History of the Building

Lloyd Croxford and his wife, Patti came to Great Falls, Montana from Salt Lake City, Utah on April 15, 1930.

Croxford Merrill mortuary began in a temporary building located at 307 1st Ave. North. Lloyd began construction of a beautiful English Tudor funeral home in September of 1930.

The mortuary located at 1307 Central Ave. was opened for business in May of 1931 "It is an artistic addition to the city." (Great Falls Tribune 1931.)

Two sons, Gary and Dennis were born. The family lived in a five room upstairs apartment in the funeral home for twenty-five years.

Gary and Dennis became associated with the mortuary as funeral directors and the name was changed to Croxford & Sons Funeral Home.

On Dec. 17, 1973 Lloyd, funeral director, civic leader, singer, religious man, died from a heart attack at the age of 73 in his home. Lloyd was active on the school board for nine years. He was a major fund raiser for the Boy Scouts and organized the Century Club. He was past president of the Great Falls Lion's Club and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and YMCA for many years.

His only two children, Gary and Dennis, became owner-operators of the mortuary. In 2003 Gary retired and Dennis became the owner. Dennis continues to work as a funeral director and enjoys serving families with the honesty and integrity of his father. Dennis and his wife Moyne have eleven children and twenty one grandchildren. Dennis is an active member of the Great Falls Lions Club. He and Moyne support the community in various organizations.

Since 1930, the funeral home has served Great Falls and surrounding communities. It is the only second generation, family owned, funeral home in Great Falls. Croxford's is considered the most beautiful older funeral home in Montana with its unique English Tudor design inside and out. It is a historical landmark on Central Avenue.