Change Headed To Floral Haven

A change in ownership is headed to Floral Haven.  The Broken Arrow funeral home and cemetery has been operated by the same family for decades.  But a Texas company recently made them an offer they couldn't refuse. 

The News On 6's Chris Wright reports the Links have run Floral Haven since 1971.  They have decided that it's time to move on, but they promise that no major changes will be made.

With its abundance of flowers, flags and scenic fountains, Floral Haven is where many in Green Country have chosen to lay their loved ones to rest.  But after more than a generation of running Floral Haven, the Link family has sold it.

Texas-based North Star Memorial group paid several million dollars for the funeral home and cemetery.

"It's going to be company that will treat the family and the community just like the Link family has done for so many years," said Connie Kelsey, Floral Haven General Manager.

Kelsey's grandfather founded Floral Haven.  She is part of the third generation of her family to work at the funeral home.  But she says the fourth generation is not interested, so they had to sell.

The family says it will be difficult to give up this business that they started way back in 1971.  Now they say they wouldn't have made this sale unless they were absolutely sure it was the right thing to do.

"It's our baby, and we wouldn't have even considered this if we didn't trust North Star and believe they have the same beliefs in community spirit," said Kelsey.

Kelsey says North Star does plan to expand the cemetery, but will not make any major changes to the business.

The annual ceremony on Memorial Day will go on as scheduled.

And while it will no longer be family owned, the Links promise that Floral Haven isn't going anywhere.

"I think we've gone as far as we can go, and this company is going to take it to the next level for the community, and make it that much better," said Kelsey.

Floral Haven has performed some pro bono work over the years, including sometimes burying children and soldiers for free.

The Links family says that policy will not change under the new management.