The origin of TFDA dates back to April 27, 1886.
The site was Fort Worth and the name was the "Undertaker's Association" of Texas. The name of the association was changed to the "Texas Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association" in 1889. In 1886, Ed C. Smith of Dallas was the first President and there were eleven (11) members in the association. The second meeting was held in Dallas in 1887 and the membership had increased to forty-one (41).
In March of 1903, the state passed a bill creating a State Board of Embalming. By 1905, membership in the Association had grown to two hundred twenty-six (226) due to the examination requirements for a license.
In 1944-1945, under the guidance of then president, Peter Elliott, the seven Regional Associations were created. These regions include Panhandle, West Texas, South Central, South Texas, Southeast, North Texas, and East Texas. Regional meetings are held twice a year to hold business management meetings, offer continuing education, and network with other funeral professionals to share ideas and fellowship.
In 1950, TFDA hired its first full time Executive Director. Bob Taylor, of Brownwood, held that position until 1954, at which time the membership was three hundred fifty members (350). Ed McGuire, of Beaumont, was selected to be the next Executive Director and what a wise choice it was. Under Ed's leadership, by 1956, the membership had increased to five hundred thirteen (513). In the early 1970's, a push was made to construct a building for TFDA in Austin. This dream was realized in February 1973 with the building's dedication. In 1984, Ed McGuire decided to retire after "thirty years of service" to TFDA. The Board of Directors, in honor of Ed, named the TFDA building after him.
TFDA is headquartered in Austin. Staff includes Ann Singer, Executive Director, Joyce Dawson, Director of Regional & Member Services and Karen Grice, Director of Finance & Legislative Affairs. Each year the TFDA holds a convention especially designed to educate members on the latest developments in funeral service, offering programs to help licensees meet the mandatory training requirements and to exhibit new funeral supply products and services. TFDA issues a monthly magazine so that members can stay abreast of today's trends in funeral service and TFDA's website tfda.com is continually updated. The Association initiates and takes a position on legislative issues effecting funeral service. Lobbyist Janis Carter serves as a TFDA's legislative adviser.