Oakdale funeral home gets license suspended

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Imagine trying to plan a funeral for a loved one - an already tough and emotional process - but then you find out the funeral home you chose is being forced to close its doors.

That is the reality for some families in Allen Parish.

It was decided on a virtual meeting this morning that White Oaks Funeral Home in Oakdale would need to close its doors for 45 days starting March 17.

The Louisiana Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors suspended owner Greg Strother’s license for six months and fined him $5,000.

That’s according to Strother, who told 7News he’s been ordered to close his funeral home for 45 days.

White Oaks Funeral Home has been in business for nearly 40 years, and Strother once served as president of the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Strother said he missed the meeting this morning, but claims the sanctions stem from a complaint regarding a deceased man from Mexico and a delay in sending his body home.

According to Strother, it was a state issue, not negligence on his part.

Funeral services are scheduled for next week, but at this point, Strother has no idea if or how White Oaks will be able to proceed.

After the 45-day period, White Oaks can apply for a license, but Strother will not be able to practice until his suspension is lifted.

We did reach out to the Louisiana Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, who say they are working to provide us with comments.

Strother said he hopes to hear from the Louisiana Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors tomorrow, March 14, with more details of how to handle services already scheduled.