Hillview Funeral Chapel (Newman)

Hillview Funeral Chapel, located at 1258 R Street in Newman, California, stands as a quiet yet enduring presence in the community—one that reflects over a century of continuity, care, and local tradition. Its story is closely tied to the history of Newman itself, as well as to the families who have entrusted it with one of life’s most meaningful responsibilities: honoring loved ones with dignity and respect.

The roots of the funeral chapel stretch back to 1910, when Walter Davis purchased the business from C.W. Shank and established the Davis Funeral Chapel. At that time, the mortuary operated out of a building located on the property that today serves as the local post office. As the community grew, so too did the need for a dedicated space. In 1915, Davis relocated the business to the Knights of Pythias building, marking an early step in its evolution.

A significant milestone came in September of 1926, when Davis announced the plans for a new funeral chapel which was constructed at its current location on R Street. This building has remained the home of the chapel ever since, making it a familiar landmark for generations of Newman residents. For nearly 100 years, families have passed through its doors during times of loss, finding support and guidance in a setting that has become woven into the fabric of the town.

Over the decades, the funeral chapel has undergone several name changes, each reflecting shifts in ownership while maintaining continuity of service. In 1953, it became the Davis-Hansen Funeral Home, followed by Evans-Krieger Funeral Chapel in 1969. Finally, in 1985, the business adopted its current name, Hillview Funeral Chapel, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the ownership of Mark Kuhn and the management of Tony J. Frago. Since April 1 of that year, Kuhn and Frago have guided the chapel with a steady commitment to professionalism and community care.

Hillview Funeral Chapel is part of a broader tradition of funeral service on the Westside. From the late 1800s in Newman and Gustine, and from the early 1900s in Patterson, generations of families have relied on dedicated funeral professionals to help them navigate times of loss. The Davis-Hansen, Evans, and Krieger families in Newman and Gustine, along with the Evans family in Patterson, all played vital roles in establishing this tradition. Their legacy continues today through Hillview Funeral Chapels.

In 1985, Mark Edward Kuhn expanded this legacy by purchasing funeral homes in Patterson, Newman, and Gustine, uniting them under the Hillview name. This transition ensured the continuation of independently family-owned funeral service in the region, a distinction that remains increasingly rare. Today, Hillview Funeral Chapels stands as one of the oldest family-owned funeral home groups in Stanislaus and Merced Counties.

The services provided by Hillview Funeral Chapel encompass all aspects of funeral care, including funeral arrangements, accessories, memorial markers, and headstones. Beyond these offerings, the chapel is known for its flexibility and personal approach. As an independently owned business, it is able to adapt to the specific wishes and needs of each family it serves, offering options that are both meaningful and affordable.

What truly defines Hillview Funeral Chapel is not just its longevity, but its role as a steady presence during life’s most difficult moments. Through changing times, ownership transitions, and evolving community needs, it has remained committed to honoring lives with compassion and respect. In doing so, it continues a tradition that began over a century ago—one rooted in service, family, and a deep connection to the communities of Newman and the surrounding Westside.

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