son, Zane, into the world. When she isn’t keeping busy with her family or work, you can find her traveling or fishing on Lake Fork. Heather is also a member of the Quitman Pilot Club.

Jeff is a 1988 graduate of Quitman High School. After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Tyler.  Jeff worked part time for the funeral home for several years before joining the team full time in 2017. He is a certified Crematory Operator through CANA, obtained his ICCFA Creamtion Arranger certification, and also assists in monument sales and pre needs.

Jeff is married to Shanna Lutonsky Taylor and together they have 3 girls and 3 boys. They are members of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church and he serves as a board member for the Quitman City Cemetery.

Nikki isn’t just a name, she’s a familiar face in our community, who is eager to help you create plans to honor your life and assist your loved ones in a time of need.  She will navigate you through the process of implementing the essential documents so that you and your loved ones have peace of mind.  

Nikki’s mission is clear: to guide you through the important decisions of preplanning for the inevitable, ensuring that your legacy and wishes are honored without placing additional stress and burdens on your loved ones. Whether you’re considering a more traditional type of arrangement, Green Burials, Cremation, considering The Gift of organ and tissue donation, or taking advantage of your Veteran death benefits, Nikki is here to share her extensive knowledge and support with you every step of the way.

Born and raised in Wood County, Nikki's deep-rooted connection to our area shines through in everything she does. She currently serves as a RYLA / Interact Coordinator with Rotary International, Quitman Parent Teacher Organization, a member of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce as well as other local committees to serve the youth in our area. She also owns or operates other businesses in Quitman and continuously looks for solutions to meet the needs of anyone she encounters. She previously served on boards such as Women’s Center of East Texas, Wood County Child Welfare Board, Wood County Protection Board, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and advisor on Longview Police Department Explorer program, Tyler’z Toys and Sheepdog Haven.

When she is looking to relax and reflect, she loves to write, paddleboard or find any opportunity to open her children up to new experiences.

Alongside her husband Clint, whom she’s been married to since 2003, Nikki is a dedicated parent to Jagger (25), Pete (10), and Trixie (6). The Wright family proudly calls Hainesville home, and with Nikki living in the heart of East Texas, it is convenient for her to meet you at our Quitman location, the privacy and comfort of your home, or any place where you feel most at ease.

For any questions or to schedule a meeting, feel free to call her at 903-763-2242 or 903-347-2532. Nikki looks forward to meeting you and assisting with your legacy planning needs.

In 2008, Ange Everett began a compassionate ministry working as a visitation attendant. She is also a licensed pre-need agent.

She is a 1986 graduate of Quitman High School. Ange attended Tyler Junior College and was a member of the Apache Band.  She obtained her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Tyler, and her M.Ed in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She retired after 24 years as an elementary school teacher and 5 years as a campus administrator. She works part-time as an ARD Facilitator, and serves on the Wood County Child Welfare & Protection Board. 

She and her husband, Mo, have been married for over 30 years, and are faithful members of the North Tenneha Church of Christ in Tyler, TX.  Together, they have 3 children and 12 grandchildren.

Tammy graduated from Canton High School in 1988, later attended Tyler Junior College, and is formerly bank service officer for the City National Bank of Sulphur Springs at the Quitman branch for 28 years.  She has served as a Director for the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and as an Alderman on the Council for the City of Quitman. 

Tammy attends the First United Methodist Church of Quitman where she is a member of the handbell choir.  She is a former member of the Quitman Volunteer Fire Department where she served in various capacities, such as Treasurer, Incident Safety Officer and Training Officer, Emergency Medical Responder, as well as a member of the Wood County Fire Department Honor Guard and Secretary for the Wood County Fire Chiefs’ Association.  Currently, she serves as a firefighter with the Hainesville Volunteer Fire Department. 

 As an avid cyclist, she is a National Interscholastic Cycling Association coach, as well as a member of the Tyler Bicycle Club and Fresh Racing. 

Mike joined the Lowe-Gardner team in 2022, assisting in transportation as well as working funerals and visitations.  He works full-time at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and owns and operates MT Auto Detail. 

He is a Quitman native, born and raised here. He is the grandson of Hoice Bright, funeral director for Cain Funeral Home in the 80’s.  Many in the community know and refer to Mike as “Little Hoice”, and Mike’s legacy of service began as young as 8 years old. He recalls helping his grandfather around the funeral home and is excited to continue serving others with the Lowe-Gardner team.

In 1989 he graduated from Quitman High School and graduated from Tyler School of Business in 1991. He is married to Tammy Peace Gilmore, and the two truly have a servant’s heart. Mike and Tammy have been volunteer firefighters for many years and recently joined the Hainesville Volunteer Fire Department. He is a certified scuba diver, assisting in many search and rescue missions in the past. Mike also plays the bagpipes and assists in storm-watching for different organizations. He and Tammy are faithful members of the First United Methodist Church of Quitman and enjoy biking in their spare time.