Our Story

Our Founder & President

Darrell M. Saxon, II

President & Licensed Funeral Director

A Calling from Childhood

Darrell M. Saxon, II knew from a young age that he was called to serve families in their most sacred and difficult

moments. As a child, he declared his interest in mortuary science — a calling that would shape the rest of his life.

Mentorship & Education

At age 16, young Darrell began a life-changing mentoring relationship with Mr. Thomas T. Edwards, one of Buffalo's most respected funeral directors. Under Mr. Edwards' guidance, Darrell learned the art and science of compassionate death care from one of the best.

After graduating from Seneca High School, Darrell enrolled at Simmons Institute of Funeral Service, where he earned his Associate's degree in Mortuary Science. He became a licensed funeral director immediately upon graduation.

Decades of Leadership

Mr. Edwards recognized Darrell's dedication and skill, promoting him to General Manager of the Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. — a position Darrell held for decades. During this time, he earned the trust of countless families across the Buffalo community, building a reputation for excellence, dignity, and genuine care.

Ownership & Transformation

In 2018, Darrell and his wife Karen, along with Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pitts, purchased the Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. Under the Saxons' ownership, the funeral home was transformed — a new signature fleet was secured, and the interior was upgraded with new lighting, painting, and furniture to reflect the pride Mr. Saxon holds in the community he serves.

Committed to excellence in every aspect of the business, the Saxons brought on experienced funeral directors Ms. Tameka C. Dixon and Mrs. Lisa D. King. Confident in their proven abilities as consummate death care professionals, Mr. Saxon promoted Mrs. King to Director of Staff and Ms. Dixon to General Manager of the Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc.

Expanding the Mission

Always embracing the call to serve the wider community, Mr. and Mrs. Saxon purchased the former Kolano Funeral Home from licensed funeral director Mr. David Zabinski. Now reopened as Saxon Funeral Home, Inc. at 396 Amherst Street, this new location extends the Saxons' mission of dignified, compassionate service to even more Buffalo families.

Professional & Community Service

Advisory Board of the Bureau of Funeral Directors NYS Department of Health
Erie Niagara Funeral Directors Association
NYS Funeral Directors Association
National Funeral Directors Associations
SUNY Canton — Training partnership for supervised field experience for aspiring funeral directors
Friendship Baptist Church — Lifelong member and Deacon

Family

Mr. Saxon is happily married to Mrs. Karen E. Saxon, who serves as Administrator of Saxon Funeral Home. He is the proud father of Nathalie (Terrence) Young, Christnell Williams, and Karrengton Williams.

A lifetime of service. A legacy of compassion.