TYRONE — The Feller Memorial Home is now under new ownership.

Terry W. Tate Jr., owner and supervisor of the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc., recently purchased the business from T. Michael and Suzanne Feller.

The deal was finalized March 31.

The business was started in 1962 when Theodore J. Feller and his wife, Betty, converted what was a private residence built by his parents, Theodore G. and Madelon Feller, into Feller Memorial Home. In 1979, T. Michael Feller received his funeral director’s license, and in 1992, he and his wife became the second-generation operators of Feller Memorial Home.

T. Michael Feller said he started thinking about selling the business about two years ago.

“I decided to put the word out. Terry called me, and we started talking. That is where we are today. It is time for the next generation,” Feller said. “It was time to be with my children and grandchildren and travel. It was just time to let the newer generation in.”

Tate said, “It has been something that took a lot of thought and consideration on both sides to find something that worked for everyone.”

For the present time Feller will remain on as supervisor. Plans call for Steven Colyer, who is currently going to mortuary school to become supervisor when he has completed his schooling and receives his license, Tate said.

“Mike has taken a step back on the ownership role, but everything will stay the same to the general public. Mike has an active supervisor license, and it will hang on the wall at Feller Memorial Home. I still own the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home as well, and both locations will continue to operate in the same capacity that the families we serve are accustomed to. Neither home is closing down, and both are open for business 24/7,” Tate said.

“I want to thank the community for their support over all of the years, they are the new generation coming in and will be here for years. We are very pleased to turn it over to them,” Feller said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.