New name, same family ownership for funeral homes

COLFAX — The name changed but the same family continues to operate three funeral homes in Colfax, Pullman, and Dayton.

Corbeill Funeral Homes & Crematory is a reflection of the owners, Craig and Nikki Corbeill, the same people running the homes for the past 20 years.

“While some internal changes may help simplify some of the operation, very little else will change and each location will continue to serve as they have for the last 125 years,” said Craig Corbeill.

He started his career as a licensed mortician in Kellogg, Idaho, in 1991.

Craig and his wife bought the Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax in 2001.

“We are proud to be only the fourth owners,” said Craig Corbeill. “Since 1895, Bruning Funeral Home has been caring for people all over Whitman County.”

They bought the Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman, which has operated since 1908 by three generations of Kimballs.

“The Kimball way of service with dignity has always been a benchmark that the Corbeill’s and our staff strive to achieve,” said Craig Corbeill.

Last July, they bought the Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home in Dayton. The home began in 1905 and for the last five years Craig Corbeill helped longtime funeral director George Touchet “so he could enjoy some much-deserved time off.”

Owning three funeral homes triggered a desire to rebrand them.

“We hold the utmost respect for tradition and what each family has done in creating their funeral homes before us,” said Craig Corbeill. “This was a difficult decision and one we didn’t take very lightly at all.”

The Corbeills sought to find a name to reflect the families before them and show their connection with the new owners.

“We sincerely appreciate all those who have gotten to know us over these years and promise to never take for granted the incredible trust you place in us,” said Craig Corbeill.

Corbeill Funeral Homes & Crematory is operated by owners Craig and Nikki Corbeill, funeral director Bob Warnock, funeral director and embalmer intern Baily Mackleit, and funeral director intern Gabe Keller.