Our History

Our firm traces its roots back, deep into the 20th century. On December 1, 1920 Emmett Hennessey and Charles Calloway bought the Buchanan Funeral Home on West 3rd Ave in Spokane, expanding their business, Hennessey-Calloway Funeral Parlor in Walla Walla. In our newly remodeled facility on Division, we have on display the original Hennessey Calloway sign from Walla Walla with a picture of the 1921 Washington Funeral Directors Association annual meeting held in Walla Walla at the Hennessey Calloway Funeral Parlor.

In 1934, the partners purchased Edward’s Manufacturing Building on Division. This was the home of the Miss Spokane Wash Dresses Company. The company produced casual dresses “for house, garden, porch and street wear,” according to advertisements. Pictures of the building exterior and the cutting and sewing rooms from that time line the walls at our Division site. You’ll also find a picture of our first Christmas party held in 1934.

Upon Charles’ death in 1935, the company name was changed to Hennessey Funeral Home, with Emmett and his brother Daniel working side by side for many years.

Emmett and his wife Mary had three sons and one daughter. Sons Charles, Patrick, and Harry followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming funeral directors, and in 1959, dad and three sons were working together. Upon Emmett ’s death in 1964, Charles was voted in as the president. Ten years later Charles retired. and his son Charles Jr. (Paddy) assumed the helm of the family ship. The community lost a great man who did many good and fun things for our community when Paddy died in 2011. Paddy’s daughter Susie works here today.

Pictures of the four generations can be seen at our Division facility. We are proud of our long and excellent history of four Hennessey generations serving the people in Spokane, making Hennessey an integral part of this community.

Over the years, the original mission of the firm hasn't changed. We have always intended to provide the best, most professional services, complemented by the finest products. Today, we pride ourselves on being current with the major changes in funeral service trends and bringing those innovations and memorialization options to our client families with integrity and insight.