Our Past, Present & Future

Our beginning

Highlands Funeral Home was founded in 1959 by six Louisville funeral directors. 

They came together as partners and opened our funeral home to serve families in this once-outlying area of Louisville. 

What was a rural area in the 1950s is now the center of the city; Highlands Funeral Home is located off I-264 at the corner of Taylorsville Road and Dutchmans Lane. 

We are across the street from one of the country's oldest airports, Bowman Field.

Today, the Owen and Wagner families continue our funeral home's tradition. Our families share over 200 years of experience in funeral service. 

Perhaps we have served your family in the past, or you will meet us for the first time upon a loved one's passing. 

Whether it's a connection that has spanned generations or a first encounter, be assured you will receive professional and supportive guidance. 

We are opening our home to you in a time of need, and you will be received as such. 

The personal wishes and comfort of your family are our utmost considerations.

The Owen Family

One of our founders, Bird S. Owen, Jr. opened the doors of his first funeral home on August 27, 1939. His goal was to provide a necessary service to people at their greatest time of need; and to do so as a trusted neighbor and friend. 

Since that day more than eight decades ago, the Owen family has honored his high standards and caring ideals in their daily endeavors. Bird Owen passed away in 1987; his late wife, Edith, and their children, David and Linda, became the next generation to carry on their family's legacy in funeral service. 

David Owen is a licensed funeral director and the president of Highlands Funeral Home. His wife and daughter, Pamela Owen and Rachel Barr, are also licensed funeral directors. David's sister, Linda Owen Miller, passed away in September 2022 after over two decades of service as a licensed funeral director. 

The Wagner Family

The Wagner family's lineage in funeral service spans over 5 generations. Henry, Joseph and Ben Bosse, great-great-grandfather and uncles to our owners and licensed funeral directors, James M. (Jim) and Robert C. (Bobby) Wagner, were cabinet makers by trade. 

The Bosse family was commissioned to make coffins for Civil War soldiers; and in 1865, the brothers opened Bosse Funeral Home at 522 Green Street. One of the six founders of Highlands Funeral Home, Robert G. Bosse, became the president of Bosse Funeral Home; and upon his death, entrusted his nephew, the late William H. Wagner, to continue the family's legacy in funeral service. Bosse Funeral Home is still owned by the Wagner brothers in the Original Highlands. 

Jim, Bobby and Bobby's wife, Laura McCauley Wagner, are very proud to continue the Bosse and Wagner family's commitment to funeral service at Highlands Funeral Home.
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