CARRIAGE SERVICES INC
S-1/A, 1996-07-18
PERSONAL SERVICES
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     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 18, 1996
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-05545
    
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------
   
                                 AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
    
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                            ------------------------

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


               DELAWARE                                  7261
     (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION            (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL
  OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)          CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)

                                   76-0423828
                                (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                               IDENTIFICATION NO.)

                               1300 POST OAK BLVD.
                                   SUITE 1500
                              HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
                                 (713) 556-7400
                (Address including zip code and telephone number,
        including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                    PRESIDENT
                               1300 POST OAK BLVD.
                                   SUITE 1500
                                HOUSTON, TX 77056
                                 (713) 556-7400
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                                   COPIES TO:
            T. MARK KELLY                           JOHN F. WOMBWELL
       VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.                    ANDREWS & KURTH L.L.P.
 2300 FIRST CITY TOWER, 1001 FANNIN       4200 TEXAS COMMERCE TOWER, 600 TRAVIS
       HOUSTON, TX 77002-6760                       HOUSTON, TX 77002
           (713) 758-2222                            (713) 220-4200

                            ------------------------

     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

     If any of the securities registered on this Form are being offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [ ]

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]

                            ------------------------
        
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

================================================================================

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                   PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            ITEM OF FORM S-1                            LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>
 1.  Forepart of the Registration
     Statement and Outside Front
     Cover Page of Prospectus...........   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
 2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover
     Pages of Prospectus................   Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
                                           Prospectus
 3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors
     and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
     Charges............................   Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
 4.  Use of Proceeds....................   Prospectus Summary; Use of Proceeds
 5.  Determination of Offering Price....   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                           Underwriting
 6.  Dilution...........................   Dilution
 7.  Selling Security Holders...........   *
 8.  Plan of Distribution...............   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                           Underwriting
 9.  Description of Securities to be
     Registered.........................   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                           Prospectus Summary; Dividend Policy; Description
                                           of Capital Stock
10.  Interests of Named Experts and
     Counsel............................   *
11.  Information with Respect to the
     Registrant.........................   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                           Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; The Company;
                                           Dividend Policy; Capitalization; Selected
                                           Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating
                                           Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                                           Financial Condition and Results of Operations;
                                           Business; Management; Certain Transactions;
                                           Principal Stockholders; Description of Capital
                                           Stock; Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Available
                                           Information; Index to Financial Statements
12.  Disclosure of Commission Position
     on Indemnification for Securities
     Act Liabilities....................   *
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Not applicable.
<PAGE>
******************************************************************************
*                                                                            *
*   INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A    *
*   REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED       *
*   WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT    *
*   BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE          *
*   REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT      *
*   CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR   *
*   SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH   *
*   OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR   *
*   QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.               *
*                                                                            *
******************************************************************************

                              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                   PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 18, 1996

PROSPECTUS
                                3,400,000 SHARES

                                C A R R I A G E

                                S E R V I C E S

                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
   
     All 3,400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Class A Common Stock"), offered hereby (the "Offering") are being sold by
Carriage Services, Inc. (the "Company"). The initial public offering price is
expected to be between $13.00 and $15.00 per share.

     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock of the Company. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the factors
to be considered in determining the initial public offering price.

     The Company has two classes of Common Stock, the Class A Common Stock
offered hereby and Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Class B
Common Stock" and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the "Common Stock").
The Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. The Class B Common
Stock is entitled to ten votes per share and is convertible on a share-for-share
basis into Class A Common Stock. Except with respect to votes per share and
conversion rights, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock are
identical. Upon consummation of the Offering, holders of Class B Common Stock
will hold approximately 93% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock."

     The Class A Common Stock has been approved for quotation, subject to
official notice of issuance, on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"CRSV."
    
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
                            ------------------------

    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
     AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
               UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
       ANY   REPRESENTATION  TO  THE  CONTRARY  IS  A  CRIMINAL  OFFENSE.

================================================================================
                      PRICE TO        UNDERWRITING      PROCEEDS TO
                       PUBLIC          DISCOUNT(1)       COMPANY(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share.....      $               $                $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)......      $               $                $
================================================================================


(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended. See "Underwriting."
   
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $1,000,000.

(3) The Company has granted to the several Underwriters an option, exercisable
    within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an
    additional 510,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at the Price to Public,
    less Underwriting Discount, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such
    option is exercised in full, the Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
    Proceeds to Company will be $          , $          and $          ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
    
                            ------------------------

     The shares of Class A Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject
to approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Class A Common Stock will be made in New York, New
York, on or about , 1996.
                            ------------------------

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.                                      THE CHICAGO CORPORATION

                            ------------------------

              The date of this Prospectus is              , 1996.
<PAGE>
                                COMPANY LOCATIONS
                              As of July 15, 1996

                               [GRAPHIC OMITTED]

            [Picture map of the United States showing Funeral Homes,
                          Cemeteries and Headquarters]

     IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMPANY'S CLASS
A COMMON STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, IN THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.

                                       2

                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
   
     THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO, INCLUDED
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES (A) THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION IS NOT
EXERCISED, (B) ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S SERIES A, SERIES B AND
SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK ARE CONVERTED INTO SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK ON
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A
PART AND (C) A ONE-FOR-TWO REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK. AS
USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, UNLESS THE CONTEXT INDICATES OTHERWISE, THE TERMS
"CARRIAGE" AND THE "COMPANY" REFER TO CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC., ITS CONSOLIDATED
SUBSIDIARIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PREDECESSORS.
    
                                  THE COMPANY

GENERAL
   
     Carriage Services, Inc. believes that it is the sixth largest provider of
death care services and products in the United States based on 1995 revenues.
The Company provides a complete range of funeral services and products to meet
families' needs, including consultation, removal and preparation of remains,
sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, transportation services and the
use of funeral home facilities for visitation. The Company also offers cemetery
products and services, including rights to interment in cemetery sites,
interment services and related cemetery merchandise. As of June 30, 1996, the
Company operated 62 funeral homes and seven cemeteries in 13 states. Funeral
services constituted approximately 93% of revenues in 1995 and 92% in the first
half of 1996.

     Since the Company's formation in 1991, management has undertaken a
disciplined approach to growth that has allowed the Company the necessary time
to integrate acquisitions, develop effective operating, administrative and
financial systems and controls, recruit an experienced operating management team
and promote a decentralized, entrepreneurial service culture. From 1992 through
1995, the Company acquired 42 funeral homes and four cemeteries for
consideration ranging from approximately $9 million to $14 million in each of
the four years. The Company believes that the infrastructure it has developed
over the past four years positioned the Company to pursue an accelerated growth
strategy beginning in late 1995. As a result, the Company has acquired 24
funeral homes and four cemeteries for consideration of $33.5 million through the
first six months of 1996 and an additional two funeral homes and one cemetery
for consideration of $7.8 million through July 15, 1996. In addition, as of July
15, 1996, the Company had letters of intent to acquire eight funeral homes and
one cemetery for consideration of $13.5 million.
    
DEATH CARE INDUSTRY

     The death care industry has certain attractive fundamental characteristics,
including highly fragmented ownership, barriers to entry and stable, predictable
demand. There are an estimated 22,000 funeral homes and 9,600 commercial
cemeteries in the United States, and less than 20% of the 1995 United States
death care industry revenues are represented by the four largest publicly traded
domestic death care companies. Death care businesses have traditionally been
transferred to successive generations within a family and in most cases have
developed a local heritage and tradition that act as a formidable barrier for
those wishing to enter an existing market. Death rates in the United States are
fairly predictable, which lends stability to the death care industry. The number
of deaths in the United States has increased at a compounded rate of
approximately 1% per year since 1980 and is expected to continue at that rate
through 2010. In the past several years, the industry has witnessed considerable
consolidation. Estate planning issues, increased governmental regulation and a
desire to address management succession concerns have led independent funeral
home owners to pursue opportunities to divest their businesses. Former owners
frequently remain associated with the funeral home in a managerial capacity
after the sale. Management believes consolidation in the industry will continue
to accelerate and that the Company is well positioned to be a major participant
in such consolidation.
   
BUSINESS STRATEGY
    
     The Company's objective is to become the preferred succession planning
alternative for premier funeral homes throughout the United States while
continuing to promote a decentralized, entrepreneurial

service culture. Management believes that the Company's reputation and
collaborative operating style have allowed it to successfully pursue acquisition
opportunities. The Company also has been successful in implementing programs to
improve profitability at newly acquired properties.

     Management believes the Company distinguishes itself from other national
death care providers through its decentralized management style and its
incentive-based compensation structure. The Company's management structure
affords local funeral directors autonomy in operating their businesses, while
the utilization of a proprietary personal computer-based system allows senior
management to "manage by exception." In this manner, the Company can obtain
current information on the performance of individual operations and institute
corrective action if necessary. The Company's compensation structure is designed
to maintain or create a sense of ownership by awarding local managers meaningful
cash bonuses and stock options for achieving or exceeding previously established
performance objectives.
   
     The Company's strategy to enhance the profitability of acquired operations
includes improving merchandising and sales training, realizing volume purchase
discounts, centralizing certain financial, accounting, legal, administrative and
employee benefits functions, offering cross-marketing opportunities and
increasing preneed sales in selective markets. Management believes that
significant value can be created by bringing sound business principles to
family-owned businesses, a majority of which do not measure their financial
performance against any annually established parameters. The introduction of
management techniques focused on budgeting and financial performance has proven
to be effective in increasing the profitability of acquired properties.
    
     The Company will continue to aggressively pursue the acquisition of premier
funeral homes that have a strong local market presence and that conduct from 100
to 600 funeral services per year, as well as funeral homes in close proximity to
the Company's existing properties. In addition, although the Company
traditionally has not focused on acquiring cemetery operations, the Company
intends to more aggressively pursue cemetery acquisitions in markets where the
Company operates, or plans to operate, funeral homes to take advantage of
cross-marketing opportunities.

                                  THE OFFERING
   
Class A Common Stock offered.........  3,400,000 shares

Common Stock to be outstanding after
  the Offering(1):
     Class A Common Stock............  3,400,000 shares
     Class B Common Stock............  4,501,476 shares
          Total......................  7,901,476 shares

Voting Rights........................  Each share of Class A Common Stock is
                                       entitled to one vote per share on all
                                       matters requiring stockholder approval,
                                       and each share of Class B Common Stock is
                                       entitled to ten votes per share. See
                                       "Description of Capital Stock."

Conversion of Class B Common Stock...  Each share of Class B Common Stock is
                                       convertible at the holder's option into
                                       one share of Class A Common Stock. In
                                       addition, each share of Class B Common
                                       Stock automatically converts into one
                                       share of Class A Common Stock upon a sale
                                       or transfer to anyone other than a
                                       permitted transferee. In any event, each
                                       share of Class B Common Stock will
                                       automatically convert into one share of
                                       Class A Common Stock on December 31,
                                       2001. See "Description of Capital Stock."

Use of Proceeds......................  To repay outstanding indebtedness
                                       incurred principally to fund
                                       acquisitions. See "Use of Proceeds."
Class A Common Stock
  Nasdaq National Market symbol......  "CRSV"
- ------------
(1) Excludes as of June 30, 1996, (i) 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of options and (ii) 610,401 shares of Class B Common
    Stock issuable upon conversion of 8,545,616 shares of the Company's
    convertible redeemable Series D Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share
    (the "Series D Preferred Stock"). Also, does not include (i) 600,000 shares
    of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options to be granted
    under the Company's stock option plans concurrently with the Offering, (ii)
    453,929 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 6,355,000
    shares of Series D Preferred Stock issued in connection with acquisitions
    completed subsequent to June 30, 1996 and (iii) 177,857 shares of Class B
    Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 2,490,000 shares of Series D
    Preferred Stock and an additional 53,333 shares of Class B Common Stock to
    be issued in connection with pending acquisitions. The number of shares of
    Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series D Preferred
    Stock assumes an initial public offering price of $14.00 per share; the
    actual number of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
    the Series D Preferred Stock will be adjusted based upon the initial public
    offering price of the Class A Common Stock. See "Management -- Incentive
    Plans" and "Description of Capital Stock."

                      SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

     The following table presents summary historical consolidated financial and
operating data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The consolidated
financial data of the Company as of and for the four years ended December 31,
1995 and six months ended June 30, 1996 set forth below have been derived from
financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants. The consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for the
six months ended June 30, 1995 have been derived from unaudited financial
statements which, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation
of the financial data for such periods. The summary historical financial data
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       SIX MONTHS
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               ENDED JUNE 30,
                                       ------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                         1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Revenues, net:
    Funeral..........................  $   1,625  $  10,651  $  17,368  $  22,661  $  10,800  $  15,648
    Cemetery.........................        178        614      1,036      1,576        701      1,277
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
         Total net revenues..........      1,803     11,265     18,404     24,237     11,501     16,925
  Gross profit:
    Funeral..........................        (88)       917      2,856      3,740      2,062      3,194
    Cemetery.........................        113        143        158        250        110        195
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
         Total gross profit..........         25      1,060      3,014      3,990      2,172      3,389
  General and administrative
    expenses.........................        490        985      1,266      2,106        832      1,155
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Operating income (loss)............       (465)        75      1,748      1,884      1,340      2,234
  Interest expense, net..............        295      1,745      2,671      3,684      1,648      2,644
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Loss before income taxes...........       (760)    (1,670)      (923)    (1,800)      (308)      (410)
  Provision for income taxes.........     --    (1)    --    (1)        40       694       390       251
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net loss...........................       (760)    (1,670)      (963)    (2,494)      (698)      (661)
  Preferred stock dividends..........     --         --         --         --         --            101
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net loss attributable to common
  stock..............................  $    (760) $  (1,670) $    (963) $  (2,494) $    (698) $    (762)
                                       =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
  Loss per common share..............  $    (.30 (1) $    (.66 (1) $    (.28) $    (.66) $    (.20) $    (.17)
                                       =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
  Weighted average number of common
    and common equivalent shares
    outstanding......................      2,543(1)     2,543(1)     3,406     3,781     3,543     4,512
                                       =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA:
  Funeral homes at end of period.....         14         25         34         41         39         62
  Funeral services performed during
    period...........................        389      2,265      3,529      4,414      2,127      3,004
  Preneed funeral contracts sold.....        451        644        762      2,610      1,279      1,997
  Backlog of preneed funeral
    contracts........................      2,576      5,170      6,855      8,676      7,769     23,758
  Depreciation and amortization......  $     261  $     947  $   1,476  $   1,948  $     907  $   1,389
</TABLE>


                                                                 AS OF
                                                             JUNE 30, 1996
                                            AS OF       -----------------------
                                        DECEMBER 31,                    AS
                                            1995         ACTUAL     ADJUSTED(2)
                                        -------------   ---------   -----------

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital....................      $ 6,472      $   1,461     $ 6,124
  Total assets.......................       61,746         94,037      93,695
  Long-term debt, net of current
    maturities.......................       42,057         60,277      21,672
  Redeemable preferred stock.........       --              8,545       8,545
  Stockholders' equity...............        9,151          8,650      51,576
- ------------
(1) Prior to January 1, 1994, the Company consisted of three entities whose
    owners contributed their equity in these entities in exchange for 2,520,000
    shares of common stock of the Company effective January 1, 1994.
    Accordingly, shares of common stock shown outstanding for these periods
    assume the exchange had taken place at the beginning of the periods
    presented. In 1992 and 1993, the entities were subchapter S corporations,
    and taxes were the direct responsibility of the owners. Thus, the tax
    provisions reflected above for these periods are based on assumptions about
    what tax provisions (benefits) would have been if the Company had been a
    taxable entity. In the opinion of management, no pro forma tax provision
    (benefit) was appropriate for these periods because the Company follows a
    policy of fully reserving its net operating losses.

(2) As adjusted to reflect the application of the net proceeds of the Offering,
    borrowings under a new credit facility, the write-off of $667,000 of
    capitalized debt issuance costs related to indebtedness to be repaid with
    the proceeds of the Offering and the incurrence of $325,000 of capitalized
    debt issuance costs related to the new credit facility. The write-off of the
    $667,000 capitalized debt issuance costs will be recorded as an expense in
    the period in which the related indebtedness is repaid.
    
                                  RISK FACTORS

     IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE FOLLOWING
FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY AND ITS
BUSINESS BEFORE PURCHASING SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.

COMPETITION FOR ACQUISITIONS
   
     The Company's operations have expanded principally through the acquisition
of established funeral homes and cemeteries. Acquisitions of funeral homes and
cemeteries in selected markets will continue to be an integral part of the
Company's business strategy. Competition in the acquisition market is intense,
and prices paid for funeral homes and cemeteries have increased substantially in
recent years. In addition, the four largest publicly held North American death
care companies, each of which has significantly greater financial and other
resources than the Company, are actively engaged in acquiring funeral homes and
cemeteries in a number of markets. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that
the Company will be successful in expanding its operations through acquisitions
or that funeral homes and cemeteries will be available at reasonable prices or
on reasonable terms. As of July 15, 1996, the Company had letters of intent for
the acquisition of eight funeral homes and one cemetery. These letters of intent
are non-binding, except for certain provisions relating to confidentiality and
restricting the seller from negotiating a sale with others. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given that such transactions will be successfully completed.
See "Business -- Death Care Industry," "-- Business Strategy" and "--
Competition."

ACQUISITION RISKS

     The Company intends to grow primarily through the acquisition of additional
funeral homes and cemeteries. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional funeral homes and
cemeteries or successfully integrate acquired funeral homes and cemeteries, if
any, into the Company without substantial costs, delays or other operational or
financial problems. Further, acquisitions involve a number of special risks,
including possible adverse effects on the Company's operating results, diversion
of management's attention, failure to retain key acquired personnel and
unanticipated events or liabilities, some or all of which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.

NO HISTORY OF PROFITABILITY

     The Company was formed in June 1991 and, consequently, has a limited
operating history. The Company also has grown dramatically in the past year
through the acquisition of a number of funeral homes and cemeteries. A
substantial portion of the funds utilized for such acquisitions has been
obtained through the incurrence of debt, and therefore, the Company has incurred
net losses in each of its five years of operations. There can be no assurance
that the Company will become profitable in the future. See "Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial and Operating Data" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

     The Company has and will have substantial capital requirements for the
acquisition of funeral homes and cemeteries. Historically, the Company has
financed these requirements primarily with the proceeds from debt and the
issuance of preferred stock. While management believes the Company will have
sufficient capital available under its credit facility, from cash flow and from
proceeds from the Offering to fund acquisitions, if revenues or the Company's
borrowing base decrease as a result of operating difficulties or other reasons,
the Company may have limited ability to expend the capital necessary to
undertake or complete future acquisitions. There can be no assurance that
sufficient debt or equity financing or cash generated by operations will be
available to meet these requirements. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."

                                       8
   
DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL

     The Company depends to a large extent upon the abilities and continued
efforts of Melvin C. Payne, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark W.
Duffey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and its other
senior management. The loss of the services of the key members of the Company's
senior management could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
continued ability to compete in the death care industry. The Company will enter
into employment agreements with its principal executive officers prior to the
Offering. The Company's future success will also depend upon its ability to
attract and retain skilled funeral home and cemetery management personnel. See
"Management."

CONTROL BY EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS

     Following the Offering, the Company will have 3,400,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock outstanding and 4,501,476 shares of Class B Common Stock
outstanding. The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
("Charter") provides that holders of Class A Common Stock shall have one vote
per share on all matters requiring stockholder approval and that holders of
Class B Common Stock shall have ten votes per share on all matters requiring
stockholder approval. Accordingly, following the Offering and assuming
conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock, holders of Class B Common Stock will
hold 94% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (93% if
the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). These
stockholders will be in a position to exert substantial influence over the
outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the
election of directors, the future issuance of Common Stock or other securities
of the Company, the declaration of any dividend payable on the Common Stock and
the approval of transactions involving a change in control of the Company. See
"Description of Capital Stock."

CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS

     The Company's Charter and Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws") contain
certain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or
preventing a change in control of the Company or unsolicited acquisition
proposals that a stockholder might consider favorable, including the voting
rights of the Class B Common Stock and provisions authorizing the issuance of
"blank check" preferred stock, providing for a Board of Directors with
staggered, three-year terms, requiring supermajority or class voting to effect
certain amendments to the Charter and Bylaws, limiting the persons who may call
special stockholders' meetings, limiting stockholder action by written consent
and establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the
Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at
stockholders' meetings. Certain of these provisions may have the effect of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company or
unsolicited acquisition proposals. It is anticipated that certain holders of
Class B Common Stock will enter into a voting agreement restricting each
person's ability to sell their shares of capital stock of the Company to a
competitor and obligating such persons to vote against any proposal to merge,
consolidate or sell all or substantially all of the Company's assets to a
competitor. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Delaware Law and Certain
Charter Provisions."
    
TREND TOWARD CREMATION

     There is an increasing trend in the United States toward cremation.
According to industry studies, cremations represented approximately 21% of the
burials performed in the United States in 1994, as compared with approximately
10% in 1980. Cremations represented approximately 3% of the Company's funeral
revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company believes that its low
cremation rate is primarily a result of cultural or religious traditions in the
markets the Company serves. The Company's cremation rate will increase if the
cremation rate in its current markets increases or if the Company enters new
markets where the cremation rate is higher. Compared to traditional funeral
services, cremations have historically generated similar gross profit
percentages but lower revenues. A substantial increase in the rate of cremations
performed by the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations. See "Business -- Death Care Industry."

                                       9

REGULATION

     The Company's operations are subject to regulation, supervision and
licensing under numerous federal, state and local laws, ordinances and
regulations, including extensive regulations concerning trust funds, preneed
sales of funeral and cemetery products and services and various other aspects of
the Company's business. The impact of such regulations varies depending on the
location of the Company's funeral homes and cemeteries.
   
     From time to time, states and other regulatory agencies have considered and
may enact additional legislation or regulations that could affect the death care
industry. For example, some states and regulatory agencies have considered or
are considering regulations that could require more liberal refund and
cancellation policies for preneed sales of products and services, prohibit
door-to-door or telephone solicitation of potential customers, increase trust
requirements and prohibit the common ownership of funeral homes and cemeteries
in the same market. If adopted in the states in which the Company operates,
these and other possible proposals could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations. See "Business -- Trust Funds" and "--
Regulation."

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have 3,400,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock outstanding and 4,501,476 shares of Class B Common Stock
outstanding. The 3,400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock will be freely
tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), except for shares sold by persons
deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company or acting as "underwriters," as those
terms are defined in the Securities Act. All shares of Class B Common Stock will
be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities
Act and will be eligible for resale subject to the volume, manner of sale,
holding period and other limitations of Rule 144. In addition, an aggregate of
310,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock
are reserved for issuance to employees and directors of the Company under the
Company's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are
reserved for issuance to employees under the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
and 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for issuance to outside
directors under the 1996 Nonemployee Directors Plan. Currently, 90,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock are issuable under existing options granted to employees
and directors. In addition, options exercisable for 600,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock will be granted to employees concurrently with the Offering under
the Company's stock option plans. See "Management -- Incentive Plans,"
"Description of Capital Stock" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."

     Pursuant to certain stock registration agreements, the Company may be
required, subject to certain conditions, to register under the Securities Act an
aggregate of up to 4,443,436 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Class B Common Stock by the current stockholders. Such
stockholders have waived their registration rights under the stock registration
agreements arising in connection with the Offering. In addition, the holders of
Series D Preferred Stock have been granted certain registration rights if the
Company proposes to undertake a public offering. Such holders have waived their
registration rights in connection with the Offering.

     The Company and the executive officers and directors and certain
stockholders of the Company have agreed not to sell, offer to sell, contract to
sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of Common Stock, or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or any rights
to purchase or acquire Common Stock for a period of 180 days commencing on the
date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives
of the Underwriters, other than the issuance of options to purchase Common Stock
or shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise thereof and issuances of
capital stock by the Company in connection with acquisitions of funeral homes
and cemeteries, provided that such options shall not vest and become exercisable
and such shares issuable upon exercise of options or pursuant to acquisitions
shall not be transferable prior to the end of the 180-day period. See "Shares
Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
    
                                       10

NO PRIOR MARKET FOR CLASS A COMMON STOCK

     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Class A
Common Stock will develop upon completion of the Offering or, if developed, that
such market will be sustained. The initial public offering price of the Class A
Common Stock will be determined through negotiations between the Company and the
representatives of the Underwriters and may bear no relationship to the market
prices of the Class A Common Stock after the Offering. Prices for the Class A
Common Stock after the Offering may be influenced by a number of factors,
including the liquidity of the market for the Class A Common Stock, investor
perceptions of the Company and the death care industry in general and general
economic and other conditions. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A Common
Stock in the public market subsequent to the Offering could adversely affect the
market price of the Class A Common Stock. For information relating to the
factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price, see
"Underwriting."
   
BENEFITS OF THE OFFERING TO EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS

     In addition to the benefits to be derived from the Company having publicly
traded securities following the Offering, certain existing stockholders of the
Company will benefit from the Offering in that the Company will use $8.3 million
of the net proceeds to repay borrowings from Mr. C. Byron Snyder, Chairman of
the Board of Directors and one of the Company's principal stockholders, and will
use $37.9 million of the net proceeds to repay borrowings from Provident
Services, Inc. In addition, the personal guarantees of Melvin C. Payne, Mark W.
Duffey and C. Byron Snyder, three of the Company's principal stockholders, on
certain indebtedness will be released. See "Use of Proceeds." The Company also
will enter into certain employment agreements and issue options under the
Company's stock option plans to the executive officers, directors and certain
key employees concurrently with the Offering. See "Management -- Employment
Agreements," "-- Compensation of Directors" and "-- Incentive Plans."

SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION

     Investors in the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will experience
immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value per share of
$12.24 (assuming an initial public offering price of $14.00 per share). See
"Dilution."
    
DIVIDENDS

     The Company intends to retain its cash for the continued development of its
business and currently does not intend to pay cash dividends on the Common Stock
in the foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy."

                                       11

                                  THE COMPANY
   
     Carriage Services, Inc. believes that it is the sixth largest provider of
death care services and products in the United States based on 1995 revenues.
The Company provides a complete range of funeral services and products to meet
families' needs, including consultation, removal and preparation of remains,
sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, transportation services and the
use of funeral home facilities for visitation. The Company also offers cemetery
products and services, including rights to interment in cemetery sites,
interment services and related cemetery merchandise. As of June 30, 1996, the
Company operated 62 funeral homes and seven cemeteries in 13 states. Funeral
services constituted approximately 93% of revenues in 1995 and 92% in the first
half of 1996.

     Since the Company's formation in 1991, management has undertaken a
disciplined approach to growth that has allowed the Company the necessary time
to integrate acquisitions, develop effective operating, administrative and
financial systems and controls, recruit an experienced operating management team
and promote a decentralized, entrepreneurial service culture. From 1992 through
1995, the Company acquired 42 funeral homes and four cemeteries for
consideration ranging from approximately $9 million to $14 million in each of
the four years. The Company believes that the infrastructure it has developed
over the past four years positioned the Company to pursue an accelerated growth
strategy beginning in late 1995. As a result, the Company has acquired 24
funeral homes and four cemeteries for consideration of $33.5 million through the
first six months of 1996 and an additional two funeral homes and one cemetery
for consideration of $7.8 million through July 15, 1996. In addition, as of July
15, 1996, the Company had letters of intent to acquire eight funeral homes and
one cemetery for consideration of $13.5 million.

     The Company was incorporated in Delaware on December 29, 1993. The
Company's principal executive office is located at 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite
1500, Houston, Texas 77056, and its telephone number is (713) 556-7400.

                                       12

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby are estimated to be approximately $43.3 million
(approximately $49.9 million if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full) assuming an initial public offering price of $14.00 per
share, after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and offering
expenses. All of the net proceeds will be used to repay outstanding indebtedness
of the Company. The Company will use the net proceeds of the Offering and a
portion of the proceeds from a new bank credit facility to be entered into
concurrently with the Offering to repay borrowings from Mr. C. Byron Snyder,
Chairman of the Board of Directors and one of the Company's principal
stockholders (the "Snyder Notes"), borrowings from Provident Services, Inc.
("Provident") and borrowings from Texas Commerce Bank National Association
("TCB").

     The Snyder Notes consist of subordinated notes bearing interest at a
predetermined rate plus 3% (a weighted average rate of 11.3% for the six months
ended June 30, 1996), subject to adjustment under certain conditions. Interest
on the notes is payable annually on December 31 in the form of cash or the
issuance of additional subordinated notes. As of June 30, 1996, a total of $8.3
million of principal and accrued interest was owed under such notes. The notes
mature in May 2001.

     The indebtedness payable to Provident consists of notes, secured by deeds
of trust and security agreements covering certain real and personal property and
guaranteed by Messrs. Payne and Duffey. The notes bear interest at the prime
rate plus 1.5% per annum and the prime rate (a weighted average rate of 9.79%
for the six months ended June 30, 1996). As of June 30, 1996, a total of $37.9
million was outstanding under these notes. Such indebtedness is scheduled to
mature at various dates through 2001. The funds received from Provident were
used by the Company to fund the acquisition and improvement of funeral homes and
for working capital purposes.

     The indebtedness payable to TCB consists of three notes secured by deeds of
trust and security agreements covering certain real and personal property. The
notes, on an aggregate basis, bore interest at a weighted average rate of 7.87%
for the six months ended June 30, 1996. As of June 30, 1996, a total of $16.7
million was outstanding under these notes. Such indebtedness is scheduled to
mature at various dates through 2003. The funds received from TCB were used by
the Company to fund acquisitions of and improvements to funeral homes.

     The Company anticipates that it will enter into a new credit facility with
certain commercial lenders concurrently with the Offering. The Company has
obtained a commitment from NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ("NationsBank") and
Provident that provides for a $75 million revolving line of credit (the "Credit
Facility"). It is anticipated that a portion of the Credit Facility will provide
for both LIBOR and base rate interest options and the remainder of the Credit
Facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus 2%. The facility will be unsecured,
will have a term of three years and will be available to the Company to repay
existing outstanding indebtedness, to fund its working capital needs and to take
advantage of opportunities to acquire additional funeral homes and cemeteries as
they arise. It is anticipated that the Credit Facility will contain customary
restrictive covenants, including a restriction on the payment of dividends on
the Common Stock, and will require the Company to maintain certain financial
ratios, which may effectively limit the Company's borrowing capacity.

                                       13

                                DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company has never paid a cash dividend on the Common Stock. The Company
currently intends to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of
its business and does not anticipate paying a cash dividend on the Common Stock
in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company expects that the Credit
Facility will contain certain restrictions on the payment of dividends on the
Common Stock. Any future change in the Company's dividend policy will be made at
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors in light of the financial
condition, capital requirements, earnings and prospects of the Company and any
restrictions under credit agreements, as well as other factors the Board of
Directors may deem relevant. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources." Holders of shares of the Company's Series D Preferred Stock are
entitled to receive annual cash dividends of $.06 per share, $.0625 per share or
$.07 per share depending on the date such shares were issued. Such dividends are
payable quarterly. Through June 30, 1996, cash dividends of $100,941 on the
Series D Preferred Stock have been paid. See "Description of Capital Stock."

                                       14

                                 CAPITALIZATION

     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
30, 1996, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares of Class A Common
Stock offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom. The table should be read in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

                                              AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                          ----------------------------
                                           ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                          ---------     --------------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
Current portion of long-term debt.......  $   5,015        $    352
                                          =========     ==============
Long-term debt (excluding current portion):
     Senior debt........................  $  49,906        $     --
     Subordinated notes.................     10,371           2,530
     Credit Facility....................         --          19,142
                                          ---------     --------------
          Total long-term debt..........     60,277          21,672
                                          ---------     --------------
Redeemable preferred stock(2)...........      8,545           8,545
                                          ---------     --------------
Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred Stock, no stated par,
      50,000,000 shares authorized;
      16,045,000 shares issued and
      outstanding; no shares issued or
      outstanding, as adjusted..........        162              --
     Common Stock, par value $.01 per
      share, 20,000,000 shares
      authorized; 2,521,000 shares
      issued and outstanding; 30,000,000
      shares authorized; no shares
      issued or outstanding, as
      adjusted..........................         25              --
     Class A Common Stock, par value
      $.01 per share, no shares
      authorized, issued or outstanding;
      15,000,000 shares authorized;
      3,400,000 shares issued and
      outstanding, as adjusted(3).......         --              34
     Class B Common Stock, par value
      $.01 per share, no shares
      authorized, issued or outstanding;
      15,000,000 shares authorized,
      4,501,476 shares issued and
      outstanding, as adjusted(4).......         --              45
     Contributed capital................     15,650          58,684
     Treasury stock.....................       (330)           (330)
     Accumulated deficit................     (6,857)         (6,857)
                                          ---------     --------------
          Total stockholders' equity....      8,650          51,576
                                          ---------     --------------
               Total capitalization.....  $  77,472        $ 81,793
                                          =========     ==============
- ------------
(1) As adjusted to reflect the application of the net proceeds of the Offering,
    borrowings under the Credit Facility, the write-off of $667,000 of
    capitalized debt issuance costs related to indebtedness to be repaid with
    the proceeds of the Offering and the incurrence of $325,000 of capitalized
    debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility. The write-off of the
    $667,000 capitalized debt issuance costs will be recorded as an expense in
    the period in which the related indebtedness is repaid.

(2) The redeemable preferred stock (the Series D Preferred Stock) is convertible
    at the holder's option into Class B Common Stock at the lesser of the
    initial public offering price or the applicable initial conversion base
    price (currently ranging from $15.00 to $18.00). On December 31, 2001, the
    Company must redeem all shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding
    at a redemption price of $1.00 per share, together with all accrued and
    unpaid dividends. See "Description of Capital Stock."

(3) Does not include 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the
    exercise of options under the Company's stock option plans to be granted
    concurrently with the Offering. See "Management -- Incentive Plans."

(4) Excludes as of June 30, 1996, 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise of options and 610,401 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable
    upon conversion of the 8,545,616 shares of the Series D Preferred Stock.
    Also, does not include (i) 453,929 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable
    upon conversion of 6,355,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock issued in
    connection with acquisitions completed subsequent to June 30, 1996 and (ii)
    177,857 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 2,490,000
    shares of Series D Preferred Stock and an additional 53,333 shares of Class
    B Common Stock to be issued in connection with pending acquisitions. The
    number of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
    Series D Preferred Stock assumes an initial public offering price of $14.00
    per share; the actual number of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon
    conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock will be adjusted based upon the
    initial public offering price of the Class A Common Stock. See "Management
    -- Incentive Plans" and "Description of Capital Stock."

                                       15

                                    DILUTION

     The net tangible book deficit of the Company as of June 30, 1996 was
$28,877,000 or $6.42 per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book deficit per
share is determined by dividing total tangible assets less total liabilities of
the Company by the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock (4,501,476
shares, which includes the assumed conversion of all outstanding shares of the
Company's Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Stock into shares of Class B
Common Stock). After giving effect to the sale of the shares of Class A Common
Stock offered hereby (assuming an initial public offering price of $14.00 per
share) and the receipt of the estimated net proceeds of approximately
$43,268,000 (after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated
expenses) and the write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs of $450,000, the
pro forma net tangible book value of the Company at June 30, 1996 would have
been $13,941,000 or $1.76 per share. This represents an immediate increase in
the net tangible book value of $8.18 per share to existing stockholders and an
immediate dilution (I.E., the difference between the initial public offering
price and the pro forma net tangible book value after the Offering) of $12.24 to
new investors. The following table illustrates such per share dilution:

Assumed public offering price per
  share.................................             $   14.00
     Historical net tangible book
       deficit per share at June 30,
       1996.............................  $   (6.42)
     Increase in net tangible book value
       per share attributable to the
       Offering.........................       8.18
Pro forma net tangible book value per
  share after giving effect to the
  Offering..............................                  1.76
                                                     ---------
Dilution per share to new investors.....             $   12.24
                                                     =========

     The following table sets forth, after giving effect to the Offering, the
number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company, the total
consideration paid therefor and the average price per share paid by existing
stockholders and by new investors:

                          SHARES PURCHASED   TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                          ----------------   --------------------  AVERAGE PRICE
                            NUMBER   PERCENT     AMOUNT    PERCENT   PER SHARE
                          ----------   ---   -------------   ---    ------------

Existing stockholders...   4,501,476   57.0% $  15,507,000    24.6%     $  3.44
New investors...........   3,400,000   43.0     47,600,000    75.4        14.00
                          ----------  ---   -------------   ---
     Total..............   7,901,476  100.0% $  63,107,000  100.0%
                          ==========  =====  =============  =====

     The foregoing tables assume no exercise of outstanding stock options and no
conversion of Series D Preferred Stock. As of June 30, 1996, 90,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock are issuable upon the exercise of stock options at an
average exercise price of $10.54 per share. See "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."

                                       16

         SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

     The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and
operating data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The consolidated
financial data of the Company as of and for the four years ended December 31,
1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 set forth below have been derived
from financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants. The consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for the
period from inception to December 31, 1991 and as of and for the six months
ended June 30, 1995 set forth below have been derived from unaudited financial
statements which, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation
of the financial data for such periods. The selected consolidated financial data
should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and with the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            PERIOD FROM                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                           INCEPTION TO             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               ENDED JUNE 30,
                                           DECEMBER 31,    ------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                               1991          1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<S>                                            <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Revenues, net:
    Funeral.............................     $--           $   1,625  $  10,651  $  17,368  $  22,661  $  10,800  $  15,648
    Cemetery............................      --                 178        614      1,036      1,576        701      1,277
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total net revenues................      --               1,803     11,265     18,404     24,237     11,501     16,925
  Gross profit:
    Funeral.............................      --                 (88)       917      2,856      3,740      2,062      3,194
    Cemetery............................      --                 113        143        158        250        110        195
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total gross profit................      --                  25      1,060      3,014      3,990      2,172      3,389
  General and administrative expenses...         202             490        985      1,266      2,106        832      1,155
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Operating income (loss)...............        (202)           (465)        75      1,748      1,884      1,340      2,234
  Interest expense, net.................           6             295      1,745      2,671      3,684      1,648      2,644
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Loss before income taxes..............        (208)           (760)    (1,670)      (923)    (1,800)      (308)      (410)
  Provision for income taxes............      --    (1)       --    (1)    --    (1)        40       694       390       251
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net loss..............................        (208)           (760)    (1,670)      (963)    (2,494)      (698)      (661)
  Preferred stock dividends.............      --              --         --    (1)    --       --         --            101
                                           -------------   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net loss attributable to common
    stock...............................       $(208)(1)   $    (760 (1) $  (1,670 (1) $    (963) $  (2,494) $    (698) $    (762)
                                           =============   =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
  Loss per common share.................       $(.08)(1)   $    (.30 (1) $    (.66 (1) $    (.28) $    (.66) $    (.20) $    (.17)
                                           =============   =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
  Weighted average number of common and
    common equivalent shares
    outstanding.........................       2,543           2,543      2,543      3,406      3,781      3,543      4,512
                                           =============   =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA:
  Funeral homes at end of period........      --                  14         25         34         41         39         62
  Funeral services performed during
    period..............................      --                 389      2,265      3,529      4,414      2,127      3,004
  Preneed funeral contracts sold........      --                 451        644        762      2,610      1,279      1,997
  Backlog of preneed funeral
    contracts...........................      --               2,576      5,170      6,855      8,676      7,769     23,758
  Depreciation and amortization.........       $   2       $     261  $     947  $   1,476  $   1,948  $     907  $   1,389

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital.......................      -$-          $     678  $    (142) $   4,271  $   6,472  $   4,457  $   1,461
  Total assets..........................          24          13,089     28,784     44,165     61,746     45,139     94,037
  Long-term debt, net of current
    maturities..........................         220          12,656     26,270     32,622     42,057     34,408     60,277
  Redeemable preferred stock............      --              --         --         --         --         --          8,545
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)........        (198)           (958)    (2,626)     3,429      9,151      3,262      8,650
</TABLE>
                                       17
- ------------
(1) Prior to January 1, 1994, the Company consisted of three entities whose
    owners contributed their equity in these entities in exchange for 2,520,000
    shares of common stock of the Company effective January 1, 1994.
    Accordingly, shares of common stock shown outstanding for these periods
    assume the exchange had taken place at the beginning of the periods
    presented. In 1992 and 1993, the entities were subchapter S corporations,
    and taxes were the direct responsibility of the owners. Thus, the tax
    provisions reflected above for these periods are based on assumptions about
    what tax provisions (benefits) would have been if the Company were a taxable
    entity. In the opinion of management, no pro forma tax provision (benefit)
    was appropriate for these periods because the Company follows a policy of
    fully reserving its net operating losses.
    
                                       18

                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

     The Company was formed in 1991 in order to take advantage of the attractive
fundamentals and significant opportunities to consolidate the death care
industry. Although the Company provides services and products in both the
funeral home and cemetery businesses, the Company has historically focused on
acquiring funeral home businesses. From 1992 through 1995, the Company acquired
42 funeral homes and four cemeteries, for consideration ranging from
approximately $9 million to $14 million in each of the four years. The Company
intentionally took a disciplined, deliberate approach to acquisitions that
allowed management the time to integrate early acquisitions, to develop and
implement systems, including operational procedures, administrative policies,
financial systems and related controls, and to promote a decentralized service
culture. In order to strengthen and bring greater focus to the Company's
operations, the Company recruited Russell W. Allen, Executive Vice President of
Operations, in 1993. During the next two years, two additional operating
executives and related support staff were added. These three operating
executives bring more than sixty years of combined death care industry
experience to the management team.
   
     The Company believes that management's focus on controlled growth while
implementing sophisticated operational, administrative systems and related
controls to effectively manage a highly decentralized management structure
positioned it to pursue an accelerated growth strategy beginning in late 1995.
Since the beginning of 1996, the Company has expanded its corporate development
activities, with Mark W. Duffey becoming responsible for corporate development
and overseeing two additional professionals with full-time responsibility for
identifying and evaluating acquisition candidates. Through the first six months
of 1996, the Company has acquired 24 funeral homes and four cemeteries for an
aggregate consideration of approximately $33.5 million. Two funeral homes and
one cemetery were acquired in July 1996 for approximately $7.8 million. These
acquisitions were funded through additional debt, issuance of 6,355,000 shares
of Series D Preferred Stock valued at $1.00 per share and available cash. In
addition, as of July 15, 1996, the Company had letters of intent to acquire
eight funeral homes and one cemetery for an aggregate consideration of
approximately $13.5 million. The Company believes that it will continue to see
attractive acquisition opportunities as further consolidation of the industry
occurs.
    
     Upon acquisition, the operations team focuses on increasing historic
operating income by improving the merchandising approach, pricing structure and
marketing strategy of acquired businesses. These enhancements, complemented by
discounts from consolidated purchasing, generally result in improved margins
within the first 12 months.
   
     In certain instances, a review of the marketing strategy of an acquired
business results in increased preneed funeral and cemetery sales efforts to
secure or gain future market share. Preneed funeral sales are effected by
deposits to a trust or purchases of third party insurance products. Since the
Company does not have access to these funds, the sale is not recorded until the
service is performed nor are the related assets and liabilities reflected on the
Company's consolidated balance sheet. The trust income earned and increases in
insurance benefits are also deferred until the service is performed in order to
offset possible inflation in cost to provide the service in the future. Unlike
preneed funeral sales, the Company has access to the funds related to preneed
cemetery sales. Therefore, preneed cemetery sales and the related estimated
costs are recorded at the time of sale. Trust fund requirements relate only to
the estimated costs of providing merchandise and service. Any income from the
merchandise and service trust funds is recorded as cemetery revenue in the
period earned. These earnings are an offset to any inflation in the cost of
providing the merchandise and services in the future. These estimated costs are
reviewed at least annually, and any significant increase in estimated costs are
recorded at that time. Due to the Company's small number of cemetery operations,
the impact of these trust earnings and any inflation in estimated costs have not
historically been significant.

                                       19

FACTORS AFFECTING HISTORICAL FINANCIAL RESULTS

     For 1992, 1993 and 1994, the Company's corporate infrastructure required
only modest additions to support its disciplined approach to acquisitions. As a
result, general and administrative expenses declined as a percentage of revenues
over these years. In anticipation of accelerating its acquisition activity, the
Company began in 1995 to significantly expand its corporate infrastructure to
support more rapid growth. As a result, general and administrative expenses in
1995 increased as a percentage of revenues over 1994. Although general and
administrative expenses will continue to increase as the Company grows, these
expenses are expected to increase at a lower rate relative to revenue, and thus,
general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues are expected to
decline.

     Three separate transactions completed by the Company in September 1992,
November 1992 and July 1993 resulted in the acquisition of packages of two,
eight and eight funeral homes, respectively, for a total of 18 funeral homes.
Eight of these funeral homes were acquired from one of the large death care
companies that was divesting these properties to comply with a Federal Trade
Commission order. Since these properties were sold as packages, the Company's
acquisition criteria could not be applied on a location by location basis. While
the poor performance of certain properties was reflected in the purchase price,
certain of the funeral homes had been losing market share prior to the
acquisition or otherwise required significant operational improvements, thus
negatively impacting overall gross margin. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had
divested three of these funeral homes. The Company has also divested one
cemetery which was included in one of these packages.

     As a result of the Company's increased recognition in the death care
industry as an established purchaser of funeral homes and cemeteries, the
Company has been in a better position to finance its acquisitions with debt and
equity thereby reducing the negotiated value of agreements not to compete. Since
the Company's agreements not to compete have, generally, been amortized over
four to ten years, whereas any excess purchase price allocated to names and
reputations is amortized over 40 years, any reduction in the non-competition
agreement payments (assuming the same purchase price) results in a reduction in
operating expense during the amortization period of the agreements not to
compete. Since mid-1995, the Company has experienced a reduction in the
operating expenses for amortization of agreements not to compete compared to
prior years.

     The Company's future results of operations will depend in large part on the
Company's ability to continue to make acquisitions on attractive terms and to
successfully integrate and manage the acquired properties. See "Risk Factors --
Competition for Acquisitions" and " -- No History of Profitability."
    
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the
Company expressed as a percentage of net revenues for the periods presented:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                          -------------------------------  --------------------
                                            1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Total revenues, net.....................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Total gross profit......................        9.4       16.4       16.5       18.9       20.0
General and administrative expenses.....        8.7        6.9        8.7        7.2        6.8
Operating income........................        0.7        9.5        7.8       11.7       13.2
Interest expense, net...................       15.5       14.5       15.2       14.3       15.6
Net loss................................      (14.8)      (5.2)     (10.3)      (6.1)      (3.9)
</TABLE>

                                       20

     The following table sets forth the number of funeral homes and cemeteries
owned and operated by the Company for the periods presented:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            SIX MONTHS
                                                                                      ENDED
                                          -------------------------------------      JUNE 30,
                                             1993         1994         1995            1996
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Funeral homes at beginning of period....          14           25           34           41
Acquisitions............................          11            9            8           24
Divestitures............................           0            0            1            3
                                                  --           --           --           --
Funeral homes at end of period..........          25           34           41           62
                                                  ==           ==           ==           ==
Cemeteries at beginning of period.......           2            2            3            3
Acquisitions............................           1            1            0            4
Divestitures............................           1            0            0            0
                                                  --           --           --           --
Cemeteries at end of period.............           2            3            3            7
                                                  ==           ==           ==           ==
</TABLE>
   
     The following is a discussion of the Company's results of operations for
the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 and the three years ended December
31, 1993, 1994 and 1995. For purposes of this discussion, funeral homes and
cemeteries owned and operated for the entirety of each period being compared are
referred to as "existing operations." Operations acquired or opened during
either period being compared are referred to as "acquired operations."

  SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the net
revenues and gross profit of the Company from its operations during the six
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996:

                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                            JUNE 30,              CHANGE
                                     --------------------  --------------------
                                       1995       1996      AMOUNT      PERCENT
                                     ---------  ---------  ---------    -------
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net revenues:
     Existing operations...........  $  10,849  $  11,102  $     253       2.3%
     Acquired operations...........        652      5,823      5,171      *
                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total net revenues.......  $  11,501  $  16,925  $   5,424      47.2%
                                     =========  =========  =========
Gross profit:
     Existing operations...........  $   2,013  $   2,231  $     218      10.8%
     Acquired operations...........        159      1,158        999      *
                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total gross profit.......  $   2,172  $   3,389  $   1,217      56.0%
                                     =========  =========  =========
- ------------
* Not meaningful.

     Total net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased $5.4
million or 47.2% over the six months ended June 30, 1995. The higher net
revenues reflect an increase of $5.2 million in net revenues from acquired
operations and an increase in net revenues of $253,000 or 2.3% from existing
operations. The increase in net revenues for the existing operations was due to
a 4.4% increase in the average revenue per funeral service which was partially
offset by a decrease in net revenues attributable to fewer funeral services
being performed due primarily to the divestiture of three funeral homes. At June
30, 1996, the Company operated seven cemeteries, the net revenues and gross
profit of which were not significant.

     Total gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased $1.2
million or 56.0% over the first six months of 1995. The higher total gross
profit reflects an increase of $999,000 from acquired operations and an increase
of $218,000 or 10.8% from existing operations. The increase in gross profit for
the existing operations was due to the efficiencies gained by consolidation and
implementation of a new merchandising

                                       21

strategy. Total gross margin increased from 18.9% for the six months ended June
30, 1995 to 20.0% for the six months ended June 30, 1996 due to the factors
mentioned above.

     General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1996
increased $323,000 over the first six months of 1995 due primarily to the
increased personnel expense necessary to support a higher rate of growth and
increased acquisition activity. However, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of net revenues decreased from 7.2% for the first six months of
1995 to 6.8% for the comparable period of 1996 because revenues increased at a
higher rate, due to acquisitions, than general and administrative expenses.

     Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased $996,000
over the first six months of 1995 principally due to increased borrowings for
acquisitions.

     Although the Company experienced net operating losses before tax, the
Company's policy to fully reserve operating loss carryforwards created a tax
provision of $251,000 in the six months ended June 30, 1996 and $390,000 in the
six months ended June 30, 1995.

  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the net
revenues and gross profit of the Company during the years ended December 31,
1994 and 1995:
                                        YEAR ENDED
                                       DECEMBER 31,             CHANGE
                                   --------------------  --------------------
                                     1994       1995      AMOUNT      PERCENT
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------    -------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net revenues:
     Existing operations.........  $  16,593  $  16,838  $     245       1.5%
     Acquired operations.........      1,811      7,399      5,588      *
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total net revenues.....  $  18,404  $  24,237  $   5,833      31.7%
                                   =========  =========  =========
Gross profit:
     Existing operations.........  $   2,685  $   2,792  $     107       4.0%
     Acquired operations.........        329      1,198        869      *
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total gross profit.....  $   3,014  $   3,990  $     976      32.4%
                                   =========  =========  =========
- ------------
* Not meaningful.

     Total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased $5.8
million or 31.7% over 1994. The higher net revenues were due primarily to an
increase of $5.6 million in net revenues from acquired operations. Net revenues
from existing operations increased $245,000 or 1.5% over 1994. The increase in
net revenues from existing operations resulted from a 4.3% increase in average
revenue per funeral service which was partially offset by a decrease in net
revenues due to fewer funeral services performed primarily as a result of the
divestiture of one funeral home and the planned divestiture of two additional
funeral homes. At December 31, 1995, the Company operated three cemeteries, the
net revenues and gross profit of which were not significant.

     Total gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased $976,000
or 32.4% over 1994. The higher total gross profit reflects an increase of
$869,000 from acquired operations and an increase of $107,000 or 4.0% from
existing operations. The gross profit increase for the existing operations was
due to the efficiencies gained by consolidation and implementation of a new
merchandising strategy. Total gross margin remained relatively consistent.

     General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 1995
increased $840,000 over 1994 and increased as a percentage of net revenues to
8.7% for 1995 from 6.9% for 1994. These increases resulted primarily from
increased personnel expense necessary to support a higher rate of growth and
increased acquisition activity.
    
     Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased $1.0
million over 1994, principally due to increased borrowings for acquisitions.

                                       22

     Although the Company experienced net operating losses before tax, the
Company's policy to fully reserve operating loss carryforwards created a tax
provision of $40,000 in 1994 and $694,000 in 1995.

  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the net
revenues and gross profit of the Company during the years ended December 31,
1993 and 1994:

                                         YEAR ENDED
                                        DECEMBER 31,             CHANGE
                                    --------------------  --------------------
                                      1993       1994      AMOUNT      PERCENT
                                    ---------  ---------  ---------    -------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Net revenues:
     Existing operations..........  $   7,383  $   7,597  $     214       2.9%
     Acquired operations..........      3,882     10,807      6,925      *
                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total net revenues......  $  11,265  $  18,404  $   7,139      63.4%
                                    =========  =========  =========
Gross profit:
     Existing operations..........  $     764  $   1,085  $     321      42.0%
     Acquired operations..........        296      1,929      1,633      *
                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total gross profit......  $   1,060  $   3,014  $   1,954     184.3%
                                    =========  =========  =========
- ------------
* Not meaningful.
   
     Total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased $7.1
million or 63.4% over 1993. The higher net revenues are primarily due to an
increase of $6.9 million in net revenues from acquired operations. Net revenues
from existing operations increased $214,000 or 2.9% over 1993. The increase in
net revenues from existing operations resulted from a 4.7% increase in average
revenue per funeral service which was partially offset by a slight decrease in
the number of funeral services performed. At December 31, 1994, the Company
operated three cemeteries, the net revenues and gross profit of which were not
significant.

     Total gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased $2.0
million or 184.3% over 1993. The higher total gross profit reflects an increase
of $1.6 million from acquired operations and an increase of $321,000 or 42.0%
from existing operations. The gross profit increase for the existing operations
was due to the efficiencies gained by consolidation and implementation of a new
merchandising strategy. Total gross margin increased from 9.4% in 1993 to 16.4%
in 1994.

     General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 1994
increased $281,000 over 1993. This increase resulted primarily from increased
personnel expense necessary to support a higher rate of growth and increased
acquisition activity. However, general and administrative expenses decreased as
a percentage of net revenues to 6.9% for 1994 from 8.7% for 1993, primarily due
to increased net revenues from acquisitions without significant additions to
corporate infrastructure.
    
     Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased $926,000
over 1993 principally due to increased borrowings for acquisitions.

     Although the Company experienced net operating losses before tax, the
Company's policy to fully reserve operating loss carryforwards created a tax
provision of $40,000 in 1994.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
   
     Cash and cash equivalents totaled $4.5 million at June 30, 1996,
representing a decrease of $3.1 million from December 31, 1995. For the six
months ended June 30, 1996, cash flow from operations decreased to $465,000 from
$804,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995. Cash used in investing
activities produced a negative cash flow of $25.1 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1996 compared to a negative cash flow of $4.2 million in the
prior period, due primarily to cash used for acquisitions. In the first half of
1996, cash flow provided by financing activities amounted to approximately $21.6
million, primarily due to debt incurred of approximately $23.8 million.
    
     Historically, the Company has financed its acquisitions with proceeds from
debt and the issuance of preferred stock. As of June 30, 1996, the Company has
issued 8,545,616 shares of Series D Preferred Stock which can be converted into
Class B Common Stock. The holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to

                                       23

receive annual cash dividends of $.06, $.0625 and $.07 per share depending upon
when such shares were issued. Commencing on the second anniversary of the
completion of the Offering, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or any
portion of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding at a
redemption price of $1.00 per share, together with all accrued and unpaid
dividends. Such redemption is subject to the right of each holder of Series D
Preferred Stock to convert such holder's shares into shares of Class B Common
Stock. On December 31, 2001, the Company must redeem all shares of Series D
Preferred Stock then outstanding at a redemption price of $1.00 per share,
together with all accrued and unpaid dividends.

     In connection with the Company's formation in June 1991, the Company's
Chairman, C. Byron Snyder, provided an initial capital commitment of $6 million,
funded in the form of subordinated notes for working capital and acquisitions.
The Snyder Notes bear interest at a predetermined rate plus 3%, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances, and are payable annually in the form of
cash or additional subordinated notes. As of June 30, 1996, the aggregate amount
outstanding under the Snyder Notes was $7,841,000. The Company will use a
portion of the proceeds from the Offering to repay the Snyder Notes.

     In addition, Provident has provided long-term acquisition financing to the
Company on a senior secured basis (the "Provident Loans"). The Provident Loans
are made pursuant to the Ninth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of
August 31, 1994, as amended, and bear interest at prime plus 1.5%. As of June
30, 1996, approximately $37,860,000 was outstanding under the Provident Loans.
The Company plans to use a portion of the proceeds from the Offering to repay a
portion of the Provident Loans.
   
     The Company also has in place three senior secured term loan arrangements
with Texas Commerce Bank National Association ("TCB") which bear interest at a
weighted average of 7.87% for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and are
indirectly guaranteed in whole or in part by Messrs. Payne, Duffey and Snyder.
As of June 30, 1996, approximately $16,709,000 was outstanding under these
notes. The Company plans to use a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering
to repay a portion of the TCB loans.
    
     In connection with repayment of debt, a substantial portion of the
capitalized debt issuance costs ($667,000 at June 30, 1996) will be written off
in the period in which the debt is repaid.

     The Company anticipates that it will enter into the Credit Facility
concurrently with the closing of the Offering. The Company has obtained a
commitment from NationsBank and Provident for a $75 million revolving line of
credit. A portion of the Credit Facility is expected to provide for both LIBOR
and base rate interest options and the remainder of the facility will bear
interest at LIBOR plus 2%. The facility will be unsecured, will have a term of
three years and will contain customary restrictive covenants, including a
restriction on the payment of dividends on the Common Stock, and will require
the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, which may effectively limit
the Company's borrowing capacity.

     Two funeral homes and one cemetery were acquired in July 1996 for
approximately $7.8 million. These acquisitions were funded through additional
debt, issuance of 6,355,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock valued at $1.00
per share and available cash.

     As of July 15, 1996, the Company had effective non-binding letters of
intent for the acquisition of eight additional funeral homes and one additional
cemetery in Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana and North Carolina for an
aggregate consideration of approximately $13.5 million, which will be funded
with cash flow from operations, borrowings under the Credit Facility and
potential issuances of equity securities. It is expected that such transactions,
if completed, would occur by the end of the third quarter of 1996.

     Although the Company has no agreements or letters of intent to purchase
additional funeral homes or cemeteries other than as noted above, the Company
expects to continue to aggressively pursue additional acquisitions of funeral
homes and cemeteries following the completion of the Offering to take advantage
of the trend toward consolidation of funeral homes and cemeteries occurring in
the industry which will require significant levels of funding from various
sources. While the amount of expenditures for acquisitions in the future will
depend upon the specific transaction and opportunities as they are presented,
the Company has budgeted $26 million for acquisitions for the remainder of 1996
and $69 million for acquisitions for 1997. Management believes that cash flow
from operations, borrowings under the Credit Facility and potential issuances of
equity securities will be used to fund such acquisitions.
   
     The Company currently expects to incur approximately $1.2 million for
capital expenditures in the remainder of 1996, primarily for upgrading funeral
home facilities. Management believes that cash flows

                                       24

from operations and the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Facility
should be sufficient to meet its anticipated capital expenditures and other
operating requirements for the remainder of 1996 and in 1997. However, because
future cash flows and the availability of financing are subject to a number of
variables, such as the number and size of acquisitions made by the Company,
there can be no assurance that the Company's capital resources will be
sufficient to fund acquisitions. Additional debt and equity financings may be
required in connection with future acquisitions.
    
SEASONALITY

     Although the death care business is relatively stable and fairly
predictable, the Company's business can be affected by seasonal fluctuations in
the death rate. Generally, death rates are higher during the winter months. In
addition, the quarterly results of the Company may fluctuate depending on the
magnitude and timing of acquisitions.

                                       25

                                    BUSINESS

THE COMPANY
   
     Carriage Services, Inc. believes that it is the sixth largest provider of
death care services and products in the United States based on 1995 revenues.
The Company provides a complete range of funeral services and products to meet
families' needs, including consultation, removal and preparation of remains,
sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, transportation services and the
use of funeral home facilities for visitation. The Company also offers cemetery
products and services, including rights to interment in cemetery sites,
interment services and related cemetery merchandise. As of June 30, 1996, the
Company operated 62 funeral homes and seven cemeteries in 13 states. Funeral
services constituted approximately 93% of revenues in 1995 and 92% in the first
half of 1996.
    
DEATH CARE INDUSTRY

     Death care companies provide products and services to families in three
principal areas: (i) ceremony and tribute, generally in the form of a funeral or
memorial service, (ii) disposition of remains, either through burial or
cremation and (iii) memorialization, generally through monuments, markers or
inscriptions. The death care industry in the United States is characterized by
the following fundamental attributes:

     HIGHLY FRAGMENTED OWNERSHIP. A significant majority of death care operators
consist of small, family-owned businesses that control one or several funeral
homes or cemeteries in a single community. Management estimates that there are
approximately 22,000 funeral homes and 9,600 commercial (as opposed to
religious, family, fraternal, military or municipal) cemeteries in the United
States. Less than 20% of the 1995 United States death care industry revenues are
represented by the four largest publicly traded death care companies.

     BARRIERS TO ENTRY. Death care businesses have traditionally been
transferred to successive generations within a family and in most cases have
developed a local heritage and tradition that act as a formidable barrier for
those wishing to enter an existing market. Heritage and tradition afford an
established funeral home or cemetery a local franchise and provides the
opportunity for repeat business. Other difficulties faced by entities desiring
to enter a market include local zoning restrictions, substantial capital
requirements, increasing regulatory burdens and scarcity of cemetery land in
certain urban areas. In addition, established firms' backlog of preneed,
prefunded funerals or presold cemetery and mausoleum spaces also makes it
difficult for new entrants to gain entry into the marketplace.

     STABILITY. The death rates in the United States are fairly predictable,
thereby affording stability to the death care industry. Since 1980, the number
of deaths in the United States has increased at a compounded rate of
approximately 1% per year. According to a 1993 report prepared by the U.S.
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, the number of deaths in the United
States is expected to increase by approximately 1% per year between 1996 and
2010. Because the industry is relatively stable, non-cyclical and fairly
predictable, business failures are uncommon. As a result, ownership of funeral
home and cemetery businesses generally have not experienced significant
turnover, and the aggregate number of funeral homes and cemeteries in the United
States has remained relatively constant.

     INCREASED CONSOLIDATION. In the past several years, the industry has
experienced a trend toward consolidation of small death care operations with
large, primarily publicly owned death care providers that can benefit from
economies of scale, improved managerial control and more effective strategic
planning and greater financial resources. This trend appears to result
principally from increased regulation, a desire on the part of small, family
operated funeral businesses to address family succession and estate planning
issues, a desire for liquidity, and the increasing competitive threat posed by
the large death care providers. The active acquisition market for funeral homes
and cemeteries provides a source of potential liquidity that was not as readily
available to individual owners in the past. The consolidation trend has
accelerated in recent years as several large death care companies have expanded
their operations significantly through acquisitions.

     CLUSTERED OR COMBINED OPERATIONS.  The death care industry has also
witnessed a trend by firms to cluster their funeral home and cemetery
operations. Clusters refer to funeral homes and/or cemeteries which

                                       26

are grouped together in a geographical region. Clusters provide a company with
the ability to generate cost savings through the sharing of personnel, vehicles
and other resources. Firms also are increasingly combining funeral home and
cemetery operations at a single site to allow cross-marketing opportunities and
for further cost reductions through shared resources. The ability to offer the
full range of products and services at one location or to cluster funeral home
and cemetery operations and cross-market the full range of death care services
has proven to be a competitive advantage which tends to increase the market
share and profitability of both the funeral home and cemetery.

     PRENEED MARKETING. In addition to sales at the time of death or on an "at
need" basis, an increasing number of death care products and services are being
sold prior to the time of death or on a "preneed" basis by death care providers
who have developed sophisticated marketing staffs to actively promote such
products and services. At the same time, consumers are becoming more aware of
the benefits of advanced planning, such as the financial assurance and peace of
mind achieved by establishing in advance a fixed price and type of service, and
the elimination of the emotional strain of making death care plans at the time
of need. Effective marketing of preneed products and services assures a backlog
of future business.

     CREMATION. In recent years, there has been steady, gradual growth in the
number of families in the United States that have chosen cremation as an
alternative to traditional methods of burial. According to industry studies,
cremations represented approximately 21% of the United States burial market in
1994, as compared to approximately 10% in 1980. Many parts of the Southern and
Midwestern United States and many non-metropolitan communities exhibit
materially lower rates of cremation as a result of religious and cultural
traditions. Cremation historically has been marketed as a less costly
alternative to interment. However, cremation is increasingly marketed as part of
a complete death care package that includes traditional funeral services and
memorialization.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

     The Company's objective is to become the preferred succession planning
alternative for premier funeral homes throughout the United States while
continuing to promote a decentralized, entrepreneurial service culture.
Management believes that the Company's reputation and collaborative operating
style have allowed it to successfully pursue acquisition opportunities. The
Company also has been successful in implementing programs to increase
profitability at newly acquired properties.
   
     OPERATING STRATEGY. Since its formation, the Company has focused on
becoming a succession planning alternative to the larger death care providers.
The Company believes that its decentralized operating style, which provides
autonomy and flexibility to local management, is attractive to owners of funeral
homes seeking to sell their operations. Management believes that its operating
style is also a key component in its ability to attract and retain quality
managers. While the Company's management style allows local operators
significant responsibility in the daily operating decisions, financial
parameters jointly established during the budgeting process are monitored by
senior management through the Company's management and accounting systems. This
personal computer based system, CSASE (the Carriage Services Assistance System),
was specifically designed by the Company for use in its operations and is linked
to most of the Company's funeral home locations. CSASE enables a location to
function on its own by maintaining accounts receivables and payables locally,
thereby reducing the costs related to maintaining this function centrally. The
information provided by CSASE to the Company's senior management also allows the
Company, on a timely basis, to access critical operating and financial data from
a site in order to analyze the performance of individual locations and institute
corrective action if necessary.
    
     The Company also has established a compensation structure that is designed
to maintain and create a sense of ownership on the part of local managers. The
Company awards meaningful cash bonuses tied to achieving certain earnings
objectives at a location and issues stock options to local management for
exceptional performance. As a result, local management has the opportunity to
significantly increase their personal net worths through strong local and
corporate performance.

     Management also believes that implementing its operating strategy on newly
acquired businesses can lead to enhanced profitability of acquired operations.
The Company has an extensive merchandising and

                                       27

training program that is designed to educate local funeral home operators about
opportunities to improve marketing of products and services, to share sales
leads and other cross-marketing opportunities and to become familiar with and
adopt the Company's business objectives. The larger size of the Company as
compared to local operations also allows favorable pricing and terms to be
achieved from vendors through volume discounts on significant expenditures, such
as caskets, vaults, memorials and vehicles. In addition, while operational
functions and management autonomy are retained at the local level, centralizing
certain financial, accounting, legal, administrative and employee benefit
functions allows for more efficient and cost-effective operations. The Company
also institutes preneed sales programs in selected local markets to maintain or
increase market presence and assure a backlog of future business.

     ACQUISITION STRATEGY. The Company believes that significant acquisition
opportunities currently exist in the death care industry that the Company
intends to aggressively pursue. In evaluating specific properties for
acquisition, the Company considers such factors as the property's location,
reputation, heritage, physical size, volume of business, profitability, name
recognition, aesthetics, potential for development or expansion, competitive
market position, pricing structure and quality of operating management. The
Company will continue to focus on acquiring premier funeral homes throughout the
United States that have a strong local presence and that conduct between 100 to
600 funeral services per year. In purchasing the premier location in a
particular market, management believes that the Company is able to attract the
most talented personnel, minimize downside risk of loss of volume to competitors
and provide opportunities for increased profitability when such operations are
coupled with the Company's management techniques. In addition, the Company
generally retains the former owners and other key personnel of acquired funeral
homes and provides them with significant operating responsibility to assure the
continuation of high quality services and the maintenance of the acquired firm's
reputation and heritage. In nearly all cases, acquired funeral homes continue
operations under the same trade names as those of the prior owners. In addition,
the Company views experienced management of certain acquired operations as
potential corporate management candidates. Management believes that this
potential for advancement within the Company combined with the Company's
decentralized operating structure and incentive-based compensation system makes
it a particularly attractive acquiror to some independent owners. The Company
also will continue to analyze the possibility of acquiring additional funeral
homes in present markets so that personnel and vehicles can be shared and profit
margins enhanced.
   
     The Company follows a disciplined approach to acquisitions utilizing
specific operating and financial criteria. The Company develops pro forma
financial statements for acquisition targets reflecting estimates of revenue and
costs under the Company's ownership and then utilizes such information to
determine a purchase price which it believes is reasonable. The Company
anticipates that the consideration for future acquisitions will consist of a
combination of cash, long-term notes and equity. In addition, the Company often
assumes existing indebtedness of the acquired entities. The Company also will
typically enter into management, consulting and non-competition agreements with
former owners and key executive personnel of acquired businesses.
    
     Although the Company traditionally has not focused on acquiring cemetery
operations, management intends to pursue cemetery acquisitions primarily in
markets where the Company operates or plans to operate funeral homes in order to
take advantage of cross-marketing opportunities.

     While the Company focuses its efforts on identifying acquisition candidates
with the potential for a negotiated, non-competitive acquisition process, the
Company also competes for more broadly marketed acquisition opportunities. In
many cases, the Company has been successful in acquiring operations where it has
not been the highest bidder because of the Company's reputation, operating
strategy and corporate culture. Management believes that the issuance of equity
securities to fund certain funeral home acquisitions has been, and will continue
to be, attractive to select acquisition candidates.

                                       28

     The Company has successfully executed this acquisition strategy since its
inception, as demonstrated in the table set forth below.
   
                                                        FUNERAL
               PERIOD                 CONSIDERATION    HOMES(1)    CEMETERIES(2)
- ------------------------------------  -------------    ---------   -------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1992................................     $11,832           14            2
1993................................      13,843           11            1
1994................................       9,153            9            1
1995................................      12,191            8            0
Six months ended June 30, 1996(3)...      33,515           24            4
                                      -------------        --            -
                                         $80,534           66            8
                                      =============        ==            =
- ------------
(1) The Company subsequently divested four of these funeral homes.

(2) The Company subsequently divested one of these cemeteries.

(3) Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the Company has acquired two funeral homes and
    one cemetery for aggregate consideration of $7.8 million.

OPERATIONS

     FUNERAL HOME OPERATIONS.  The Company's funeral homes are located in Texas,
Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Kansas, South
Carolina, Washington, Idaho and Alabama. Funeral home revenues accounted for
approximately 93% of the Company's net revenues for the year ended December 31,
1995 and 92% in the six months ended June 30, 1996.
    
     The Company's funeral home operations are managed by four experienced death
care industry professionals. Although certain financial management and policy
matters are centralized, local funeral home operators have substantial autonomy
in determining the manner in which their services and products are marketed and
delivered and their funeral homes are managed. The Company believes that this
strategy permits each local firm to maintain its unique style of operation and
to capitalize on its reputation and heritage, while the Company maintains
centralized supervisory controls and provides specialized services at the
corporate level.

     The Company's funeral homes offer a complete range of services to meet
families' funeral needs, including consultation, the removal and preparation of
remains, the sale of caskets and related funeral merchandise, the use of funeral
home facilities for visitation and worship, and transportation services. Most of
the Company's funeral homes have a non-denominational chapel on the premises,
thereby permitting family visitation and religious services to take place at one
location, which reduces transportation costs to the Company and inconvenience to
the family.
   
     CEMETERY OPERATIONS. The Company's seven cemeteries are located in Texas,
Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida and Idaho. Cemetery revenues accounted for
approximately 7% of the Company's net revenues for the year ended December 31,
1995 and 8% for the six months ended June 30, 1996. As of June 30, 1996, the
Company employed a staff of approximately 45 cemetery sales counselors for the
sale of interment rights and merchandise.
    
     The Company's cemetery products and services include interment services,
the rights to interment in cemetery sites, including grave sites, crypts,
niches, and mausoleums, and related cemetery merchandise such as markers,
monuments, memorials and burial vaults. Cemetery operations generate revenues
through sales of interment rights, markers and memorials; fees for interment and
cremation services and marker and memorial installations; interest income from
installment sales contracts; and investment income from preneed cemetery
merchandise and perpetual care trusts.
   
     PRENEED PROGRAMS. In addition to sales of funeral merchandise and services
and cemetery interment rights and merchandise at the time of need, the Company
also markets funeral and cemetery services and products on a preneed basis.
Preneed funeral or cemetery contracts enable families to establish in advance

                                       29

the type of service to be performed, the products to be used and the cost of
such products and services in accordance with prices prevailing at the time the
agreement is signed rather than when the products and services are delivered.
Preneed contracts permit families to eliminate the emotional strain of making
death care plans at the time of need and enable the Company to establish a
portion of its future market share. Because of the significant market share of
most of the Company's funeral homes in their areas of operation, however, the
Company does not aggressively market preneed funeral contracts. Proceeds from
the sale of preneed funeral contracts are not recognized as revenues until the
time the funeral service is performed. The Company sold 2,610 preneed funeral
contracts in the year ended December 31, 1995 and 1,997 preneed funeral
contracts in the six months ended June 30, 1996. At June 30, 1996, the Company
had a backlog of 23,758 preneed funeral contracts to be delivered in the future.
    
     Preneed funeral contracts are usually paid on an installment basis. The
performance of preneed funeral contracts is usually secured by placing the funds
collected in trust for the benefit of the customer or by the purchase of a life
insurance policy, the proceeds of which will pay for such services at the time
of need. Insurance policies intended to fund preneed funeral contracts cover the
original contract price and generally include built-in escalation clauses
designed to offset future inflationary cost increases.

     In addition to preneed funeral contracts, the Company also offers
"preplanned" funeral arrangements whereby a client determines in advance
substantially all of the details of a funeral service without any financial
commitment or other obligation on the part of the client until the actual time
of need. Preplanned funeral arrangements permit families to avoid the emotional
strain of making death care plans at the time of need and enable a funeral home
to establish relationships with clients that frequently lead to at need sales.
   
     Preneed cemetery sales are usually financed by the Company through
installment sale contracts, generally with terms of five years. Preneed sales of
cemetery interment rights and other related services and merchandise are
recorded as revenues when the contract is signed, with concurrent recognition of
related costs. The Company typically receives payment of at least 5% of the
sales price at the time the contract is signed. Allowances for customer
cancellations and refunds are accrued at the date of sale based upon historical
experience. Preneed cemetery sales represented approximately 42% of the
Company's net cemetery revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
approximately 61% of the Company's net cemetery revenues for the six months
ended June 30, 1996.

PROPERTIES

     At June 30, 1996, the Company operated 62 funeral homes and seven
cemeteries in 13 states. The Company owns the real estate and buildings of 44 of
its funeral homes and all of its cemeteries and leased facilities in connection
with 18 of its funeral homes. The seven cemeteries operated by the Company cover
a total of approximately 300 acres. The Company's inventory of unsold developed
lots totaled approximately 37,000 at June 30, 1996. In addition, approximately
140 acres, or approximately 47% of the total acreage, is available for future
development. The Company does not anticipate any shortage of available space in
any of its current cemeteries for the foreseeable future.

                                       30

     The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 1996
regarding the Company's funeral homes and cemeteries by state:


                                            NUMBER OF
                                          FUNERAL HOMES
                                        ------------------
                STATE                   OWNED    LEASED(1)    CEMETERIES
- -------------------------------------   -----    ---------    ----------

Texas................................      8(2)       1            2
Ohio.................................      9          2            0
Kentucky.............................      6          4            1
Georgia..............................      3          3            0
Tennessee............................      3          1            0
Illinois.............................      0          4            0
Michigan.............................      1          2            0
Florida..............................      2          1            1
Kansas...............................      2          0            0
South Carolina.......................      5          0            1
Washington...........................      2          0            0
Idaho................................      2(3)       0            2
Alabama..............................      1          0            0
                                                     --            -
                                        -----
     Total(4)........................     44         18            7
                                        =====        ==            =
    
- ------------
(1) The leases with respect to these funeral homes have remaining terms ranging
    from two to fifteen years, and the Company generally has a right of first
    refusal on any proposed sale of the property where these funeral homes are
    located.

(2) One of these funeral homes is located on property contiguous to and operated
    in combination with a Company cemetery.

(3) These funeral homes are located on property contiguous to and operated in
    combination with Company cemeteries.
   
(4) Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the Company has acquired two funeral homes in
    Conneticut and one cemetery in Texas for aggregate consideration of $7.8
    million.

     The Company's corporate headquarters occupy approximately 11,000 square
feet of leased office space in Houston, Texas.

     At June 30, 1996, the Company operated 238 vehicles, of which 172 were
owned and 66 were leased.
    
     The specialized nature of the Company's business requires that its
facilities be well-maintained. Management believes that this standard is met.

COMPETITION

     The acquisition environment in the death care industry is highly
competitive. The four major publicly held death care companies, Service
Corporation International ("SCI"), The Loewen Group, Inc., Stewart Enterprises,
Inc. and Equity Corporation International, are substantially larger than the
Company and have significantly greater financial and other resources than the
Company. In addition, a number of smaller companies are actively acquiring
funeral homes and cemeteries. Prices for funeral homes and cemeteries have
increased substantially in recent years, and, in some cases, competitors have
paid acquisition prices substantially in excess of the prices offered by the
Company. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will be
successful in expanding its operations through acquisitions or that funeral
homes and cemeteries will be available at reasonable prices or on reasonable
terms.

     The Company's funeral home and cemetery operations generally face
competition in the markets that they serve. Market share for funeral homes and
cemeteries is largely a function of reputation and heritage, although
competitive pricing, professional service and attractive, well-maintained and
conveniently located facilities are also important. The sale of preneed funeral
services and cemetery property has increasingly been used by many companies as
an important marketing tool to build market share. Due to the importance of
reputation and heritage, market share increases are usually gained over a long
period of time.

                                       31

TRUST FUNDS

     GENERAL. The Company has established a variety of trusts in connection with
its funeral home and cemetery operations as required under applicable state law.
Such trusts include (i) preneed funeral trusts, (ii) preneed cemetery
merchandise and service trusts and (iii) perpetual care trusts. These trusts are
typically administered by independent financial institutions selected by the
Company. The Company also uses independent professional managers to advise the
Company on investment matters.
   
     PRENEED FUNERAL TRUSTS. Preneed funeral sales are facilitated by deposits
to a trust or purchase of a third party insurance product. All preneed funeral
sales are deferred until the service is performed. The trust income earned and
any increase in insurance benefits are also deferred until the service is
performed in order to offset possible inflation in cost when providing the
service in the future. Although direct marketing costs and commissions incurred
for the sale of preneed funeral contracts are a current use of cash, such costs
are also deferred and amortized over 12 years, which approximates the expected
timing of the performance of the services related to the preneed funeral
contracts. Since the Company does not have access to the trust fund principal or
earnings, the related assets and liabilities are not reflected on the Company's
balance sheet. In most states, the Company is not permitted to withdraw
principal or investment income from such trusts until the funeral service is
performed. Some states, however, allow for the retention of a percentage
(generally 10%) of the receipts to offset any administrative and selling
expenses, which the Company defers until the service is provided. The aggregate
balance of the Company's preneed funeral contracts held in trust was
approximately $24.3 million as of June 30, 1996.

     PRENEED CEMETERY MERCHANDISE AND SERVICE TRUSTS. The Company is generally
required under applicable state laws to deposit a specified amount (which varies
from state to state, generally 110% of wholesale cost) into a merchandise and
service trust fund for cemetery merchandise and services sold on a preneed
basis. The related trust fund income is recognized in current revenues as trust
earnings. These earnings are offset by any current period inflation costs
accrued related to the merchandise that has not yet been purchased. Liabilities
for undelivered cemetery merchandise and services, including accruals for
inflation increases, are reflected in the balance sheet net of the merchandise
and service trust balance. The Company is permitted to withdraw the trust
principal and the accrued income when the merchandise is purchased or service is
provided by the Company or when the contract is cancelled. The merchandise and
service trust fund balances, in the aggregate, were approximately $1.1 million
as of June 30, 1996.

     PERPETUAL CARE TRUSTS. In certain states, regulations require a portion,
generally 10%, of the sale amount of cemetery property and memorials to be
placed in trust. These perpetual care trusts provide the funds necessary to
maintain cemetery property and memorials in perpetuity. The related trust fund
income is recognized in current revenues as trust earnings. While the Company is
entitled to withdraw the income from its perpetual care trust to provide for the
maintenance of the cemetery and memorials, they are not entitled to withdraw any
of the principal balance of the trust fund, and therefore, none of the principal
balances are reflected in the Company's balance sheet. The Company's perpetual
care trust balances were approximately $1.7 million as of June 30, 1996.
    
     For additional information with respect to the Company's trusts, see Note 1
of the Consolidated Financial Statements located elsewhere in this Prospectus.

REGULATION

     The Company's funeral home operations are subject to substantial regulation
by the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"). Certain regulations contain minimum
standards for funeral industry practices, require extensive price and other
affirmative disclosures to the customer at the time of sale and impose mandatory
itemization requirements for the sale of funeral products and services.

     The Company is subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational
Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and comparable state statutes. The OSHA hazard
communication standard, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
community right-to-know regulations under Title III of the federal Superfund
Amendment and Reauthorization Act and similar state statutes require the Company
to organize information about hazardous materials used or produced in its
operations. Certain of this information must

                                       32

be provided to employees, state and local governmental authorities and local
citizens. The Company is also subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities
Act and similar laws which, among other things, may require that the Company
modify its facilities to comply with minimum accessibility requirements for
disabled persons.

     The Company's operations, including its preneed sales and trust funds, are
also subject to extensive regulation, supervision and licensing under numerous
other federal, state and local laws and regulations. See "-- Trust Funds."

     The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all such
laws and regulations. Federal and state legislatures and regulatory agencies
frequently propose new laws, rules and regulations some of which, if enacted,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and on the
death care industry in general. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any
proposed legislation or regulations or the effect that any such legislation or
regulations might have on the Company.

LEGAL MATTERS

     The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a number of
legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of
business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with
certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a material adverse
effect on the Company.

     The Company carries insurance with coverages and coverage limits that it
believes to be customary in the funeral home and cemetery industries. Although
there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect the
Company against all contingencies, management believes that its insurance
protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the Company's
operations.

EMPLOYEES
   
     As of June 30, 1996, the Company and its subsidiaries employed
approximately 300 full-time employees, 280 part-time employees and 100 preneed
sales counselors. All of the Company's funeral directors and embalmers possess
licenses required by applicable regulatory agencies. Management believes that
its relationship with its employees is good. No employees of the Company or its
subsidiaries are members of a collective bargaining unit.
    
                                       33

                                   MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     The Company currently has a Board of Directors composed of four members.
Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will increase the size of the Board
of Directors to seven members and elect three additional directors. In
accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, the members of the Board of Directors
are divided into three classes and are elected for a term of office expiring at
the third succeeding annual stockholders' meeting following their election to
office or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. The Bylaws also
provide that such classes shall be as nearly equal in number as possible. The
terms of office of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors expire at the
annual meeting of stockholders in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The
officers of the Company are elected by and serve until their successors are
elected by the Board of Directors.

     The following table sets forth the names, ages and titles of the current
directors and executive officers of the Company and, in the case of the
directors, the expiration of their respective terms.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                EXPIRATION OF
                  NAME                    AGE            POSITION WITH THE COMPANY             TERM AS DIRECTOR
- ----------------------------------------  ---   --------------------------------------------   ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                                                         <C>
Melvin C. Payne(1)......................  53    President, Chief Executive Officer and                1997
                                                  Director
Mark W. Duffey(1).......................  40    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial             1998
                                                  Officer and Director
Russell W. Allen........................  49    Executive Vice President, Operations               --
Mary-Lees Payne.........................  47    Vice President, Administration and                 --
                                                  Accounting
Reid A. Millard.........................  37    Vice President, Corporate Development              --
C. Byron Snyder(1)......................  47    Chairman of the Board of Directors                    1997
Barry K. Fingerhut(1)(2)................  50    Director                                              1998
Stuart W. Stedman(3)(4).................  38    Director                                              1999
Robert D. Larrabee(2)(4)................  60    Director                                              1997
Ronald A. Erickson(3)(4)................  59    Director                                              1999
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Member of Executive Committee.

(2) Member of Compensation Committee.

(3) Member of Audit Committee.

(4) To be elected following completion of the Offering.

     Set forth below is a brief description of the business experience of the
directors and executive officers of the Company.
   
     MELVIN C. PAYNE, one of the three management founders of the Company, has
been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since its
inception. Prior to co-founding the Company, Mr. Payne was a co-founder in 1990
of Sovereign Capital Partners, Inc., an investment and management advisory firm
which specialized in restructuring, recapitalizing and acquiring or selling
financially troubled companies. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Payne served as a
director and officer of Sovereign Holdings, Inc., RTO Enterprises Inc. and
various subsidiaries of RTO Enterprises Inc. Mr. Payne has 25 years of broad
investment, banking and operating management experience, including positions as
Executive Vice President and director of Wedge Group, Inc., an investment
holding company with multi-industry operations, and with Texas Commerce Bank and
Prudential Insurance Company. Mr. Payne serves on the Board of Trustees of WNL
Series Trust, a mutual fund affiliated with Western National Life Insurance
Company and on the Board of Managers of Sovereign Capital Partners, LC, a
private acquisition company.

     MARK W. DUFFEY, one of the three management founders of the Company, has
been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since the inception of
the Company and in 1995 became a director. Prior to co-founding the Company, Mr.
Duffey was a co-founder of Sovereign Capital Partners, Inc. with

                                       34

Mr. Payne. Mr. Duffey was previously Chief Operating Officer of a private
investment firm in Houston with interests in energy, real estate and public
securities. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Duffey served as a director and officer of
Sovereign Holdings, Inc., RTO Enterprises Inc. and various subsidiaries of RTO
Enterprises Inc. Prior to 1989, he held various positions with Mellon Bank over
a ten-year period, both in Pittsburgh and in Houston. He serves on the Board of
Managers of Sovereign Capital Partners, LC.
    
     RUSSELL W. ALLEN joined the Company in June 1993 as Executive Vice
President, Operations. Mr. Allen has over 32 years of operational experience in
the funeral home industry. Prior to joining the Company, he was affiliated with
Earthman Funeral Directors and Greenwood-Mount Olivet Funeral Homes and
Cemeteries of Fort Worth, Texas for one and 21 years, respectively, serving most
recently as Executive Vice President of operations with each company. Mr. Allen
recently completed a term of six years as Vice Chairman of the Texas Funeral
Service Commission and as Chairman of the Education and Legislation Committees.
He is also a member of the Texas Cemetery Association and has served on the
Legislative Committees with that organization.

     MARY-LEES PAYNE provided consulting services to the Company during the
initial start-up period beginning in January 1992 and became Controller of the
Company in June 1993 and Vice President, Administration and Accounting in June
1995. From 1984 to 1989, she served as Vice President and Controller for three
start-up companies, two in the death care industry. Prior to 1984, Ms. Payne was
an audit manager in the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young. Ms.
Payne is a certified public accountant and is not related to Melvin C. Payne.
   
     REID A. MILLARD, one of the three management founders, served as Executive
Vice President until November 1993. From November 1993 until June 1996, Mr.
Millard was active in various positions in operations and corporate development.
In June 1996, Mr. Millard became Vice President, Corporate Development of the
Company. Mr. Millard has 21 years of management experience in the funeral
service industry, including spending nine years at SCI, where he obtained a wide
range of experience in operations, marketing, merchandising, real estate,
preneed sales, general management and independent funeral home owner
relationships. He left SCI in 1990 to pursue various entrepreneurial activities,
including the ownership and operation of a funeral home in Jefferson City,
Missouri.
    
     C. BYRON SNYDER has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company
since its inception. Mr. Snyder is presently owner and President of Relco
Refrigeration Co., a distributor of refrigeration equipment, which he acquired
in 1992. Prior to co-founding the Company, Mr. Snyder was the owner and Chief
Executive Officer of Southwestern Graphics International, Inc., a diversified
holding company which owned Brandt & Lawson Printing Co., a Houston-based
general printing business, and Acco Waste Paper Company, an independent
recycling business. Brandt & Lawson Printing Co. was sold to Hart Graphics in
1989, and Acco Waste Paper Company was sold to Browning-Ferris Industries in
1991.

     BARRY K. FINGERHUT has been a director of the Company since 1995. Since
1981, Mr. Fingerhut has been associated with, and now serves as President of,
GeoCapital, a registered investment adviser located in New York City which
focuses its investment advice and management on securities of small
capitalization companies. As of December 31, 1995, GeoCapital managed accounts
having a market value of approximately $1.8 billion. Mr. Fingerhut also has
co-founded several investment partnerships that invest primarily in undervalued
publicly traded companies and high growth companies engaged in the
communications, media or entertainment industries. Mr. Fingerhut presently is a
director of Millbrook Press, Inc., a publisher of children's non-fiction books,
and Glasser Legal Works, Inc., a niche publisher of legal texts, journals and
seminars. He previously served as a director of La Quinta Inns, Inc., a
nationwide lodging chain, and Lakeshore National Bank, Inc., which was acquired
by First Chicago Corp. in 1994.

     STUART W. STEDMAN will become a director of the Company upon consummation
of the Offering. For the past ten years, Mr. Stedman has been President of
Wesley West Interests, Inc., a management company responsible for various family
holdings, including marketable securities, oil, gas and coal properties, ranch
lands and urban real estate. Mr. Stedman also serves as Manager of Strand
Energy, L.L.C., a private exploration and production company.

                                       35

     ROBERT D. LARRABEE will become a director of the Company upon consummation
of the Offering. Mr. Larrabee is the former owner of a group of four funeral
homes and two cemeteries in the states of Washington and Idaho that the Company
acquired in April 1996. He is the founder, president and director of Valley
Bank, Clarkston, Washington; founder, Chairman of the Board and President of
Purple Cross Insurance Company; and founder of Lewis-Clark Savings and Loan
Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Sterling Savings
Association and, until 1995, served on the Board of Directors of Laurentian
Capital Corporation.

     RONALD A. ERICKSON will become a director of the Company upon consummation
of the Offering. Mr. Erickson is Chief Executive Officer of Holiday Companies,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, a family business consisting primarily of convenience
stores, supermarkets, sporting goods stores and wholesale food distribution. Mr.
Erickson serves on the Board of Directors of First Bank National Association.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The following table sets forth information with respect to the President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and each of the two other most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company for the year ended December 31,
1995. No other executive officer of the Company had salary and bonus which
exceeded $100,000 in 1995:

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

                                        ANNUAL COMPENSATION
 NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION IN THE    ---------------------    ALL OTHER
               COMPANY                   SALARY      BONUS     COMPENSATION
- -------------------------------------  ----------  ---------   ------------
Melvin C. Payne, President, Chief
  Executive Officer and Director.....  $  175,000     --          --
Mark W. Duffey, Executive Vice
  President, Chief Financial Officer
  and Director.......................  $  150,000     --          --
Russell W. Allen, Executive Vice
  President, Operations..............  $  100,000  $  20,000      $6,000(1)
- ------------
(1) Represents compensation for automobile allowance.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
   
     The Company intends to enter into separate employment agreements with each
of Melvin C. Payne, Mark W. Duffey and Russell W. Allen prior to the Offering.
The employment agreements with Mr. Payne and Mr. Duffey will have an initial
term of five years with an evergreen two year extension continuing after the
first three years of the employment agreements unless either the Company or the
employee gives 90 days notice of termination. The employment agreement with Mr.
Allen is for an initial term of five years. Pursuant to these agreements,
Messrs. Payne, Duffey and Allen will be entitled to receive a salary of not less
than $225,000, $185,000 and $145,000, respectively, and a bonus to be determined
on an annual basis by the Board of Directors. In addition, each agreement will
contain a covenant prohibiting the employee from competing with the Company
during the period they are receiving compensation under their agreements,
provided however, that, following termination of employment, the employee may
elect to forego certain severance payments which he may be entitled to under the
employment agreements and thereafter shall not be prohibited from competing with
the Company. In addition, the agreements will contain customary benefits and
perquisites.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

     Following the Offering, it is anticipated that in lieu of cash compensation
each director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries (a "nonemployee director") will be entitled to options
as described below and will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the attending
meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees thereof. The 1996 Nonemployee
Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Nonemployee Directors' Plan") has been
adopted for the nonemployee directors. Under the Nonemployee Directors' Plan,
each individual who is a nonemployee director as of the date of the Offering or
who is elected to the Board of Directors on such date, will receive, as of such
date, a

                                       36

nonqualified stock option (an "Initial Option") to purchase 15,000 shares (which
amount shall be increased to 25,000 if the nonemployee director also serves on
the Executive Committee as of such date) of Class A Common Stock at an exercise
price per share equal to the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share.
Further, each nonemployee director will receive, as of the date of each annual
meeting of the stockholders of the Company, a nonqualified stock option (an
"Annual Option") to purchase 6,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each Annual
Option will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Class A
Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price under an option granted
pursuant to the Nonemployee Directors' Plan may be paid in cash, in shares of
Class A Common Stock (valued at fair market value at the date of exercise), or
by a combination of such means of payment. The number of shares covered by each
option and the exercise price per share will be proportionately adjusted in the
event of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, or similar capital
adjustment effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. The
aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued pursuant
to the exercise of options granted under the Nonemployee Directors' Plan is
200,000 shares. Shares issuable pursuant to the Nonemployee Directors' Plan may
be authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares, and the Company may
purchase shares required for this purpose.

     Options granted under the Nonemployee Directors' Plan will have a maximum
term of ten years. Annual Options will vest immediately. An Initial Option will
vest with respect to one-third of the shares subject to such option in four
equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the
Offering. An Initial Option will vest immediately with respect to the remaining
two-thirds of the shares subject to such option if, within four years after the
date of the Offering, the average of the fair market value of the Class A Common
Stock over twenty consecutive trading days is greater than or equal to $29.00
which is based on a predetermined compound growth rate of the Class A Common
Stock price. "Fair market value" is defined as the average of the high and low
prices for the Class A Common Stock on the specified date as reported by the
Nasdaq National Market. If the stock price target described above is not timely
satisfied, then an Initial Option will vest with respect to the two-thirds of
the shares subject to such option in four equal annual installments beginning on
the fifth anniversary of the date of the Offering. All options granted under the
Nonemployee Directors' Plan will also become fully vested and exercisable in
full in the event that a nonemployee director's membership on the Board of
Directors terminates by reason of death or disability or upon the occurrence of
a "Change of Control" while a nonemployee director is a member of the Board of
Directors. The Nonemployee Directors' Plan provides that a Change of Control
occurs (i) if the Company is dissolved and liquidated, (ii) if the Company is
not the surviving entity in any merger, consolidation, or reorganization, (iii)
if the Company sells, leases or exchanges, or agrees to sell, lease, or
exchange, all or substantially all of its assets, (iv) if any person, entity or
group acquires or gains ownership or control of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Company's voting stock (based upon voting power), or (v) if, after
a contested election of directors, the persons who were directors before such
election cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors. Upon
termination of a nonemployee director's membership on the Board of Directors,
the nonemployee director will have three months (12 months if such termination
is by reason of death or disability) to exercise his or her options, but only to
the extent such options are vested as of the date of such termination.

     A nonemployee director will not recognize any taxable income at the time an
option is granted under the Nonemployee Directors' Plan. Ordinary income will be
recognized by a nonemployee director at the time of exercise in an amount equal
to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Class A Common Stock on
the date of exercise over the option price for such shares. However, if other
shares of Class A Common Stock have been purchased by a nonemployee director
within six months of the exercise of an option, recognition of the income
attributable to such exercise may under certain circumstances be postponed for a
period of up to six months from the date of such purchase of such other shares
of Class A Common Stock due to liability to suit under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act. If applicable, one effect of any such postponement would be to
measure the amount of the nonemployee director's taxable income by reference to
the fair market value of such shares at the same time such liability to suit
under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act no longer exists (rather than at the
earlier date of the exercise of the option). Upon the nonemployee director's
exercise of an option granted under the Nonemployee Directors' Plan, the Company

                                       37

may claim a deduction for compensation paid at the same time and in the same
amount as ordinary income is recognized by the nonemployee director.

     The Nonemployee Directors' Plan is not qualified under section 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The comments set
forth above are only a summary of certain of the Federal income tax consequences
relating to the Nonemployee Directors' Plan. No consideration has been given to
the effects of state, local or other tax laws on the Nonemployee Directors'
Plan, the Company or the award recipients.
    
     Based upon current law and published interpretations, the Company does not
believe the Nonemployee Directors' Plan is subject to any of the provisions of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

INCENTIVE PLANS

     The Company has adopted two incentive compensation plans designed to align
the interests of the executives and employees with those of its stockholders.
   
     1995 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. The Company has adopted the 1995 Stock Incentive
Plan (the "1995 Plan"). The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may
be issued pursuant to the 1995 Plan, as amended, is 400,000. Awards under the
1995 Plan made prior to the date of the Offering will be satisfied in shares of
Class B Common Stock, and awards under the 1995 Plan made on or after the date
of the Offering will be satisfied in shares of Class A Common Stock. Under the
1995 Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options intended to qualify
under Section 422 of the Code to eligible employees of the Company, and options
that are not qualified as incentive stock options (non-statutory stock options)
to any eligible individual. The exercise price will be determined by the
Compensation Committee and will not be less than the fair market value of the
Class A Common Stock on the date that the option is granted. The exercise price
may be paid in cash, in shares of Class A Common Stock (valued at fair market
value at the date of exercise) or by a combination of such means of payment as
may be determined by the Compensation Committee. The 1995 Plan provides that in
the event a holder pays all or a part of the exercise price of an incentive
stock option or a non-statutory stock option in shares of Class A Common Stock,
the Committee may grant a corresponding "reload option," which is not qualified
as an incentive stock option, for an equal number of shares of Class A Common
Stock. Reload options may be granted concurrently with the award of a stock
option or subsequent to the award of a stock option. Additionally, alternate
appreciation rights may be granted to eligible individuals in conjunction with
options. Alternate appreciation rights give the holder, among other things, the
right to a payment of Class A Common Stock in an amount equal to the difference
between the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock at the date of
exercise and the option exercise price. In conjunction with options and
alternate appreciation rights, "limited rights" may also be granted to eligible
individuals. Limited rights give the holder, among other things, the right to
cash in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the
Class A Common Stock at the date of exercise and the option exercise price.
Limited rights are exercisable for a period of seven months following the date
of a "Change in Control." The 1995 Plan provides that a Change in Control occurs
(i) if the Company is dissolved and liquidated, (ii) if the Company is not the
surviving entity in any merger, consolidation, or reorganization, (iii) if the
Company sells, leases or exchanges, or agrees to sell, lease, or exchange, all
or substantially all of its assets, (iv) if any person, entity or group acquires
or gains ownership or control of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Company's voting stock (based upon voting power), or (v) if, after a contested
election of directors, the persons who were directors before such election cease
to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors. The 1995 Plan also provides
for the issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock which may be subject to
forfeiture under circumstances specified by the Compensation Committee at the
time of the award of such shares ("bonus stock"). Pursuant to a bonus stock
award, shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued to the individual at the
time the award is made without any payment to the Company (other than for any
payment amount determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion), but
such shares may be, if so specified by the Compensation Committee, subject to
certain restrictions on the disposition thereof and certain obligations to
forfeit such shares to the Company, as determined in the discretion of the
Compensation Committee.

                                       38

     The 1995 Plan provides that the total number of shares covered by each
award will be proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock split, reverse
stock split, or other similar capital adjustment effected without the receipt of
consideration by the Company. Further, the total number of shares covered by the
plan, the exercise price per share under each option, and any other matters
deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee, may be appropriately adjusted
in event of a stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, split-up, combination, exchange of shares, or similar
transaction.

     Directors, executive officers and other employees of the Company and its
subsidiary and affiliate corporations and former owners of funeral homes or
cemeteries that have been acquired by the Company are eligible to receive awards
under the 1995 Plan. The 1995 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee. Subject to the terms of the 1995 Plan, the Compensation Committee is
authorized to select the recipients of awards from among those eligible and to
establish the number of shares that may be issued under each award. Concurrently
with the Offering, the Company anticipates that options exercisable for 120,000
shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued to employees who are not executive
officers at an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price. Such
options will be subject to a four-year vesting period.

     1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN. The Company has adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan
(the "1996 Plan") and 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock have been reserved
for issuance pursuant to such plan. Under the 1996 Plan, the Company may grant
both incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code,
and options that are not qualified as incentive stock options. The exercise
price will be determined by the Compensation Committee and will be no less than
the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date that the option is
granted. The exercise price may be paid in cash, in shares of Class A Common
Stock (valued at fair market value at the date of exercise) or by a combination
of such means of payment, as may be determined by the Compensation Committee.
The 1996 Plan provides that stock appreciation rights may be granted to
employees in conjunction with options. Stock appreciation rights give the
holder, among other things, the right to a payment in an amount equal to the
difference between the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock at the date
of exercise and the option exercise price. Such payment may be made, at the
election of the holder (subject to the consent or disapproval of the
Compensation Committee of any election to receive cash), in cash, in shares of
Class A Common Stock (valued at fair market value at the date of exercise), or
by a combination thereof.
    
     The 1996 Plan provides that the total number of shares covered by such
plan, the number of shares covered by each option, and the exercise price per
share under each option will be proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, or similar capital adjustment
effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.

     All employees of the Company and its subsidiary corporations (including an
employee who may also be a director of any such company) are eligible to receive
options under the 1996 Plan. The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. Subject to the terms of the 1996 Plan, the
Compensation Committee is authorized to select the recipients of options from
among those eligible and to establish the number of shares that may be issued
under each option.
   
     Concurrently with the Offering, the Compensation Committee intends to award
a non-statutory stock option under the 1996 Plan to each of the following
individuals with respect to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock
indicated: Melvin C. Payne -- 250,000 shares; Mark W. Duffey -- 150,000 shares;
Russell W. Allen -- 50,000 shares; and Reid A. Millard -- 30,000 shares. Each
such option will (i) have an exercise price per share equal to the initial
public offering price, (ii) have a maximum term of ten years, (iii) vest with
respect to one-third of the shares subject to such option in four equal annual
installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the Offering, and
(iv) vest immediately with respect to the remaining two-thirds of the shares
subject to such option if, within four years after the date of the Offering, the
average of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock over twenty
consecutive trading days is greater than a predetermined compound growth rate of
the Class A Common Stock price. If the stock price target described in clause
(iv) of the preceding sentence is not satisfied, then each such option will vest
with respect to two-thirds of the shares subject to such option in four equal
annual installments beginning on the

                                       39

fifth anniversary of the date of the Offering. All of such options will also
become fully vested and exercisable in full in the event the optionee's
employment with the Company terminates by reason of death or disability or upon
the occurrence of a "Corporate Change" while the optionee is employed by the
Company or a subsidiary corporation. The term "Corporate Change" has the same
meaning under the 1996 Plan as the term "Change of Control" has under the 1995
Plan. For purposes of determining whether the stock price target described above
is satisfied, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock is
defined as the average of the high and low sales prices for such stock on a
specified date as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
    
     FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS OF THE 1995 PLAN AND THE 1996 PLAN. As a general
rule, no federal income tax is imposed on the optionee upon the grant of a
compensatory non-statutory stock option such as those under the 1995 Plan and
the 1996 Plan (whether or not including a stock appreciation right, an alternate
appreciation right or a limited right) and the Company is not entitled to a tax
deduction by reason of such grant. Generally, upon the exercise of a
non-statutory stock option that has been granted as compensation for services,
the optionee will be treated as receiving compensation taxable as ordinary
income in the year of exercise in an amount equal to the excess of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the option price paid
for such shares. In the case of the exercise of a stock appreciation right, an
alternate appreciation right, or a limited right, which has been granted as
compensation for services, the optionee will be treated as receiving
compensation taxable as ordinary income in the year of exercise in an amount
equal to the cash received plus the fair market value of the shares distributed
to the optionee. Upon the exercise of a non-statutory stock option, a stock
appreciation right, an alternate appreciation right, or a limited right, which
has been granted as compensation for services and subject to the application of
Section 162(m) of the Code as discussed below, the Company may claim a deduction
for compensation paid at the same time and in the same amount as compensation
income is recognized to the optionee assuming any federal income tax withholding
requirements are satisfied. Upon a subsequent disposition of the shares received
upon exercise of such award, any appreciation after the date of exercise should
qualify as capital gain. If such shares received upon the exercise of an option,
a stock appreciation right, or an alternate appreciation right are transferred
to the optionee subject to certain restrictions, then the taxable income
realized by the optionee, unless the optionee elects otherwise, and the
Company's tax deduction (assuming any federal income tax withholding
requirements are satisfied) should be deferred and should be measured at the
fair market value of the shares at the time the restrictions lapse. The
restrictions imposed on officers, directors and 10% shareholders by Section
16(b) of the Exchange Act is such a restriction during the period prescribed
thereby if other shares have been purchased by such an individual within six
months of the exercise of a non-statutory stock option, a stock appreciation
right, or an alternate appreciation right.

     The incentive stock options under the 1995 Plan and the 1996 Plan are
intended to constitute "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code. Incentive stock options are subject to special federal income
tax treatment. No federal income tax is imposed on the optionee upon the grant
or the exercise of an incentive stock option if the optionee does not dispose of
shares acquired pursuant to the exercise within the two-year period beginning on
the date the option was granted or within the one-year period beginning on the
date the option was exercised (collectively, the "holding period"). In such
event, the Company would not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax
purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the option or the
disposition of the shares so acquired. With respect to an incentive stock
option, the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of
exercise and the exercise price must be included in the optionee's alternative
minimum taxable income. However, if the optionee exercises an incentive stock
option and disposes of the shares received in the same year and the amount
realized is less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise, the amount included in alternative minimum taxable income will not
exceed the amount realized over the adjusted basis of the shares.

     Upon disposition of the shares received upon exercise of an incentive stock
option after the holding period, any appreciation of the shares above the
exercise price constitutes capital gain. If an optionee disposes of shares
acquired pursuant to his or her exercise of an incentive stock option prior to
the end of

                                       40

the holding period, the optionee will be treated as having received, at the time
of disposition, compensation taxable as ordinary income. In such event, and
subject to the application of Section 162(m) of the Code as discussed below, the
Company may claim a deduction for compensation paid at the same time and in the
same amount as compensation is treated as received by the optionee. The amount
treated as compensation is the excess of the fair market value of the shares at
the time of exercise (or in the case of a sale on which a loss would be
recognized, the amount realized on the sale if less) over the exercise price;
any amount realized in excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time
of exercise would be treated as short-term or long-term capital gain, depending
on the holding period of the shares.

     An individual who has been granted bonus stock under the 1995 Plan as
compensation for services will not realize taxable income at the time of grant,
and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction at that time, assuming that
there are restrictions on the stock which constitute a substantial risk of
forfeiture for federal income tax purposes. Upon expiration of any such
forfeiture restrictions (i.e., as shares become vested), a holder who has
received such bonus stock as compensation for services will realize ordinary
income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares
at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares, and, subject to the
application of Section 162(m) of the Code as discussed below, the Company will
be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Any dividends paid to such holder in
respect of bonus stock during the period that the forfeiture restrictions apply
will also be compensation to such holder and deductible as such by the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the recipient of bonus stock that is granted as
compensation for services may elect to be taxed at the time of grant of the
bonus stock based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of the
award, in which case (a) subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company will
be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount, (b)
dividends paid to the recipient during the period the forfeiture restrictions
apply will be taxable as dividends and will not be deductible by the Company,
and (c) there will be no further federal income tax consequences when the
forfeiture restrictions lapse.

     Section 162(m) of the Code precludes a public corporation from taking a
deduction in a taxable year for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to its
chief executive officer or any of its four other highest-paid officers. However,
compensation that qualifies under Section 162(m) of the Code as
"performance-based" is specifically exempt from the deduction limit. Further,
the regulations issued under Section 162(m) of the Code provide a special
transitional rule for privately held corporations that become publicly held
pursuant to an initial public offering. Pursuant to this transitional rule, the
Code Section 162(m) deduction limit will not apply to any remuneration paid
pursuant to a plan that existed during the period in which the corporation was
not publicly held, to the extent that the prospectus accompanying the initial
public offering disclosed information concerning such plan that satisfied all
applicable securities laws then in effect. This transitional rule may be relied
upon until the earliest of (i) the expiration of the plan, (ii) the material
modification of the plan, (iii) the issuance of all employer stock or other
compensation under the plan, or (iv) the first meeting of stockholders at which
directors are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar
year following the calendar year in which the initial public offering occurred.
The transitional rule will apply to any compensation received pursuant to an
award under the 1995 Plan or the 1996 Plan that is made prior to the earliest of
the dates specified in the preceding sentence. Upon expiration of the
transitional relief, compensation relating to awards thereafter granted under
the 1995 Plan or the 1996 Plan would be subject to the deduction limitations of
Code Section 162(m). However, the Company currently anticipates that it will
amend the 1995 Plan and the 1996 Plan and seek stockholder approval of the
amended plans prior to the expiration of the transitional relief so that the
compensation paid under such plans (other than perhaps bonus stock awarded under
the 1995 Plan) can qualify under Code Section 162(m) as "performance-based."

     Neither the 1995 Plan nor the 1996 Plan is qualified under section 401(a)
of the Code.

     The comments set forth in the above paragraphs are only a summary of
certain of the Federal income tax consequences relating to the 1995 Plan and the
1996 Plan. No consideration has been given to the effects of state, local, or
other tax laws on the 1995 Plan, the 1996 Plan, the Company or the award
recipients.

                                       41

     Based upon current law and published interpretations, the Company does not
believe the 1995 Plan or the 1996 Plan is subject to any of the provisions of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
   
     In connection with the Company's formation in June 1991, C. Byron Snyder,
Chairman of the Board of Directors, provided an initial capital commitment of $6
million. The Snyder Notes bear interest at a predetermined rate plus 3%, subject
to adjustment in certain circumstances, payable annually in the form of cash or
additional subordinated notes. On January 1, 1995, the Company issued additional
notes to Mr. Snyder totalling $648,215 which represents the interest accrued on
the Snyder Notes during the year ended December 31, 1994. On January 1, 1996,
the Company issued additional notes to Mr. Snyder totalling $825,118 which
represents the interest accrued on the Snyder Notes during the year ended
December 31, 1995. A portion of the proceeds of the Offering will be used to
repay such loans.

     The Company has an agreement with ACCO Collection Company ("ACCO"), which
is owned by Mr. Snyder, under which the Company may transfer responsibility for
collection of past due accounts receivable to ACCO in return for a percentage of
the collections received. To date, fees totalling $1,200 have been made to ACCO
by the Company.
    
     The Company pays Mr. Snyder a $25,000 annual fee in return for certain
services provided to the Company. Mr. Snyder is the Chairman of the Board of the
Company and is active in determining the strategic direction of the Company as
well as being involved in reviewing major acquisitions. In addition, the Company
pays Mr. Snyder $40,000 per year as consideration for Mr. Snyder's indirect
guarantee of a portion of the Company's loan from TCB. Mr. Snyder's guarantee
will be released upon repayment of the loan in connection with the Offering.

     Robert D. Larrabee, a director of the Company and former owner of certain
properties recently acquired by the Company, is a party to an arrangement with
the Company whereby Mr. Larrabee may receive annual cash bonuses if acquisition
candidates which he develops and which are subsequently acquired by the Company
attain cash flow in excess of certain cash flow targets over a ten-year period.
Pursuant to the arrangement, Mr. Larrabee may elect to sell back to the Company
his share of excess cash flow during the last three-year period at a
predetermined cash flow multiple. To date no payments have been made by the
Company under this arrangement.

     The Company in July 1996 loaned Russell W. Allen $316,714 to fund the
consideration payable with respect to the exercise of Mr. Allen's right to
purchase shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company and to pay certain
federal income tax liability associated with respect to such exercise. The loan
matures on June 30, 1999, bears interest at 7% per year payable annually on or
before March 31 of each year and is secured by 50% of the Class B Common Stock
purchased by Mr. Allen.

                                       42

                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

     The following table sets forth information as of July 15, 1996 as adjusted
to reflect the sale of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby, with respect to
the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each person known by the Company to
be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of outstanding Common Stock, by each
director and executive officer of the Company and by all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group. Each person named has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares indicated except as otherwise stated
in the notes to the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERCENT OF           PERCENT OF
                                            SHARES OF         CLASS A AND B        VOTING CONTROL
                                             CLASS B           COMMON STOCK            AFTER
                                           COMMON STOCK    OWNED AFTER OFFERING       OFFERING
                                           ------------    --------------------    --------------
<S>                                          <C>                   <C>                  <C>
C. Byron Snyder(1)......................     1,296,311             16.4%                26.8%
Melvin C. Payne(2)......................       629,770              8.0                 13.0
Barry K. Fingerhut(3)...................       519,542              6.5                 10.6
Mark W. Duffey..........................       313,625              4.0                  6.5
Reid A. Millard.........................       201,600              2.6                  4.2
Stuart W. Stedman.......................       110,223              1.4                  2.3
Ronald A. Erickson......................        44,015              *                      *
Robert D. Larrabee......................       --                   --                    --
Russell W. Allen........................        63,000              *                    1.3
Mary-Lees Payne.........................        25,200              *                      *
All directors and executive officers as
  a group (10 persons, including the
  directors and executive officers
  named above)..........................     3,203,286             40.3                 65.7
</TABLE>
- ------------
 *  less than 1%

(1) Includes 367,550 shares owned by 1996 Snyder Family Partnership, Ltd., 9,005
    shares owned by the C. Byron Snyder 1996 Trust and 9,005 shares owned by the
    Martha Ann Snyder 1996 Trust.

(2) Includes 119,161 shares owned by 1996 Payne Family Partnership, Ltd., 2,919
    shares owned by the Melvin C. Payne 1996 Trust and 2,919 shares owned by the
    Karen P. Payne 1996 Trust.

(3) Includes holdings of Applewood Associates, L.P. and related affiliates and
    shares held jointly with Michael J. Marocco and 522,500 shares of Series D
    Preferred Stock which are convertible into 37,321 shares of Class B Common
    Stock based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $14.00 per
    share.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000 shares
of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Preferred Stock"). The Common Stock is divided into two classes: Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock and the Class B
Common Stock are collectively referred to as "Common Stock."

COMMON STOCK
   
     As of June 30, 1996, 2,521,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and
held of record by 17 persons. Upon completion of the Offering, 3,400,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock will be outstanding. In addition, 4,501,476 shares of
Class B Common Stock will be outstanding after giving effect to the mandatory
conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (other than the Series D
Preferred Stock) into 1,980,475 shares of Class B Common Stock. This total
excludes 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options at June 30, 1996.
    
     The holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held on all matters submitted to a vote of Common stockholders. The holders of
Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of Common stockholders. The Common Stock

                                       43

does not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of a
majority of the voting power of shares of Common Stock outstanding can elect all
the directors and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect
any directors. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to participate equally in
dividends, if, as and when declared by the Company's Board of Directors, and in
the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, subject in all cases to
any prior rights of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. The Company has never
paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock have no
preemptive rights, redemption rights, or sinking fund provisions. The
outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby upon issuance and sale will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.
   
     It is anticipated that certain holders of Class B Common Stock will enter
into a voting agreement (the "Voting Agreement"). The parties to the Voting
Agreement will include Messrs. Payne, Duffey, Fingerhut, Millard, Snyder and
Stedman and certain other stockholders. Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, each
stockholder who is a party will agree not to sell his shares of Common Stock to
a Competitor of the Company and not to vote in favor of any merger,
consolidation or other similar business combination with a Competitor of the
Company. The term "Competitor" is defined to mean any person or entity who is
engaged in the funeral service, cemetery, crematory or related lines of business
that, at the time of any proposed Disposition (or at any time within the
12-month period preceding the date of the proposed Disposition), has any
operations within a 50-mile radius of any locations of the Company or an entity
that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with, the Company, and includes any
other person or entity who directly, or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with any
such person or entity.

     Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible at any time, at the
option of the registered holder thereof, into one share of Class A Common Stock.
In addition, each share of Class B Common Stock automatically converts into one
share of Class A Common Stock upon a sale or transfer to anyone other than a
permitted transferee. In any event, any outstanding shares of Class B Common
Stock will be automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock on
December 31, 2001.

PREFERRED STOCK

     As of June 30, 1996, the Company's outstanding Preferred Stock consisted of
7,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 545,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock, 8,500,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and 8,545,616
shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Upon effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (other than the Series D
Preferred Stock) will have been automatically converted into shares of Class B
Common Stock.

     The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
The Company's Board of Directors may establish, without stockholder approval,
one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock having the number of shares,
designations, relative voting rights, dividend rates, liquidation and other
rights, preferences and limitations that the Board of Directors may designate.
The Company believes that this power to issue Preferred Stock will provide
flexibility in connection with possible corporate transactions. The issuance of
Preferred Stock, however, could adversely affect the voting power of holders of
Common Stock and restrict their rights to receive payments upon liquidation of
the Company. It could also have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing
a change in control of the Company.

SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK

     Through June 30, 1996, the Company has issued 8,545,616 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock in six different transactions. The Company issued 6,355,000
shares of Series D Preferred Stock in connection with the acquisition of two
funeral homes and one cemetery which were acquired in July 1996. These shares
will remain outstanding following the Offering. The following description is a
summary of the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation for
the Series D Preferred Stock, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference
to that document.
    
                                       44

     DIVIDENDS. The Series D Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to dividend
rights and distribution of assets on liquidation, senior and prior to Common
Stock and junior to, or on parity with, as the case may be, any other stock of
the Company designated as senior to, or on parity with, as the case may be,
Series D Preferred Stock. Holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive cumulative annual cash dividends ranging from $.06 to $.07 per share
payable quarterly, depending upon when such shares were issued. Upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
the holders of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding will be entitled to
receive an amount of cash per share equal to $1.00, together with all accrued
and unpaid dividends, after any distribution is made on any senior securities
and before any distribution is made on any junior securities, including Common
Stock. As long as any shares of Series D Preferred Stock are outstanding, the
Company may not pay a dividend (other than stock dividends in Common Stock) or
other distribution on or repurchase Common Stock, directly or indirectly, unless
all past due cumulative dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock have been
paid. The terms of Series D Preferred Stock may be amended with the consent of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock.

     REDEMPTION. The Series D Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable by the
Company on December 31, 2001 (subject to conversion rights at any time on or
prior to November 30, 2001) at a redemption price of $1.00 per share plus all
accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. The Series D Preferred
Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any
time during the period commencing on the second anniversary of the consummation
of the Offering and ending on December 31, 2001 (subject to conversion rights up
to 15 days prior to the redemption date) at a redemption price of $1.00 per
share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. Partial
redemptions must be pro rata.
   
     CONVERSION. The Series D is convertible at any time into Class B Common
Stock at an initial conversion base price ranging from $15.00 to $18.00 per
share, subject to adjustment for certain antidilutive events. For the first six
months following consummation of the Offering, the conversion price will be the
lesser of the initial conversion price or the initial price of the Class A
Common Stock to the public in the Offering. Thereafter, the conversion price
increases every six months by $.50 until the last day of the eighteenth month
following the consummation of the Offering, whereupon the conversion price is
the average market price for the ten days preceding the date of delivery of
notice of conversion on the principal securities market on which the Class A
Common Stock is then traded. Assuming an initial public offering of $14.00, a
total of 1,064,330 shares of Class B Common Stock would be issuable upon the
conversion of the 14,900,616 shares of Series D Preferred Stock.
    
     The conversion price at which Series D Preferred Stock is converted prior
to the eighteen month anniversary of the consummation of the Offering is subject
to reduction for certain dilutive issuances and to adjustments for stock
dividends, splits and combinations.

     VOTING RIGHTS. The Series D Preferred Stock has general voting rights on
all issues submitted to stockholders. The number of votes to which each share of
Series D Preferred Stock is entitled is a fraction of a vote determined by (i)
dividing $1.00 by the then effective conversion price per share and (ii)
dividing the resulting fraction by 20. The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled,
as a separate class, to vote upon (or consent to) any amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or Certificate of Designations which would
adversely effect the rights or powers of the Series D Preferred Stock. The
requisite vote for approval is a majority of the shares of Series D Preferred
Stock outstanding.

     REGISTRATION RIGHTS. Until December 31, 2005 or, as to any holder of Series
D Preferred Stock, upon (a) the consent of the holder, (b) the date such holder
owns less than the equivalent of 10,000 shares of fully diluted Class A Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock, or (c) the date on which such holder is able to
dispose of all shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Series D Preferred Stock in one three month period under Rule 144, the holders
of Series D Preferred Stock have piggyback registration rights on any offering
by the Company of Common Stock to the public for cash except (i) shares issuable
upon the exercise of employee or director stock options, or (ii) shares issued
in mergers wherein the Company is the surviving corporation. The Company is
required to give holders of Series D Preferred Stock at least 30 days prior
written notice of the filing of a registration statement, including the
estimated price

                                       45

range of the offering. The holders of the Series D Preferred Stock have waived
their registration rights with respect to a Registration Statement filed by the
Company with respect to the Offering.

DELAWARE LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS

     The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prevents an
"interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of
the Company's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business
combination" (as defined in Section 203) with the Company for three years
following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder unless (a)
before that person became an interested stockholder, the Company's Board of
Directors approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder became an
interested stockholder or approved the business combination; (b) upon completion
of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder's becoming an
interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the
voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock
held by directors who are also officers of the Company and by employee stock
plans that do not provide employees with the right to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer); or (c) following the transaction in which that person became an
interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the Company's
Board of Directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting
stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

     Under Section 203, these restrictions also do not apply to certain business
combinations proposed by an interested stockholder following the announcement or
notification of one of certain extraordinary transactions involving the Company
and a person who was not an interested stockholder during the previous three
years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of
the Company's directors, if that extraordinary transaction is approved or not
opposed by a majority of the directors who were directors before any person
became an interested stockholder in the previous three years or who were
recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of
such directors then in office.

     The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes. The
directors of each class are elected for three-year terms, with the terms of the
three classes staggered so that directors from a single class are elected at
each annual meeting of stockholders. Stockholders may remove a director only for
cause upon the vote of holders of at least 80% of voting power of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock. In general, the Board of Directors, not the
stockholders, has the right to appoint persons to fill vacancies on the Board of
Directors.

     The Certificate of Incorporation provides that special meetings of holders
of Common Stock may be called only by the Company's Board of Directors and that
only business proposed by the Board of Directors may be considered at special
meetings of holders of Common Stock.

     The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the only business (including
election of directors) that may be considered at an annual meeting of holders of
Common Stock, in addition to business proposed (or persons nominated to be
directors) by the directors of the Company, is business proposed (or persons
nominated to be directors) by holders of Common Stock who comply with the notice
and disclosure requirements set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. In
general, the Certificate of Incorporation requires that a stockholder give the
Company notice of proposed business or nominations no later than 60 days before
the annual meeting of holders of Common Stock (meaning the date on which the
meeting is first scheduled and not postponements or adjournments thereof) or (if
later) ten days after the first public notice of the annual meeting is sent to
holders of Common Stock. In general, the notice must also contain information
about the stockholder proposing the business or nomination, the stockholder's
interest in the business, and (with respect to nominations for director)
information about the nominee of the nature ordinarily required to be disclosed
in public proxy solicitation statements. The stockholder also must submit a
notarized letter from each of the stockholder's nominees stating the nominee's
acceptance of the nomination and indicating the nominee's intention to serve as
director if elected.

                                       46

     The Delaware General Corporation Law provides generally that the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is
required to amend a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless
the corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws requires a greater
percentage. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that approval by the
holders of at least 66.7% of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of
the Company is required to amend the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation previously discussed and certain other provisions.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

     The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is .

                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
   
     Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have 3,400,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock and 4,501,476 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
The 3,400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be freely
tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act,
except for shares sold by persons deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company or
acting as "underwriters," as those terms are defined in the Securities Act. The
4,501,476 shares of Class B Common Stock will be "restricted securities" within
the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and will be eligible for resale
subject to the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of
Rule 144. The remaining "restricted" shares will become eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144 from time to time thereafter.
    
     In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are required to be aggregated) who has beneficially owned, for at
least two years, shares of Common Stock that have not been registered under the
Securities Act or that were acquired from an "affiliate" of the Company is
entitled to sell within any three-month period the number of shares of Common
Stock which does not exceed the greater of one percent of the number of then
outstanding shares or the average weekly reported trading volume during the four
calendar weeks preceding the sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to
certain notice requirements and to the availability of current public
information about the Company and must be made in unsolicited brokers'
transactions or to a market maker. A person (or persons whose shares are
aggregated) who is not an "affiliate" of the Company under the Securities Act
during the three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned such
shares for at least three years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144
without regard to the volume, notice, information and manner of sale provisions
of such Rule.
   
     An aggregate of 310,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 90,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock are reserved for issuance to employees and directors of the
Company pursuant to the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, 600,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock are reserved for issuance to employees and directors of the Company
pursuant to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and 200,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock are reserved for issuance to outside directors under the 1996 Nonemployee
Directors Plan. Currently, 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are issuable
under existing options granted to employees and directors. In addition, options
exercisable for 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock will be granted to
employees concurrently with the Offering pursuant to the Company's stock option
plans. After the Offering, the Company intends to file a registration statement
on Form S-8 to register the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
options to be granted pursuant to the 1995 and 1996 Stock Incentive Plans.
Accordingly, shares issued upon exercise of such options will be freely
tradeable, except for any shares held by an "affiliate" of the Company.

     Pursuant to stock registration agreements, the Company may be required,
subject to certain conditions, to register under the Securities Act an aggregate
of up to 4,443,436 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
the Class B Common Stock by the current common stockholders. Such stockholders
have waived their registration rights under the stock registration agreements
arising in connection with the Offering.
    
                                       47

     In addition, the holders of Series D Preferred Stock have been granted
certain "piggy-back" registration rights if the Company proposes to undertake a
public offering. Such holders of Series D Preferred Stock have waived their
registration rights in connection with the Offering.
   
     The Company and the executive officers and directors and certain
stockholders of the Company have agreed not to sell, offer to sell, contract to
sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of Common Stock, or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or any rights
to purchase or acquire Common Stock for a period of 180 days commencing on the
date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives
of the Underwriters, other than the issuance of options to purchase Common Stock
or shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise thereof, and issuances of
capital stock by the Company in connection with acquisitions of funeral homes
and cemeteries, provided that such options shall not become exercisable and such
shares issuable upon exercise of options or pursuant to acquisitions shall not
be transferable prior to the end of the 180-day period.

     Prior to the Offering, there has been no market for the Class A Common
Stock. No predictions can be made of the effect, if any, that market sales of
shares of Class A Common Stock or the availability of such shares for sale will
have on the market price prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of
significant amounts of Class A Common Stock could adversely affect the
prevailing market price of Class A Common Stock, as well as impair the ability
of the Company to raise capital through the issuance of additional equity
securities.
    
                                       48

                                  UNDERWRITING

     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement
(the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company and each of the underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters"), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the
Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters, for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and The Chicago Corporation are
acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), has severally agreed to
purchase from the Company the number of shares of Class A Common Stock set forth
below opposite their respective names. The Underwriters are committed to
purchase all of such shares if any are purchased. Under certain circumstances,
the commitments of non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased as set forth in
the Purchase Agreement.
   
                                         NUMBER
             UNDERWRITER                OF SHARES
- -------------------------------------  -----------

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
             Incorporated............
The Chicago Corporation..............

                                       -----------
              Total..................    3,400,000
                                       ===========

     The Representatives have advised the Company that the Underwriters propose
initially to offer the shares of Class A Common Stock to the public at the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, and to
certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $ per share.
The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in
excess of $ per share on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial
public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be
changed.

     The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable by the
Representatives, to purchase up to 510,000 additional shares of Class A Common
Stock at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount. Such
option, which expires 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, may be
exercised solely to cover over-allotments. To the extent that the
Representatives exercise such option, each of the Underwriters will be
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage of the option shares that the number of shares to be purchased
initially by that Underwriter bears to the total number of shares to be
purchased initially by the Underwriters.
    
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Class A
Common Stock will develop upon completion of the Offering or, if developed, that
such market will be sustained. The initial public offering price of the Class A
Common Stock will be determined through negotiations between the Company and the
representatives of the Underwriters, and may bear no relationship to the market
prices of the Class A Common Stock after this offering. Prices for the Class A
Common Stock after this offering may be influenced by a number of factors,
including the depth and liquidity of the market for the Class A Common Stock,
investor perceptions of the Company and the death care industry in general, and
general economic and other conditions.
   
     At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved 340,000
shares of Class A Common Stock for sale at the initial public offering price to
directors, officers, employees, business associates and other persons with whom
the Company has relationships. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock
available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such
persons purchase such reserved

                                       49

shares. Any reserved shares which are not so purchased will be offered by the
Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered
hereby.
    
     The Chicago Corporation acted as placement agent for the private placement
of $8.5 million of the Company's Series C Preferred Stock, completed in
September 1995, for which The Chicago Corporation received a customary fee.
   
     The Company and the executive officers and directors and certain
stockholders of the Company have agreed not to sell, offer to sell, contract to
sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of Common Stock, or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or any rights
to purchase or acquire Common Stock for a period of 180 days commencing on the
date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives
of the Underwriters, other than the issuance of options to purchase Common Stock
or shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise thereof issuances of
capital stock by the Company in connection with acquisitions of funeral homes
and cemeteries, provided that such options shall not become exercisable and such
shares issuable upon exercise of options or pursuant to acquisitions shall not
be transferable prior to the end of the 180-day period.
    
                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     The validity of the issuance of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston,
Texas. Certain legal matters relating to the Class A Common Stock offered hereby
will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., Houston,
Texas.
   
                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements and the financial statements for CFS
1996 Group, Kubach-Smith Funeral Home, Inc., Lusk Funeral Home, Inc., West End
Funeral Home, Inc., James E. Drake Funeral Home, Inc., Dwayne R. Spence Funeral
Home, Inc. and Merchant Funeral Home Group included in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto and
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
said reports.

     The financial statements for Hennessy Funeral Home, Inc. included in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Kee & Associates,
Inc., independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto and included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said report.

     The financial statements for Vail Holt Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. included
in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by McCauley,
Nicolas & Company, LLC, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
report with respect thereto and included herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in giving said report.

     The financial statements for Forest Lawn of Chesnee, Inc., included in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Michael S. Upton,
CPA, P.A., independent public accountant, as indicated in his report with
respect thereto and included herein in reliance upon the authority of said
individual as an expert in giving said report.

     The financial statements for Bailey Funeral Home, Inc., O'Brien Funeral
Home, Inc., and C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Inc. included in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Gitlin, Campise, Pascoe & Blum,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto and included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports.

     The financial statements for Lytle-Gans-Andrew Funeral Home included in
this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Scott,
Callicotte & Co., independent public accountants, as indicated in their report
with respect thereto and included herein in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in giving said report.
    
                                       50

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company has not previously been subject to the reporting requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has filed with
the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act, with respect to the offer and sale of
Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Prospectus. This Prospectus, filed as a
part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement or the exhibits and schedules thereto in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission and reference is
hereby made to such omitted information. Statements made in this Prospectus
concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement are summaries of the terms of such
contracts, agreements or documents and are not necessarily complete. Reference
is made to each such exhibit for a more complete description of the matters
involved and such statements shall be deemed qualified in their entirety by such
reference. The Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto
filed with the Commission may be inspected, without charge, and copies may be
obtained at prescribed rates, at the public reference facility maintained by the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549
and at the regional offices of the Commission located at 7 World Trade Center,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60621-2511. For further information
pertaining to the Class A Common Stock offered by this Prospectus and the
Company, reference is made to the Registration Statement.

     The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements certified by independent auditors and
quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing
unaudited financial statements.

                                       51

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                           PAGE
                                           -----
CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. -- CONSOLIDATED
  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................     F-2

     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
      December 31, 1994 and 1995 and
      June 30, 1996.....................     F-3

     Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
      1993, 1994 and 1995 and the Six Months Ended June 30,
      1995 and 1996.....................     F-4

     Consolidated Statements of Changes
      in Stockholders' Equity for the
      Years Ended December 31, 1993,
      1994 and 1995 and the Six Months
      Ended June 30, 1996...............     F-5

     Consolidated Statements of Cash
      Flows for the Years Ended December
      31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the
      Six Months Ended June 30, 1995 and
      1996..............................     F-6

     Notes to Consolidated Financial
      Statements........................     F-7

CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. -- UNAUDITED PRO
  FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
  STATEMENTS:
     Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
      Balance Sheet as of June 30,
      1996..............................    F-22

     Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
      Statements of Operations for the
      Year Ended December 31, 1995 and
      the Six Months Ended June 30,
      1996..............................    F-23

     Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma
      Consolidated Financial
      Statements........................    F-24

CFS 1996 GROUP:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-28

     Statements of Operations for the
      Period from January 1, 1996 to
      April 29, 1996, the Years Ended
      December 31, 1995 and December 31,
      1994, and the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 1993.................    F-29

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from January 1, 1996 to
      April 29, 1996, the Years Ended
      December 31, 1995 and December 31,
      1994, and the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 1993.................    F-30

     Statements of Stockholder's Equity
      for the Period from January 1,
      1996 to April 29, 1996, the Years
      Ended December 31, 1995 and
      December 31, 1994, and the Three
      Months Ended December 31, 1993....    F-31

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-32

KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-34

     Statement of Operations for the
      Period from October 1, 1993 to
      September 6, 1994.................    F-35

     Statement of Cash Flows for the
      Period from October 1, 1993 to
      September 6, 1994.................    F-36

     Statement of Shareholders' Equity
      for the Period from October 1,
      1993 to September 6, 1994.........    F-37

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-38

LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-40

     Statements of Operations for the
      Years Ended December 31, 1995 and
      December 31, 1994 and the Three
      Months Ended December 31, 1993....    F-41

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Years Ended December 31, 1995 and
      December 31, 1994 and the Three
      Months Ended December 31, 1993....    F-42

     Statements of Shareholders' Deficit
      for the Years Ended December 31,
      1995 and December 31, 1994 and the
      Three Months Ended December 31,
      1993..............................    F-43

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-44

                                      F-1

WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-47

     Statements of Operations for the
      Period from January 1, 1995 to May
      10, 1995, the Year Ended December
      31, 1994, and the Three Months
      Ended December 31, 1993...........    F-48

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from January 1, 1995 to May
      10, 1995, the Year Ended December
      31, 1994, and the Three Months
      Ended December 31, 1993...........    F-49

     Statements of Shareholders' Equity
      for the Period from January 1,
      1995 to May 10, 1995, the Year
      Ended December 31, 1994, and the
      Three Months Ended December 31,
      1993..............................    F-50

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-51

HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-53

     Statements of Operations for the
      Years Ended December 31, 1993,
      December 31, 1994, December 31,
      1995 and the Ten Weeks Ended March
      8, 1996...........................    F-54

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from December 1, 1995 to
      February 29, 1996, and the Years
      Ended November 30, 1995 and
      November 30, 1994.................    F-55

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-56

JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-59

     Statements of Operations for the
      Period from December 1, 1995 to
      February 29, 1996, and the Years
      Ended November 30, 1995 and
      November 30, 1994.................    F-60

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from December 1, 1995 to
      February 29, 1996, and the Years
      Ended November 30, 1995 and
      November 30, 1994.................    F-61

     Statements of Stockholders' Equity
      for the Period from December 1,
      1995 to February 29, 1996, and the
      Years Ended November 30, 1995 and
      November 30, 1994.................    F-62

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-63

DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-65

     Statements of Operations for the
      Period from January 1, 1996 to
      March 29, 1996, the Years Ended
      December 31, 1995 and December 31,
      1994, and the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 1993.................    F-66

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from January 1, 1996 to
      March 29, 1996, the Years Ended
      December 31, 1995 and December 31,
      1994, and the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 1993.................    F-67

     Statements of Shareholder's Equity
      for the Period from January 1,
      1996 to March 29, 1996, the Years
      Ended December 31, 1995 and
      December 31, 1994, and the Three
      Months Ended December 31, 1993....    F-68

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-69

MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME GROUP:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-72

     Statements of Operations for the
      Period from July 1, 1995 to April
      1, 1996, and the Years Ended June
      30, 1995 and June 30, 1994........    F-73

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Period from July 1, 1995 to April
      1, 1996, and the Years Ended June
      30, 1995 and June 30, 1994........    F-74

     Statements of Shareholders' Equity
      for the Period from July 1, 1995
      to April 1, 1996, and the Years
      Ended June 30, 1995 and June 30,
      1994..............................    F-75

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-76

                                     F-1(a)


VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Independent Auditors' Report.......    F-79

     Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996
      and December 31, 1995, 1994, and
      1993..............................    F-80

     Statement of Income for the
      Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
      1996 and the Years
      Ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
      and 1993..........................    F-81

     Statement of Retained Earnings for
      the Six-Month Period Ended June
      30, 1996 and the Years Ended
      December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993.    F-82

     Statement of Cash Flows for the
      Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
      1996 and the
      Years Ended December 31, 1995,
      1994, and 1993....................    F-83

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-85

FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountant........................    F-88

     Statements of Operations for the
      Ten Months Ended June 26, 1996 and
      the Year Ended August 31, 1995....    F-89

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Ten Months Ended June 26, 1996 and
      the Year Ended August 31, 1995....    F-90

     Statements of Changes in
      Stockholders' Equity for the Ten
      Months Ended
      June 26, 1996 and the Year Ended
      August 31, 1995...................    F-91

     Notes to the Financial Statements..    F-92

BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................    F-94

     Balance Sheets as of December 31,
      1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30,
      1996..............................    F-95

     Statements of Income for the Years
      Ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
      1995 and the Six Months Ended
      June 30, 1996.....................    F-96

     Statements of Retained Earnings for
      the Years Ended December 31, 1993,
      1994, 1995 and the Six Months Ended
      June 30, 1996.....................    F-97

     Statements of Cash Flows for Years
      Ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
      1995 and the Six Months Ended
      June 30, 1996.....................    F-98

     Notes to Financial Statements......    F-99

O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................   F-102

     Balance Sheets as of December 31,
      1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30,
      1996..............................   F-103

     Statements of Income for the Years
      Ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
      1995 and the Six Months Ended
      June 30, 1996.....................   F-104

     Statements of Retained Earnings for
      the Years Ended December 31, 1993,
      1994, 1995
      and the Six Months Ended June 30,
      1996..............................   F-105

     Statements of Cash Flows for Years
      Ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
      1995
      and the Six Months Ended June 30,
      1996..............................   F-106

     Notes to Financial Statements......   F-107

C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................   F-110

     Balance Sheets as of September 30,
      1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996......   F-111

     Statements of Operations for the
      Years Ended September 30, 1994,
      1995
      and the Nine Months Ended June
      30, 1996..........................   F-112

     Statements of Stockholders' Equity
      for the Years Ended September 30,
      1994,
      1995 and the Nine Months Ended
      June 30, 1996.....................   F-113

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Years Ended September 30, 1994,
      1995
      and the Nine Months Ended June
      30, 1996..........................   F-114

     Notes to Financial Statements......   F-115

                                     F-1(b)


LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME:
     Report of Independent Public
      Accountants.......................   F-119

     Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996
      and August 31, 1995 and 1994......   F-120

     Income Statements for the Ten
      Months From September 1, 1995 to
      June 30, 1996
      and for the Years Ended August
      31, 1995 and August 31, 1994......   F-121

     Statements of Changes in Capital
      for Ten Months From September 1,
      1995 to
      June 30, 1996 and for the Years
      Ended August 31, 1995 and August
      31, 1994..........................   F-122

     Statements of Cash Flows for the
      Ten Months From September 1,
      1995 to June 30, 1996
      and for the Years Ended August
      31, 1995 and August 31, 1994......   F-123

     Notes to Financial Statements......   F-124

                                     F-1(c)

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
Carriage Services, Inc.:
   
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Carriage
Services, Inc., (formerly Carriage Funeral Services, Inc. -- a Delaware
corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and
June 30, 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 and the six months in the period ended June 30, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
    
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
   
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Carriage
Services, Inc., and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994, and 1995 and June 30,
1996, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and the six months in the
period ended June 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
    
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
July 18, 1996

                                      F-2

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                       --------------------    JUNE 30,
                                         1994       1995         1996
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
               ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash and cash equivalents.......  $     836  $   7,573    $  4,490
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
     Accounts receivable --
          Trade, net of allowance for
             doubtful accounts of
             $205 in 1994, $305 in
             1995 and $360 in 1996...      2,168      2,637       3,748
          Other......................        447        505         198
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
                                           2,615      3,142       3,946
     Marketable securities, available
       for sale......................      4,357        864           1
     Inventories and other current
       assets........................      2,026      2,106       3,158
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
               Total current
                  assets.............      9,834     13,685      11,595
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at
  cost:
     Land............................      3,594      4,416       7,316
     Buildings and improvements......     10,851     14,200      25,529
     Furniture and equipment.........      3,994      5,365       7,273
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
                                          18,439     23,981      40,118
     Less -- accumulated
       depreciation..................     (1,329)    (2,311)     (2,994)
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
                                          17,110     21,670      37,124
CEMETERY PROPERTY, at cost...........        526        496       2,384
NAMES AND REPUTATIONS, net of
  accumulated amortization of $480 in
  1994, $959 in 1995 and $1,316 in
  1996...............................     13,555     22,559      37,527
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER NONCURRENT
  ASSETS.............................      3,140      3,336       5,407
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
                                       $  44,165  $  61,746    $ 94,037
                                       =========  =========    ========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Accounts payable................  $     997  $   1,041    $  1,236
     Accrued liabilities.............      2,179      2,957       3,539
     Current portion of long-term
       debt and obligations under
       capital leases................      2,387      3,215       5,359
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
               Total current
                  liabilities........      5,563      7,213      10,134
PRENEED LIABILITIES, net.............        433        709       2,817
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current
  portion............................     32,622     42,057      60,277
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES, net
  of current portion.................        671        716         732
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES................      1,447      1,900       2,882
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
               Total liabilities.....     40,736     52,595      76,842
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK...........     --         --           8,545
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Preferred stock.................         72        157         162
     Common stock....................         25         25          25
     Treasury stock..................     --         --            (330)
     Contributed capital.............      6,992     15,100      15,650
     Unrealized loss on securities
       available for sale............        (59)       (36)      --
     Retained deficit................     (3,601)    (6,095)     (6,857)
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
               Total stockholders'
                  equity.............      3,429      9,151       8,650
                                       ---------  ---------    --------
                                       $  44,165  $  61,746    $ 94,037
                                       =========  =========    ========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-3

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 FOR THE SIX
                                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER            MONTHS ENDED
                                                     31,                          JUNE 30,
                                       -------------------------------     -----------------------
                                         1993       1994       1995           1995         1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>             <C>         <C>
Revenues, net........................  $  11,265  $  18,404  $  24,237       $11,501     $  16,925
Costs and expenses...................     10,205     15,390     20,247         9,329        13,536
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
     Gross profit....................      1,060      3,014      3,990         2,172         3,389
General and administrative
  expenses...........................        985      1,266      2,106           832         1,155
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
     Operating income................         75      1,748      1,884         1,340         2,234
Interest expense, net................      1,745      2,671      3,684         1,648         2,644
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
     (Loss) before income taxes......     (1,670)      (923)    (1,800)         (308)         (410)
Provision for income taxes...........     --             40        694           390           251
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
     Net (loss)......................     (1,670)      (963)    (2,494)         (698)         (661)
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements.......................     --         --         --            --               101
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------     -----------   ---------
     Net (loss) attributable to
       common stockholders...........  $  (1,670) $    (963) $  (2,494)      $  (698)    $    (762)
                                       =========  =========  =========     ===========   =========
Loss per share:
     (Loss) per common and common
       equivalent share..............  $    (.66) $    (.28) $    (.66)      $  (.20)    $    (.17)
                                       =========  =========  =========     ===========   =========
     Weighted average number of
       common and common equivalent
       shares outstanding............      2,543      3,406      3,781         3,543         4,512
                                       =========  =========  =========     ===========   =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-4

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               CONTRIBUTED       NET
                                        NUMBER     PREFERRED    NUMBER     COMMON   TREASURY     CAPITAL     UNREALIZED    RETAINED
                                       OF SHARES     STOCK     OF SHARES   STOCK     STOCK      (DEFICIT)    GAIN (LOSS)   DEFICIT
                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   --------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Balance -- December 31, 1992.........     --        $ --         2,409      $ 24     $--         $   (14)      $--         $   (968)
Net loss -- 1993.....................     --          --         --         --        --          --            --           (1,670)
Issuance of common stock.............     --          --           111         1      --               1        --            --
                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   --------
Balance -- December 31, 1993.........     --          --         2,520        25      --             (13)       --           (2,638)
Net loss -- 1994.....................     --          --         --         --        --          --            --             (963)
Issuance of preferred stock..........     7,160          72      --         --        --           7,005        --            --
Unrealized net loss -- available for
  sale securities....................     --          --         --         --        --          --               (59)       --
                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   --------
Balance -- December 31, 1994.........     7,160          72      2,520        25      --           6,992           (59)      (3,601)
Unrealized net gain -- available for
  sale securities....................     --          --         --         --        --          --                23        --
Issuance of preferred stock..........     8,500          85      --         --        --           8,108        --            --
Net loss -- 1995.....................     --          --         --         --        --          --            --           (2,494)
                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   --------
Balance -- December 31, 1995.........    15,660         157      2,520        25      --          15,100           (36)      (6,095)
Net loss -- six months ended June 30,
  1996...............................     --          --         --         --        --          --            --             (661)
Issuance of preferred stock..........       555           5      --         --        --             540        --            --
Unrealized net gain -- available for
  sale securities....................     --          --         --         --        --          --                36        --
Purchase of treasury stock...........     --          --         --         --         (330)      --            --            --
Exercise of stock options............     --          --             1      --        --              10        --            --
Preferred dividends..................     --          --         --         --        --          --            --             (101)
                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   --------
Balance -- June 30, 1996.............    16,215     $   162      2,521      $ 25     $ (330)     $15,650       $     0     $ (6,857)
                                       =========   =========   =========   ======   ========   ===========   ===========   ========
</TABLE>

                                         TOTAL
                                       ---------

Balance -- December 31, 1992.........  $    (958)
Net loss -- 1993.....................     (1,670)
Issuance of common stock.............          2
                                       ---------
Balance -- December 31, 1993.........     (2,626)
Net loss -- 1994.....................       (963)
Issuance of preferred stock..........      7,077
Unrealized net loss -- available for
  sale securities....................        (59)
                                       ---------
Balance -- December 31, 1994.........      3,429
Unrealized net gain -- available for
  sale securities....................         23
Issuance of preferred stock..........      8,193
Net loss -- 1995.....................     (2,494)
                                       ---------
Balance -- December 31, 1995.........      9,151
Net loss -- six months ended June 30,
  1996...............................       (661)
Issuance of preferred stock..........        545
Unrealized net gain -- available for
  sale securities....................         36
Purchase of treasury stock...........       (330)
Exercise of stock options............         10
Preferred dividends..................       (101)
                                       ---------
Balance -- June 30, 1996.............  $   8,650
                                       =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-5

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                                        FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,          ENDED JUNE 30,
                                       ----------------------------------    ------------------------
                                          1993        1994        1995          1995          1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------    -----------   ----------
                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net (loss).........................  $   (1,670) $     (963) $   (2,494)     $  (698)    $     (661)
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)
     to net cash provided by
     operating activities --
     Depreciation and amortization...         947       1,476       1,948          907          1,389
     Deferred income taxes...........      --              43         449          157             74
     Changes in assets and
       liabilities net of effects
       from acquisitions:
       Decrease (increase) in
          accounts receivable........        (298)       (198)       (637)         265           (113)
       Decrease (increase) in
          inventories and other
          current assets.............        (206)        (91)        115          164           (370)
       (Increase) decrease in other
          deferred charges...........      --          --            (144)          44           (242)
       Increase (decrease) in
          accounts payable...........         951        (214)         45         (475)           163
       Increase in accrued
          liabilities................         873       1,028       1,671          400            180
       Increase (decrease) in preneed
          liabilities................          (1)         (4)         44           40             45
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------    -----------   ----------
          Net cash provided by
             operating activities....         596       1,077         997          804            465
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisitions, net of cash
     acquired........................     (13,843)     (9,073)    (12,191)      (5,960)       (24,415)
  Dispositions of businesses formerly
     owned...........................      --          --          --           --                397
  Purchase of marketable securities
     available for sale..............      --          (4,417)     (1,795)      --             --
  Disposal of marketable securities
     available for sale..............      --          --           5,312        3,052            900
  Purchase of property, plant and
     equipment.......................        (717)     (1,179)     (3,019)      (1,257)        (2,004)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------    -----------   ----------
          Net cash (used in)
             investing activities....     (14,560)    (14,669)    (11,693)      (4,165)       (25,122)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from long-term debt.......      12,750       7,781      11,563        6,234         23,772
  Payments on long-term debt,
     obligations under capital
     leases..........................        (911)     (1,705)     (2,273)      (1,180)        (1,575)
  Proceeds from subordinated notes...       2,561         390      --           --             --
  Proceeds from sale of preferred
     stock...........................      --           6,992       8,192       --             --
  Payment of preferred stock
     dividends.......................      --          --          --           --               (101)
  Exercise of stock options..........      --          --          --           --                 10
  Purchase of treasury stock.........      --          --          --           --               (330)
  Payment of deferred debt charges...        (166)        (45)        (49)         (45)          (202)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------    -----------   ----------
          Net cash provided by
             financing activities....      14,234      13,413      17,433        5,009         21,574
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
  CASH EQUIVALENTS...................         270        (179)      6,737        1,648         (3,083)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD................         745       1,015         836          836          7,573
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------    -----------   ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
  PERIOD.............................  $    1,015  $      836  $    7,573      $ 2,484     $    4,490
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION:
  Interest paid through issuance of
     new debt........................  $      275  $      231  $      644      $   648     $      825
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
  Retirement of debt through issuance
     of preferred stock..............  $   --      $   --      $      500      $--         $   --
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
  Cash interest paid.................  $    1,187  $    2,038  $    3,127      $ 1,611     $    2,399
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
  Issuance of preferred stock for
     acquisitions....................  $   --      $       80  $   --          $--         $    9,100
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
  Retirement of debt through disposition of business.. $   -- $   -- $   --    $--         $    2,642
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========    ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-6

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
    ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     Carriage Services, Inc. (the Company -- formerly Carriage Funeral Services,
Inc.), was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 29,
1993. The Company owns and operates funeral homes and cemeteries throughout the
United States. The Company provides professional services related to funerals
and interments at its funeral homes and cemeteries. Prearranged funerals and
preneed cemetery property are marketed in the geographic markets served by the
Company's locations.

  REORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

     Effective January 1, 1994, the shareholders of three affiliated companies
which had common ownership and management exchanged their stock for Common Stock
of the Company. In this transaction, the assets and liabilities of the
affiliated companies were recorded at historical cost in a manner similar to a
pooling-of-interests. Accordingly, for financial reporting purposes, the
consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect the predecessor
entities as if the reorganization had taken place prior to the first period
presented. Thus, the shares of the predecessor are treated as outstanding for
prior years at the equivalent number of Company shares of Common Stock
subsequently recorded at January 1, 1994. The financial statements include the
consolidated financial statements of Carriage Services, Inc. and its
subsidiaries. In consolidation, all significant intercompany balances and
transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements have been
restated as of the earliest period presented to reflect a one for two reverse
stock split as further discussed in Note 10.

  INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The unaudited interim condensed financial statements for June 30, 1995 have
been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and note disclosures normally
included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those
rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made
are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results
of operations (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments)
have been made to the interim financial statements. Results of operations for
the six-month periods ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1996 are not necessarily
indicative of results of operations for the respective full year.

  FUNERAL AND CEMETERY OPERATIONS

     The Company records the sale of funeral merchandise and services upon
performance. The Company records the sale of the right of cemetery interment or
mausoleum entombment and related merchandise at the time of sale. The cost for
cemetery merchandise and services sold but not yet provided is accrued as an
expense at the same time the cemetery revenue is recognized. Allowances for
customer cancellations, refunds and bad debts are provided at the date of sale
based on the historical experience of the Company. Accounts receivable -- trade,
net consists of approximately $2,106,000, $2,546,000, and $3,623,000 of funeral
receivables and approximately $62,000, $91,000, and $125,000 of current cemetery
receivables at December 31, 1994, and 1995, and June 30, 1996, respectively.
Noncurrent cemetery receivables, those payable after one year, are included in
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(see Note 3).

     Cemetery revenues are less than 7% of the consolidated revenues of the
Company and, accordingly, the Company only operates in one business segment.

                                      F-7

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

  PRENEED FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

     Preneed funeral sales are effected by deposits to a trust or purchase of a
third-party insurance product. Since the Company does not have access to these
funds, the sale is not recorded until the service is performed, nor generally,
are the related assets and liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. The trust income earned and the increases in insurance benefits on the
insurance products are also deferred until the service is performed in order to
offset inflation in cost to provide the service in the future. The preneed
funeral trust assets were approximately $11,045,000, $14,934,000 and $24,258,000
at December 31, 1994, and 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively, which in the
opinion of management, exceed the future obligations under such arrangements.

     The following summary reflects the composition of the assets held in trust
to satisfy the Company's future obligations under prearranged funeral
arrangements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          UNREALIZED
                                           HISTORICAL       HOLDING
                                           COST BASIS     GAIN (LOSS)     FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------     -----------     ----------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>              <C>           <C>
As of December 31, 1994 --
  Cash and cash equivalents.............    $  7,427         $--           $  7,427
  Fixed income investment contracts.....         989          --                989
  Mutual funds, corporate bonds and
     stocks.............................       2,690           (61)           2,629
                                           ----------     -----------     ----------
       Total............................    $ 11,106         $ (61)        $ 11,045

As of December 31, 1995 --
  Cash and cash equivalents.............    $ 10,275         $--           $ 10,275
  Fixed income investment contracts.....       1,396          --              1,396
  Mutual funds, corporate bonds and
     stocks.............................       3,206            57            3,263
                                           ----------     -----------     ----------
       Total............................    $ 14,877         $  57         $ 14,934

As of June 30, 1996 --
  Cash and cash equivalents.............    $ 15,212         $--           $ 15,212
  Fixed income investment contracts.....       2,343          --              2,343
  Mutual funds, corporate bonds and
     stocks.............................       6,698             5            6,703
                                           ----------     -----------     ----------
       Total............................    $ 24,253         $   5         $ 24,258
</TABLE>

     The mutual funds, corporate bonds and stocks held in trust are classified
as available for sale.

  CEMETERY MERCHANDISE AND SERVICE TRUST

     The Company is also generally required, by certain states, to deposit a
specified amount into a merchandise and service trust fund for cemetery
merchandise and services contracts sold on a preneed basis. The principal and
accumulated earnings of the trust may be withdrawn by the Company upon maturity
(generally, death of the purchaser) or cancellation of the contracts. Trust fund
investment income is recognized in current revenues as trust earnings accrue,
net of current period inflation costs recognized related to the merchandise that
has not yet been purchased. Merchandise and service trust fund balances, in the
aggregate, were approximately $48,000, $60,000 and $1,118,000 at December 31,
1994, and 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively, and are included in Preneed
Liabilities, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

  PERPETUAL AND MEMORIAL CARE TRUST

     In accordance with respective state laws, the Company is generally required
to deposit a specified amount into perpetual and memorial care trust funds for
each interment/entombment right and memorial

                                      F-8

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

sold. Income from the trust funds is used to provide care and maintenance for
the cemeteries and mausoleums and is periodically distributed to the Company and
recognized as revenue. The perpetual and memorial care trust assets were
approximately $555,000, $599,000 and $1,695,000 at December 31, 1994, and 1995
and June 30, 1996, respectively, which, in the opinion of management, will cover
future obligations under such arrangements. The Company does not have the right
to withdraw any of the principal balances of these funds and, accordingly, these
trust fund balances are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets.

  DEFERRED OBTAINING COSTS

     Deferred obtaining costs consist of sales commissions and other direct
marketing costs applicable to preneed funeral sales, net of insurance
commissions received. These costs are deferred and amortized over 12 years which
approximates the expected timing of the performance of the services related to
the preneed funeral contracts. These amounts were not significant prior to 1995.

  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

  MARKETABLE SECURITIES

     The Company accounts for marketable securities in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, and the Company's investment
securities are classified as available for sale securities. These securities are
stated at cost adjusted for market value fluctuations. Unrealized gains and
losses created by changes in the market values of these securities are
recognized as an adjustment to and are reported as a separate component of
Stockholders' Equity, net of tax. The specific identification method is used in
determining realized gains and losses from the sale of securities. At December
31, 1994 and 1995 and June 30, 1996, the Company had gross unrealized gains of
approximately $9,000, $4,000 and $0 and gross unrealized losses of approximately
$68,000, $40,000 and $0, respectively. The Company does not use derivative
financial instruments or participate in hedging activities.

  INVENTORY

     Inventory is stated at the lower of its cost basis (fair value at date of
acquisition) or net realizable value.

  NAMES AND REPUTATIONS

     The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and
identifiable intangible assets acquired, as determined by management in
transactions accounted for as purchases, is included in the consolidated
financial statements as Names and Reputations. Such amounts are being amortized
over 40 years. Many of the Company's acquired funeral homes have provided high
quality service to families for generations. The resulting loyalty often
represents a substantial portion of the value of a funeral business. The Company
reviews the carrying value of Names and Reputations at least quarterly on a
location-by-location basis to determine if facts and circumstances exist which
would suggest that the intangible asset may be impaired or that the amortization
period needs to be modified. If indicators are present which indicate impairment
is probable, the Company will prepare a projection of the undiscounted cash
flows of the location and determine if the intangible assets are recoverable
based on these undiscounted cash flows. If impairment is indicated, then an
adjustment will be made to reduce the carrying amount of the intangible assets
to their fair value. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of," as of January 1, 1996, and the adoption did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.

                                      F-9

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at cost at the time of
acquisition. The costs of ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to
operations, while renewals and replacements are capitalized. Depreciation of
Property, Plant and Equipment is computed based on the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:


                                         YEARS
                                        --------

Buildings and improvements...........      40
Furniture and fixtures...............      10
Machinery and equipment..............   5 to 10
Automobiles..........................      5

  INCOME TAXES

     The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company
provides deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and
financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities.

  LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

     Loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each
period, as calculated pursuant to various SEC pronouncements. (See Note 9).

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

2.  ACQUISITIONS:

     During the first six months of 1996, the Company acquired substantially all
of the assets and certain liabilities of 24 funeral homes and four cemeteries
through the purchase of stock and assets. In 1995, the Company acquired
substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of eight funeral homes
through the purchase of stock and assets. In 1994, the Company also acquired
substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of nine funeral homes
and one cemetery through the purchase of stock. These transactions have been
accounted for utilizing the purchase method of accounting, and the results of
operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements
from the dates of acquisition.

     Relatively few liabilities were assumed in connection with these
acquisitions. Costs were allocated to the net assets acquired based on
management's estimate of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities
at the date of acquisition. Many of the Company's acquired funeral homes have
provided high quality service to families for generations. The resulting loyalty
often represents a substantial portion of the value of a funeral business. As a
result, the excess of the consideration paid over the fair value of net tangible
and identifiable intangible assets is allocated to Names and Reputations. Future
adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price may be made during the 12
months following the date of acquisition due to the resolution of uncertainties
existing at the acquisition date, which include obtaining additional information
regarding asset and liability valuations. There were no material purchase price
allocation adjustments made during 1994, 1995 or the first six months of 1996.

                                      F-10

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The following table is a summary of the above acquisitions made during the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996:

                                          1994         1995         1996
                                       -----------  -----------  -----------

Number acquired:
     Funeral homes...................       9            8           24
     Cemeteries......................       1           --            4

     The effect of the above acquisitions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June 30, 1996 was as follows:

                                         1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
Current Assets.......................  $     645  $     291  $   2,857
Cemetery Property....................        253     --          1,927
Property, Plant and Equipment........      4,516      2,727     15,104
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent
  Assets.............................        809        210        500
Names and Reputations................      3,502      9,349     17,344
Current Liabilities..................       (435)       (67)    (1,293)
Debt.................................       (137)       (87)    --
Other Liabilities....................     --           (232)    (2,924)
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                           9,153     12,191     33,515
Preferred Stock issued...............        (80)    --         (9,100)
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
     Cash used for acquisitions......  $   9,073  $  12,191  $  24,415
                                       =========  =========  =========

     The following table reflects, on an unaudited pro forma basis, the combined
operations of the Company and the businesses acquired during the year ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995 as if such acquisitions had taken place at the
beginning of 1994, and for the businesses acquired during the six months ended
June 30, 1996 as if such acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 1995.
Appropriate adjustments have been made to reflect the accounting basis used in
recording these acquisitions. These pro forma results have been prepared for
comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of
operations that would have resulted had the combinations been in effect on the
dates indicated, that have resulted since the date of acquisition or that may
result in the future.

                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                     --------------------   FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                                       1994       1995      ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                     ---------  ---------   -------------------

                                            (UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues, net......................  $  26,341  $  39,761         $20,952
Net (loss) before income taxes.....     (1,716)    (3,033)         (1,357)
Net (loss) attributable to common
  stockholders.....................     (1,094)    (3,753)         (1,652)
(Loss) per common and common
  equivalent share.................       (.32)      (.99)           (.37)

                                      F-11

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

3.  DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:

     Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets at December 31, 1994 and 1995
and June 30, 1996, were as follows:

                                         1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)

Agreements not to compete, net of
  accumulated amortization of $790,
  $1,198 and $1,448, respectively....  $   2,449  $   2,269  $   2,599
Deferred debt expense, net of
  accumulated amortization of $192,
  $337 and $435, respectively........        439        492        667
Noncurrent cemetery receivables......        252        443      1,784
Deferred obtaining costs.............     --            132        357
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                       $   3,140  $   3,336  $   5,407
                                       =========  =========  =========

     The Company has entered into prepaid agreements not to compete with former
owners of businesses acquired that are being amortized over the term of the
agreements, ranging from four to 10 years. Deferred debt expense is being
amortized over the term of the related debt, generally five years. Noncurrent
cemetery receivables result from the multi-year payment terms in the underlying
contracts. These cemetery receivables are recorded net of allowances for
customer cancellations, refunds and bad debts.

                                      F-12

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

4.  LONG-TERM DEBT:

     The Company's long-term debt and subordinated notes at December 31, 1994
and 1995 and June 30, 1996, consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1994        1995        1996
                                                                                   --------    --------    --------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>         <C>     
Notes payable, secured by deed of trust and security agreements covering certain
  real property, due in monthly installments ranging from $3,542 to $18,750,
  plus interest at prime plus 1.75%; prime plus 1.50% after April 20, 1994
  (9.75% as of June 30, 1996) through
  January 1999 .................................................................   $ 13,799    $ 13,038    $ 12,658
Notes payable, secured by deed of
  trust and security agreements covering certain real property, due in monthly
  installments of $52,000, plus interest at 7.31%; through July 1998 at which
  time the interest rate fluctuates based upon the greater of prime plus .50%,
  the base certificate of deposit rate plus 1.50% or the federal funds rate plus
  1% until maturity in July
  2000 .........................................................................      8,466       7,842       7,530
Note payable, secured by deed of
  trust and security agreements covering certain real property, principal due in
  quarterly installments of $18,750 and interest due in monthly installments at
  a rate of the lesser of prime plus 1%, the base certificate of deposit rate
  plus 1.50% or the federal funds rate plus 1% (9.25% as of June 30, 1996)
  until maturity in October 1999 ...............................................       --           476         679
Notes payable, secured by deed of
  trust and security agreements covering certain real property, due in monthly
  installments ranging from $3,125 to $15,208, plus interest at prime plus 1.50%
  (9.75% as of June 30, 1996) through
  December 2000 ................................................................      5,269      14,960      24,381
Note payable, secured by deed of
  trust and security agreements covering certain real property, due in monthly
  installments of $47,222, plus interest at prime (8.25% at June 30, 1996)
  through March 31, 1998, at which time the Company must enter into a swap
  agreement to effectively convert the note to a fixed rate loan until maturity
  at
  March 31, 2003 ...............................................................       --          --         8,500
Subordinated notes payable to
  stockholder, with interest at a predetermined rate plus 3% which is subject to
  adjustment under certain conditions (11.25% as of June 30, 1996). Interest is
  payable in the form of cash if certain conditions are met, otherwise interest
  is paid in the form of additional subordinated notes issued annually; these
  principal and interest notes
  are payable in May 2001 ......................................................      6,371       7,016       7,841
Other ..........................................................................        893       1,542       3,703
Less -- Current portion ........................................................     (2,176)     (2,817)     (5,015)
                                                                                   --------    --------    --------
                                                                                   $ 32,622    $ 42,057    $ 60,277
                                                                                   ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

     No principal payments on the subordinated debt may be made until the notes
payable are paid. The notes payable are generally guaranteed by certain
principal stockholders of the Company and secured by the Common Stock of the
Company, property, plant and equipment, accounts receivable, inventory and
intangibles. A major stockholder received a $40,000 fee for a guarantee for each
of the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995. At June 30, 1996, $20,000 has
been accrued related to this fee. The guaranteed amount as of June 30, 1996, was
$2,000,000. The debt agreements contain provisions regarding minimum net worth
and cash flow to debt service ratios, and restrictions regarding other
borrowings,

                                      F-13

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

payment of dividends, capital expenditures and acquisitions. The aggregate
maturities of notes payable for the six-month period ended December 31, 1996 and
for the subsequent five years, are approximately $2,064,000, $9,631,000,
$8,586,000, $7,638,000, $14,699,000 and $16,159,000, respectively and $6,515,000
thereafter. The Company has a $400,000 line of credit which matures in May 1997;
$350,000 was outstanding under such line of credit at June 30, 1996.

     Upon the completion of the initial public offering, the Company intends to
retire a substantial portion of the existing debt with the net proceeds
therefrom. Accordingly, a significant portion of the then existing deferred debt
expense related to the existing debt will be written off in the accounting
period in which the debt is retired. In addition, to the extent that the net
proceeds of the initial public offering are less than the then existing debt
balances, the Company intends to retire the remaining debt with funds to be
drawn from a new revolving credit facility, a commitment for which has been
received by the Company. If the debt had been retired through the application of
the net proceeds of the Offering and borrowings from the new revolving credit
facility as of June 30, 1996, the write off of deferred debt expense would have
been $667,000.

5.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

  LEASES

     The Company leases certain office facilities, vehicles and equipment under
operating leases for one to ten years. Certain of these leases provide for an
annual adjustment to rent for operating expenses in excess of a prescribed
amount or increases due to inflation, as well as options to purchase the assets
at fair market value. Rent expense was approximately $442,000, $734,000,
$951,000, and $413,000 for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, and
the six-month period ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Assets acquired under
capital leases are included in Property, Plant and Equipment on the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     Minimum payments over the lease periods will be as follows:

                                            MINIMUM LEASE
                                               PAYMENTS
                                        ----------------------
                                        OPERATING     CAPITAL
                                          LEASES      LEASES
                                        ----------   ---------

Years ended December 31,
     1996............................     $  446     $     218
     1997............................        902           411
     1998............................        857           289
     1999............................        796           163
     2000............................        580            68
     Thereafter......................      2,382           114
                                        ----------   ---------
Total minimum lease payments.........     $5,963         1,263
                                        ==========
Less: amount representing interest...                      187
                                                     ---------
Long-term obligations under capital
  leases.............................                $   1,076
                                                     =========

  AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

     The Company has entered into various employment and agreements not to
compete with key employees and former owners of businesses acquired. These
agreements are generally for one to ten years and provide for future payments
annually, quarterly or monthly. The aggregate payments due under these
agreements for the six-month period ended December 31, 1996 and for the
subsequent five years, are approximately $608,000, $1,068,000, $1,053,000,
$1,014,000, $765,000 and $691,000, respectively and

                                      F-14

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

$2,095,000 thereafter. In conformity with industry practice, these agreements
are not included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     The Company sponsors one defined contribution plan for the benefit of its
employees. The expense for this plan has not been significant for the periods
presented. In addition, the Company does not offer any other post-retirement or
post-employment benefits.

  LITIGATION

     The Company is, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental
to its business. Management believes that the results of any litigation or other
pending legal proceedings will not have a materially adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

6.  INCOME TAXES:

     Prior to January 1, 1994, the Company was an S corporation, was not subject
to federal income taxes, and instead, the owners were taxed on the Company's
income in a manner similar to partnerships. On January 1, 1994, the Company
became a C corporation and adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 109. Accordingly, a charge to income taxes in 1994 of approximately $57,000
was made to establish deferred taxes payable. The Company did not pay any
federal taxes in 1993, 1994 or 1995 or during the six-months ended June 30,
1996. The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31,
1994 and 1995, and for the six-month period ended June 30, 1996 consisted of:

                                         1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
Current:
     U. S. Federal...................  $  --      $  --      $  --
     State...........................         10         35         85
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total current provision....         10         35         85
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Deferred:
     U. S. Federal...................        (35)       585        149
     State...........................          8         74         17
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total deferred (benefit)
             provision...............        (27)       659        166
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Provision resulting from
             change in tax status....         57     --         --
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total income tax
             provision...............  $      40  $     694  $     251
                                       =========  =========  =========

     A reconciliation of taxes at the Federal statutory rate of 34% to those
reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, and for the six-month period ended June 30, 1996 is
as follows:

                                         1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------

Federal statutory rate...............      (34.0)%    (34.0)%    (34.0)%
Effect of state income taxes.........       (2.6)      (6.0)      (2.4)
Effect of nondeductible expenses.....        6.2        3.9       16.3
Effect of valuation allowance........       30.3       74.7       81.3
Effect of change in tax status.......        4.4     --         --
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                             4.3%      38.6%      61.2%
                                       =========  =========  =========

                                      F-15

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1994, and
1995 and June 30, 1996, were as follows:

                                         1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
Deferred tax assets:
     Net operating loss
       carryforwards.................  $     314  $   1,536  $   1,991
     Book/tax differences relating to
       reserves......................         80        117        131
     Accrued liabilities and other...        168        130         55
     Amortization of non-compete
       agreements....................        178        292        391
     Accrued interest not currently
       deductible....................        427        190        190
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                           1,167      2,265      2,758
Valuation allowance..................       (303)    (1,517)    (1,990)
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total deferred tax
             assets..................  $     864  $     748  $     768
                                       =========  =========  =========
Deferred tax liability:
     Amortization and depreciation...     (1,721)    (2,229)    (3,315)
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total deferred tax
             liabilities.............     (1,721)    (2,229)    (3,315)
                                       =========  =========  =========
Net deferred tax liability...........       (857)    (1,481)    (2,547)
                                       =========  =========  =========
Current net deferred asset...........        590        419        335
Long-term net deferred liability.....     (1,447)    (1,900)    (2,882)
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                       $    (857) $  (1,481) $  (2,547)
                                       =========  =========  =========

     The Company has recorded a valuation allowance to reflect the estimated
amount of deferred tax assets for which realization is uncertain. At June 30,
1996, the Company has approximately $4,424,000 of federal Net Operating Losses
(NOL) carryforwards which will expire between 2009 and 2011, if not utilized,
and $7,019,000 of state NOL carryforwards which will expire between the years
2000 and 2011, if not utilized. As a result of the initial public offering (see
Note 10), there may be a limitation placed on the Company's utilization of its
NOL's by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company will review the
valuation allowance at the end of each quarter and will make adjustments if it
is determined that it is more likely than not that the NOL's will be realized.

7.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

  COMMON STOCK

     The Company has 20,000,000 authorized shares of Common Stock with a par
value of $.01 per share of which approximately 2.52 millon shares were issued
and outstanding at December 31, 1994, and 1995, and June 30, 1996. A voting
agreement exists between certain stockholders where such parties agreed to,
among other things, vote their respective shares of Common Stock in an agreed
upon manner. Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the Company amended and restated its
certificate of incorporation to authorize a total of 30,000,000 shares of Common
Stock.

  PREFERRED STOCK

     As of June 30, 1996 the Company was authorized to issue up to 40,000,000
shares of preferred stock, issuable in series from time to time established by
the Board of Directors. Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the Company amended and
restated its certificate of incorporation to authorize a total of 50,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock. The Company has 7,000,000 authorized shares of Series
A Preferred Stock with a par value

                                      F-16

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

of $.01 per share, all of which were issued and outstanding as of December 31,
1994, and 1995 and June 30, 1996. These shares can be converted into shares of
Common Stock at a conversion price of $7.143 per share. The Company also has
2,500,000 authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock with a par value of $.01
of which 160,000 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1994 and
1995 and 715,000 shares were issued and 545,000 were outstanding as of June 30,
1996. Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the Company amended and restated its
certificate of incorporation to authorize a total of 1,000,000 shares of Series
B Preferred Stock. These shares can be converted into Common Stock at various
conversion prices from $8.00 to $11.00 per share. As of December 31, 1995 and
June 30, 1996, the Company has 8,500,000 authorized shares of Series C Preferred
Stock with a par value of $.01 of which all 8,500,000 were issued and
outstanding. These shares can be converted into shares of Common Stock at a
conversion price of $9.00 per share. The Preferred Stocks (Series A, B and C)
can be converted into shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder at any
time and will automatically convert at the effective date of the Registration
Statement for the initial public offering (See Note 10), or a sale of the
Company.

  TREASURY STOCK

     In the six-month period ended June 30, 1996, the Company purchased 170,000
shares of Series B Preferred Stock for total consideration of $330,000.

  STOCK OPTION PLAN

     The Company has a 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) which was adopted by
the Board of Directors. The Company accounts for these plans under APB Opinion
No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation
cost for these plans been determined consistent with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, the Company's net loss and loss per share would
have been the following pro forma amounts:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FOR THE               FOR THE
                                                                      YEAR ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1995       JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                  ------------------    -----------------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                    <C>                             <C>                   <C>     
Net (loss) attributable to common
  stockholders:                        As reported.............        $ (2,494)             $  (762)

                                       Pro forma...............          (2,721)                (865)

(Loss) per share attributable to
  common stockholders:                 As reported.............            (.66)                (.17)

                                       Pro forma...............            (.72)                (.19)
</TABLE>

     The Plan provides for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, subject to 1% annual increases beginning January 1, 1997, in
connection with the exercise of stock options granted under such Plan to
officers and key employees. The Plan is administered by a stock option committee
appointed by the Board of Directors. The Plan allows for options to be granted
as non-qualified options, incentive stock options, reload options, alternative
appreciation rights and stock bonus options. As of June 30, 1996, only
non-qualified options and incentive stock options have been issued. The options
are granted with an exercise price equal to the then fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors. The
non-qualified and incentive stock options are immediately exercisable and expire
ten years from the date of grant unless a shorter period is provided by the
stock option committee.

                                      F-17

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     A summary of the status of the Plan at December 31, 1995 and at June 30,
1996 and changes during the year and six months then ended is presented in the
table and narrative below:

                                         YEAR ENDED           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                      DECEMBER 31, 1995         JUNE 30, 1996
                                     -------------------     -------------------
                                     SHARES     WTD AVG      SHARES     WTD AVG
                                      (000)     EX PRICE      (000)     EX PRICE
                                     -------    --------     -------    --------

Outstanding at beginning of period..   --        $--              50     $ 9.80
Granted.............................     50        9.80           41      10.94
Exercised...........................   --         --              (1)     10.00
Cancelled...........................   --         --           --         --
Outstanding at end of period........     50        9.80           90      10.54
Exercisable at end of period........     50        9.80           90      10.54
Weighted average fair value of
  options granted...................  $4.57                  $  4.94

     All of the options outstanding at June 30, 1996 have exercise prices
between $8.00 and $12.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $10.54 and a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.34 years. All of these options
are exercisable.

     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996,
respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6.27% and 6.02%; expected dividend
yields of zero percent and zero percent; expected lives of ten years and ten
years; expected volatility of zero percent and zero percent.

     Pursuant to a 1993 agreement, the Company intends to repurchase
approximately 212,940 shares of Common Stock from an executive officer of the
Company at $1.20 per share. Options to purchase these 212,940 shares were
granted in 1993 to several members of the management team, who have no other
stock ownership in the Company, at $1.20 per share which the Board of Directors
believes was the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the date of
grant.

  OTHER

     The Company has also entered into a consulting arrangement with a
stockholder of the Company, requiring quarterly payments of $6,250.

8.  REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK:

     The Company has 10,000,000 authorized shares of Series D Preferred Stock
with a par value of $.01 per share, of which approximately 8,545,000 shares were
issued and outstanding at June 30, 1996. Subsequent to June 30, 1996, the
Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to authorize a
total of 20,000,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock. These shares can be
converted into Common Stock at the lesser of the initial public offering price
of the Class A Common Stock or the applicable conversion price (currently
ranging from $15.00 to $18.00 per share). The holders of Series D Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive preferential dividends at an annual rate ranging
from $0.06 to $0.07 per share, payable quarterly. Dividends are payable
quarterly as long as the stock is outstanding. The Series D Preferred Stock is
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time
during the period commencing with the second anniversary of the Company's
initial public offering and ending December 31, 2001. On December 31, 2001 the
Company must redeem all shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding at a
redemption price of $1.00 per share, together with all accrued and unpaid
dividends.

     Concurrent with every issuance of Series D Preferred Stock, an irrevocable
standby letter of credit, issued by a financial institution and guaranteed by
the Company, was given to the holder (or a designated beneficiary) and can be
drawn upon if certain events occur, such as: the Company has failed to pay

                                      F-18

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

dividends, the Company has failed to redeem the shares on the designated
mandatory redemption date or a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of affairs
of the Company occurs. As of June 30, 1996, letters of credit of approximately
$8,800,000 were outstanding relative to Series D Preferred Stock. This stock is
classified as Redeemable Preferred Stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of
the Company.

9.  LOSS PER SHARE:

     Loss per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period using guidance
provided by the SEC for companies contemplating an initial public offering. Loss
per share has been presented as if the reverse stock split had occurred at the
beginning of the earliest period presented (see Note 10). Loss per common and
common equivalent share for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and
for the six month periods ending June 30, 1995 and 1996 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                                                                              ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                          -----------------------
                                         1993       1994       1995          1995         1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------    -----------   ---------
                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>       
Net (loss)...........................  $  (1,670) $    (963) $  (2,494)     $  (698)    $    (661)
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements.......................     --         --         --           --               101
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------    -----------   ---------
Net (loss) attributable to Common
  stockholders.......................  $  (1,670) $    (963) $  (2,494)     $  (698)    $    (762)
                                       =========  =========  =========    ===========   =========
Common shares outstanding(a).........      2,520      2,520      2,520        2,520         2,520
Common equivalent shares:
     Stock options, treasury stock
       method(b).....................         23         23         23           23            23
     Assumed conversion of preferred
       stock(c)......................     --            863      1,238        1,000         1,969
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------    -----------   ---------
Total weighted average common and
  common equivalent shares
  outstanding........................      2,543      3,406      3,781        3,543         4,512
                                       =========  =========  =========    ===========   =========
(Loss) per common and common
  equivalent share...................  $    (.66) $    (.28) $    (.66)     $  (.20)    $    (.17)
                                       =========  =========  =========    ===========   =========
</TABLE>
- ------------
     (a) Effective January 1, 1994, the shareholders of three affiliated
companies which had common ownership and management exchanged their stock in
those companies for Common Stock of the Company. In this transaction, the assets
and liabilities were recorded at historical cost in a manner similar to a
pooling-of-interests. Accordingly, loss per share has been presented as if the
Common Stock has been outstanding for all periods presented at the conversion
rate utilized at January 1, 1994.

     (b) In accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83, the loss
per share has been presented assuming that all stock options granted by the
Company within one year of the Company's initial public offering have been
outstanding for all periods presented. The effect of such stock options has been
calculated using the "treasury stock" method, assuming an estimated initial
public offering price of $14 per share and has been included in the calculation
of common equivalent shares outstanding despite the fact that the effect of the
assumed exercise of such options is anti-dilutive.

     (c) Pursuant to the terms of their respective agreements, the Company's
Series A, B and C Preferred Stocks automatically convert to Common Stock upon
the Company's initial public offering. Therefore, in accordance with the SEC's
position relative to securities with these conversion characteristics, the
effect of such conversions has been reflected from the respective dates of
issuance of the preferred stocks in common equivalent shares outstanding,
despite the fact that the effect of the assumed conversion is anti-dilutive.

                                      F-19

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

10.  EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO JUNE 30, 1996:

  ACQUISITIONS

     Two funeral homes and one cemetery were acquired in July 1996 for
approximately $7.8 million. These acquisitions were funded through additional
debt, issuance of 6,355,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, valued at $1.00
per share, and available cash. These acquisitions have been accounted for by the
purchase method, and the results of operations will be included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition.

     The following table reflects, on an unaudited pro forma basis, the combined
operations of the Company and the businesses acquired through July 18, 1996, as
if such acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of each of the respective
periods presented. Appropriate adjustments have been made to reflect the
accounting basis used in recording these acquisitions. These pro forma results
have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be
indicative of the results of operations that would have resulted had the
combinations been in effect on the date indicated, that have resulted since the
date of acquisition or that may result in the future.

                                         YEAR ENDED       SIX MONTHS
                                        DECEMBER 31,    ENDED JUNE 30,
                                            1995             1996
                                        ------------    --------------
                                         (UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues.............................     $ 26,680         $ 18,252
Net (loss) before income taxes.......       (2,028)            (537)
Net (loss) attributable to common
  stockholders.......................       (3,009)            (936)
(Loss) per common and common
  equivalent share...................         (.80)            (.21)

  INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

     The Company has filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-1 for
an initial public offering of shares of its Class A Common Stock and expects the
transaction to be completed in 1996. In connection with the initial public
offering, the Company plans to perform a recapitalization of its Common Stock
into two classes of Common Stock (Class A and Class B), provide separate voting
rights to each class and convert existing Common Stock to Class B Common Stock.
The holders of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share
held on all matters submitted to a vote of common stockholders. The holders of
Class B Common Stock will be entitled to ten votes for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of common stockholders. Additionally under their
respective terms, the Series A, B and C Preferred Stocks automatically convert
into Class B Common Stock on the effective date of the Registration Statement.
Series D Preferred Stock will remain outstanding after the initial public
offering. This recapitalization has not been reflected in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements since it has not occurred.

  REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

     On July 18, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders
approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation which
authorized a one for two reverse stock split. The Consolidated Financial
Statements have been restated as if the reverse stock split had occurred at the
beginning of the earliest period presented. For each two shares of Class B
Common Stock at $.01 par, the stockholder received one share of Class B Common
Stock at $.01 par. The number of shares held by each Series A, B and C Preferred
stockholder remained the same; however, the conversion prices for Class B Common
Stock on those preferred shares doubled in conjunction with the above-mentioned
reverse stock split. In addition, the exercise prices on outstanding stock
options also doubled related to this reverse stock split, and the number of
shares of Class B Common Stock coverd by such options decreased by 50%.

                                      F-20

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The following tables set forth the unaudited pro forma consolidated
statements of operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the six months ended June 30, 1996, and the unaudited pro forma balance
sheet of the Company as of June 30, 1996 after giving effect to transactions
related to the sale of Common Stock offered hereby (the "Offering") and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom and the following assumptions: (i) the
conversion of the Company's Series A, B and C Preferred Stock into their common
share equivalents (ii) stock options issued within one year of the initial
public offering were exercised and (iii) the Company's revolving credit facility
as if it were put in place in connection with the initial public offering (the
"Offering Adjustments"). The unaudited pro forma financial statements present a
column as a subtotal which reflects the effects of the Offering Adjustments. In
addition, the unaudited pro forma financial statements also give effect to the
acquisitions made from the period beginning January 1, 1995 through June 30,
1996 plus the acquisition of two funeral homes and one cemetery completed in
July 1996 and the acquisition of five funeral homes deemed probable at the time
of this filing (the "Acquisition"). The pro forma total columns in the unaudited
pro forma consolidated financial statements include the effects of the Offering
Adjustments and the Acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma consolidated
statements of operations assume that these transactions occurred as of January
1, 1995 and the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet assumes that the
transactions occurred as of June 30, 1996. The Acquisition adjustments assume
that the debt and preferred stock used to effect these business combinations
were outstanding as of January 1, 1995.

     The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations do not assume
any additional profitability resulting from the application of the Company's
revenue enhancement measures or cost reduction programs to the historical
results of the acquired businesses, nor do they assume increases in corporate
general and administrative expenses which may have resulted from the Company
managing the acquired businesses for the year ended December 31, 1995, and the
six months ended June 30, 1996.

     The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. Such pro forma
information is based on historical data with respect to the Company and the
acquired businesses. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of
the results that might have occurred had such transactions actually taken place
at the beginning of the period specified and is not intended to be a projection
of future results. The pro forma information presented herein is provided to
comply with the requirements of the SEC. The information reflects historical
operations of each acquired entity, as adjusted to reflect certain adjustments,
primarily relating to (i) eliminations of depreciation and amortization recorded
by the acquired entities prior to the date of acquisition, (ii) eliminations of
interest expense recorded by the acquired entities prior to the date of
acquisition, (iii) the reclassification of general and administrative expenses
and net other (income) expense, (iv) depreciation of property, plant and
equipment and amortization of non-compete agreements and names and reputations
in connection with the acquisitions and (v) interest expense and amortization of
deferred loan costs related to debt incurred to fund such acquisitions. The pro
forma information does not reflect any adjustments to reflect the manner in
which the acquired entities are being or will be operated under the control of
the Company. The Company expects that operating results for the acquired
entities will improve due to the Company's focused merchandising approach,
pricing structure and marketing strategy. These enhancements, complemented by
discounts from consolidated purchasing, generally result in improved margins in
the first 12 months.

                                      F-21

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                              AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED)
                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------
                                           HISTORICAL     OFFERING
                                          CONSOLIDATED   ADJUSTMENTS           SUBTOTAL    ACQUISITIONS       TOTAL
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>                  <C>           <C>             <C>     
                 ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash and cash equivalents..........    $  4,490      $  --                $  4,490      $ (1,671)(D)    $  2,819
     Accounts receivable, net...........       3,946         --                   3,946           429(D)        4,375
     Marketable securities, available
       for sale.........................           1         --                       1        --                   1
     Inventories and other current
       assets...........................       3,158         --                   3,158           220(D)        3,378
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
          Total current assets..........      11,595         --                  11,595        (1,022)         10,573
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net......      37,124         --                  37,124         4,975(D)       42,099
CEMETERY PROPERTY, at cost..............       2,384         --                   2,384           250(D)        2,634
NAMES AND REPUTATIONS, net..............      37,527         --                  37,527        11,938(D)       49,465
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER
  NONCURRENT ASSETS.....................       5,407           (434)(A)           4,973           212(D)        5,185
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
                                            $ 94,037      $    (434)           $ 93,603      $ 16,353        $109,956
                                          ============   ===========           ========    ============      ========
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Accounts payable...................    $  1,236      $  --                $  1,236      $     84(D)     $  1,320
     Accrued liabilities................       3,539         --                   3,539           138(D)        3,677
     Current portion of long-term
       obligations......................       5,359         (5,375)(B)             (16)          360(D)          344
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
          Total current liabilities.....      10,134         (5,375)              4,759           582           5,341
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
PRENEED LIABILITIES, net................       2,817         --                   2,817        --               2,817
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current
  portion...............................      60,277        (62,792)(B)          (2,515)        6,373(D)        3,858
CREDIT FACILITY.........................      --             24,899(B)           24,899        --              24,899
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASE.........         732         --                     732        --                 732
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES...................       2,882         --                   2,882           128(D)        3,010
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
          Total liabilities.............      76,842        (43,268)             33,574         7,083          40,657
COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK..............       8,545         --                   8,545         9,020(D)       17,565
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Preferred stock....................         162           (162)(C)           --           --               --
     Common stock:
          Common stock..................          25            (25)(C)           --           --               --
          Class A.......................      --                 34(B)               34        --                  34
          Class B.......................      --                 45(C)               45        --                  45
     Treasury stock.....................        (330)        --                    (330)       --                (330)
     Contributed capital................      15,650         42,942(A)(B)(C)     58,592           250(D)       58,842
     Retained deficit...................      (6,857)        --                  (6,857)       --              (6,857)
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
          Total stockholders' equity....       8,650         42,834              51,484           250          51,734
                                          ------------   -----------           --------    ------------      --------
                                            $ 94,037      $    (434)           $ 93,603      $ 16,353        $109,956
                                          ============   ===========           ========    ============      ========
</TABLE>
    See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
                                   statements

                                      F-22

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
                                        HISTORICAL      OFFERING
                                       CONSOLIDATED   ADJUSTMENTS    SUBTOTAL       ACQUISITIONS       TOTAL
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>           <C>      
Revenues, net........................    $ 24,237       $ --         $  24,237         $20,873(DD)     $45,110
Costs and expenses...................      20,247         --            20,247          20,091(DD)(EE)  40,338
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Gross Profit....................       3,990         --             3,990             782           4,772
General and administrative
  expenses...........................       2,106         --             2,106         --                2,106
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Operating income................       1,884         --             1,884             782           2,666
Interest expense, net................       3,684         (4,892)(AA)    (1,208)         2,961(FF)       1,753
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Income (loss) before income
       taxes.........................      (1,800)         4,892         3,092          (2,179)            913
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes..............................         694            512(BB)     1,206(BB)        (850)(DD)(HH)    356
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Net income (loss)...............      (2,494)         4,380         1,886          (1,329)            557
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements.......................      --             --            --               1,075(GG)       1,075
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Net income (loss) attributable
       to common stock...............    $ (2,494)      $  4,380     $   1,886         $(2,404)      $    (518)
                                       ============   ============   =========     ===============   =========
Earnings (loss) per common share.....                                                                $    (.07)(CC)
                                                                                                     =========
Weighted average of common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding......                                                                    7,945(CC)
                                                                                                     =========


                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
                                        HISTORICAL      OFFERING
                                       CONSOLIDATED   ADJUSTMENTS    SUBTOTAL       ACQUISITIONS       TOTAL
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------

Revenues, net........................    $ 16,925       $ --         $  16,925         $ 6,826(DD)   $  23,751
Costs and expenses...................      13,536         --            13,536           7,471(DD)(EE)  21,007
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Gross Profit....................       3,389         --             3,389            (645)          2,744
General and administrative
  expenses...........................       1,155         --             1,155         --                1,155
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Operating income................       2,234         --             2,234            (645)          1,589
Interest expense, net................       2,644         (2,444)(AA)       200            722(FF)         922
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Income (loss) before income
       taxes.........................        (410)         2,444         2,034          (1,367)            667
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes..............................         251            542(BB)       793(BB)        (533)(DD)(HH)    260
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Net income (loss)...............        (661)         1,902         1,241            (834)            407
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements.......................         101         --               101             437(GG)         538
                                       ------------   ------------   ---------     ---------------   ---------
     Net income (loss) attributable
       to common stock...............    $   (762)      $  1,902     $   1,140         $(1,271)      $    (131)
                                       ============   ============   =========     ===============   =========
Earnings (loss) per common share.....                                                                $    (.02)(CC)
                                                                                                     =========
Weighted average of common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding......                                                                    7,945(CC)
                                                                                                     =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-23

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ADJUSTMENTS

     The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of June
30, 1996 gives effect to the Offering Adjustments and the Acquisitions. The
estimated fair market values reflected below are based on preliminary estimates
and assumptions and are subject to revision as more information becomes
available. In management's opinion, the preliminary allocation is not expected
to be materially different from the final allocation.

     (A) Reflects the write-off of $667,000 of capitalized debt issuance costs
related to certain of the Company's pre-existing outstanding debt and $92,000 of
capitalized debt issuance costs related to the acquisitions subsequent to June
30, 1996 and those deemed probable at the time of this filing which is expected
to be retired with the application of the net proceeds of the Offering. In
addition, reflects the capitalization of approximately $325,000 incurred in
connection with the credit facility.

     (B) Reflects the issuance of 3,400,000 shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an estimated price of $14 per share,
in the Offering, resulting in an increase of $34,000 to Class A Common Stock and
$43,234,000 contributed capital. The assumed initial public offering is
estimated to yield proceeds to the Company of approximately $47,600,000.
Associated transaction costs are expected to be approximately $4,332,000. Also
reflects the application of the net proceeds of the offering and proceeds
borrowed under a recently negotiated revolving credit facility of $24,899,000 to
retire $5,375,000 of current debt and $62,792,000 of long-term debt related to
certain of the Company's lenders.

     (C) Reflects the conversion of the Company's Series A, B, and C Preferred
Stock into Common Stock concurrent with the Offering. Upon the closing of the
Offering, $162,000 of preferred stock is converted at the specified conversion
prices into the Company's Class B Common Stock, which would represent an
increase of $20,000 to Class B Common Stock and $142,000 to contributed capital.
This adjustment has no profit and loss impact, but it does increase the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding in the earnings per share calculation.
Also reflects the conversion of the 25,000 of currently outstanding Common Stock
into Class B Common Stock.

     (D) Reflects the Company's acquisitions which occurred subsequent to June
30, 1996 as if such acquisitions had occurred on June 30, 1996. The unaudited
pro forma consolidated financial statements include acquisitions of seven
funeral homes and one cemetery expected to be made during this period, which
were planned to be funded by (i) $1,671,000 in cash, (ii) $6,733,000 in debt and
(iii) 250,000 shares of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock valued at
$250,000 and (iv) 9,020,000 shares of the Company's Series D Preferred Stock
valued at $9,020,000. In conjunction with each of these acquisitions, the key
employees and former owners of the acquired businesses have entered into
employment and non-compete agreements with the Company. The estimated fair
market value of the assets and liabilities of these acquisitions are as follows:

              DESCRIPTION                      AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------   --------------
                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
Net assets acquired:
     Accounts receivable, net...........      $       429
     Inventories and other current
      assets............................              220
     Property, plant and equipment,
      net...............................            4,975
     Cemetery property, at cost.........              250
     Names and reputations, net.........           11,938
     Deferred charges and other non
      current assets....................              212
     Accrued liabilities................             (222)
     Deferred income taxes..............             (128)
                                           --------------
                                              $    17,674
                                           ==============

                                      F-24

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
 NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

              DESCRIPTION                      AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------   --------------
                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
Consideration paid:
     Cash...............................        (1,671)
     Series B Preferred Stock...........          (250)
     Series D Redeemable Preferred
      Stock.............................        (9,020)
     Long-term debt issued to fund cash
      for acquisition...................        (6,733)
                                           --------------
                                              $(17,674)
                                           ==============

     In connection with the allocation of the purchase price to identifiable
intangible assets, the Company considered the nature of each business it
acquired, non-compete agreements which key employees and former owners entered
into in connection with the acquisitions, and the economic value attributable to
community loyalty of the businesses acquired. Relative to the non-compete
agreements, management considered the term of the respective agreements. The
purchase price allocated to these agreements is amortized on a straight line
basis over the lives of the respective agreements.

     In its consideration of the value attributable to the names and reputations
of acquired businesses, management reviewed the unique position of each acquired
business within its respective market. Further, management considered the fact
that death care businesses have often been in existence for an extended period
of time, and in most cases have developed a local heritage and tradition that
act as a formidable barrier for those wishing to enter an existing market. The
resulting loyalty has historically represented a substantial portion of the
value of the acquired business. In almost all cases the names and principal
facilities of the acquired businesses are left in place. Although the acquired
businesses generally have the ability to extend their existence indefinitely,
the Company believes that the names and reputations asset is being appropriately
amortized on a straight line basis over a 40 year period. This is consistent
with the lives used by the Company's publicly held competitors within the death
care industry.

     The Company reviews the carrying value of names and reputations and other
assets at least quarterly on a location-by-location basis to determine if facts
and circumstances exist which would suggest that this intangible asset may be
impaired or that the amortization period needs to be modified. If indicators are
present which indicate impairment is probable, the Company will prepare a
projection of the undiscounted cash flows of the location and determine if the
intangible assets are recoverable based on these undiscounted cash flows. If
impairment is indicated, then an adjustment will be made to reduce the carrying
amount of the intangible assets to their fair value.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ADJUSTMENTS

     The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations
for the year ended December 31, 1995 and six months ended June 30, 1996 give
effect to the Offering Adjustments and the Acquisitions.

     (i) Notes (AA) - (CC) represent the Offering Adjustments

     (AA) Reflects the elimination of $6,873,000 and $3,372,000 of interest
expense for the year ending December 31, 1995 and six months ending June 30,
1996, respectively, related to the application of the estimated net proceeds of
the Offering to retire a portion of the $5,375,000 and $62,792,000 of current
and non-current long-term debt and reflects the addition of $1,875,000 and
$850,000 of interest expense for the year ending December 31, 1995 and six
months ending June 30, 1996, respectively, from a $24,899,000 draw-down on the
Company's recently negotiated credit facility to be used to retire the remaining
existing long-term debt and long-term debt that was or will be used related to
acquisitions subsequent to June 30, 1996 and deemed probable at the time of this
filing. Reflects the net elimination of $129,000 for the year ending December
31, 1995 and $65,000 for the six months ending June 30, 1996 of amortization
expense

                                      F-25

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
 NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

related to deferred financing costs. Also reflects elimination of a guarantee
fee relating to existing debt that will be retired amounting to $40,000 and
$20,000 for the year ending December 31, 1995 and six months ending June 30,
1996, respectively, and the addition of an agent fee and unused commitment fee
of $50,000 and $225,000, respectively, for the year ending December 31, 1995 and
$50,000 and $113,000, respectively, for the six months ending June 30, 1996. All
of the above-mentioned adjustments assume that the net proceeds of the Offering
and the draw on the credit facility were used to retire debt on January 1, 1995.

     (BB) Reflects the provision of federal and state income taxes of $1,908,000
for the year ending December 31, 1995 and $953,000 for the six months ending
June 30, 1996 at an effective rate of 39% on pro forma adjustments consistent
with management's assumption that this rate would be indicative of the Company's
tax position assuming the acquisitions and the Offering were completed as of the
beginning of the respective period. In its assumption of the effective tax rate,
management has not considered the utilization of net operating losses which the
Company has generated since inception. It has been the Company's policy to fully
reserve its net operating losses. The adjustment also reflects a tax benefit of
$1,396,000 for the year ending December 31, 1995 and $411,000 for the six months
ending June 30, 1996, in order to derive an effective rate of 39% for federal
and state taxes that the Company would have incurred on a pro forma basis.

     (CC) Earnings (loss) per share are computed based on the weighted average
number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for the respective
period. Weighted average common and common equivalent shares are calculated as
more fully discussed in Note 9 of the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements. In summary, pursuant to SEC directives relative to companies
contemplating an initial public offering, all stock options issued within one
year of an initial public offering will be considered outstanding for all
periods presented. In addition, the Company's Series A, B and C Preferred Stock
are considered as common equivalent shares, since their respective dates of
issuance, as they convert to Common Stock concurrent with the initial public
offering.

     (ii) Notes (DD) - (HH) represent adjustments made relating to the
acquisitions which took place from January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1996 and any
probable acquisitions subsequent to June 30, 1996 as if they occurred January 1,
1995.

     (DD) Reflects the combined results of operations, prior to acquisition, of
the businesses acquired by the Company, in transactions accounted for as
purchases, subsequent to January 1, 1995, as if the businesses had been acquired
as of the beginning of the respective period.

                                             YEAR ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
              DESCRIPTION                DECEMBER 31, 1995       JUNE 30, 1996
- --------------------------------------  --------------------    ----------------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues, net.........................        $ 20,873               $6,826
Costs and expenses....................          17,885                6,800
Provision (benefit) for income taxes..             757                  (30)

     The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations do not assume
any additional profitability resulting from the application of the Company's
revenue enhancement or cost containment programs to the results of the acquired
businesses, nor do they include any assumed increases in corporate general and
administrative expenses which may have resulted from the Company managing the
acquired businesses. The historical general and administrative expenses of the
acquired businesses have been included in costs and expenses consistent with the
Company's methodology of including expenses directly related to the operation of
funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories in costs and expenses.

                                      F-26

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
 NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     (EE) Reflects adjustments for increased depreciation and amortization
expense relative to the Company's new basis in the net assets of businesses
acquired after January 1, 1995 as if such acquisitions had taken place as of
January 1, 1995. Pro forma depreciation expense has been recorded based on the
Company's estimate of the useful lives of the acquired assets, using the
Company's depreciation methods and the Company's basis in such assets which is
established at acquisition. Pro forma costs and amortization have been recorded
using the contract lives to reflect the costs related to non-compete agreements
and a 40 year life to amortize of names and reputations associated with such
acquisitions.

                                             YEAR ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
              DESCRIPTION                DECEMBER 31, 1995       JUNE 30, 1996
- -------------------------------------   --------------------    ----------------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
Additional depreciation..............          $  774                $  230
Additional costs and amortization....           1,432                   441
                                             --------                ------
Total depreciation and amortization
  adjustment.........................          $2,206                $  671
                                             ========                ======

     This adjustment is reflected in costs and expenses for the applicable
periods.

     (FF) Reflects additional interest expense of $2,961,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1995, and $722,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1996, which
would have been incurred by the Company assuming the acquisitions made by the
Company subsequent to January 1, 1995, had been made as of the beginning of
January 1, 1995.

     (GG) Reflects the pro forma dividend payable on the Company's Series D
Redeemable Preferred Stock actually issued in connection with certain of its
acquisitions consummated subsequent to January 1, 1996 as if the related stock
issuance had occurred on January 1, 1995. A total of 17,566,000 shares of Series
D Redeemable Preferred Stock have been utilized to fund acquisitions subsequent
to January 1, 1995 and those shares, which would have yielded a pro forma cash
dividend of $1,075,000 for the year ending December 31, 1995, and $437,000 for
the six months ending June 30, 1996, have been utilized to fund acquisitions
subsequent to January 1, 1995. The Series D Redeemable Preferred Stock is not a
common stock equivalent.

     (HH) Tax provisions in the pro forma consolidated financial statements have
been made to reflect normal effective provisions (benefits) for these events as
if the effective rate will be 39%. Similarly, management has not considered the
use of any available net operating loss carryforwards in these unaudited pro
forma consolidated statements of operations. This adjustment reflects a tax
benefit of $1,607,000 for the year ending December 31, 1995, and $503,000 for
the six months ending June 30, 1996, in order to derive an effective rate of
39%, for federal and state taxes that the Company would have incurred on pro
forma basis. Such pro forma adjustments have been made to give effect to the tax
benefit at an effective tax rate of 39%, which the Company's management believes
would be indicative of the Company's tax position assuming the acquisitions were
made as of the beginning of the respective period.

                                      F-27

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Carriage Services, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of CFS 1996 Group (see
Note 1) and the related statements of cash flows and stockholder's equity for
the period from January 1, 1996 to April 29, 1996, the years ended December 31,
1995, and December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993. These
financial statements are the responsibility of CFS 1996 Group's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2, the accompanying financial statements are intended to
present the results of operations, cash flows and stockholder's equity as if CFS
1996 Group was a stand-alone entity; however, as discussed in Note 2, CFS 1996
Group has extensive transactions with Service Corporation International, its
parent, and is allocated certain costs from Service Corporation International.
Because of this relationship, the terms of some or all of the transactions and
allocations between Service Corporation International and CFS 1996 Group
included in the accompanying financial statements are not necessarily indicative
of that which would have resulted if CFS 1996 Group had been a stand-alone
entity.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of CFS 1996 Group and its cash
flows for the period from January 1, 1996 to April 29, 1996, the years ended
December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December
31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-28

                                 CFS 1996 GROUP

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO APRIL 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1993          1994            1995           1996
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUES .................................   $ 1,010,145    $ 4,614,590    $ 4,637,823    $ 1,710,806

COSTS AND EXPENSES .......................       784,902      3,436,619      3,598,562      1,620,944
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------

     GROSS PROFIT ........................       225,243      1,177,971      1,039,261         89,862

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ......       182,030        775,861        570,207        317,698
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------


     OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) .............        43,213        402,110        469,054       (227,836)

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE ...................       (40,726)        (4,308)      (187,048)       164,584

INTEREST (INCOME) EXPENSE ................        16,195         49,439         (1,575)           785
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX ALLOCATION        67,744        356,979        657,677       (393,205)

INCOME TAX ALLOCATION (NOTE 2) ...........        27,504        143,506        247,287       (153,350)
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------


NET INCOME (LOSS) ........................   $    40,240    $   213,473    $   410,390    $  (239,855)
                                             ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-29

                                 CFS 1996 GROUP

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO APRIL 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1993             1994        1995           1996
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income (loss) ...............................................   $    40,240    $   213,473    $   410,390    $(239,855)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
            provided by (used in) operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization .............................        24,004        103,701        122,800       48,125
         Increase in accounts receivable ...........................       (55,975)      (226,229)      (118,838)    (119,831)
         (Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets     2,052,805     (1,110,152)      (269,049)      47,605
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ...................        (9,429)         1,475         20,498         (437)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities ................      (573,769)      (387,869)    (1,061,582)     655,786
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

                 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     1,477,876     (1,405,601)      (895,781)     391,393
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment .......................       (30,906)      (149,633)       (58,590)     (49,739)
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

                 Net cash used in investing activities .............       (30,906)      (149,633)       (58,590)     (49,739)
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds (payments) on long-term debt ...........................    (1,426,519)     1,788,501        730,308     (263,077)
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

                Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities    (1,426,519)     1,788,501        730,308     (263,077)
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ...............        20,451        233,267       (224,063)      78,577

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...................        24,352         44,803        278,070       54,007
                                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD .........................   $    44,803    $   278,070    $    54,007    $ 132,584
                                                                       ===========    ===========    ===========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-30

                                 CFS 1996 GROUP

                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO APRIL 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Balance, October 1, 1993 ...............................            $ 2,651,401

Net Income .............................................                 40,240
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1993 .............................              2,691,641

Net Income .............................................                213,473
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1994 .............................              2,905,114

Net Income .............................................                410,390
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995 .............................              3,315,504

Net loss ...............................................               (239,855)
                                                                      ---------
Balance, April 29, 1996 ................................            $ 3,075,649
                                                                    ===========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-31

                                 CFS 1996 GROUP

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO APRIL 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

1.  ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Effective April 29, 1996, CFS Funeral Services, Inc. (Carriage) purchased four
funeral homes and two cemeteries located in Texas and Florida from Service
Corporation International (the Parent) for aggregate consideration in excess of
the recorded amounts of the net assets of the homes and cemeteries. The four
funeral homes and two cemeteries purchased by Carriage in this transaction are,
hereinafter, collectively referred to as "CFS 1996 Group." CFS 1996 Group
performs personal and professional services related to funerals at its funeral
homes. Preneed funerals are marketed in the geographic markets served by CFS
1996 Group's funeral service locations.

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared from the separate
records of CFS 1996 Group. Certain expenses of a general and administrative
nature, either directly attributable to CFS 1996 Group, or allocations of actual
expenses incurred by the Parent for the benefit of CFS 1996 Group, have been
included in the accompanying statements of operations. Such allocated costs
include, among others, legal, payroll, employee benefits, insurance and
professional services. In addition, CFS 1996 Group is charged interest expense
for amounts payable to the Parent. Management of CFS 1996 Group believes that
such expenses have been allocated on a reasonable basis.

REVENUES

CFS 1996 Group recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and sale
of related funeral merchandise. CFS 1996 Group records revenue related to the
right of interment or mausoleum entombment and related merchandise at the time
of sale.

PRENEED FUNERAL TRUST

CFS 1996 Group is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to preneed funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to CFS 1996 Group only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CEMETERY MERCHANDISE AND SERVICE TRUST

CFS 1996 Group is also generally required, by certain states, to deposit a
specified amount into a merchandise and service trust for cemetery merchandise
and services sold on a preneed basis. The principal and accumulated earnings of
the trust may only be withdrawn upon maturity (generally, death of purchaser) or
cancellation of the contracts. Trust fund income is recognized in current
revenues as trust earnings accrue, net of current period inflation costs
recognized related to the merchandise that has not yet been purchased.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, CFS 1996 Group considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

                                      F-32

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while replacements, maintenance and
repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $185,170,
$283,797, $233,591 and $54,891 for the period from January 1, 1996 to April 29,
1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, respectively. Dispositions are removed at cost
less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                                     YEARS             METHOD
                                                     -----         -------------
Building and Improvements ..................         25-40         Straight line
Furniture and fixtures .....................         5-7           Straight line
Other ......................................         3-7           Straight line

INCOME TAXES

CFS 1996 Group does not file separate federal and state income tax returns since
all income taxes related to CFS 1996 Group are included in the consolidated
federal and state income tax returns of the Parent. The income tax allocations
included in the accompanying statements of operations reflect an estimate of the
income taxes which would have been attributed to CFS 1996 Group had it been a
separate entity. The income tax allocations approximate the Parent's effective
tax rate, or an estimate thereof, for the periods presented and were 39%, 37.6%,
40.2% and 40.6%, respectively.

NAMES AND REPUTATIONS

The excess of the purchase price paid by the Parent over the net assets of CFS
1996 Group is included in CFS 1996 Group's balance sheet as names and
reputations. Names and reputations are amortized on a straight line basis over
40 years. Amortization of names and reputations totaled approximately $4,000,
$12,000, $12,000 and $3,000 for the period from January 1, 1996 to April 29,
1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, respectively.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  OPERATING LEASES

CFS 1996 Group has entered into certain operating leases for facilities and
equipment used in its business. For the period from January 1, 1996 to April 29,
1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994 and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, lease expense approximated $37,000, $112,000,
$93,000 and $17,000, respectively.

                                      F-33

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
Kubach-Smith Funeral Home, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of operations of Kubach-Smith Funeral
Home, Inc. and the related statements of shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the period from October 1, 1993, to September 6, 1994. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of Kubach-Smith Funeral Home,
Inc., and its cash flows for the period from October 1, 1993, to September 6,
1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-34

                         KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                             STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

            FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 1994

REVENUES .................................................          $ 1,295,231
COSTS AND EXPENSES .......................................            1,193,684
                                                                      ---------
         GROSS PROFIT ....................................              101,547
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ......................              205,193
                                                                      ---------
     OPERATING LOSS ......................................             (103,646)
OTHER INCOME .............................................               10,083
INTEREST EXPENSE .........................................               29,952
                                                                      ---------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES .................................             (123,515)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT .......................................               21,336
                                                                      ---------
NET LOSS .................................................          $  (102,179)

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-35

                         KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.


                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

            FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                      <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net loss ..........................................................   $(102,179)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
            operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ...............................      47,620
         Decrease in accounts receivable .............................      76,724
         Decrease in prepaid assets ..................................      12,378
         Decrease  in inventories and other current assets ...........      25,028
         Increase in accounts payable ................................      34,510
         Increase in accrued liabilities .............................      22,613
                                                                         ---------


                             Net cash provided by operating activities     116,694
                                                                         ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment .........................     (46,051)
                                                                         ---------

                             Net cash used in investing activities ...     (46,051)
                                                                         ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Payments on long-term debt ........................................     (32,934)

                             Net cash used in financing activities ...     (32,934)
                                                                         ---------

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................      37,709

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD .....................       4,547
                                                                         ---------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ...........................   $  42,256
                                                                         =========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

   Interest paid .....................................................   $  29,952
                                                                         =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-36

                         KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                        STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

            FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 1994

Balance, October 1, 1993 ................................             $ 152,225

Net loss ................................................              (102,179)
                                                                      ---------
Balance, September 6, 1994 ..............................             $  50,046
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-37

                         KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

            FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 1994

1.   ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Kubach-Smith Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), a taxable corporation, was
incorporated in Ohio in 1969. The Company owns and operates four funeral homes
in Ohio. The Company performs personal and professional services related to
funerals. Prearranged funerals are marketed in the markets served by the
Company's funeral service locations.

Effective September 6, 1994, all of the Company's capital stock was sold to
Carriage Funeral Services of Ohio, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of
the recorded amounts of the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenues upon performance of funeral services and sale of
related funeral merchandise.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract, and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while minor replacements, maintenance
and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs totaled $40,422 for
the period from October 1, 1993 to September 6, 1994. Dispositions are removed
at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                            YEARS             METHOD
                                            -----       ------------------------
Leasehold Improvements ..............       20-25       Straight line
Furniture and fixtures ..............         5-7       Double-declining balance
Other ...............................           5       Double-declining balance

INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes".
Under SFAS No. 109, the Company

                                      F-38

determines deferred tax assets and liabilities
based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


3.  INCOME TAXES

The only significant temporary difference between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting results from a net operating loss
generated by the Company during the period from October 1, 1993 to September 6,
1994, which management believes will be realized. The income tax benefit for the
period consisted of:

                                     CURRENT         DEFERRED            TOTAL
                                   --------          --------          --------
U.S. federal .............         $ (8,312)         $ (8,532)         $(16,844)
State ....................           (2,217)           (2,275)           (4,492)
                                   --------          --------          --------

                                   $(10,529)         $(10,807)         $(21,336)
                                   ========          ========          ========


The Company is an accrual basis taxpayer. The Company is generally subject to a
marginal U.S. federal rate of 15% because of the level of the Company's taxable
income. However, in instances in which the Company's taxable income exceeds a
specified level, it would become subject to a higher U.S. federal marginal tax
rate. The differences in the income taxes recorded by the Company and the amount
determined by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to loss before income
taxes of the Company for the period from October 1, 1993 to September 6, 1994
are summarized as follows:

U.S. federal income statutory rate .....................................   (15%)
Effect of state income taxes ...........................................    (4%)
Effect of non-deductible expenses ......................................     2%
                                                                           ---
                                                                           (17%)
                                                                           ===
4.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has a five year lease with a shareholder on certain facilities, with
options to renew for an additional five years. For the period October 1, 1993 to
September 6, 1994, lease expense totaled approximately $79,970. In addition,
interest expense for the period from October 1, 1993 to September 6, 1994,
included approximately $17,000 of interest expense related to a note payable to
a shareholder.

                                      F-39

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
Lusk Funeral Home, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of Lusk Funeral Home,
Inc. and the related statements of cash flows and shareholder's deficit for the
years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994 and the three months ended
December 31, 1993. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of Lusk Funeral Home, Inc., and
its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994 and
the three months ended December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-40

                             LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND
          DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,1993

                                               1993         1994        1995
                                             --------     --------    ---------
REVENUES ................................    $ 93,009     $452,390    $ 603,394
COSTS AND EXPENSES ......................      90,386      355,235      499,403
                                             --------     --------    ---------
     GROSS PROFIT .......................       2,623       97,155      103,991
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES .....      10,503       46,351       87,521
                                             --------     --------    ---------
     OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) ............      (7,880)      50,804       16,470
OTHER INCOME ............................       3,339       12,240       11,481
INTEREST EXPENSE ........................       9,132       35,864       39,460
                                             --------     --------    ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES .......     (13,673)      27,180      (11,509)
INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) PROVISION ..........      (2,038)       5,464       (1,369)
                                             --------     --------    ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) .......................    $(11,635)    $ 21,716    $ (10,140)
                                             ========     ========    =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-41

                             LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND
          DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1993        1994        1995
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income (loss) .................................................   $(11,635)   $ 21,716    $(10,140)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
        operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ...............................      7,633      38,231      27,944
         (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable ..................    (10,157)    (31,977)     17,766
         (Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets .     19,171       5,108      (7,371)
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable .....................     21,843      (6,649)     (5,184)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities ..................     (3,628)     14,214      37,915
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
                             Net cash provided by operating activities     23,227      40,643      60,930
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment .........................    (21,651)     (5,768)    (11,341)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
                             Net cash used in investing activities ...    (21,651)     (5,768)    (11,341)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Payments on long-term debt ........................................     (3,662)    (21,483)    (24,195)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
                             Net cash used in financing  activities ..     (3,662)    (21,483)    (24,195)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS .................     (2,086)     13,392      25,394
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD .....................     17,410      15,324      28,716
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ...........................   $ 15,324    $ 28,716    $ 54,110
                                                                         ========    ========    ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid .....................................................   $  9,132    $ 35,864    $ 39,460
                                                                         ========    ========    ========
   Taxes paid ........................................................   $  3,000    $  4,200    $  8,500
                                                                         ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-42

                             LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                       STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIT

          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Balance, October 1, 1993 ................................             $(147,410)

Net Loss ................................................               (11,635)
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1993 ..............................              (159,045)

Net Income ..............................................                21,716
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1994 ..............................              (137,329)

Net Loss ................................................               (10,140)
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995 ..............................             $(147,469)
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-43

                             LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

1.  ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Lusk Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), a taxable corporation, was organized
under the laws of the State of Kentucky on September 29, 1976. The Company owns
and operates two funeral homes in Kentucky. The Company performs personal and
professional services related to funerals at its funeral homes. Prearranged
funerals are marketed in the markets served by the Company's funeral service
locations.

Effective January 4, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage
Funeral Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the recorded
amounts of the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and sale of
related funeral merchandise.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract, and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while replacements, maintenance and
repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs totaled $10,836,
$5,923 and $2,336 for the years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31,1994
and the three months ended December 31, 1993 respectively. Dispositions are
removed at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                             YEARS           METHOD
Building and Improvements ..............       25       Straight line
Furniture and fixtures .................        5       Double-declining balance
Other ..................................        3       Straight line

                                      F-44

INCOME TAXES

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), " Accounting for Income
Taxes". Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and
liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the
financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  INCOME TAXES

The only significant temporary difference between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting is related to a net operating loss (NOL)
generated in the three months ended December 31, 1993; that NOL was utilized in
the year ended December 31, 1994. The income tax provision (benefit) for income
taxes for the years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994 and the three
months ended December 31, 1993 consisted of:

                                                      1993      1994     1995
                                                    -------    ------   -------
Current:
    U.S. federal ................................   $  --      $2,705   $(1,081)
    State .......................................      --         721      (288)
                                                    -------    ------   -------
   Total current provision (benefit) ............   $  --      $3,426   $(1,369)
                                                    -------    ------   -------
      Deferred:
          U.S. federal ..........................   $(1,609)   $1,609   $  --
           State ................................      (429)      429      --
                                                    -------    ------   -------
        Total deferred provision (benefit) ......   $(2,038)   $2,038   $  --
                                                    -------    ------   -------

        Total income tax provision (benefit) ....   $(2,038)   $5,464   $(1,369)
                                                    =======    ======   =======

The Company is an accrual basis taxpayer. The Company is generally subject to a
marginal U.S. federal rate of 15% because of the level of the Company's taxable
income. However, in instances in which the Company's taxable income exceeds a
specified level, it would become subject to a higher U.S. federal marginal tax
rate. The differences between the income taxes recorded by the Company and the
income taxes provided for by applying the federal statutory rate to the
Company's pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 1995, and 1994 and the
three months ended December 31, 1993, are summarized as follows:

                                                       1993       1994     1995
                                                      -------    -----    ------
   U.S. federal statutory rate ..................      (15%)      15%      (15%)
   Effect of state income taxes .................       (4)        4        (4)
   Effect of non-deductible expenses ............        4         1         7
                                                       ----      ----      ----
Total income tax provision (benefit) ............      (15%)      20%      (12%)
                                                       ====      ====      ====

4.   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

Effective January 1, 1993, the Company began participation in an employee
benefit plan, the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the
"Plan"), which covers substantially all full time

                                      F-45

employees having at least one year of service, subject to certain minimum age
requirements. Total employee/employer contributions may not exceed the lesser of
$30,000 or 25% of eligible compensation per year, subject to limitations imposed
by the Internal Revenue Code. In its sole discretion, the Company can make
contributions to the Plan. Expenses related to the Plan were $24,542, $9,012 and
$0 for the years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31,1994 and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, respectively.

5.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company recorded $23,980, $24,696 and $6,174 of interest expense related to
debt owed by the Company to the shareholder for the years ended December 31,
1995, and 1994 and the three months ended December 31, 1993.

6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

OPERATING LEASES

The Company has entered into operating leases for certain equipment utilized in
its business. For the years ended December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994 and
the three months ended December 31, 1993, lease expense totaled $10,692,
$12,151, and $0, respectively.

                                      F-46

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors of
West End Funeral Home, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of West End Funeral
Home, Inc. and the related statements of shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995, the year ended December 31,
1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of West End Funeral Home, Inc.,
and its cash flows for the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995, the year
ended December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-47

                           WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

              FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1995 TO MAY 10, 1995,
                        THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

                                              1993         1994          1995
                                            --------    ----------    ----------
REVENUES ...............................    $518,947    $2,265,923    $1,016,164
COSTS AND EXPENSES .....................     420,390     1,757,797       746,623
                                            --------    ----------    ----------
     GROSS PROFIT ......................      98,557       508,126       269,541
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ....      75,062       233,556       172,318
                                            --------    ----------    ----------
     OPERATING INCOME ..................      23,495       274,570        97,223
OTHER INCOME ...........................      13,862        66,321        34,935
INTEREST EXPENSE .......................       7,023        26,678        10,319
                                            --------    ----------    ----------
NET INCOME .............................    $ 30,334    $  314,213    $  121,839
                                            ========    ==========    ==========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-48

                           WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

              FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1995 TO MAY 10, 1995,
                        THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1993          1994        1995
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income ........................................................   $  30,334    $ 314,213    $ 121,839
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
            operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ...............................      20,417       91,378       54,611
         (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable ..................      23,148      (21,009)     168,344
         (Increase) decrease  in other current assets ................       9,339        4,917      (16,436)
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable .....................      13,542       32,404      (52,523)
           Decrease in deferred and other liabilities ................      (6,567)     (36,325)      (8,971)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities ..................     (24,837)       9,634      (22,433)
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash provided by operating activities      65,376      395,212      244,431
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment .........................      (5,780)    (290,249)     (53,274)
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash used in investing activities ...      (5,780)    (290,249)     (53,274)
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds (payments) on long-term debt .............................     (14,998)      12,353      (67,256)
   Shareholder distribution ..........................................      (2,454)    (140,296)    (102,786)
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash used in financing activities ...     (17,452)    (127,943)    (170,042)
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS .................      42,144      (22,980)      21,115
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD .....................     308,480      350,624      327,644
                                                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ...........................   $ 350,624    $ 327,644    $ 348,759
                                                                         =========    =========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid .....................................................   $   7,023    $  26,678    $  10,319
                                                                         =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-49

                           WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                       STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

              FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1995 TO MAY 10, 1995,
                        THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993


Balance, October 1, 1993 ................................             $ 397,198
Shareholder distribution ................................                (2,454)
Net Income ..............................................                30,334
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1993 ..............................               425,078
Shareholder distribution ................................              (140,296)
Net Income ..............................................               314,213
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1994 ..............................               598,995
Shareholder distribution ................................              (102,786)
Net Income ..............................................               121,839
                                                                      ---------
Balance, May 10, 1995 ...................................             $ 618,048
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-50

                           WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1995 TO MAY 10, 1995,
                        THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,1993

1.   ORGANIZATION /NATURE OF OPERATIONS

West End Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), a corporation qualified under
Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code, was organized under the laws of the
state of Illinois. The Company owns and operates four funeral homes in Chicago,
Illinois and the surrounding area. The Company performs personal and
professional services related to funerals at its funeral homes. Prearranged
funerals are marketed in the markets served by the Company's funeral service
locations.

Effective May 10, 1995, substantially all of the Company's assets were sold to
Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the
recorded amounts of the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and sale of
related funeral merchandise.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract, and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while minor replacements, maintenance
and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $4,148,
$29,836 and $4,486 for the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995, the year
ended December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993,
respectively. Dispositions are removed at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                             YEARS                METHOD
                                             -----      ------------------------
Leasehold Improvements ...............        10        Double-Declining Balance
Furniture and fixtures ...............         5        Double-Declining Balance
Other ................................       3-5        Double-Declining Balance

                                      F-51

INCOME TAXES

The Company is organized under subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.
Federal and state income taxes for subchapter S corporations are the direct
responsibility of the Company's shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for
income taxes has been reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


3.  OPERATING LEASES

The Company leases certain facilities from a shareholder. For the period from
January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995, the year ended December 31, 1994, and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, lease expense to this shareholder totaled
approximately $84,382, $178,517 and $34,341, respectively.

4.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

Effective March 28, 1970, as amended and restated effective January 1, 1989, the
Company began participation in an employee benefit plan, the West End Funeral
Home, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the Plan), which covers substantially all full
time employees having at least one year of service. In its sole discretion, the
Company can make contributions to the Plan. Expenses related to the Plan were
$0, $20,000 and $2,345 for the period from January 1, 1995, to May 10, 1995, the
year ended December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993,
respectively.

                                      F-52

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Hennessy Funeral Home, Inc.
Akron, OH

We have audited the accompanying statements of income, retained earnings, and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994, December
31, 1995 and the ten weeks ended March 8, 1996. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to the above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows for Hennessy
Funeral Home, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994,
December 31, 1995 and the ten weeks ended March 8, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

KEE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

May 31, 1996

                                      F-53

                           HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, DECEMBER 31, 1994,
             DECEMBER 31,1995 AND THE TEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 8, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1993        1994         1995         1996
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
REVENUES ..........................   $976,167   $1,001,932   $1,242,716   $ 221,670
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
COSTS AND EXPENSES: ...............    429,210      429,716      509,087     113,296
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
     GROSS PROFIT .................    546,957      572,216      733,629     108,374
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES    508,033      533,282      602,414     114,056
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
     OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) ......     38,924       38,934      131,215      (5,682)
INTEREST EXPENSE ..................     18,244        3,646        1,002         356
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
INCOME  (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES      20,680       35,288      130,213      (6,038)
INCOME TAXES ......................      7,949       10,248       43,215         813
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) .................   $ 12,731   $   25,040   $   86,998   $  (6,851)
                                      ========   ==========   ==========   =========
RETAINED EARNINGS
BEGINNING RETAINED EARNINGS .......   $604,303   $  617,034   $  642,074   $ 729,072
NET INCOME (LOSS) .................     12,731       25,040       86,998      (6,851)
                                      --------   ----------   ----------   ---------
ENDING RETAINED EARNINGS ..........   $617,034   $  642,074   $  729,072   $ 722,221
                                      ========   ==========   ==========   =========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-54

                           HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, DECEMBER 31, 1994,
             DECEMBER 31,1995 AND THE TEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 8, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  1993         1994        1995          1996
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income (loss) ........................................................   $  12,731    $ 25,040    $  86,998    $  (6,851)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
        operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ......................................      66,560      59,389       56,524       18,654
         (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable .........................      48,979     (21,993)     (29,910)     (11,686)
        (Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets .........      (1,098)     (6,937)      (7,045)       3,026
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ............................       9,058     (10,708)      57,200      (65,633)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities .........................       4,160      (7,350)      55,749      (42,169)
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash provided by operating activities ......     140,390      37,441      219,516     (104,659)
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Collections on notes receivable from officer ............................       8,246        --        --                 0
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment ................................     (35,721)    (11,454)    (109,201)            0
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash used in investing activities ..........    (27,475)    (11,454)    (109,201)            0
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Short-term borrowings from shareholder ..................................           0           0       20,315            0
    Additional long-term borrowings .........................................      16,035           0            0            0
   Payments on long-term debt ...............................................     (85,268)    (45,402)           0            0
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
                             Net cash used by financing  activities .........     (69,233)    (45,402)      20,315            0
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ........................      43,682     (19,415)     130,630     (104,659)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............................      37,772      81,454       62,039      192,669
                                                                                ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ..................................   $  81,454    $ 62,039    $ 192,669    $  88,010
                                                                                =========    ========    =========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid ............................................................   $  18,244    $  3,646            0    $     356
                                                                                =========    ========    =========    =========
   Taxes paid ...............................................................   $  15,980    $  4,634    $   7,581    $   1,697
                                                                                =========    ========    =========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

The Company sold an automobile to it's majority shareholder at book value. In
conjuction with the sale the following asset was acquired and liability was
retired:
Note receivable shareholder .................................................   $       0    $      0    $       0    $  39,022
                                                                                =========    ========    =========    =========
Note payable shareholder, including accrued interest ........................   $       0    $      0    $       0    $  21,673
                                                                                =========    ========    =========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-55

                           HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,1993, DECEMBER 31, 1994,
         AND DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND FOR THE TEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 8, 1996

1.  ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Hennessy Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), was organized under the laws of the
State of Ohio on October 11, 1973. The Company owns and operates 2 funeral homes
in Ohio. The Company performs personal and professional services related to
funerals at its funeral homes. Prearranged funerals are marketed in the
geographic markets served by the Company's funeral service locations.

Effective March 8, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage Funeral
Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration of $2,791,370.74.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

REVENUES

The Company records the sale of funeral merchandise and services upon
performance.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORY

The effect of changes in inventories is included in merchandise costs at the
lower of its cost basis (as determined by the specific identification method) or
market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Furniture, leasehold improvements and equipment are capitalized at cost.
Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized while
replacements, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of
the related assets are charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and
repairs amounted to $27,413, $27,414, $33,311, and $7,107, for the years ended
December 31, 1993 and December 31,1994, December 31, 1995 and for the ten weeks
ended March 8, 1996 respectively. Dispositions are removed at cost less
accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:
                                                YEARS                 METHOD
Leasehold Improvements ..............         7 - 15 years         Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures ..............         5 - 10 years         Straight-line
Other ...............................         5 years              Straight-line

                                      F-56

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994,
December 31, 1995, and the ten weeks ended March 8, 1996 were as follows:

1993 .................................................                   $65,360
1994 .................................................                    58,189
1995 .................................................                    55,324
1996 .................................................                    18,431

INCOME TAXES

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 ("SFAS No. 109"), " Accounting for Income
Taxes". Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and
liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the
financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  INCOME TAXES:

There are no significant temporary differences between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting. In addition, the Company's effective tax
rate materially approximates the applicable statutory rate.

Income taxes expensed for the year ended December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994,
and December 31, 1995 and for the ten weeks ended March 8, 1996 consisted of:

                                     1993         1994          1995        1996
                                   -------       -------       -------      ----
Current:
    U.S. federal ...........       $ 3,100       $ 6,418       $32,233      $  0
    State ..................         4,849         3,830        10,982       813
                                   -------       -------       -------      ----
                                   $ 7,949       $10,248       $43,215      $813
                                   -------       -------       -------      ----

4.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company leases two funeral homes and adjoining parking areas from its'
shareholders. The terms of these leases are contained in note 5.

The Company also accrued interest at 9% on a note payable to its' majority
shareholder. The $20,314.75 note was dated May 18, 1995. Interest expensed on
this note for the year ending December 31, 1995 was $1,002 and for the ten weeks
ended March 8, 1996 was $356. The note was retired on March 8, 1996.

5.  LEASES

The company leases the Akron and Tallmadge funeral homes under operating leases
from its' shareholders.

The Akron funeral home and adjoining parking lots are leased from the Company's
majority shareholder and other family members. The lease is a ten year lease
with options to renew the lease for two additional five year periods. Rent is
payable in monthly installments of $2,754.

                                      F-57

Additional parking space is leased from the majority shareholder under a 5 year
lease dated September 1, 1991. Rent was payable in monthly installments of $785.
This lease included a 5 year option to renew, however as a result of the merger
with Carriage Funeral Services, Inc. (see note 7) a new 10 year lease with 3
five year options to renew was signed with the surviving corporation on March 8,
1996. Monthly rental beginning March 8, 1996 is $943.50.

The Tallmadge funeral home was leased from the Company's shareholders. The lease
dated September 1, 1991 included a 5 year option to renew. Rent was payable in
monthly installments of $3,850. The Tallmadge funeral home was sold by the
shareholders to the surviving corporation as part of the merger with Carriage
Funeral Services, Inc.

Rental expense to the shareholders under the terms of the above leases for the
years ending December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1995 and for
the ten weeks ending March 8, 1996 were as follows:

                              1993          1994         1995          1996
                            -------       -------       -------       -------
Akron funeral home          $31,600       $34,400       $33,000        $7,000
Akron lots                    8,940         8,940         8,940         2,085
Tallmadge funeral home       46,119        46,119        46,119         8,711
                            -------       -------       -------       -------
                            $86,659       $89,459       $88,059       $17,796
                            -------       -------       -------       -------

Future minimum rental payments applicable to the lease arrangements at March 8,
1996 are as follows:
                                  AKRON FUNERAL HOME   AKRON LOTS    TALLMADGE
December 31, 1996 .............         $24,786         $ 6,605         $0
December 31, 1997 .............          33,048          11,322          0
December 31, 1998 .............          33,048          11,322          0
December 31, 1999 .............          33,048          11,322          0
December 31, 2000 .............          33,048          11,322          0
Thereafter ....................          22,032          61,327          0

6.  DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLAN

The Company provides a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) defined contribution
plan for its employees. The Company determines its share of the contribution to
the plan annually. The Company's contribution to the plan for the years ending
December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1995 and for the ten weeks
ended March 8, 1996 were as follows:

1993 .................................................                   $34,862
1994 .................................................                    26,986
1995 .................................................                    43,814
1996 .................................................                     8,576

7.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

At the close of business on March 8, 1996, the Company merged with Carriage
Funeral Services, Inc. Under terms of the agreement, the Company's shareholders
received approximately 82% of the proceeds in Series D voting preferred stock
with a dividend rate of 6.25% per annum. As structured, the transaction is
intended to qualify as a reverse triangular merger under Internal Revenue Code
Section 368(a)(1)(A) and 368 (a)(2)(E), and appears to meet the requirements for
a tax-free reorganization. Additionally, the surviving corporation acquired the
funeral home located in Tallmadge, Ohio from the Company's shareholders. Also,
the agreement contains covenants not to compete and employment contracts with
the shareholders.

                                      F-58

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
James E. Drake Funeral Home, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of James E. Drake
Funeral Home, Inc. and the related statements of cash flows and stockholders'
equity for the period from December 1, 1995, to February 29, 1996, and the years
ended November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1994. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of James E. Drake Funeral Home,
Inc., and its cash flows for the period from December 1, 1995, to February 29,
1996, and the years ended November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1994, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-59

                        JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

           FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 1995, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996,
           AND THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND NOVEMBER 30, 1994

                                                1994        1995         1996
                                              --------    --------    ---------
REVENUES .................................    $635,070    $698,665    $ 129,304
COSTS AND EXPENSES .......................     517,039     582,688      128,245
                                              --------    --------    ---------
     GROSS PROFIT ........................     118,031     115,977        1,059
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ......      24,583      30,476        3,706
                                              --------    --------    ---------
     OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) .............      93,448      85,501       (2,647)
OTHER INCOME .............................         250       2,117       29,466
INTEREST EXPENSE .........................      51,446      47,651       12,174
                                              --------    --------    ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ...............      42,252      39,967       14,645
INCOME TAX PROVISION .....................      13,464      12,598        4,064
                                              --------    --------    ---------
NET INCOME ...............................    $ 28,788    $ 27,369    $  10,581
                                              ========    ========    =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-60

                        JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

           FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 1995, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996,
           AND THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND NOVEMBER 30, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994          1995        1996
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income .......................................................   $  28,788    $  27,369    $  10,581
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
        operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ..............................     111,303      103,231       12,812
         Gain on disposition of asset ...............................        --           --        (27,852)
        (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable .................     (47,577)      18,536       31,855
        (Increase) decrease in inventories .........................        (997)     (20,059)       2,334
         Decrease in other assets ...................................      45,335       26,415        9,339
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ....................      24,226      (12,953)     (14,952)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities .................      36,822        4,940       (5,681)
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
              Net cash provided by operating activities                   197,900      147,479       18,436
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Disposition (purchase) of property, plant and equipment ..........    (142,472)       9,240       58,073
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
              Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ...    (142,472)       9,240       58,073
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds (payments) on long-term debt ............................     (75,191)      47,432      (73,216)
    Dividends paid ..................................................        --        (24,000)        --
    Treasury shares purchased .......................................        --           --       (120,000)
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
              Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ...     (75,191)      23,432     (193,216)
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ................     (19,763)     180,151     (116,707)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ....................      75,250       55,487      235,638
                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ..........................   $  55,487    $ 235,638    $ 118,931
                                                                        =========    =========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid ....................................................   $  51,446    $  47,651    $  12,174
                                                                        =========    =========    =========
   Taxes paid .......................................................   $  13,000    $  13,000    $   4,000
                                                                        =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-61

                        JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

           FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 1995, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996,
           AND THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND NOVEMBER 30, 1994

Balance, December 1, 1993 .................................           $ 211,755
Net Income ................................................              28,788
                                                                      ---------
Balance, November 30, 1994 ................................             240,543
Dividends paid ............................................             (24,000)
Net Income ................................................              27,369
                                                                      ---------
Balance, November 30, 1995 ................................             243,912
Treasury shares purchased, at cost ........................            (120,000)
Net Income ................................................              10,581
                                                                      ---------
Balance, February 29, 1996 ................................           $ 134,493
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-62

                        JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

           FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 1995, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996,
           AND THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND NOVEMBER 30, 1994

1.  ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

James E. Drake Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), a taxable corporation, was
organized under the laws of the State of Kentucky on December 22, 1981. The
Company owns and operates two funeral homes in Kentucky. The Company performs
personal and professional services related to funerals at its funeral homes.
Prearranged funerals are marketed in the markets served by the Company's funeral
service locations.

Effective March 1, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage Funeral
Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the recorded amounts of
the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and sale of
related funeral merchandise.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while replacements, maintenance and
repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs totaled $1,243,
$13,525 and $10,188 for the period from December 1, 1995 to February 29, 1996,
and the years ended November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1994, respectively.
Dispositions are removed at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:
                                            YEARS             METHOD
Building and improvements ...........       10-25       Straight line
Furniture and fixtures ..............       5-7         Double-Declining Balance
Other ...............................       3-5         Double-Declining Balance

                                      F-63

INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), " Accounting for Income Taxes."
Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities
based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  INCOME TAXES

There are no significant temporary differences between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting. The income tax provision for the period
from December 1, 1995 to February 29, 1996, and the years ended November 30,
1995 and November 30, 1994, consisted of:

                                                 1994         1995        1996
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Current:
    U.S. federal .........................      $10,974      $10,199      $3,198
    State ................................        2,490        2,399         866
                                                -------      -------      ------
   Total income tax provision ............      $13,464      $12,598      $4,064
                                                -------      -------      ------

The Company is an accrual basis taxpayer. The Company is generally subject to a
marginal U.S. federal rate of 15% because of the level of the Company's taxable
income. However, in instances in which the Company's taxable income exceeds a
specified level, it becomes subject to a higher U.S. federal marginal tax rate.
The differences in the income taxes recorded by the Company and the income taxes
provided for by applying the federal statutory rate to the Company's pre-tax
income for the period from December 1, 1995 to February 29, 1996, and the years
ended November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1994, are summarized as follows:

                                                              1994   1995   1996
                                                              ----   ----   ----
   U.S. federal statutory rate .............................   15%    15%    15%
   Effect of graduated U.S. federal rate ...................    4      3     --
   Effect of state income taxes ............................    4      4      4
   Effect of non-deductible depreciation and amortization ..    9     10      9
                                                              ----   ----   ----
Total income tax provision .................................   32%    32%    28%
                                                              ====   ====   ====

4.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

OPERATING LEASES

The Company has entered into operating leases for certain facilities and
equipment utilized in its business. For the period from December 1, 1995 to
February 29, 1996, and the years ended November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1994,
lease expense totaled $2,014, $9,480 and $8,146, respectively.

LEGAL MATTERS

In the normal course of its operations, the Company has become involved in a
legal dispute. In this case, the Company has been named as one of several
defendants in a suit in which the plaintiff alleges, among other things,
defamation. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses in this case and
believes that a decision adverse to the Company in this dispute would not have a
material effect on the results of operations of the Company.

                                      F-64

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of Dwayne R. Spence
Funeral Home, Inc. and the related statements of shareholder's equity and cash
flows for the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29, 1996, the years ended
December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31,
1993. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of Dwayne R. Spence Funeral
Home, Inc., and its cash flows for the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29,
1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-65

                       DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO MARCH 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                   AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1993         1994           1995          1996
                                      --------   -----------    -----------    ---------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUES ..........................   $309,814   $ 1,167,952    $ 1,141,311    $ 313,941
COSTS AND EXPENSES ................    265,182     1,069,009      1,031,445      363,288
                                      --------   -----------    -----------    ---------
           GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) ....     44,632        98,943        109,866      (49,347)
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES      8,105        33,414         31,525        7,126
                                      --------   -----------    -----------    ---------
           OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)      36,527        65,529         78,341      (56,473)
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE ............      6,575        (8,382)        (9,373)         (92)
INTEREST EXPENSE ..................        349         7,705         11,590          157
                                      --------   -----------    -----------    ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES .     29,603        66,206         76,124      (56,538)
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) ....      5,624        14,199         17,075      (10,742)
                                      --------   -----------    -----------    ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) .................   $ 23,979   $    52,007    $    59,049    $ (45,796)
                                      ========   ===========    ===========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-66

                       DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO MARCH 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                   AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1993         1994        1995         1996
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income (loss) ....................................................   $ 23,979    $  52,007    $  59,049    $ (45,796)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
            (used in) operating  activities-
         Depreciation and amortization ..................................     17,631       73,594       73,200       13,343
         (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable .....................    (62,494)       7,770       95,910        6,538
         (Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets ...     21,751        5,099      (32,371)     (10,126)
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ........................     13,570       (3,014)      35,062       (2,756)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities .....................     33,025       26,296      (98,971)      31,644
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                   Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ..     47,462      161,752      131,879       (7,153)
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   (Purchase of) proceeds from disposition of property, plant and
            equipment ...................................................      7,881     (108,458)     (26,314)      (2,359)
                                                                                        ---------    ---------    ---------
                   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ..      7,881     (108,458)     (26,314)      (2,359)
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds (payments) on long-term debt ................................    (69,371)      38,411      (54,149)      26,076
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ..    (69,371)      38,411      (54,149)      26,076
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ....................    (14,028)      91,705       51,416       16,564
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........................     47,719       33,691      125,396      176,812
                                                                            --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ..............................   $ 33,691    $ 125,396    $ 176,812    $ 193,376
                                                                            ========    =========    =========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid ........................................................   $    349    $   7,705    $  11,590    $     157
                                                                            ========    =========    =========    =========
   Taxes paid ...........................................................   $  4,500    $  20,000    $   9,000    $   2,250
                                                                            ========    =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-67

                       DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                       STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO MARCH 29, 1996,
             THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993


Balance, October 1, 1993 ................................             $ 424,513
Net Income ..............................................                23,979
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1993 ..............................               448,492
Net Income ..............................................                52,007
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31,1994 ...............................               500,499
Net Income ..............................................                59,049
                                                                      ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995 ..............................               559,548
Net Loss ................................................               (45,796)
                                                                      ---------
Balance, March 29, 1996 .................................             $ 513,752
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-68

                       DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

             FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1996 TO MARCH 29, 1996,
            THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994,
                  AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

1.   ORGANIZATION /NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), a taxable corporation, was
organized in 1977 in the state of Ohio. The Company owns and operates two
funeral homes in Ohio. The Company performs personal and professional services
related to funerals at its funeral homes. Prearranged funerals are marketed in
the markets served by the Company's funeral service locations.

Effective March 29, 1996, all of the Company's capital stock was sold to
Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the
recorded amounts of the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and sale of
related merchandise.

TRUST FUNDS

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract, and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while minor replacements, maintenance
and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs totaled $12,593,
$33,098, $36,370 and $8,197 for the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29,
1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three
months ended December 31, 1993, respectively. Dispositions are removed at cost
less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                            YEARS          METHOD
                                            -----       ------------------------
Buildings and improvements ..........       10-25       Straight line
Furniture and fixtures ..............         5-7       Double-declining balance
Other ...............................         3-7       Double-declining balance

                                      F-69

INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes."
Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities
based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


3.  OPERATING LEASES

The Company has entered into operating leases for certain facilities used in its
business. For the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29, 1996, the years ended
December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31,
1993, lease expense totaled approximately $35,250, $139,975, $136,430 and
$33,045, respectively. In addition, the Company leases certain equipment from a
shareholder. For the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29, 1996, the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993,
expense related to this lease totaled $12,827, $29,560, $25,821 and $186,
respectively.

4.  INCOME TAXES

There are no significant temporary differences between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting. The provision (benefit) for income taxes
for the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29, 1996, the years ended December
31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three months ended December 31, 1993
consisted of:

                                           1993     1994      1995       1996
                                          ------   -------   -------   --------
Current:
  U.S. federal ........................   $4,440   $11,551   $14,031   $ (8,481)

  State ...............................    1,184     2,648     3,044     (2,261)
                                          ------   -------   -------   --------
  Total current provision (benefit) ...   $5,624   $14,199   $17,075   $(10,742)
                                          ======   =======   =======   ========

The Company is an accrual basis taxpayer. The Company is generally subject to a
marginal U.S. federal rate of 15% because of the level of the Company's taxable
income. However, in instances in which the Company's taxable income exceeds a
specified level, it becomes subject to a higher U.S. federal marginal tax rate.
The differences between the income taxes recorded by the Company and the income
taxes provided by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 15% to the
Company's pre-tax income for the period from January 1, 1996 to March 29, 1996,
the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, and the three months
ended December 31, 1993 are summarized below:

                                                    1993   1994   1995    1996
                                                    ----   ----   ----    ----
U.S. federal statutory rate ......................    15%    15%    15%    (15%)

Effect of graduated federal statutory rate .......    --      2      3     --

Effect of state income taxes .....................     4      4      4      (4)
                                                     ----   ----   ----    ----


Total income tax provision (benefit) .............    19%    21%    22%    (19%)
                                                     ====   ====   ====    ====

                                      F-70

5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

Effective January 1, 1995, the Company participates in an employee benefit plan,
the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc. 401K Pension Plan, which covers
substantially all full-time employees, subject to certain minimum age and length
of service requirements. In its sole discretion, the Company can make
contributions to the plan. This plan replaced a plan in which the Company
participated prior to January 1, 1995. For the period from January 1, 1996 to
March 29, 1996, the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the three months
ended December 31, 1993, the employee benefit plan expense totaled $ 0, $18,941,
$67,532 and $40,715, respectively.

                                      F-71

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Merchant Funeral Home Group:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations of Merchant Funeral
Home Group and the related statements of shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the years ended June 30, 1995
and June 30, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations of Merchant Funeral Home Group,
and its cash flows for the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the
years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 28, 1996

                                      F-72

                           MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME GROUP

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

               FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1995 TO APRIL 1, 1996,
               AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1994

                                             1994         1995          1996
                                          ----------   ----------   -----------
REVENUES ..............................   $1,068,304   $1,289,444   $ 1,041,222
COSTS AND EXPENSES ....................      944,882    1,111,945       864,936
                                          ----------   ----------   -----------
     GROSS PROFIT .....................      123,422      177,499       176,286
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ...       66,453      105,355       127,357
                                          ----------   ----------   -----------
     OPERATING MARGIN .................       56,969       72,144        48,929
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE ................       22,859       13,623       (16,582)
INTEREST EXPENSE ......................        7,680       19,828         7,885
                                          ----------   ----------   -----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ............       26,430       38,693        57,626
INCOME TAX PROVISION ..................        5,174        7,512        11,943
                                          ----------   ----------   -----------
NET INCOME ............................   $   21,256   $   31,181   $    45,683
                                          ==========   ==========   ===========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-73

                           MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME GROUP

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

               FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1995 TO APRIL 1, 1996,
               AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994        1995         1996
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income ......................................................   $  21,256    $ 31,181    $  45,683
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
            (used in) operating activities-
         Depreciation and amortization .............................      46,658      54,901       38,502
         (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable ................      12,412     (30,675)      14,054
         (Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets    (139,623)     10,258      143,949
         Increase (decrease) in accounts payable ...................     (46,646)     (9,467)       2,709
         Increase (decrease) in deferred and other liabilities .....      32,207       2,684          (40)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities ................      15,858     (24,156)     (23,660)
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
              Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ..     (57,878)     34,726      221,197
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment .......................    (102,548)    (23,876)      (1,647)
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
              Net cash used in investing activities ................    (102,548)    (23,876)      (1,647)
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds (payments) on long-term debt ...........................     223,841       3,523     (138,293)
   Dividends .......................................................        --           --       (40,104)
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
              Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ..     223,841       3,523     (178,397)
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ..........................      63,415      14,373       41,153
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...................       8,436      71,851       86,224
                                                                       ---------    --------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD .........................   $  71,851    $ 86,224    $ 127,377
                                                                       =========    ========    =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Interest paid ...................................................   $   7,680    $ 19,828    $   7,885
                                                                       =========    ========    =========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-74

                           MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME GROUP

                       STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1995 TO APRIL 1, 1996,
               AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1994

Balance, October 1, 1993 ................................             $ 142,620
Net income ..............................................                21,256
                                                                      ---------
Balance, June 30, 1994 ..................................               163,876
Net Income ..............................................                31,181
                                                                      ---------
Balance, June 30, 1995 ..................................               195,057
Dividends paid ..........................................               (40,104)
Net income ..............................................                45,683
                                                                      ---------
Balance, April 1, 1996 ..................................             $ 200,636
                                                                      =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-75

                           MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME GROUP

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

               FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1995 TO APRIL 1, 1996,
               AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1994

1.  ORGANIZATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Merchant Funeral Home Group (the Company) is comprised of three taxable
corporations which own and operate four funeral homes and two cemeteries in
Washington and Idaho. The Company performs personal and professional services
related to funerals and burials at its various locations. Prearranged funerals
are marketed in the geographic markets served by the Company's funeral service
locations.

Effective April 1, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage Funeral
Services, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the recorded amounts of
the Company's net assets.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral and interment or
entombment services and sale of related funeral merchandise.

PRENEED FUNERAL TRUST

The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a trust
fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and interest
earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The proceeds of the
original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract are
available to the Company only in the event of death of the purchaser and are
refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that provide for the return
of all or a portion of amounts collected under the purchaser's option to cancel
the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds
collected from the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract and interest
earned on such funds is deferred until performance of the specified service.

CEMETERY MERCHANDISE AND SERVICE TRUST

The Company is also generally required, by certain states, to deposit a
specified amount into a merchandise and service trust for cemetery merchandise
and services sold on a preneed basis. The principal and accumulated earnings of
the trust may only be withdrawn upon maturity (generally, death of purchaser) or
cancellation of the contracts. Trust fund income is recognized in current
revenues as trust earnings accrue, net of current period inflation costs
recognized related to the merchandise that has not yet been purchased.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for major
additions and improvements are capitalized while replacements, maintenance and
repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $30,351,
$45,726 and $38,516 for the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the
years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, respectively. Dispositions are
removed at cost less accumulated depreciation.

                                      F-76

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:

                                            YEARS           METHOD
                                            -----       ------------------------
Building and improvements ...........       10-25       Straight line
Furniture and fixtures ..............       5-7         Double-Declining Balance
Other ...............................       3-5         Double-Declining Balance

INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes."
Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities
based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.


USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


3.  INCOME TAXES

There are no significant temporary differences between the Company's financial
statement and tax bases of accounting. The income tax provision for the period
from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the years ended June 30, 1995 and June
30, 1994 consisted of:

                                                 1994        1995          1996
                                                ------       -----       -------
Current:
    U.S. federal ........................       $4,085       5,933       $ 9,606
    State ...............................        1,089       1,579         2,337
                                                ------       -----       -------
   Total current provision ..............       $5,174       7,512       $11,943
                                                ------       -----       -------
The Company is an accrual basis taxpayer. The Company is generally subject to a
marginal U.S. federal rate of 15% because of the level of the Company's taxable
income. However, in instances in which the Company's taxable income exceeds a
specified level, it would become subject to a higher U.S. federal marginal tax
rate. The differences in the income taxes recorded by the Company and the income
taxes provided for by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 15% to the
Company's pre-tax income for the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and
the years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994 are summarized as follows:

                                                          1993     1994     1995
                                                          ----     ----     ----
U.S. federal statutory rate .........................      15%      15%      15%
Effect of state income taxes ........................       4        4        4
Effect of non-deductible expenses and other .........       1       --        2
                                                          ----     ----     ----

        Total income tax provision ..................      20%      19%      21%
                                                          ====     ====     ====

Cash taxes paid for the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the years
ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994 were approximately $14,000, $18,000 and
$14,000, respectively.

                                      F-77

4.  OPERATING LEASES

The Company has entered into operating leases for certain facilities and
equipment utilized in its business. For the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1,
1996, and the years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, lease expense totaled
$102,364, $129,748 and $125,554, respectively. The Company paid approximately
$18,000, $24,000 and $18,000 of facility lease expense for the period from July
1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994,
respectively, to a shareholder.

5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

Effective July 1, 1993, the Company began participation in an employee benefit
plan, the Merchant Funeral Home, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, which covers
substantially all of the Company's full-time employees, subject to certain
minimum age and length of service requirements. In its sole discretion, the
Company can make contributions to the plan. Expenses related to the plan were
$0, $0 and $24,973 for the period from July 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, and the
years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, respectively.

                                      F-78

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  Vail Holt Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
  Madison, Indiana

     We have audited the balance sheets of Vail Holt Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
as of June 30, 1996, and December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, and the related
statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows for the six-month period
and years then ended, respectively. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Vail Holt Memorial Funeral
Home, Inc. as of June 30, 1996, and December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 and the
results of operations and its cash flows for the six-month period and years then
ended, respectively, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

McCAULEY, NICOLAS & COMPANY, LLC
Certified Public Accountants

New Albany, Indiana
July 8, 1996

                                      F-79

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
              JUNE 30, 1996 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                         JUNE 30,    ----------------------------------------
                                           1996          1995          1994          1993
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
               ASSETS
Current Assets:
     Cash (Note 1)...................  $     22,100  $     13,437  $      2,805  $     22,688
     Accounts receivable, net (Note
       3)............................       118,598       133,573       167,726        79,610
     Inventory (Note 1)..............        22,283        22,600        17,934        12,561
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total current assets.......       162,981       169,610       188,465       114,859
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Property and Equipment (Notes 1 and 5):
     Leasehold improvements..........       103,476        99,397        97,147        97,147
     Equipment and fixtures..........       171,953       158,706       146,506       136,070
     Vehicles........................       131,185       131,185       100,309       100,309
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                            406,614       389,288       343,962       333,526
     Less accumulated depreciation...      (296,395)     (283,640)     (260,266)     (241,660)
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          Net property and
             equipment...............       110,219       105,648        83,696        91,866
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Other Assets:
     Deposit.........................         2,025         2,025       --            --
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          TOTAL ASSETS...............  $    275,225  $    277,283  $    272,161  $    206,725
                                       ============  ============  ============  ============


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term
       debt (Note 5).................  $      7,854  $      6,654  $      1,782  $     11,920
     Accounts payable................        18,090        19,186        36,966        41,365
     Advance from stockholder........       --            --            --              3,175
     Accrued liabilities (Note 4)....         5,385         4,838         6,393         9,958
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total current
             liabilities.............        31,329        30,678        45,141        66,418
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------

Long-term Liabilities:
     Noncurrent portion of long-term
       debt (Note 5).................        15,292        15,100       --              1,782
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total long-term
             liabilities.............        15,292        15,100       --              1,782
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES..........        46,621        45,778        45,141        68,200
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Stockholders' Equity:
     Common stock without par value,
       1,000 shares authorized; 100
       shares issued and
       outstanding...................         4,442         4,442         4,442         4,442
     Additional paid-in capital......         5,404         5,404         5,404         5,404
     Retained earnings...............       218,758       221,659       217,174       128,679
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS'
             EQUITY..................       228,604       231,505       227,020       138,525
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
             STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY....  $    275,225  $    277,283  $    272,161  $    206,725
                                       ============  ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                      F-80

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                              STATEMENT OF INCOME
        FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE YEARS ENDED
                       DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        SIX MONTHS               YEAR ENDED
                                          ENDED                 DECEMBER 31,
                                         JUNE 30,    ----------------------------------
                                           1996         1995        1994        1993
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues -- Funeral services, net....    $463,214    $  794,587  $  772,233  $  647,342
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Cost of Sales:
     Purchases.......................      77,171       152,581      99,778     142,611
     Other funeral expenses..........       4,818         7,968      10,840      12,028
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total cost of sales........      81,989       160,549     110,618     154,639
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
          Gross profit...............     381,225       634,038     661,615     492,703
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating Expenses:
     Compensation....................     121,185       241,255     224,011     204,653
     Payroll taxes...................      12,506        19,647      18,503      16,427
     Rent (Note 7)...................      35,168        70,046      71,674      40,435
     Depreciation (Note 1)...........      12,755        23,373      18,606      19,053
     Insurance.......................      10,474        17,496      17,858      15,190
     Operating leases (Note 7).......      24,233        52,334      28,230      20,206
     Contract labor..................       3,920         9,626       9,052       4,020
     Automobile expenses.............      12,243        16,259      13,796      11,677
     Advertising.....................       1,772         6,046      11,277      13,322
     Provision for bad debts.........      25,932        39,898      57,922      19,090
     Repairs and maintenance.........       5,856        12,806      11,957      18,128
     Utilities and telephone.........       9,858        17,018      12,623      11,016
     Legal and professional fees.....       9,542        14,527       6,899       5,601
     Office and postage..............       4,405        11,685       4,546       4,712
     Taxes and licenses..............       4,885         1,443       4,008       2,436
     Miscellaneous...................       9,874         7,236       9,880      15,398
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
          Operating expenses.........     304,608       560,695     520,842     421,364
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
          Income from operations.....      76,617        73,343     140,773      71,339
Other Income (Expense):
     Interest income.................          39            78       2,685         218
     Gain on sale of asset...........      --             8,442      --          --
     Interest expense................      (1,117)       (1,228)     --          (2,368)
                                        ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
          Net income (Note 6)........    $ 75,539    $   80,635  $  143,458  $   69,189
                                        ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                      F-81

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                         STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS
              FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SIX MONTHS               YEAR ENDED
                                             ENDED                 DECEMBER 31,
                                            JUNE 30,    ----------------------------------
                                              1996         1995        1994        1993
                                           ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Balances, beginning of period...........    $221,659    $  217,174  $  128,679  $   88,182
Net income for the period...............      75,539        80,635     143,458      69,189
Distribution paid.......................     (78,440)      (76,150)    (54,963)    (28,692)
                                           ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Balances, end of period.................    $218,758    $  221,659  $  217,174  $  128,679
                                           ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                      F-82

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SIX MONTHS                  YEAR ENDED
                                             ENDED                    DECEMBER 31,
                                            JUNE 30,    ----------------------------------------
                                              1996          1995          1994          1993
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Cash received from customers.......   $  452,257   $    788,842  $    626,195  $    631,736
     Cash paid to suppliers and
       employees........................     (348,142)      (681,974)     (568,269)     (550,764)
     Interest paid......................       (1,117)        (1,228)      --             (2,368)
     Interest received..................           39             78         2,685           218
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
          Net cash provided by operating
             activities.................      103,037        105,718        60,611        78,822
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchase of equipment..............      (17,326)       (61,883)      (10,436)      (28,581)
     Proceeds from disposal of
       equipment........................       --             25,000       --            --
     Proceeds from note receivable......       --            --            --             14,925
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
          Net cash used by investing
             activities.................      (17,326)       (36,883)      (10,436)      (13,656)
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of note
       payable..........................        4,849         41,452       --            --
     Principal payments on note
       payable..........................       (3,457)       (21,480)      (11,920)       (8,587)
     Deposit on operating leases........       --             (2,025)      --            --
     Payments to stockholder............       --            --             (3,175)       (3,712)
     Distributions to stockholder.......      (78,440)       (76,150)      (54,963)      (28,692)
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
          Net cash used by financing
             activities.................      (77,048)       (58,203)      (70,058)      (40,991)
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.........        8,663         10,632       (19,883)       24,175
Cash at beginning of period.............       13,437          2,805        22,688        (1,487)
                                           ----------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash at end of period...................   $   22,100   $     13,437  $      2,805  $     22,688
                                           ==========   ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                      F-83

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
              FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SIX MONTHS                YEAR ENDED
                                             ENDED                  DECEMBER 31,
                                            JUNE 30,    ------------------------------------
                                              1996         1995         1994         1993
                                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income.........................    $ 75,539    $   80,635  $    143,458  $   69,189
     Adjustments to reconcile net income
       to net cash provided (used) by
       operating activities:
          Provision for losses on
             uncollectible trade
             receivables................      25,932        39,898        57,922      19,090
          Depreciation..................      12,755        23,373        18,606      19,053
          Gain on sale of assets........      --            (8,442)      --           --
     Change in assets and liabilities:
          (Increase) in accounts
             receivable.................     (10,957)       (5,745)     (146,038)    (17,348)
          (Increase) decrease in
             inventory..................         317        (4,666)       (5,373)     (1,461)
          (Decrease) in accounts
             payable....................      (1,096)      (17,780)       (4,399)    (14,325)
          Increase (decrease) in accrued
             liabilities................         547        (1,555)       (3,565)      4,624
                                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ----------
               Net cash provided by
                  operating
                  activities............    $103,037    $  105,718  $     60,611  $   78,822
                                           ==========   ==========  ============  ==========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                                      F-84

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

     This summary of significant accounting policies of Vail Holt Memorial
Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company) is presented to assist in understanding the
Company's financial statements. The financial statements and notes are
representations of the Company's management, who is responsible for their
integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to generally
accepted accounting principles and have been consistently applied in the
preparation of the financial statements.

  NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

     Vail Holt Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. is a privately-held corporation with
funeral homes located in Hanover and Madison, Indiana. The Company provides a
variety of services associated with funeral arrangements.

  STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

     The Company maintains one checking account, regular passbook savings
account, and petty cash fund which it classifies as cash for purposes of the
statement of cash flows.

  INVENTORIES:

     Inventories consisting of caskets, vaults, and funeral supplies are valued
at the lower of cost (generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or
market.

  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs are
charged to expense as incurred; renewals or betterments are capitalized. Gain or
loss on retirement or disposition of assets is credited or charged to
operations, and the respective costs and accumulated depreciation are eliminated
from the accounts.

     Depreciation is provided as follows: depreciation of property and equipment
is provided on the basis of estimated useful lives of the assets using the
straight-line and declining-balance methods. The estimated useful lives are 5 to
7 years for equipment and fixtures, 5 years for vehicles, and 7 to 39 years for
leasehold improvements.

  ESTIMATES:

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities (and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any) at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

     The carrying amount of cash, receivables, payables, and short-term and
long-term debt obligations approximates their fair market values.

3.  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                           JUNE 30,   ----------------------------------
                                             1996        1995        1994        1993
                                           --------   ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Accounts receivable -- trade............   $276,148   $  265,191  $  259,446  $  113,408
Less: allowance for uncollectible
  accounts..............................    157,550      131,618      91,720      33,798
                                           --------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Net accounts receivable -- trade........   $118,598   $  133,573  $  167,726  $   79,610
                                           ========   ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

                                      F-85

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

4.  ACCRUED LIABILITIES:

     Accrued liabilities at the end of each respective period consist of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                           JUNE 30,   ----------------------------------
                                             1996        1995        1994        1993
                                           --------   ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Accrued payroll tax withholdings........   $  3,068   $    2,639  $    1,828  $    6,431
Accrued sales tax.......................      2,039        2,085       4,521       2,567
Other...................................        278          114          44         960
                                           --------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Total...................................   $  5,385   $    4,838  $    6,393  $    9,958
                                           ========   ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

5.  LONG-TERM DEBT:

     Long-term debt at June 30, 1996, December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 consists
of the following:


                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                          JUNE 30,   ---------------------------
                                            1996       1995     1994      1993
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------

8.5% note payable to Madison Bank and Trust Company, payable $687 monthly,
  including interest, through December, 1998, secured by a vehicle with a cost
  of $30,876
  and a book value of $25,365 ..........   $18,497   $21,754   $  --     $  --

20.896% note payable to Excel Financial Co., payable $149 monthly, including
  interest, through March, 2000, secured by equipment with a cost of $4,849 and
  a book value of $4,572 ...............     4,649      --        --        --

12% note payable to Madison First Federal Saving and Loan Association, payable
  $606 monthly, including interest, secured by
  deposit account ......................      --        --       1,782     8,398

10.944% note payable to Madison Bank
  and Trust Company, payable $617
  monthly, including interest,
  secured by a
  van ..................................      --        --        --       5,304
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
                                            23,146    21,754     1,782    13,702
Less current portion ...................     7,854     6,654     1,782    11,920
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
Noncurrent portion of long-term
debt ...................................   $15,292   $15,100   $  --     $ 1,782
                                           =======   =======   =======   =======

     The following are the maturities of long-term debt:


June 30, 1997........................  $   7,854
June 30, 1998........................  $   8,677
June 30, 1999........................  $   5,377
June 30, 2000........................  $   1,238

6.  INCOME TAXES:

     The Company, with the consent of its stockholder, has elected under the
Internal Revenue Code to be treated as an S corporation. In lieu of corporation
income taxes, the stockholder of an S corporation is taxed on his proportionate
share of the Company's taxable income. The State of Indiana also recognizes the
S corporation. Accordingly, there is no provision for federal or state income
taxes for the six months ended June 30, 1996, and the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993.

                                      F-86

                     VAIL HOLT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

7.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND LEASE COMMITMENTS:

     The Company leases vehicles from unrelated parties under operating leases
with two-year terms. These payments are recorded under operating leases in the
financial statements. The following is a schedule of the future minimum rentals
under these leases at June 30, 1996:


June 30, 1997...........................  $  31,223
June 30, 1998...........................  $   7,476

     Additionally, the Company leases its operating facilities at both its
Hanover, Indiana and Madison, Indiana, locations from the stockholder of the
Company. The leases are on a month-to-month basis. The total rent expense
associated with these facility leases is $35,168, $70,046, $71,674, and $40,435
for the periods June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993,
respectively. In addition, the Company pays all utilities, taxes, insurance, and
normal maintenance required for the buildings and property.

8.  BUSINESS COMBINATION:

     On December 31, 1993, the Company purchased substantially all of the
operating assets and assumed certain liabilities of Vail Holt Lincoln Funeral
Home, Inc. for $15,000 cash payment. The acquisition has been accounted for as a
purchase transaction, and the cash paid was allocated to equipment assets at
estimated fair value. There was no goodwill recorded as part of this
transaction. The Statement of Income for the six month period ending June 30,
1996, and the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, include the operating
results of the acquired operations.

     The pro forma net income results for the year ended December 31, 1993, had
the purchase occurred on January 1, 1993, would have resulted in the following
income statement presentation:


Gross revenue........................  $  804,417

Cost of sales........................     182,833
                                       ----------
     Gross profit....................     621,584
Operating expenses...................     515,862
                                       ----------
     Income from operations..........     105,722
Other income, net....................       8,445
                                       ----------
     Net income......................  $  114,167
                                       ==========

9.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

     The Company and the sole stockholder are contemplating the future sale of
substantially all the operating assets of the Company to an unrelated party
under an Asset Purchase Agreement. However, as of the date of this report, no
formal agreements had been executed.

                                      F-87
                     REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

To the Board of Directors of
  Forest Lawn of Chesnee, Inc.

     I have audited the accompanying statements of operations of Forest Lawn of
Chesnee and the related statements of cash flows and stockholders' equity for
the ten months ended June 26, 1996, and the year ended August 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. My
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
my audit.

     I conducted my audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. I
believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion.

     In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations of Forest Lawn of Chesnee,
Inc., and its cash flows for the ten months ended June 26, 1996, and the year
ended August 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

MICHAEL S. UPTON, CPA, P.A.

July 3, 1996

                                      F-88

                          FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 26, 1996
                       AND THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995


                                              1996          1995
                                          ------------  ------------

REVENUES................................  $  1,217,406  $  1,477,801
COST AND EXPENSES
     Merchandise costs..................       394,562       422,772
     Salaries and wages.................       238,877       305,496
     Depreciation and amortization......       100,155       141,973
     Facilities and grounds.............        66,702        84,329
     Transportation costs...............        11,052        15,874
     Other..............................        75,242        75,998
     Bad Debt Expense...................       114,673        26,796
                                          ------------  ------------
                                             1,001,263     1,073,238
PROMOTIONAL EXPENSE.....................        34,293        51,867
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.....       161,382       156,795
                                          ------------  ------------
OPERATING MARGIN........................        20,468       195,901
OTHER INCOME............................         5,375        12,605
INTEREST EXPENSE........................        73,707        81,517
                                          ------------  ------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES.......       (47,864)      126,989
INCOME TAXES............................        28,447        35,945
                                          ------------  ------------
NET INCOME..............................  $    (76,311) $     91,044
                                          ============  ============

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-89

                          FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                     FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 26, 1996
                       AND THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995


                                          1996         1995
                                       ----------  ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Income (Loss)..................  $  (76,311) $     91,043
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash provided by
     operating activities --
       Depreciation and
        amortization.................     100,155       141,973
       (Increase) decrease in
        accounts receivable..........      51,991       (60,244)
       (Increase) decrease in
        inventories and other current
        assets.......................      41,264       (14,044)
       Increase (decrease) in
        accounts payable.............      40,080        (8,265)
       Increase (decrease) in accrued
        liabilities..................     (26,983)       26,118
                                       ----------  ------------
Net cash provided by operating
  activities.........................     130,196       176,581
                                       ----------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of fixed assets...........     (36,228)     (499,449)
                                       ----------  ------------
Net cash used in investing
  activities.........................     (36,228)     (499,449)
                                       ----------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Payments on long-term debt.........    (128,119)     (118,734)
  Loan proceeds......................                   393,055
  Dividends paid.....................     (37,901)      --
                                       ----------  ------------
Net cash used by financing
  activities.........................    (166,020)      274,321
                                       ----------  ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
  CASH EQUIVALENTS...................     (72,052)      (48,547)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD.............................      72,052       120,599
                                       ----------  ------------
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
  PERIOD.............................  $   --      $     72,052
                                       ==========  ============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION:
       Interest paid.................  $   68,431  $     81,517
                                       ----------  ------------
       Taxes paid....................  $   23,776  $      5,000
                                       ----------  ------------
       Non-cash Dividends (Note 1)...  $  333,646  $    --
                                       ----------  ------------

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-90

                          FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.
                  STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 26, 1996
                       AND THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995


Balance September 1, 1994...............  $    619,791
Net Income (Loss).......................        91,044
                                          ------------
Balance August 31, 1995.................       710,835
Net Income (Loss).......................       (76,311)
Dividends (Note 1)......................      (371,547)
                                          ------------
Balance June 26, 1996...................  $    262,977
                                          ============

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-91

                          FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 26, 1996
                       AND THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995

1.  ORGANIZATIONS/NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

     Forest Lawn of Chesnee, Inc. was organized under the laws of the State of
South Carolina on September 14, 1970. The Company owns and operates three
funeral homes in South Carolina. The Company performs personal and professional
services related to funerals at its funeral homes. Prearranged funerals are
marketed in the geographic market served by the Company's funeral service
locations.

     Effective June 26, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage
Funeral Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration of $2,970,000. Certain
non-operating assets and specific liabilities were distributed to the
stockholders as a result of the negotiations of the stock sale. These
distributions, in cash and property, totaled $371,547.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

  REVENUES

     The Company records the sale of funeral merchandise and services upon
performance.

  TRUST FUNDS

     The Company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a
trust fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and
interest earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The
proceeds of the original amount paid by the purchaser of the prearranged funeral
contract, and accumulated interest earned, are available to the Company only in
the event of the death of the purchaser and are refundable to the purchaser
under certain state laws that provide for the return of all of the amounts
collected under the purchaser's option to cancel the prearranged funeral
contract. No funeral revenue is recognized on the funds collected from the
purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract and interest earned on such funds
is reported to and taxed to the purchaser of the prearranged funeral contract
annually.

  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

  INVENTORY

     The effect of changes in inventories is included in merchandise costs at
the lower of its cost basis (as determined by the First-in, first-out method) or
market.

  PLANT, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Plant, property and equipment are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for
major additions and improvements are capitalized while replacements, maintenance
and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the related assets are
charged to operations as incurred. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $33,622
and $26,503 for the ten months period ended June 26, 1996 and the year ended
August 31, 1995, respectively.

     Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable
assets as follows:


                                           YEARS         METHOD
                                           -----      -------------

Buildings and improvements..............   40         Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures..................   5-7           200% DB
Other...................................   5-15          200% DB

                                      F-92

                          FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

  INCOME TAXES

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), "Accounting for Income
Taxes". Under SFAS No. 109, the Company determines deferred tax assets and
liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between
financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities.

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  INCOME TAXES:

     There are no significant differences between the Company's financial
statements and tax bases of accounting at August 31, 1996. In June, 1996,
non-cash distributions to stockholders, referred to in Note 1, included
appreciated assets on which the corporation must recognize taxable income of
$150,000. In addition, the Company's effective tax rate materially approximates
the applicable statutory rate.

     The provision for income taxes for the period ended June 26, 1996 and the
year ended August 31, 1995, consisted of:


                                            1996       1995
                                          ---------  ---------

Current:
     U.S. Federal.......................  $  23,075  $  29,957
     State..............................      5,372      5,988
                                          ---------  ---------
                                          $  28,447  $  35,945
                                          =========  =========

                                      F-93

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
  Bailey Funeral Home, Inc.
  Plainville, Connecticut

     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of BAILEY FUNERAL HOME,
INC. (an S Corporation), as of December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended June 30,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
as of December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, and the results of
operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

GITLIN, CAMPISE, PASCOE & BLUM

West Hartford, Connecticut
July 3, 1996

                                      F-94

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1993        1994         1995          1996
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>         
                 ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash..................................  $  118,787  $   93,221  $     56,114  $    146,151
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance
     for doubtful accounts of $10,000 in
     1993, $11,000 in 1994, $12,500 in
     1995 and $15,000 in 1996...........     144,507     160,683       165,016       157,604
  Note receivable -- related party......      --          --           --             10,000
  Inventories and other current
     assets.............................      26,047      13,332        20,928         4,000
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
       Total current assets.............     289,341     267,236       242,058       317,755
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
  Leasehold improvements................      20,695      27,432        33,516        33,516
  Furniture and equipment...............      24,583      27,225        35,956        37,345
  Vehicles..............................      68,250      98,336       119,852       101,852
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
                                             113,528     152,993       189,324       172,713
  Less: accumulated depreciation........     (80,628)    (94,175)     (129,869)     (123,375)
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
                                              32,900      58,818        59,455        49,338
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:
  Intangible assets, net................     126,065     102,750        79,750        68,250
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL ASSETS............................  $  448,306  $  428,804  $    381,263  $    435,343
                                          ==========  ==========  ============  ============


  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable......................  $   11,940  $   11,711  $      8,269  $     23,330
  Accrued liabilities...................      15,101      19,556        10,912        61,520
  Current portion of accrued payments
     for agreement not to compete.......      17,678      19,025        20,474        21,100
  Current portion of long-term debt.....      32,417       7,568         5,764         5,248
  Deferred taxes........................       9,877      10,806        11,555         3,828
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
       Total current liabilities........      87,013      68,666        56,974       115,026
STOCKHOLDER'S LOAN......................      62,044      67,102        48,700        10,687
ACCRUED PAYMENTS FOR AGREEMENTS NOT TO
  COMPETE, net of current portion.......     142,997     123,972       103,498        94,524
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current
  portion...............................       1,158       7,822         2,058       --
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
       Total liabilities................     293,212     267,562       211,230       220,237
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
  Common stock, $100 par value, 500
     shares authorized, 10 shares issued
     and outstanding....................       1,000       1,000         1,000         1,000
  Retained earnings.....................     154,094     160,242       169,033       214,106
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
       Total stockholder's equity.......     155,094     161,242       170,033       215,106
                                          ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S
  EQUITY................................  $  448,306  $  428,804  $    381,263  $    435,343
                                          ==========  ==========  ============  ============
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-95

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1993        1994        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
REVENUES.............................  $  642,161  $  658,509  $  786,699  $  450,164
COSTS AND EXPENSES...................     504,528     506,964     635,897     333,882
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
GROSS PROFIT.........................     137,633     151,545     150,802     116,282
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
  EXPENSES...........................      71,238      82,836      81,905      47,443
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
OPERATING INCOME.....................      66,395      68,709      68,897      68,839
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:
     Interest income.................      (3,860)     (3,756)     (4,003)     (3,130)
     Covenant not to compete.........      23,000      23,000      23,000      11,500
     Gain on sale of vehicle.........      --          --          --          (4,028)
     Interest expense................      15,044      17,466      13,179       4,040
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net other (income) expenses.....      34,184      36,710      32,176       8,382
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES...........      32,211      31,999      36,721      60,457
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES...........       3,140       4,916       4,870       6,853
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET INCOME...........................  $   29,071  $   27,083  $   31,851  $   53,604
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-96

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                        STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996


                                 1993         1994         1995         1996
                               ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
BEGINNING BALANCE, JANUARY 1   $ 143,158    $ 154,094    $ 160,242    $ 169,033

NET INCOME .................      29,071       27,083       31,851       53,604

DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDER     (18,135)     (20,935)     (23,060)      (8,531)
                               ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

ENDING BALANCE .............   $ 154,094    $ 160,242    $ 169,033    $ 214,106
                               =========    =========    =========    =========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-97

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1993        1994        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income.........................  $   29,071  $   27,083  $   31,851  $   53,604
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash:
     Depreciation and amortization...      19,576      24,033      35,695      10,534
     Covenant not to
       compete -- amortization.......      23,000      23,000      23,000      11,500
     Gain on sale of vehicle.........      --          --          --          (4,028)
     Deferred taxes..................        (697)        929         749      (7,727)
     Changes in operating assets and
       liabilities:
       Accounts receivable...........         752     (16,176)     (4,333)      7,412
       Note receivable--related
          party......................      --          --          --         (10,000)
       Inventories and other current
          assets.....................      (5,600)     12,710      (7,596)     16,928
       Accounts payable..............      (2,345)       (229)     (3,442)     15,061
       Accrued liabilities...........         473       4,455      (8,644)     50,608
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by operating
     activities......................      64,230      75,805      67,280     143,892
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of vehicle......      --          --          --           5,000
  Capital expenditures...............      (2,715)    (49,631)    (36,331)     (1,389)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by investing
     activities......................      (2,715)    (49,631)    (36,331)      3,611
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Payments on agreement not to
     compete.........................     (17,743)    (17,678)    (19,025)     (8,348)
  Proceeds from loans................      --          19,000      --          --
  Principal payments on debt.........      (4,633)    (37,185)     (7,569)     (2,574)
  Stockholder loans, net.............      64,258       5,058     (18,402)    (38,013)
  Distributions to stockholder.......     (18,135)    (20,935)    (23,060)     (8,531)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by financing
     activities......................      23,747     (51,740)    (68,056)    (57,466)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH......      85,262     (25,566)    (37,107)     90,037

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD..........      33,525     118,787      93,221      56,114
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD................  $  118,787  $   93,221  $   56,114  $  146,151
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash interest paid.................  $   15,044  $   17,466  $   13,179  $    4,040
  Income taxes paid..................       3,500       5,000       5,000       1,205
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      F-98

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

NOTE 1  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     Bailey Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), was organized under the laws of
Connecticut on February 15, 1989. The Company owns and operates a funeral home
in Plainville, Connecticut. The Company performs personal and professional
services related to funerals at its funeral home. Prearranged funerals are
marketed in the geographic markets served by the Company's funeral service
location.

  REVENUES

     The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and
sale of related merchandise.

  TRUST FUNDS

     The Company is generally required by State laws to deposit amounts in a
trust fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and
interest earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The
proceeds of the original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged
funeral contract are available to the Company only in the event of death of the
purchaser and are refundable to the purchaser under certain State laws that
provide for the return of all or a portion of amounts collected under the
purchaser's option to cancel the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral
revenue is recognized on the funds collected from the prearranged funeral
contract and is deferred until performance of the specific service. The
prearranged funeral trust assets were approximately $790,000 at June 30, 1996,
which in the opinion of management exceed the future obligations under such
arrangements.

  INVENTORY

     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment are recorded at cost at the time of acquisition.
Major additions and renewals are capitalized and depreciated over their
estimated useful lives.

  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     Intangible assets consist of organization costs, goodwill and a covenant
not to compete agreement. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over 5 to 10 years.

  INCOME TAXES

     The Company has elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter S of
the Internal Revenue Code. Under these provisions, the Company does not pay
Federal corporate income taxes on its taxable income. Instead, the stockholder
is liable for individual Federal income taxes on his respective share of the
Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision or liability for Federal
income taxes has been included in the financial statements.

     Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between State
income tax basis and financial reporting basis of asset and liabilities.

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

                                      F-99

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

NOTE 2  NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT

     The Company entered into a non-compete agreement with the former owner of
the business. The non-compete agreement is being amortized over the 10 year term
of the agreement. In conjunction with the non-compete agreement the Company
assumed liabilities as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1993        1994        1995        1996
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
Accrued payments of monthly 
  installments of $2,410 including 
  interest at 7.4% over 144 months. 
  The note is personally guaranteed 
  by the stockholder and all the shares 
  of stock in the Corporation...........  $  160,675  $  142,997  $  123,972  $  115,624
Less current portion of accrued
  payments..............................      17,678      19,025      20,474      21,100
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net long-term portion of payments.......  $  142,997  $  123,972  $  103,498  $   94,524
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

     Future accrued payments for agreement not to compete are as follows:


Period ended 06/30/97...................  $   21,100
Period ended 06/30/98...................      22,718
Period ended 06/30/99...................      24,448
Period ended 06/30/00...................      26,310
Period ended 06/30/01...................      21,048
                                          ----------
Total...................................  $  115,624
                                          ==========

NOTE 3  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:


                                            1993      1994      1995      1996
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
Vehicle installment note -- payable
  in monthly installments of $386
  including interest at 8.0% over 36
  months ...............................   $ 5,792   $ 1,158   $  --     $  --
Note payable to related
  party -- payable in monthly
  installments of $448, including
  interest at 9.25% amortized over
  120 months, personally guaranteed
  by the shareholder of the Company ....
  The note was paid in full in
  1994 .................................    27,783      --        --        --
Vehicle installment note--payable in
  monthly installments of $557,
  including interest at 7.5% over 36
  months ...............................      --      14,232     7,822     5,248
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
Total long-term debt ...................    33,575    15,390     7,822     5,248
Less current portion ...................    32,417     7,568     5,764     5,248
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
Net long-term debt .....................   $ 1,158   $ 7,822   $ 2,058   $  --
                                           =======   =======   =======   =======

NOTE 4  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company rents the facilities used in its business from a related
party/stockholder on a month-to-month basis. For the years ended December 31,
1993, 1994, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, rent expense totaled
$31,514, $46,332, $67,721 and $36,000, respectively.

     The stockholder's loan consists of non-interest bearing loans and
miscellaneous advances to the Company during the year. There is no formal
repayment schedule.

     The Company had an outstanding loan, with a brother of the stockholder, in
the amount of $27,783 payable over 12 years as of December 31, 1993. The note
was paid in full in 1994 (see Note 3).

                                     F-100

                           BAILEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The Company has a non-interest bearing note receivable from a related
party. There is no formal repayment schedule.

NOTE 5  INCOME TAXES

     The income tax provision relates to income taxes due in the State of
Connecticut which does not recognize the Company's "S" corporation status.

     The net deferred tax liability as presented in the accompanying balance
sheets consists of temporary differences between tax and book basis reporting.
The Company is on the modified cash basis for tax reporting purposes and the
accrual basis for financial reporting purposes. The deferred tax liability
balance is primarily the result of temporary differences in accounts receivable,
prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses for state tax purposes.

     The components of the income tax provision for the periods ended are as
follows:


                           1993            1994           1995           1996
                         --------        --------       --------       --------

Federal ..........       $   --          $   --         $   --         $   --
State ............          3,140           4,916          4,870          6,853
                         --------        --------       --------       --------
                         $  3,140        $  4,916       $  4,870       $  6,853
                         ========        ========       ========       ========
Current ..........       $  3,837        $  3,987       $  4,121       $ 14,580
Deferred .........           (697)            929            749         (7,727)
                         --------        --------       --------       --------
                         $  3,140        $  4,916       $  4,870       $  6,853
                         ========        ========       ========       ========

NOTE 6  CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

     The Company's cash account balances maintained at a financial banking
institution may exceed the Federally insured $100,000 during the year.
Management monitors regularly the financial condition of the banking institution
along with its balances in cash and tries to keep the potential risk at a
minimum.

     The Company performs services within its facility located in Connecticut.
The Company extends credit to customers located within the surrounding areas.

                                     F-101

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
  O'Brien Funeral Home, Inc.
  Forestville, Connecticut

     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME,
INC., as of December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, and the related
statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
as of December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, and the results of
operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

GITLIN, CAMPISE, PASCOE & BLUM

West Hartford, Connecticut
July 3, 1996

                                     F-102

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1993        1994        1995        1996
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                 ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
     Cash...............................  $   38,842  $  135,792  $   67,476  $  153,609
     Accounts receivable, net of
       allowance for doubtful accounts
       of $5,650, $6,000, $7,200 and
       $7,600, respectively.............     109,775     115,460     137,357     143,374
     Inventories........................      36,614      38,136      52,894       9,321
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total current assets..........     185,231     289,388     257,727     306,304
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
     Land...............................       2,167       2,167       2,167       2,167
     Building and improvements..........     300,312     358,924     416,965     416,965
     Furniture and equipment............      84,064      92,209      86,293      89,742
     Vehicles...........................     179,954     147,715     174,135     174,135
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             566,497     601,015     679,560     683,009
     Less: accumulated depreciation.....     249,541     281,633     303,497     327,497
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             316,956     319,382     376,063     355,512
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:
     Intangible assets, net.............      28,000      26,000      24,000      23,000
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
TOTAL ASSETS............................  $  530,187  $  634,770  $  657,790  $  684,816
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========


  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Accounts payable...................  $   23,841  $   64,018  $   70,156  $   23,487
     Accrued liabilities................      12,444       8,585       9,806      57,934
     Deferred taxes.....................      18,000      22,000      28,300      30,000
     Current portion of long-term
       debt.............................      40,372      44,291      45,882      22,244
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total current liabilities.....      94,657     138,894     154,144     133,665
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current
  portion...............................      37,628      77,709      50,618      39,165
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
     Common stock, $10 par value, 5,000
       shares authorized,
       3,000 shares issued and
       outstanding......................      30,000      30,000      30,000      30,000
     Retained earnings..................     428,229     448,494     483,355     542,313
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             458,229     478,494     513,355     572,313
     Less: 727 shares treasury stock, at
       cost.............................      60,327      60,327      60,327      60,327
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total stockholder's equity....     397,902     418,167     453,028     511,986
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S
  EQUITY................................  $  530,187  $  634,770  $  657,790  $  684,816
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-103

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1993        1994         1995         1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>       
REVENUES.............................  $  884,487  $  998,506  $  1,110,056  $  648,062
COSTS AND EXPENSES...................     780,264     896,939       964,444     521,131
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
GROSS PROFIT.........................     104,223     101,567       145,612     126,931
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
  EXPENSES...........................      65,688      69,977        97,640      36,477
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
OPERATING INCOME.....................      38,535      31,590        47,972      90,454
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:
     Interest income.................      (4,601)     (4,392)       (5,591)     (1,275)
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
     Interest expense................       5,966       6,139        11,091       2,211
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
     Net other (income) expenses.....       1,365       1,747         5,500         936
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES...........      37,170      29,843        42,472      89,518
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES...........      10,549       6,078         7,611      30,560
                                       ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------
NET INCOME...........................  $   26,621  $   23,765  $     34,861  $   58,958
                                       ==========  ==========  ============  ==========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-104

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                        STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1993        1994        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
BEGINNING BALANCE, JANUARY 1.........  $  421,608  $  428,229  $  448,494  $  483,355

NET INCOME...........................      26,621      23,765      34,861      58,958

DIVIDENDS DECLARED AND PAID..........     (20,000)     (3,500)     --          --
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

ENDING BALANCE.......................  $  428,229  $  448,494  $  483,355  $  542,313
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-105

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1993        1994        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income.........................  $   26,621  $   23,765  $   34,861  $   58,958
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash:
     Depreciation and amortization...      49,813      48,370      60,605      25,000
     Deferred taxes..................       4,000       4,000       6,300       1,700
     Changes in operating assets and
       liabilities:
       Accounts receivable...........     (11,241)     (5,685)    (21,897)     (6,017)
       Inventories...................      (3,138)     (1,522)    (14,758)     43,573
       Accounts payable..............     (33,621)     40,177       6,138     (46,669)
       Accrued liabilities...........      (3,740)     (3,859)      1,221      48,128
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by operating
     activities......................      28,694     105,246      72,470     124,673
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures...............     (75,349)    (66,777)   (115,286)     (3,449)
  Proceeds from sale of auto.........      --          17,981      --          --
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by investing
     activities......................     (75,349)    (48,796)   (115,286)     (3,449)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from loans................      48,000      90,000      18,791      --
  Principal payments on debt.........     (34,050)    (46,000)    (44,291)    (35,091)
  Dividend paid......................     (20,000)     (3,500)     --          --
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by financing
     activities......................      (6,050)     40,500     (25,500)    (35,091)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH......     (52,705)     96,950     (68,316)     86,133

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD..........      91,547      38,842     135,792      67,476
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH AT ENDING OF PERIOD.............  $   38,842  $  135,792  $   67,476  $  153,609
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
information
  Cash paid during the year was as follows:
       Interest......................  $    5,966  $    6,139  $   11,091  $    1,811
       Income taxes..................       3,186       7,427       1,984       1,260
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-106

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

NOTE 1  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     O'Brien Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), was organized under the laws of
Connecticut on January 3, 1948. The Company owns and operates two funeral homes
in Connecticut. The Company performs personal and professional services related
to funerals at its funeral home. Prearranged funerals are marketed in the
geographic markets served by the Company's funeral service location.

  REVENUES

     The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and
sale of related merchandise.

  TRUST FUNDS

     The Company is generally required by State laws to deposit amounts in a
trust fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and
interest earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The
proceeds of the original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged
funeral contract are available to the Company only in the event of death of the
purchaser and are refundable to the purchaser under certain State laws that
provide for the return of all or a portion of amounts collected under the
purchaser's option to cancel the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral
revenue is recognized on the funds collected from the prearranged funeral
contract and is deferred until performance of the specific service. The
prearranged funeral trust assets were approximately $1,570,400 at June 30, 1996,
which in the opinion of management exceed the future obligations under such
arrangements.

  INVENTORY

     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or market.

  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment are recorded at cost at the time of acquisition.
Major additions and renewals are capitalized and depreciated over their
estimated useful lives. When the items become fully depreciated, they are
removed from the records.

  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     The intangible assets consist of goodwill. These costs are being amortized
on a straight-line basis over 15 years.

  INCOME TAXES

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting (FAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires the use of the "liability method" of accounting for income taxes.
Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Current income taxes are based on the
year's income taxable for Federal and State income tax reporting purposes.

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

                                     F-107

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

NOTE 2  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company's long-term debt consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1993        1994       1995       1996
                                       ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>  
Installment note -- payable in
  monthly installments of $1,000 plus
  interest at 7.5%. .................  $  30,000
Installment note -- payable in
  monthly installments of $1,949,
  plus interest at 10.69%. ..........             $   90,000
Installment note--payable in monthly
  installments of $2,191, including
  interest at 7.87%. Secured by all
  assets of the Company and
  guaranteed by the stockholder. ....                         $  70,000  $  61,409
Vehicle installment note -- payable
  in monthly installments of $656,
  including interest at 10.0%. ......                            15,400
Installment note -- payable in
  monthly installments of $1,495,
  including interest at 7.5% over 36
  months. ...........................     48,000      32,000     11,100     --
                                       ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Total long-term debt.................     78,000     122,000     96,500     61,409
Less current portion.................     40,372      44,291     45,882     22,244
                                       ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Net long-term debt...................  $  37,628  $   77,709  $  50,618  $  39,165
                                       =========  ==========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
NOTE 3  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company rents one facility used in its business on a month-to-month
basis from a related party. For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995
and the six months ended June 30, 1996, rent expense totaled approximately
$36,000, $36,000, $43,000 and $24,000, respectively.

     On December 21, 1995, the Company signed a formal lease for three years
with minimum annual rent to be paid as follows:


1996....................................  $  48,000
1997....................................     54,000
1998....................................     60,000

     The Company has a renewal option for three additional 3-year periods with
the following minimum annual rent:


1999 to 2001............................  $  63,000
2002 to 2004............................     66,150
2005 to 2007............................     69,458

     In addition, the Company has agreed to pay its proportionate share of real
estate taxes, fire insurance, repairs and maintenance and utilities.

NOTE 4  CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

     The Company's cash account balances maintained at financial banking
institutions may exceed the Federally insured $100,000 during the year.
Management monitors regularly the financial condition of the banking
institutions along with their balances in cash and tries to keep the potential
risk at a minimum.

     The Company performs services within its facilities located in Connecticut.
The Company extends credit to customers located within the surrounding areas.

                                     F-108

                           O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

NOTE 5  INCOME TAXES

     The net deferred tax liability in the accompanying balance sheets consists
of temporary differences between tax and book basis reporting. The Company is on
the modified cash basis for tax reporting purposes and the accrual basis for
financial reporting purposes. The deferred tax liability balance is primarily
the result of temporary differences in accounts receivable, accounts payable and
accrued expenses for tax purposes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1993       1994       1995       1996
                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      
Federal.................................  $   6,081  $   2,300  $   3,775  $  21,000
State...................................      4,468      3,778      3,836      9,560
                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                          $  10,549  $   6,078  $   7,611  $  30,560
                                          =========  =========  =========  =========
Current.................................  $   6,549  $   2,078  $   1,311  $  28,860
Deferred................................      4,000      4,000      6,300      1,700
                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                          $  10,549  $   6,078  $   7,611  $  30,560
                                          =========  =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
NOTE 6  PENSION PLAN

     The Company has a defined contribution pension plan which is paid by the
Company. No employee contributions are allowed. The Company will contribute to
the plan an amount equal to 10% of the earnings of each employee who has
completed two years of employment and at least 500 hours of service during that
year. The amounts contributed were $15,982 in 1993, $23,170 in 1994, $25,870 in
1995 and $13,570 in 1996.

NOTE 7  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     On July 3, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage Funeral
Services of Connecticut, Inc., a subsidiary of Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.,
for aggregate consideration in excess of the recorded amounts of the Company's
net assets.

                                     F-109

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
  C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Inc.
  Bristol, Connecticut

     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL
HOME, INC., as of September 30, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, and the related
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years
ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and the nine months ended June 30, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME,
INC., as of September 30, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, and the results of
operations and its cash flows for the years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and
the nine months ended June 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

GITLIN, CAMPISE, PASCOE & BLUM

West Hartford, Connecticut
July 3, 1996

                                     F-110

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                   SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1994          1995          1996
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>         
                 ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash...............................  $     93,120  $    176,360  $      9,050
     Accounts receivable, net of
       allowance of $15,000 in 1994, and
       $20,000 in 1995 and 1996.........        68,750        67,740        77,810
     Inventories........................        33,370        40,690        14,390
     Equity securities, trading.........        51,840        60,910       --
     Deferred taxes.....................         4,200         5,500         5,500
     Prepaid expenses...................        14,900       --             11,725
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total current assets..........       266,180       351,200       118,475
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
     Land and buildings.................       802,400       845,590       848,560
     Vehicles...........................       218,420       228,270       268,290
     Furniture and equipment............       165,690       175,790       179,760
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                             1,186,510     1,249,650     1,296,610
     Less: accumulated depreciation.....      (395,330)     (465,750)     (518,970)
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                               791,180       783,900       777,640
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:
     Intangible assets, net.............         6,000         5,000         4,000
     Deferred taxes.....................       --            --             24,600
     Cash value life insurance policy...        16,300        26,500       --
     Officer loan.......................       103,930       110,170       115,340
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total other assets............       126,230       141,670       143,940
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL ASSETS............................  $  1,183,590  $  1,276,770  $  1,040,055
                                          ============  ============  ============


  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Accounts payable...................  $     30,750  $     37,940  $     37,400
     Accrued liabilities................        23,920        62,620        18,520
     Deferred taxes.....................         3,100         5,000       --
     Current portion of long-term debt
       and obligations under capital
       leases...........................        50,070        55,670       --
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total current liabilities.....       107,840       161,230        55,920
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER
  CAPITAL LEASES, net of current
  portion...............................       102,560        46,900       --
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
DEFERRED TAXES..........................        86,300        92,000        94,700
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Common stock, no par value, 100
       shares authorized, 100 issued and
       outstanding......................        37,220        37,220        37,220
     Additional paid-in capital.........                      15,000        15,000
     Retained earnings..................       854,670       924,420       837,215
     Treasury stock.....................        (5,000)      --            --
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
          Total stockholders' equity....       886,890       976,640       889,435
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
  EQUITY................................  $  1,183,590  $  1,276,770  $  1,040,055
                                          ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                     F-111

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995
                    AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996


                                           1994          1995          1996
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------

REVENUES.............................  $  1,229,040  $  1,325,360  $  1,018,410
COSTS AND EXPENSES...................     1,043,050     1,095,650       951,160
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
GROSS PROFIT.........................       185,990       229,710        67,250
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
  EXPENSES...........................       177,030       167,720       209,845
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)..............         8,960        61,990      (142,595)
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:
     Interest and dividend income....       (14,560)      (10,150)       (8,780)
     Rental income...................       (18,510)      (22,870)      (13,600)
     Realized gain on trading
       securities....................       --            --             (6,110)
     Unrealized gain on trading
       securities....................       (11,240)       (6,700)      --
     (Gain) loss on sale of fixed
       assets........................       (29,080)        2,250       --
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
     Total other (income) expenses...       (73,390)      (37,470)      (28,490)
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES....        82,350        99,460      (114,105)
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME
  TAXES..............................        27,540        29,710       (26,900)
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)....................  $     54,810  $     69,750  $    (87,205)
                                       ============  ============  ============

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-112

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995
                    AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996


                                          1994        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------

BEGINNING BALANCE, OCTOBER 1.........  $  824,780  $  886,890  $  976,640
NET INCOME (LOSS)....................      54,810      69,750     (87,205)
DIVIDENDS DECLARED AND PAID..........      (2,700)     --          --
SALE OF TREASURY STOCK...............      10,000      20,000      --
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------
ENDING BALANCE.......................  $  886,890  $  976,640  $  889,435
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-113

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995
                    AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996


                                            1994        1995          1996
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Net income (loss).....................  $   54,810  $   69,750  $  (87,205)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash:
     Depreciation and amortization......      60,760      73,370      54,220
     Deferred taxes.....................      25,000       6,300     (26,900)
     Gain (loss) on sales of fixed
       assets...........................     (29,080)      2,250     --
     Purchase of marketable securities,
       trading..........................        (600)     (2,370)     (2,420)
     Sale of trading securities.........     --          --           69,440
     Realized gain on trading
       securities.......................     --          --           (6,110)
     Unrealized gain on trading
       securities.......................     (11,240)     (6,700)    --
     Changes in operating assets and
       liabilities:
       Accounts receivable..............      14,150       1,010     (10,070)
       Inventories......................      (3,540)     (7,320)     26,300
       Prepaid expenses.................       2,730      14,900     (11,725)
       Accounts payable.................       5,130       7,190        (540)
       Accrued liabilities..............       1,070      38,700     (44,100)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net cash provided by operating
       activities.......................     119,190     197,080     (39,110)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of property, plant and
     equipment..........................    (225,380)    (75,340)    (46,960)
  Sale of property, plant and
     equipment..........................      77,270       8,000     --
  Cash surrender value life insurance,
     net................................      (5,900)    (10,200)     26,500
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by investing
     activities.........................    (154,010)    (77,540)    (20,460)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds  from  long-term  debt -- 
     obligations under capital leases...      64,870     --          --
  Payments on long-term debt,
     obligations under capital leases...     (47,000)    (50,060)   (102,570)
  Proceeds from treasury stock..........      10,000      20,000     --
  Payment of dividends..................      (2,700)    --          --
  Payment to stockholders...............      (4,530)     (6,240)     (5,170)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net cash provided by financing
     activities.........................      20,640     (36,300)   (107,740)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH.........     (14,180)     83,240    (167,310)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.............     107,300      93,120     176,360
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH AT ENDING OF PERIOD................  $   93,120  $  176,360  $    9,050
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash interest paid....................  $   11,330  $   13,590  $    7,500
  Income taxes paid.....................      15,810       8,510      35,135

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-114

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

NOTE 1  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Inc. (the Company), was organized under the
laws of Connecticut on September 25, 1946. The Company owns and operates a
funeral home in Bristol, Connecticut. The Company performs personal and
professional services related to funerals at its funeral home. Prearranged
funerals are marketed in the geographic markets served by the Company's funeral
service location.

  REVENUES

     The Company recognizes revenue upon performance of funeral services and
sale of related merchandise.

  TRUST FUNDS

     The Company is generally required by State laws to deposit amounts in a
trust fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and
interest earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The
proceeds of the original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged
funeral contract are available to the Company only in the event of death of the
purchaser and are refundable to the purchaser under certain State laws that
provide for the return of all or a portion of amounts collected under the
purchaser's option to cancel the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral
revenue is recognized on the funds collected from the prearranged funeral
contract and is deferred until performance of the specific service. The
prearranged funeral trust assets were approximately $2,150,000, $2,470,000 and
$2,920,000 at September 30, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively, which in
the opinion of management exceed the future obligations under such arrangements.

  INVENTORY

     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (as determined by the specific
identification method) or net realized value.

  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment are recorded at cost at the time of acquisition.
Major additions and renewals are capitalized and depreciated over their
estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years. Depreciation expense for the years
ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and for the period ended June 30, 1996, was
$49,760, $72,370 and $53,220, respectively.

  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     Intangible assets consist of purchased trade names. These costs are being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 to 10 years.

  INCOME TAXES

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes,"
which requires the use of the "liability method" of accounting for income taxes.
Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Current income taxes are based on the
year's income taxable for Federal and State income tax reporting purposes.

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

                                     F-115

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

  EQUITY SECURITIES

     The Company accounts for equity securities in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 and the Company's investment securities
are classified as trading securities. These securities are stated at cost
adjusted for market value fluctuations. Unrealized gains and losses created by
changes in the market values of these securities are recognized as an adjustment
to and are reported as a separate component of net income.

  FUTURE APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     In March of 1995, Financial Accounting Standard Board issued FAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of." This statement requires write-down to fair value when
long-lived assets to be held and used are impaired. The statement also requires
long-lived assets to be disposed of to be carried at the lower of cost or fair
value less estimated selling costs and does not allow such assets to be
depreciated. The Company has not elected to adopt this statement earlier than
required; however, the impact upon adoption is not expected to be material.

NOTE 2  EQUITY SECURITIES

     Equity securities at September 30, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996, were as
follows:


                                                       GROSS
                                        AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED     FAIR
                                          COST         GAINS        VALUE
                                        ---------    ----------   ---------

Trading: (Financial)
     1994............................    $40,600      $ 11,240    $  51,840
     1995............................     42,970        17,940       60,910
     1996............................      --           --           --

NOTE 3  CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

     The Company performs services within its facility located in Bristol,
Connecticut. The Company extends credit to customers located within the
surrounding areas.

     The Company's cash account balances maintained at financial banking
institutions may exceed the Federally insured $100,000 during the year.
Management monitors regularly the financial condition of the banking institution
along with their balances in cash and tries to keep the potential risk at a
minimum.

NOTE 4  INCOME TAXES

     The provision for corporate income taxes consists of the following:


                                         1994       1995        1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------

Federal income tax...................  $  19,170  $  18,670  $  (14,560)
State income tax.....................      8,370     11,040     (12,340)
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
     Total provision (benefit) for
     income taxes....................  $  27,540  $  29,710  $  (26,900)
                                       =========  =========  ==========
Current portion......................  $   2,540  $  23,410  $   --
Deferred portion.....................     25,000      6,300     (26,900)
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
                                       $  27,540  $  29,710  $  (26,900)
                                       =========  =========  ==========

                                     F-116

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     Deferred income taxes result from timing differences between the
recognition of certain income and expense items for income tax reporting and
financial reporting purposes. Deferred income tax assets (liability) result
from:


                                         1994       1995        1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------

Deferred Tax Asset
     Net operating loss..............  $  --      $  --      $   24,600
     Allowance for bad debts.........      4,200      5,500       5,500
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
          Total......................  $   4,200  $   5,500  $   30,100
                                       =========  =========  ==========
Deferred Tax Liabilities
     Unrealized gain on trading
     securities......................  $   3,100  $   5,000  $   --
     Excess tax depreciation.........     86,300     92,000      94,700
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
          Total......................  $  89,400  $  97,000  $   94,700
                                       =========  =========  ==========

NOTE 5  CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

     The Company had entered into a long-term capital lease agreement to acquire
vehicles for $163,400. Capitalized future minimum lease payments associated with
the vehicles are included in the Company's vehicle costs in the accompanying
balance sheet. The future minimum lease payments under the capital lease were as
follows:


                                         1994       1995        1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------

Current portion......................  $  20,510  $  23,130  $   --
Long-term portion....................     33,490     10,360      --
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
     Total...........................  $  54,000  $  33,490  $   --
                                       =========  =========  ==========

NOTE 6  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company's long-term debt at September 30, 1994, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
consisted of the following:


                                         1994       1995        1996
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------

Note payable, secured by certain real property, due in monthly installments of
  $1,500 and $1,000, including interest at prime plus
  1.5%...............................  $  83,100  $  60,030  $   --
Note payable, secured by certain real
  property, due in monthly
  installments of $645, including
  interest at 10.0%..................     15,530      9,050      --
Less: current portion................    (29,560)   (32,540)     --
                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
Total long-term debt.................  $  69,070  $  36,540  $   --
                                       =========  =========  ==========

NOTE 7  TREASURY STOCK

     During 1994, the Company sold ten treasury shares for $10,000, crediting
treasury stock for its cost of $10,000. During 1995, the Company sold ten
treasury shares for $20,000, crediting treasury stock for its cost of $5,000 and
paid-in capital for $15,000.

NOTE 8  PENSION PLAN

     The Company has a defined contribution pension plan that covers all
employees meeting minimum age and length of service requirements. The Company
may fund contributions up to the statutory maximum

                                     F-117

                        C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
established by ERISA. Contributions to this plan in the years ended September
30, 1994, 1995, and the period ended June 30, 1996, was $30,000, $50,000 and
$45,600, respectively.

NOTE 9  RENTAL INCOME

     The Company owns and rents garages, parking spaces and apartments to
individuals on a monthly basis.

NOTE 10  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company has a loan receivable from a stockholder/officer at September
30, 1994, 1995, and June 30, 1996, of $103,930, $110,170 and $115,340,
respectively. The loan has no formal repayment terms and accrues interest at
prime rate.

NOTE 11  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating the fair value of the above financial instruments:

  CASH, TRADE RECEIVABLES AND TRADE PAYABLES

     The carrying amounts approximates fair value because of the short maturity
of those instruments.

  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the
quoted market prices for the current rates offered to the Company for debt of
the same remaining maturities. The fair value of long-term debt on September 30,
1994 and 1995, were $98,630 and $69,080, respectively.

  EQUITY SECURITIES

     The fair values are based on quoted market prices. The fair value of equity
securities on September 30, 1994 and 1995, were $51,840 and $60,910,
respectively.

  OFFICER LOAN

     Because of the lack of comparable borrowing and investing rates, it is not
practicable to estimate the fair value of the stockholder loan.

NOTE 12  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     On July 3, 1996, all of the Company's stock was sold to Carriage Funeral
Services of Connecticut, Inc., a subsidiary of Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.,
for aggregate consideration in excess of the recorded amounts of the Company's
net assets.

                                     F-118

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Spence Schnaitter, Executor
  Lytle-Gans-Andrew Funeral Home
  423 West Main St.
  Madison, IN 47250

     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Lytle-Gans-Andrew
Funeral Home, an estate, as of June 30, 1996, August 31, 1995, and August 31,
1994, and the related statements of income, changes in capital, and cash flows
for the ten month period from September 1, 1995 to June 30, 1996 and the years
ended August 31, 1995 and August 31, 1994. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Lytle-Gans-Andrew Funeral
Home, as of June 30, 1996, August 31, 1995, and August 31, 1994, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the ten month period from September 1,
1995 to June 30, 1996 and the years ended August 31, 1995 and August 31, 1994 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Scott, Callicotte & Co.

July 3, 1996

                                     F-119

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                                 BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       JUNE 30, 1996   AUGUST 31, 1995   AUGUST 31, 1994
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
<S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>
               ASSETS
Current Assets
     Cash & Cash Equivalents.........    $   7,291        $   7,359         $   9,644
     Accounts Receivable.............       57,639           56,129            83,059
     Inventory.......................       12,003           12,272             7,530
     Notes Receivable................       38,022           17,289             5,762
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
          Total Current Assets.......      114,955           93,049           105,995
Fixed Assets
     Land............................       30,000           30,000            30,000
     Building........................      200,000          200,000           200,000
     Furniture and Equipment.........       51,050           48,856            48,856
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                           281,050          278,856           278,856
     Less: Accumulated
       Depreciation..................      (60,297)         (49,163)          (35,224)
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
     Net Fixed Assets................      220,753          229,693           243,632
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
TOTAL ASSETS.........................    $ 335,708        $ 322,742         $ 349,627
                                       =============   ===============   ===============
       LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Current Liabilities
     Accounts Payable................    $   7,216        $  14,923         $  14,229
     Accrued & Withheld Taxes........        7,611            8,458             9,410
     Notes Payable...................            0                0             8,305
Current Portion of Long-term Debt....        7,053            9,560             6,216
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
          Total Current
             Liabilities.............       21,880           32,941            38,160
Long-term Liabilities
     Long-term Debt, Net of
       Current.......................       50,144           56,130            62,503
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
          Total Liabilities..........       72,024           89,071           100,663
CAPITAL
     Capital, Ruth Lytle Estate......      263,684          233,671           248,964
                                       -------------   ---------------   ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL........    $ 335,708        $ 322,742         $ 349,627
                                       =============   ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-120

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                               INCOME STATEMENTS
           FOR THE TEN MONTHS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1995 TO JUNE 30, 1996
            FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND AUGUST 31, 1994


                                          1996        1995        1994
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------

Revenues
     Sales and Services..............  $  338,795  $  408,141  $  532,095

Cost and Expenses
     Merchandise Costs...............      48,297     111,509     113,051
     Salaries and Wages..............     162,439     167,207     159,513
     Depreciation....................      11,134      13,939      18,333
     Facilities and Grounds..........      14,803      18,533      19,162
     Transportation Costs............       4,191       5,079       4,686
     Other...........................      29,756      36,989      69,770
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total......................     270,620     353,256     384,515

Promotional Expense..................       5,600      11,039      13,772

General and Administrative...........      16,909      30,622      27,035
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------

Operating Margin.....................      45,666      13,224     106,773

Interest Expense.....................       4,382       6,174       8,134

Other Income.........................       2,729       8,682       5,449
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------

Net Income...........................  $   44,013  $   15,732  $  104,088
                                       ==========  ==========  ==========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-121

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                        STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL
  INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE TEN MONTHS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1995 TO JUNE 30, 1996
            FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND AUGUST 31, 1994


Balance, September 1, 1993..............  $  186,965
Net Income..............................     104,088
Distribution to Estate..................     (46,300)
Capital Contributed.....................       4,211
                                          ----------
Balance, August 31, 1994................     248,964
Net Income..............................      15,732
Distribution to Estate..................     (31,025)
                                          ----------
Balance, August 31, 1995................     233,671
Net Income..............................      44,013
Distribution to Estate..................     (14,000)
                                          ----------
Balance, June 30, 1996..................  $  263,684
                                          ==========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-122

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE TEN MONTHS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1995 TO JUNE 30, 1996
            FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND AUGUST 31, 1994


                                             1996        1995        1994
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------

Cash Flows From Operating Activities
  Net Income............................  $   44,013  $   15,732  $  104,088
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided
     by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation.......................      11,134      13,939      18,333
     (Increase) Decrease in Accounts
       Receivable.......................      (1,510)     26,930     (67,928)
     (Increase) Decrease in Inventories
       and Other Current
       Assets...........................     (20,464)    (16,269)     (5,459)
     Increase (Decrease) in Accounts
       Payable..........................      (7,707)        694       3,624
     Increase (Decrease) in Accrued
       Liabilities......................        (847)       (952)     (2,235)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
          Net Cash Provided by Operating
             Activities.................      24,619      40,074      50,423
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
  Purchase of Equipment.................      (2,194)          0           0
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
          Net Cash Used in Investing
             Activities.................      (2,194)          0           0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Proceeds (Payments) on Debt...........      (8,493)    (11,334)    (14,546)
  Capital Contributed...................           0           0       4,211
  Distributions to Estate...............     (14,000)    (31,025)    (46,300)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
          Net Cash Used in Financing
             Activities.................     (22,493)    (42,359)    (56,635)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash
  Equivalents...........................         (68)     (2,285)     (6,212)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning
  of Period.............................       7,359       9,644      15,856
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of
  Period................................  $    7,291  $    7,359  $    9,644
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                     F-123

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE TEN MONTHS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1995 TO JUNE 30, 1996
            FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND AUGUST 31, 1994

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

  BASIS OF PRESENTATION/NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     Lytle-Gans-Andrew Funeral Home (the Company), is owned by the Ruth Lytle
Estate. The Company owns and operates a funeral home in Indiana. The Company
performs personal and professional services related to funerals at its funeral
home. Prearranged funerals are marketed in the markets served by the Company's
funeral service location.

     The Company has reached an agreement in principle to sell all of its assets
to Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. for aggregate consideration in excess of the
recorded amounts of the Company's net assets.

  FUNERAL REVENUES

     The Company records the sale of funeral merchandise and services upon
performance.

  TRUST FUNDS

     The company is generally required by state laws to deposit amounts in a
trust fund related to prearranged funeral arrangements. The principal and
interest earned is withdrawn when the funeral services are provided. The
proceeds of the original amounts paid by the purchaser of the prearranged
funeral contract are available to the Company only in the event of the death of
the purchaser and are refundable to the purchaser under certain state laws that
provide for the return of all or a portion of amounts collected under the
purchaser's option to cancel the prearranged funeral contract. No funeral
revenue is recognized on the funds collected from the purchaser of the
prearranged funeral contract and interest earned on such funds is deferred until
performance of the specific service. The Company does not have the right to
withdraw any of the funds and, accordingly, these trust fund balances are not
reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

  INVENTORY

     Inventory is stated at the lower of its cost basis (fair value at date of
acquisition) or net realizable value.

  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     Property, plant and equipment is stated at fair value at the time of Ruth
Lytle's death. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed based
on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets. The costs
of ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations while renewals and
replacements are capitalized.

  INCOME TAXES

     Income from the Company is combined with the income and expenses of the
estate from other sources and reported in the estate's federal and state income
tax returns. The Company is not a taxpaying entity for purposes of federal and
state income taxes, and thus no income taxes have been recorded in the
statements. The estate customarily makes estimated tax payments toward its
income tax liability from the Company bank account. These payments are treated
as withdrawals of capital.

                                     F-124

                         LYTLE-GANS-ANDREW FUNERAL HOME
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     The Company uses the direct write off method to account for bad debts which
is not materially different from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

  USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company's long-term debt at June 30, 1996, August 31, 1995 and 1994
consisted of the following:


                                        6/30/96     8/31/95     8/31/94
                                        -------     -------     -------

Note payable, secured by deed of trust
 and security agreements covering certain
 real property, due in monthly installments
 of $988 with interest at 8.375% variable
 rate interest, matures October 2002.   $57,197     $65,690     $68,719
Less Current Portion:                    (7,053)     (9,560)     (6,216)
                                        -------     -------     -------
Long-term Portion....................   $50,144     $56,130     $62,503

     Maturities of Long-term Debt for the years ended June 30 are as follows:


             1997       1998       1999       2000       2001       THEREAFTER
          --------    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------    ----------

            $7,053    $   7,705  $   8,417  $   9,195  $  10,046     $ 14,781

                                     F-125

                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

     The expenses of the offering are estimated to be as follows:


Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee ........          $   19,828
NASD filing fee ............................................               6,250
Nasdaq listing fee .........................................              22,500
Legal fees and expenses ....................................             350,000
Accounting fees and expenses ...............................             350,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including legal fees) ..........              25,000
Printing expenses ..........................................             100,000
Transfer Agent fees ........................................              25,000
Miscellaneous ..............................................             101,422
                                                                      ----------
     TOTAL .................................................          $1,000,000
                                                                      ==========
- ------------
* To be provided by amendment.

ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The Company, a Delaware corporation, is empowered by Section 145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), subject to the procedures and
limitations stated therein, to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request
of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation
or other enterprise, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually incurred by him in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such director, officer,
employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. The Company is required by Section 145 to indemnify any
person against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually incurred
by him in connection with an action, suit or proceeding in which he is a party
because he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or is
or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or other enterprise, if he has been successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in the defense of the action, suit or proceeding.
Section 145 also allows a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any such person against any liability asserted against him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation
would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the
provisions of Section 145. In addition, Section 145 provides that
indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of
indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement,
vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

     Article 10 of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Charter") provides that the Company shall indemnify and hold
harmless any person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a party to a
proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she (i) is or was a director or
officer of the Company or (ii) while a director or officer of the Company, is or
was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner,
venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent, or similar functionary of
another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, to the
fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The right to indemnification under
Article 10 of the Charter is a contract right which includes, with respect to
directors and officers,

                                      II-1

the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending any such
proceeding in advance of its disposition.

ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

     The shares of Common Stock which have been sold by the Company in the
following transactions will be converted into shares of Class B Common Stock.

     On December 31, 1993, the Company entered into agreements with four
employees which granted such employees rights to purchase an aggregate of
106,470 shares of Common Stock at $2.40 per share. The Company relied on an
exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in effecting these
transactions. On July 9, 1996, the four employees of the Company exercised their
rights to purchase such shares.

     On January 1, 1994, the Company sold an aggregate of 2,520,000 shares of
Common Stock to C. Byron Snyder, Melvin C. Payne, Mark W. Duffey and Reid A.
Millard in exchange for shares of capital stock of three entities. The Company
relied on an exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in effecting
these transactions.

     On October 12, 1994, the Company sold one share of Common Stock for $8.00
to a former owner of an acquired funeral home. The Company relied on an
exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in effecting this
transaction.

     On December 31, 1994, the Company sold one share of Common Stock in
exchange for one share of the capital stock of a subsidiary. The Company relied
on an exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in effecting this
transaction.

     From January 18, 1994 to February 28, 1994, the Company sold in a private
placement an aggregate of 7,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The
Company acted as its own placement agent. Such shares were purchased for $1.00
per share. The Company relied on an exemption under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act in effecting this placement.

     From October 28, 1994 to May 29, 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of
715,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.00 per share, to the
former owners of acquired funeral homes. Consideration for such shares consisted
of ownership interests in funeral home businesses and contract rights. The
Company relied on an exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in
effecting these transactions.

     On September 25, 1995, the Company sold in a private placement an aggregate
of 8,500,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock. The Chicago Corporation acted
as placement agent in connection with this Offering. Such shares were purchased
for $1.00 per share. The Company relied on an exemption under Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act in effecting the placement.

     From March 8, 1996 to July 10, 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of
14,900,616 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, valued at $1.00 per share, to the
former owners of acquired funeral homes. Consideration for such shares consisted
of ownership interests in funeral home businesses. The Company relied on an
exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in effecting these
transactions.

     On May 28, 1996, an employee exercised options to purchase 2,000 shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the Company's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan at an exercise
price of $10.00 per share. The Company relied on an exemption under Section 4(2)
of the Securities Act in effecting this transaction.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     (a)  Exhibits:

          *1.1  --  Form of Purchase Agreement

          *3.1  --  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                    Company 

          *3.2  --  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company 

          *4.1  --  Specimen Class A Common Stock certificate

          *5.1  --  Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

         *10.1  --  1995 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended

         *10.2  --  1996 Stock Incentive Plan

         *10.3  --  1996 Nonemployee Directors' Stock Option Plan

                                      II-2
                                                                                
         *10.4  --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 20, 1992 among Carriage
                    Funeral Services, Inc., Lane Funeral Home, Inc., Lane
                    Funeral Home, Inc., Wallis & Son Funeral Homes, Inc., The
                    Sentinel Group, Inc. and SCI Funeral Services of Georgia,
                    Inc.; amended by Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated
                    November 23, 1992

         *10.5  --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 9, 1992 among CFS
                    Funeral Services, Inc., Lane Funeral Home, Inc., Lane
                    Funeral Home, Inc. and Sentinel Group, Inc.

         *10.6  --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 30, 1992
                    among CFS Funeral Services, Inc., Wallis & Son Funeral
                    Homes, Inc., Ward's Funeral Home, Inc., Sentinel Group, Inc.
                    and SCI Georgia Funeral Services, Inc.

         *10.7  --  Stock and Real Property Purchase Agreement dated
                    September 6, 1994 among Carriage Funeral Services of Ohio,
                    Inc., Kubach-Smith Funeral Home, Inc., James B. and Louise
                    Smith, and Lee K. Smith and Nancy Smith-Gelvin

         *10.8  --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 10, 1995 among
                    Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., West End Funeral Home,
                    Inc., and James C. Hirsch and Cynthia Hirsch

         *10.9  --  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 8, 1996 among
                    Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral
                    Home, Inc., Hennessy Funeral Home, Inc., Terrance P.
                    Hennessy and Lawrence Bagnoli

         *10.10 --  Real Property Purchase Agreement dated the Closing Date
                    among Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home, Inc., Hennessy and
                    Patricia Hennessy, and Bagnoli and Brenda Bagnoli

         *10.11 --  Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 4, 1996 among
                    Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., The Lusk Funeral Home,
                    Incorporated and Gerald T. McFarland, Jr.

         *10.12 --  Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 29, 1996 among
                    Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., James E. Drake Funeral
                    Home, Inc., and James E. Drake and Patricia A. Drake

         *10.13 --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1996 between CFS
                    Funeral Services, Inc. and SCI Texas Funeral Services, Inc.

         *10.14 --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1996 between CFS
                    Funeral Services, Inc. and SCI Funeral Services of Florida,
                    Inc.

         *10.15 --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1996 between CFS
                    Funeral Services, Inc. and Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, Inc.

         *10.16 --  Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1996 between CFS
                    Funeral Services, Inc. and SCI Funeral Services of Florida,
                    Inc.

         *10.17 --  Stock and Real Property Purchase Agreement dated March
                    29, 1996 among Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc., Dwayne R.
                    Spence Funeral Home, Inc., Dwayne R. Spence, Patricia Spence
                    and James H. Sheridan

         *10.18 --  Merger Agreement dated March 22, 1996 among Carriage
                    Funeral Services, Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of Idaho,
                    Inc., Merchant Funeral Home, Inc., Coeur d'Alene Memorial
                    Gardens, Inc., Lewis Clark Memorial Park, Inc., Robert D.
                    Larrabee, I. Renee Larrabee and Larrabee Land Company, Inc.

         *10.19 --  Real Property Purchase Agreement dated March 22, 1996
                    among Carriage Funeral Services of Idaho, Inc., Robert D.
                    Larrabee, I. Renee Larrabee, Larrabee Land Company, Inc. and
                    Larrabee Investments, L.L.C.

         *10.20 --  Merger Agreement dated July 3, 1996 among Carriage
                    Services, Inc., CSI Funeral Services of Connecticut, Inc.,
                    C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Incorporated and Ronald F.
                    Duhaime, Emilie P. Duhaime and Christopher J. Duhaime

         *10.21 --  Merger Agreement dated July 3, 1996 among Carriage
                    Services, Inc., CFS Funeral Services of Connecticut, Inc.,
                    O'Brien Funeral Home, Incorporated and Thomas P. O'Brien

         *10.22 --  Merger Agreement dated June 26, 1996 among Carriage
                    Services, Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of South Carolina,
                    Inc., Forest Lawn of Chesnee Inc. and shareholders

        **10.23 --  Employment Agreement with Melvin C. Payne

        **10.24 --  Employment Agreement with Mark W. Duffey

        **10.25 --  Employment Agreement with Russell W. Allen

          21.1  --  Subsidiaries of the Company

         *23.1  --  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

         *23.2  --  Consent of Kee & Associates, Inc.

         *23.3  --  Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (contained in Exhibit
                    5.1 hereto)

          23.4  --  Consent of Stuart W. Stedman, as about to be named a
                    director of the Company

                                      II-3


          23.5  --  Consent of Robert D. Larrabee, as about to be named a
                    director of the Company

          23.6  --  Consent of Ronald A. Erickson, as about to be named a
                    director of the Company

         *23.7  --  Consent of McCauley, Nicolas & Company, LLC

         *23.8  --  Consent of Michael S. Upton, CPA, P.A.

         *23.9  --  Consent of Gitlin, Campise, Pascoe & Blum

         *23.10 --  Consent of Scott, Callicotte & Co.

          24.1  --  Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to
                    this Registration Statement)

          27.1  --  Financial Data Schedule 
- ------------
 *  Filed herewith.

**  To be filed by amendment.

    All other exhibits have been previously filed.

                                      II-4

     (b)  Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

     All schedules are omitted because the required information is inapplicable
or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or
related notes.

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide at the closing
specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and
registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt
delivery to each purchaser.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
     form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

          (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-5

                                   SIGNATURES

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE
REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE
SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY
OF HOUSTON, STATE OF TEXAS, ON THE 18TH DAY OF JULY, 1996.

                                          CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                                          By /s/ MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                                 MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                            PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                     OFFICER

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE
FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                          TITLE                            DATE
- ------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------   ---------------
<S>                                               <C>                                             <C> 
               /s/MELVIN C. PAYNE                 President, Chief Executive Officer, Director    July 18, 1996
                MELVIN C. PAYNE

                       *                          Executive Vice President, Chief Financial       July 18, 1996
                 MARK W. DUFFEY                   Officer, Director (Principal Financial
                                                  Officer)

                       *                          Vice President, Administration and Accounting   July 18, 1996
                MARY-LEES PAYNE                   (Principal Accounting Officer)

                       *                          Chairman of the Board of Directors              July 18, 1996
                C. BYRON SNYDER

                       *                          Director                                        July 18, 1996
               BARRY K. FINGERHUT

            *By:  /s/MELVIN C. PAYNE
                    MELVIN C. PAYNE
                   ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
                                      II-6



                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                            (a Delaware corporation)


                        3,400,000 Shares of Common Stock


                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


Dated:           , 1996

                                       -1-

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
       (a)    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE COMPANY.
                  (i)    Compliance with Registration Requirements.............
                  (ii)   Independent Accountants...............................
                  (iii)  Financial Statements..................................
                  (iv)   No Material Adverse Change in Business................
                  (v)    Good Standing of the Company..........................
                  (vi)   Good Standing of Subsidiaries.........................
                  (vii)  Capitalization........................................
                  (viii) Authorization of Agreement............................
                  (ix)   Authorization and Description of Securities...........
                  (x)    Absence of Defaults and Conflicts.....................
                  (xi)   Absence of Labor Dispute..............................
                  (xii)  Absence of Proceedings................................
                  (xiii) Accuracy of Exhibits..................................
                  (xiv)  Possession of Intellectual Property...................
                  (xv)   Absence of Further Requirements.......................
                  (xvi)  Possession of Licenses and Permits....................
                  (xvii) Title to Property.....................................
                  (xviii)Compliance with Florida Statute.......................
                  (xix)  Investment Company Act................................
                  (xx)   Environmental Laws....................................
                  (xxi)  Registration Rights...................................
       (b)        OFFICER'S CERTIFICATES.......................................

SECTION 2.           SALE AND DELIVERY TO UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING................
                     ------------------------------------------
       (a)        INITIAL SECURITIES...........................................
       (b)        OPTION SECURITIES............................................
       (c)        PAYMENT......................................................
       (d)        DENOMINATIONS; REGISTRATION..................................

SECTION 3.        COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.....................................
       (a)        COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES REGULATIONS AND COMMISSION
                      REQUESTS.................................................
       (b)        FILING OF AMENDMENTS.........................................
       (c)        DELIVERY OF REGISTRATION STATEMENTS..........................
       (d)        DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUSES.....................................
       (e)        CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAWS....................
       (f)        BLUE SKY QUALIFICATIONS......................................
       (g)        RULE 158.....................................................
       (h)        USE OF PROCEEDS..............................................
       (i)        LISTING......................................................
       (j)        RESTRICTION ON SALE OF SECURITIES............................
       (k)        REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.......................................

                                       -i-

SECTION 4.        Payment of Expenses..........................................
       (a)        EXPENSES.....................................................
       (b)        TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.....................................

SECTION 5.        CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS......................
       (a)        EFFECTIVENESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT......................
       (b)        OPINION OF VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.............................
       (c)        OPINION OF SNELL & SMITH P.C.
       (d)        OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR UNDERWRITERS..........................
       (e)        OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE........................................
       (f)        ACCOUNTANT'S COMFORT LETTER..................................
       (g)        BRING-DOWN COMFORT LETTER....................................
       (h)        APPROVAL OF LISTING..........................................
       (i)        NO OBJECTION.................................................
       (j)        LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS...........................................
       (k)        CONDITIONS TO PURCHASE OF OPTION SECURITIES .................
       (l)        ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS.........................................
       (m)        TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.....................................

SECTION 6.        INDEMNIFICATION..............................................
       (a)        INDEMNIFICATION OF UNDERWRITERS..............................
       (b)        INDEMNIFICATION OF COMPANY, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...........
       (c)        ACTIONS AGAINST PARTIES; NOTIFICATION........................
       (d)        SETTLEMENT WITHOUT CONSENT IF FAILURE TO REIMBURSE...........

SECTION 7.        CONTRIBUTION.................................................

SECTION 8         REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
                  DELIVERY.....................................................

SECTION 9         TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.....................................
       (a)        TERMINATION; GENERAL.........................................
       (b)        LIABILITIES..................................................

SECTION 10.       DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS...................

SECTION 11.       NOTICES......................................................

SECTION 12.       PARTIES  ....................................................

SECTION 13.       GOVERNING LAW AND TIME.......................................

SECTION 14.       EFFECT OF HEADINGS...........................................

                                      -ii-

                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.
                            (a Delaware corporation)
                        3,400,000 Shares of Common Stock
                           (Par Value $.01 Per Share)
                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                                                                          , 1996
MERRILL LYNCH & Co.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
    Incorporated
THE CHICAGO CORPORATION
   as Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
        Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York 10281-1209

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        Carriage Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
confirms its agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), The Chicago Corporation and each of the
other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (collectively, the "Underwriters",
which term shall also includes any underwriter substituted as hereinafter
provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom Merrill Lynch and The Chicago
Corporation are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the
"Representatives"), with respect to the issue and sale by the Company and the
purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the
respective numbers of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company ("Common Stock") set forth in said Schedule A, and with respect to the
grant by the Company to the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of
the option described in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of
510,000 additional shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The
aforesaid 3,400,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Initial Securities") to be
purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the 510,000 shares of
Common Stock subject to the option described in Section 2(b) hereof (the "Option
Securities") are hereinafter called, collectively, the "Securities".

                                       -1-

        The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public
offering of the Securities as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after
this Agreement has been executed and delivered.

        The Company and the Underwriters agree that up to 340,000 shares of the
Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters (the "Reserved Securities") shall
be reserved for sale by the Underwriters to certain eligible employees and
persons having business relationships with the Company at the public offering
price, as part of the distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters,
subject to the terms of this Agreement, the applicable rules, regulations and
interpretations of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and all
other applicable laws, rules and regulations. To the extent that such Reserved
Securities are not orally confirmed for purchase by such eligible employees and
persons having business relationships with the Company by the end of the first
business day after either (a) the later of the date on which the Registration
Statement (as defined below) has become effective or (b) if the Company has
elected to rely on Rule 430A, the date of this Agreement, will be offered to the
public as part of the public offering contemplated hereby.

        The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S- 1 (No. 333-05545) covering the
registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses.
Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will either
(i) prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A
("Rule 430A") of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act
(the "1933 Act Regulations") and paragraph (b) of Rule 424 ("Rule 424(b)") of
the 1933 Act Regulations or (ii) if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule
434 ("Rule 434") of the 1933 Act Regulations, prepare and file a term sheet (a
"Term Sheet") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 434 and Rule 424(b). The
information included in such prospectus or in such Term Sheet, as the case may
be, that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became
effective but that is deemed to be part of such registration statement at the
time it became effective (a) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A is referred
to as "Rule 430A Information" or (b) pursuant to paragraph (d) of Rule 434 is
referred to as "Rule 434 Information." Each prospectus used before such
registration statement became effective, and any prospectus that omitted, as
applicable, the Rule 430A Information or the Rule 434 Information, that was used
after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, is herein called a "preliminary prospectus." Such registration
statement, including the exhibits thereto and schedules thereto, if any, at the
time it became effective and including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule
434 Information, as applicable, is herein called the "Registration Statement."
Any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act
Regulations is herein referred to as the "Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,"
and after such filing the term "Registration Statement" shall include the Rule
462(b) Registration Statement. The final prospectus in the form first furnished
to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities is
herein called the "Prospectus." If Rule 434 is relied on, the term "Prospectus"
shall refer to the preliminary prospectus dated _________, 1996 together with
the Term Sheet and all references in this Agreement to the date of the
Prospectus shall mean the date of the

                                       -2-

Term Sheet. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration
Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any Term Sheet or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the
copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval system ("EDGAR").

        SECTION 1.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

        (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, as of the
Closing Time referred to in Section 2(c) hereof, and as of each Date of Delivery
(if any) referred to in Section 2(b) hereof, and agrees with each Underwriter,
as follows:

               (i) COMPLIANCE WITH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. Each of the
        Registration Statement and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has
        become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop order suspending the
        effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b)
        Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no
        proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
        the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated by the Commission, and
        any request on the part of the Commission for additional information has
        been complied with.

               At the respective times the Registration Statement, any Rule
        462(b) Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto
        became effective and at the Closing Time (and, if any Option Securities
        are purchased, at the Date of Delivery), the Registration Statement, the
        Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and any amendments and supplements
        thereto complied and will comply in all material respects with the
        requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and did not
        and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
        state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
        the statements therein not misleading. Neither the Prospectus nor any
        amendments or supplements thereto, at the time the Prospectus or any
        such amendment or supplement was issued and at the Closing Time (and, if
        any Option Securities are purchased, at the Date of Delivery ), included
        or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or
        will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
        statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
        were made, not misleading. If Rule 434 is used, the Company will comply
        with the requirements of Rule 434 and the Prospectus shall not be
        "materially different", as such term is used in Rule 434, from the
        prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became
        effective. The representations and warranties in this subsection shall
        not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement
        or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
        furnished to the Company in writing by any Underwriter through the
        Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement or
        Prospectus.

               Each preliminary prospectus and the prospectus filed as part of
        the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any
        amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to

                                       -3-

        Rule 424 under the 1933 Act Regulations, complied when so filed in all
        material respects with the 1933 Act Regulations and, if applicable, each
        preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters
        for use in connection with this offering was substantially identical to
        the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission
        pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

               (ii) INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The accountants who certified the
        financial statements and supporting schedules included in the
        Registration Statement are independent public accountants as required by
        the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

               (iii) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The financial statements included in
        the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, together with the related
        schedules and notes, present fairly the financial position of the
        Company and its consolidated subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the
        statement of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the
        Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods specified;
        said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
        generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a
        consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The supporting
        schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement present fairly
        in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein.
        The selected financial data and the summary financial information
        included in the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein
        and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited
        financial statements included in the Registration Statement. The pro
        forma financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the
        Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the information
        shown therein, have been prepared in accordance with the Commission's
        rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements and
        have been properly compiled on the bases described therein, and the
        assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the
        adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the
        transactions and circumstances referred to therein.

               (iv) NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN BUSINESS. Since the respective
        dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and
        the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (A) there has been
        no material adverse change or any material adverse development or any
        prospective development, relating to the condition, financial or
        otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs of the Company and its
        subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the
        ordinary course of business (a "Material Adverse Effect"), (B) there
        have been no transactions entered into by the Company or any of its
        subsidiaries, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which
        are material with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries considered
        as one enterprise, and (C) there has been no dividend or distribution of
        any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its
        capital stock.

               (v) GOOD STANDING OF THE COMPANY. The Company has been duly
        organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
        under the laws of the State of Delaware

                                       -4-

        and has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
        properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus
        and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and
        the Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
        business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which
        such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or
        leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure
        so to qualify or to be in good standing would not result in a Material
        Adverse Effect.

               (vi) GOOD STANDING OF SUBSIDIARIES. Each of Carriage Funeral
        Holdings, Inc., CFS Funeral Services, Inc., Carriage Holding Company,
        Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of Michigan, Inc., Carriage Funeral
        Services of Ohio, Inc., CFS Funeral Services of Ohio, Inc., The Lusk
        Funeral Home, Incorporated, James E. Drake Funeral Home, Inc.,
        HennessyBagnoli Funeral Home, Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of Idaho,
        Inc., Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of
        Kentucky, Inc., Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home, Inc., Palms Memorial Park,
        Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of Texas, Inc., Carriage Funeral
        Services of Connecticut, Inc., Carriage Funeral Services of South
        Carolina, Inc., CFS Funeral Services of Connecticut, Inc., CSI Funeral
        Services of Connecticut, Inc. (each a "Subsidiary" and, collectively,
        the "Subsidiaries") has been duly organized and is validly existing as a
        corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
        incorporation, has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
        operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
        Prospectus and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
        business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
        qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing
        of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure so to
        qualify or to be in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse
        Effect; except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, all
        of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary has
        been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and
        non-assessable and is owned by the Company, directly or through
        subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
        lien, encumbrance, claim or equity; none of the outstanding shares of
        capital stock of any Subsidiary was issued in violation of the
        preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of such Subsidiary.
        The only subsidiaries of the Company are the subsidiaries listed on
        Exhibit 21 to the Registration Statement.

               (vii) CAPITALIZATION. The authorized, issued and outstanding
        capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus in the
        column entitled "Actual" under the caption "Capitalization" (except for
        subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, pursuant to
        reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the
        Prospectus or pursuant to the exercise of convertible securities or
        options referred to in the Prospectus). The shares of issued and
        outstanding capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and
        validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; none of the
        outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company was issued in
        violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any
        securityholder of the Company.

                                       -5-

               (viii) AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement has been duly
        authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

               (ix) AUTHORIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES. The Securities
        have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters
        pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company
        pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set
        forth herein, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable;
        the Common Stock conforms to all statements relating thereto contained
        in the Prospectus and such description conforms to the rights set forth
        in the instruments defining the same; no holder of the Securities will
        be subject to personal liability by reason of being such a holder; and
        the issuance of the Securities is not subject to the preemptive or other
        similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.

               (x) ABSENCE OF DEFAULTS AND CONFLICTS. Neither the Company nor
        any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of its charter or by-laws or in
        default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement,
        covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage,
        deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement
        or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
        or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the
        property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject
        (collectively, "Agreements and Instruments") except for such defaults
        that would not result in a Material Adverse Effect; and the execution,
        delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
        transactions contemplated herein and in the Registration Statement
        (including the issuance and sale of the Securities and the use of the
        proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Prospectus
        under the caption "Use of Proceeds") and compliance by the Company with
        its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary
        corporate action and do not and will not, whether with or without the
        giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute
        a breach of, or default or Repayment Event (as defined below) under, or
        result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance
        upon any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant
        to, the Agreements and Instruments (except for such conflicts, breaches
        or defaults or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not result in a
        Material Adverse Effect), nor will such action result in any violation
        of the provisions of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any
        Subsidiary or any applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment,
        order, writ or decree of any government, government instrumentality or
        court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any
        Subsidiary or any of their assets, properties or operations. As used
        herein, a "Repayment Event" means any event or condition which gives the
        holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any
        person acting on such holder's behalf) the right to require the
        repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such
        indebtedness by the Company or any Subsidiary.

               (xi) ABSENCE OF LABOR DISPUTE. No labor dispute with the
        employees of the Company or any Subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge
        of the Company, is imminent, and

                                       -6-

        the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance
        by the employees of any of its or any Subsidiary's principal suppliers,
        manufacturers, customers or contractors, which, in either case, may
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

               (xii) ABSENCE OF PROCEEDINGS. There is no action, suit,
        proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any court or
        governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to
        the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the
        Company or any Subsidiary, which is required to be disclosed in the
        Registration Statement (other than as disclosed therein), or which might
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or which
        might reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the
        properties or assets thereof or the consummation of the transactions
        contemplated in this Agreement or the performance by the Company of its
        obligations hereunder; the aggregate of all pending legal or
        governmental proceedings to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a
        party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the
        subject which are not described in the Registration Statement, including
        ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, could not
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

               (xiii) ACCURACY OF EXHIBITS. There are no contracts or documents
        which are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
        Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits thereto which have not been so
        described and filed as required.

               (xiv) ABSENCE OF FURTHER REQUIREMENTS. No filing with, or
        authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration,
        qualification or decree of, any court or governmental authority or
        agency is necessary or required for the performance by the Company of
        its obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or
        sale of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of the transactions
        contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been already
        obtained or as may be required under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act
        Regulations or under state securities laws.

               (xv) POSSESSION OF LICENSES AND PERMITS. The Company and its
        Subsidiaries possess such permits, licenses, approvals, consents and
        other authorizations (collectively, "Governmental Licenses") issued by
        the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or
        bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by them, except
        where the failure to possess such Governmental Licenses would not,
        singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect; the
        Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms and
        conditions of all such Governmental Licenses, except where the failure
        so to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material
        Adverse Effect; all of the Governmental Licenses are valid and in full
        force and effect, except when the invalidity of such Governmental
        Licenses or the failure of such Governmental Licenses to be in full
        force and effect would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and neither
        the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of
        proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such
        Governmental Licenses which, singly or in the aggregate, if the

                                       -7-

        subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would result in a
        Material Adverse Effect.

               (xvi) TITLE TO PROPERTY. The Company and its Subsidiaries have
        good and indefeasible title to all real property owned by the Company
        and its Subsidiaries and good title to all other properties owned by
        them, in each case, free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens,
        security interests, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind
        except such as (a) are described in the Prospectus or (b) do not, singly
        or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such property and do
        not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property
        by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and all of the leases and
        subleases material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
        considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries holds properties described in the Prospectus, arc in full
        force and effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any
        notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by
        anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary under any
        of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning
        the rights of the Company or such Subsidiary to the continued possession
        of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.

               (xvii) COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTE. The Company has complied
        with, or is exempt from, and is and will be in compliance with or will
        be exempt from, the provisions of that certain Florida act relating to
        disclosure of doing business with Cuba, codified as Section 517.075 of
        the Florida statutes, and the rules and regulations thereunder
        (collectively, the "Cuba Act") or is exempt therefrom.

               (xviii)INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. The Company is not, and upon the
        issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated and the
        application of the net proceeds therefrom as described in the Prospectus
        will not be, an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an
        "investment company" as such terms are defined in the Investment Company
        Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

               (xix) ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. Except as described in the Registration
        Statement and except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in
        a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither the Company nor any of its
        Subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign
        statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of
        common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof,
        including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or
        judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the
        environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water,
        groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including,
        without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or
        threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic
        substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products
        (collectively, "Hazardous Materials") or to the manufacture, processing,
        distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling
        of Hazardous Materials (collectively, "Environmental

                                       -8-

        Laws"), (B) the Company and its Subsidiaries have all permits,
        authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental
        Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, except where
        the failure to obtain such permits, authorizations or approvals or to be
        in compliance therewith would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a
        Material Adverse Effect, (C) there are no pending or threatened
        administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand
        letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation,
        investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against
        the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (D) there are no events or
        circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the basis of an
        order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by
        any private party or governmental body or agency, against or affecting
        the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials
        or any Environmental Laws.

               (xx) REGISTRATION RIGHTS. There are no persons with registration
        rights or other similar rights to have any securities registered
        pursuant to the Registration Statement which have not been waived in
        writing.

               (xxi) LISTING OF COMMON STOCK. The Common Stock has been approved
        for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice
        of issuance.

               (xxii) TAXES. All tax returns required to be filed by the Company
        have been timely filed and such returns are true, complete and correct
        in all material respects. All taxes due or claimed to be due from the
        Company that are due and payable have been paid, other than those (i)
        being contested in good faith and for which an adequate reserve or
        accrual has been established in accordance with GAAP or (ii) those
        currently payable without penalty or interest for which an adequate
        reserve or accrual has been established in accordance with GAAP or
        extensions duly paid. Except as described in the Prospectus, the Company
        does not know of (A) any actual or proposed material additional tax
        assessments or (B) any probable basis for the imposition of any material
        additional tax assessments for any fiscal period against the Company.

               (xxiii)INSURANCE COVERAGE. The Company and each Subsidiary
        maintains insurance, which is in full force and effect, of the types and
        in the amounts customary in the funeral home and cemetery business.
        Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it
        will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when
        such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from insurers at a
        cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

        (b) OFFICER'S CERTIFICATES. Any certificate signed by any officer of the
Company or any Subsidiaries delivered to the Representative(s) or to counsel for
the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to
each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.

                                       -9-

        SECTION 2.    SALE AND DELIVERY TO UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING.

        (a) INITIAL SECURITIES. On the basis of the representations and
warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not
jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase
from the Company, at the price per share set forth in Schedule B, the number of
Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such
Underwriter, plus any additional number of Initial Securities which such
Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of
Section 10 hereof.

        (b) OPTION SECURITIES. In addition, on the basis of the representations
and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally
and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional 510,000 shares of Common Stock
at the price per share set forth in Schedule B, less an amount per share equal
to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the
Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities. The option hereby
granted will expire 30 days after the date hereof and may be exercised in whole
or in part from time to time only for the purpose of covering over-allotments
which may be made in connection with the offering and distribution of the
Initial Securities upon notice by the Representatives to the Company setting
forth the number of Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are
then exercising the option and the time and date of payment and delivery for
such Option Securities. Any such time and date of delivery (a "Date of
Delivery") shall be determined by the Representatives, but shall not be later
than seven full business days after the exercise of said option, nor in any
event prior to the Closing Time, as hereinafter defined. If the option is
exercised as to all or any portion of the Option Securities, each of the
Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, will purchase that proportion of
the total number of Option Securities then being purchased which the number of
Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter
bears to the total number of Initial Securities, subject in each case to such
adjustments as the Representatives in their discretion shall make to eliminate
any sales or purchases of fractional shares.

        (c) PAYMENT. Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of
certificates for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of Andrews
& Kurth L.L.P., 4200 Texas Commerce Tower, Houston, Texas 77002, or at such
other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at
9:00 A.M. (Central time) on the third (fourth, if the pricing occurs after 4:30
P.M. (Eastern time) on any given day) business day after the date hereof (unless
postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10), or such other time
not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the
Representatives and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery
being herein called "Closing Time").

        In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are
purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery
of certificates for, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned
offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed

                                      -10-

upon by the Representatives and the Company, on each Date of Delivery as
specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company.

        Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to a bank account designated by the Company, against delivery to
the Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of
certificates for the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that
each Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept
delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the
Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, which it has agreed to
purchase. Merrill Lynch, individually and not as representative of the
Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase
price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be
purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing
Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, but such payment
shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.

        (d) DENOMINATIONS; REGISTRATION. Certificates for the Initial Securities
and the Option Securities, if any, shall be in such denominations and registered
in such names as the Representatives may request in writing at least one full
business day before the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the
case may be. The certificates for the Initial Securities and the Option
Securities, if any, will be made available for examination and packaging by the
Representatives in the City of New York not later than 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time)
on the business day prior to the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery,
as the case may be.

        SECTION 3. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company covenants with each
Underwriter as follows:

               (a) COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES REGULATIONS AND COMMISSION
        REQUESTS. The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the
        requirements of Rule 430A or Rule 434, as applicable, and will notify
        the Representatives immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, (i)
        when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall
        become effective, or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended
        Prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments
        from the Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission for any
        amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement
        to the Prospectus or for additional information, and (iv) of the
        issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
        effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing
        or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, or of the
        suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale
        in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any
        proceedings for any of such purposes. The Company will promptly effect
        the filings necessary pursuant to Rule 424(b) and will take such steps
        as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of
        prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for
        filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will
        promptly file such prospectus. The Company will make every reasonable
        effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order
        is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible
        moment.

                                      -11-

               (b) FILING OF AMENDMENTS. The Company will give the
        Representatives notice of its intention to file or prepare any amendment
        to the Registration Statement (including any filing under Rule 462(b)),
        any Term Sheet or any amendment, supplement or revision to either the
        prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became
        effective or to the Prospectus will furnish the Representatives with
        copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such
        proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file or use any
        such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the
        Underwriters shall reasonably object.

               (c) DELIVERY OF REGISTRATION STATEMENTS. The Company has
        furnished or will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the
        Underwriters, without charge, signed copies of the Registration
        Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including
        exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein) and
        signed copies of all consents and reports of accountants, and will also
        deliver to the Representatives, without charge, a conformed copy of the
        Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto
        (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the
        Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the
        Underwriters will be substantially identical to the electronically
        transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR,
        except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

               (d) DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUSES. The Company has delivered to each
        Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary
        prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company
        hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the
        1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge,
        during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under
        the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus
        (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request.
        If applicable, the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto
        furnished to the Underwriters will be substantially identical to the
        electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission
        pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

               (e) CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAWS. The Company will
        comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations so as to permit
        the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in
        this Agreement and in the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus
        is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of
        the Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a
        result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the
        Underwriters or for the Company, to amend the Registration Statement or
        amend or supplement the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not
        contain any untrue statements of a material fact or omit to state a
        material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein in the
        light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a
        purchaser, not misleading or if it shall be necessary, in the opinion of
        such counsel, at any such time to amend the Registration Statement or
        amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the
        requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act

                                      -12-

        Regulations, the Company will promptly prepare and file with the
        Commission, subject to Section 3(b), such amendment or supplement as may
        be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the
        Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply with such requirements,
        and the Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies
        of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably
        request.

               (f) BLUE SKY QUALIFICATIONS. The Company will use all reasonable
        efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Securities
        for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such
        states and other jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and
        to maintain such qualifications in effect for as long as required for
        distribution of the Securities; provided, however, that the Company
        shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process
        or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in
        any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to
        taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is
        not otherwise so subject. In each jurisdiction in which the Securities
        have been so qualified, the Company will file such statements and
        reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue
        such qualification in effect for as long as required for distribution of
        the Securities.

               (g) RULE 158. The Company will timely file such reports pursuant
        to the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally available to
        its securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the
        purposes of, and to provide the benefits contemplated by, the last
        paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.

               (h) USE OF PROCEEDS. The Company will use the net proceeds
        received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified
        in the Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds".

               (i) LISTING. The Company will use its best efforts to effect and
        maintain the quotation of the Securities on the Nasdaq National Market
        and will file with the Nasdaq National Market all documents and notices
        required by the Nasdaq National Market of companies that have securities
        that are traded in the over-the-counter market and quotations for which
        are reported by the Nasdaq National Market.

               (j) RESTRICTION ON SALE OF SECURITIES. During a period of 180
        days from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the
        prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, (i) directly or indirectly,
        offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to
        Purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option,
        right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any
        share of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable
        or exchangeable for Common Stock or file any registration statement
        under the 1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing or (ii) enter
        into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers,
        in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of
        ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction
        described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of
        Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The
        foregoing sentence shall

                                      -13-

        not apply to (A) the Securities to be sold hereunder, (B) any shares of
        Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of an option or
        warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof
        and referred to in the Prospectus, (C) any shares of Common Stock issued
        or options to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to existing
        employee benefit plans of the Company referred to in the Prospectus or
        (D) any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible or
        exchangeable into Common Stock issued as payment of any part of the
        purchase price for funeral homes or cemeteries (or businesses or capital
        stock of businesses that operate funeral homes or cemeteries) which are
        acquired by the Company (provided, however, that such shares shall be
        subject to restrictions that will prohibit the transfer thereof until
        after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period described in the
        preceding sentence).

               (k) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Company, during the period when
        the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act or the
        1934 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the
        Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by
        the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

               (l) FORM SR. The Company will file with the Commission such
        reports on Form SR as may be required pursuant to Rule 463 of the 1933
        Act Regulations.

               (m) RESTRICTIONS ON RESERVED SECURTIES. The Company hereby agrees
        that it will ensure that the Reserved Securities sold to employees and
        others having a business relationship with the Company will be
        restricted as required by the NASD and the NASD rules, from sale,
        transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three
        months following the date of the effectiveness of the Registration
        Statement. The Underwriters will notify the Company as to which persons
        will need to be so restricted. At the request of the Underwriters, the
        Company will direct the transfer agent to place a stop transfer
        restriction upon such securities for such period of time. Should the
        Company release, or seek to release, from such restrictions any
        securities that are subject to a resale restriction, the Company agrees
        to reimburse the Underwriters for any reasonable expenses including
        without limitation, legal expenses they incur directly in connection
        with such release.

        SECTION 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. (a) EXPENSES. The Company will pay all
expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement,
including (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement
(including financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and of each
amendment thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the
Underwriters of this Agreement, any Agreement among Underwriters and such other
documents as may be required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale,
issuance or delivery of the Securities. (iii) the preparation, issuance and
delivery of the certificates for the Securities to the Underwriters, including
any stock or other transfer taxes and any stamp or other duties payable upon the
sale, issuance or delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees
and disbursements of the Company's counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v)
the qualification of the Securities

                                      -14-

under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(f) hereof,
including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for
the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation
of the Blue Sky Survey and any supplement thereto, (vi) the printing and
delivery to the Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, any Term
Sheets and of the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, (vii)
the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Blue
Sky Survey and any supplement thereto, (viii) the fees and expenses of any
transfer agent or registrar for the Securities, (ix) the filing fees incident to
the review by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD")
of the terms of the sale of the Securities, (x) the fees and expenses incurred
in connection with the inclusion of the Securities in the Nasdaq National
Market, (xi) all costs and expenses of the Underwriters, including the fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters, in connection with matters
related to the Reserved Securities which are designated by the Company for sale
to employees and others having a business relationship with the Company and
(xii) stamp duties or other similar taxes or duties, if any, incurred by the
Underwriters in connection with the offer and sale of the Reserved Securities.

        (b) TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. If this Agreement is terminated by the
Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 or Section
9(a)(i) hereof, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for all of their
out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Underwriters.

        SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of
the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section I hereof or
in certificates of any officer of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company
of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further
conditions:

               (a) EFFECTIVENESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Registration
        Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, has become
        effective under the 1933 Act and at Closing Time no stop order
        suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have
        been issued under the 1933 Act or proceedings therefor initiated or
        threatened by the Commission, and any request on the part of the
        Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to
        the reasonable satisfaction of counsel to the Underwriters. A prospectus
        containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the
        Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations
        (or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have
        been filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements of
        Rule 430A) or, if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434 of the
        1933 Act Regulations, a Term Sheet shall have been filed with the
        Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b).

               (b) OPINION OF VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P. At Closing Time, the
        Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
        Closing Time, of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel for the Company, in
        form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters,
        together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the
        other Underwriters

                                      -15-

        to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto and to such further effect
        as counsel to the Underwriters may reasonably request. In giving such
        opinion such counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by the laws of
        jurisdictions other than the law of the State of New York and the
        federal law of the United States and the General Corporation Law of the
        State of Delaware), upon the opinions of counsel satisfactory to the
        Representatives. Such counsel may also state that, insofar as such
        opinion involves factual matters, they have relied, to the extent they
        deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the Company and its
        Subsidiaries and certificates of public officials.

               (c) OPINION OF SNELL & SMITH P.C. At Closing Time, the
        Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
        Closing Time, of Snell & Smith P.C., counsel for the Company, in form
        and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together
        with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
        Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto and to such
        further effect as counsel to the Underwriters may reasonably request. In
        giving such opinion such counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by
        the laws of jurisdictions other than the federal law of the United
        States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware), upon
        the opinions of counsel satisfactory to the Representatives. Such
        counsel may also state that, insofar as such opinion involves factual
        matters, they have relied, to the extent they deem proper, upon
        certificates of officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
        certificates of public officials.

               (d) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR UNDERWRITERS. At Closing Time, the
        Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
        Closing Time, of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. counsel for the Underwriters,
        together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the
        other Underwriters with respect to the matters set forth in clauses (i),
        (ii), (v), (vi) (solely as to preemptive or other similar rights arising
        by operation of law or under the charter or by-laws of the Company),
        (viii) through (x), inclusive, (xiv) (solely as to the information in
        the Prospectus under "Description of Capital Stock-Common Stock") and
        the last paragraph of Exhibit A hereto. In giving such opinion such
        counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by the laws of
        jurisdictions other than the law of the State of New York and the
        federal law of the United States and the General Corporation Law of the
        State of Delaware), upon the opinions of counsel satisfactory to the
        Representatives. Such counsel may also state that, insofar as such
        opinion involves factual matters, they have relied, to the extent they
        deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the Company and its
        Subsidiaries and certificates of public officials.

               (e) OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. At Closing Time, there shall not have
        been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which
        information is given in the Prospectus, any material adverse change in
        the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business
        affairs or business prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries
        considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary
        course of business, and the Representatives shall have received a
        certificate of the President or a Vice President of the Company and of
        the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company, dated as
        of Closing Time, to

                                      -16-

        the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii)
        the representations and warranties in Section 1 (a) hereof are true and
        correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and
        as of Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements
        and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at
        or prior to Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the
        effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
        proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or to
        their knowledge are contemplated by the Commission.

               (f) ACCOUNTANT'S COMFORT LETTER. At the time of the execution of
        this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from Arthur
        Andersen LLP a letter dated such date, in form and substance
        satisfactory to the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced
        copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters containing
        statements and information of the type ordinarily included in
        accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the
        financial statements and certain financial information contained in the
        Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

               (g) BRING-DOWN COMFORT LETTER. At Closing Time, the
        Representatives shall have received from Arthur Andersen LLP a letter,
        dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the
        statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (f) of
        this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date
        not more than three business days prior to Closing Time.

               (h) APPROVAL OF LISTING. At Closing Time, the Securities shall
        have been approved for inclusion in the Nasdaq National Market, subject
        only to official notice of issuance.

               (i) NO OBJECTION. The NASD shall not have raised any objection
        with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting
        terms and arrangements.

               (j) LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS. At the date of this Agreement, the
        Representatives shall have received an agreement substantially in the
        form of Exhibit C hereto signed by the persons listed on Schedule D
        hereto.

               (k) CONDITIONS TO PURCHASE OF OPTION SECURITIES. In the event
        that the Underwriters exercise their option provided in Section 2(b)
        hereof to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities, the
        representations and warranties of the Company contained herein and the
        statements in any certificates furnished by the Company or any
        Subsidiary of the Company hereunder shall be true and correct as of each
        Date of Delivery and, at the relevant Date of Delivery, the
        Representatives shall have received:

               (i) OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. A certificate, dated such Date of
               Delivery, of the President or a Vice President of the Company and
               of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company
               confirming that the certificate delivered at the

                                      -17-

               Closing Time pursuant to Section 5(e) hereof remains true and
               correct as of such Date of Delivery.

               (ii) OPINIONS OF COUNSEL FOR COMPANY. The favorable opinion of
               Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. and Snell & Smith P.C., counsel for the
               Company, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the
               Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option
               Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise
               to the same effect as the opinions required by Section 5(b) and
               (c) hereof.

               (iii) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR UNDERWRITERS. The favorable opinion
               of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., counsel for the Underwriters, dated
               such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be
               purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same
               effect as the opinion required by Section 5(d) hereof.

               (iv) BRING-DOWN COMFORT LETTER. A letter from Arthur Andersen
               LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives
               and dated such Date of Delivery, substantially in the same form
               and substance as the letter furnished to the Representatives
               pursuant to Section 5(g) hereof, except that the "specified date"
               in the letter furnished pursuant to this paragraph shall be a
               date not more than five days prior to such Date of Delivery.

               (l) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. At Closing Time and at each Date of
        Delivery, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with
        such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the
        purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the
        Securities as herein contemplated, or in order to evidence the accuracy
        of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any
        of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the
        Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as
        herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the
        Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.

               (m) TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. If any condition specified in this
        Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be
        fulfilled, this Agreement, or, in the case of any condition to the
        purchase of Option Securities, on a Date of Delivery which is after the
        Closing Time, the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase
        the relevant Option Securities, may be terminated by the Representatives
        by notice to the Company at any time at or prior to Closing Time or such
        Date of Delivery, as the case may be, and such termination shall be
        without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in
        Section 4 and except that Sections 6 and 7 shall survive any such
        termination and remain in full force and effect.

                                      -18-

        SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.

        (a) INDEMNIFICATION OF UNDERWRITERS. The Company agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act as follows:

               (i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
        expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or
        alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
        Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule
        430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or the
        omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be
        stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
        misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue
        statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus or
        the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission
        or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to
        make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
        which they were made, not misleading;

               (ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
        expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of the failure of eligible
        employees and persons having business relationships with the Company to
        pay for and accept delivery of Reserved Securities which were subject to
        a properly confirmed agreement to purchase;

               (iii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
        expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount
        paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding
        by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any
        claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or
        any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to
        Section 6(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written
        consent of the Company; and

               (iv) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred
        (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by Merrill
        Lynch), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending
        against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any
        governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim
        whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such
        alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such
        expense is not paid under (i), (ii) or (iii) above;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter through Merrill Lynch expressly for use in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); and provided further,
however, that this indemnity agreement, as to any preliminary

                                      -19-

prospectus, shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any person
controlling such Underwriter) on account of any loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense arising from the sale of the Securities to any person by such
Underwriter if such Underwriter failed to send or give a copy of the Prospectus,
as the same may be supplemented or amended, to such person within the time
required by the 1933 Act, and the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission of a material fact in such preliminary
prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus (as so supplemented or amended).

        (b) INDEMNIFICATION OF COMPANY, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Each Underwriter
severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, each
of its officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any,
who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or
Section 20 of the 1934 Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage
and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this
Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions,
or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement
(or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434
Information deemed to be a part thereof, if applicable, or any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by such Underwriter through Merrill Lynch expressly for use in the
Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or such preliminary prospectus
or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto).

        (c) ACTIONS AGAINST PARTIES; NOTIFICATION. Each indemnified party shall
give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of
any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought
hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such
indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not
materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity
agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a) above,
counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by Merrill Lynch, and, in
the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(b) above, counsel to the
indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may
participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided,
however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the
consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In
no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more
than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own
counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or
separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall,
without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which
indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section
7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties
thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an
unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out
of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include

                                      -20-

a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by
or on behalf of any indemnified party.

        (d) SETTLEMENT WITHOUT CONSENT IF FAILURE TO REIMBURSE. If at any time
an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the
indemnified party for reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying
party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature
contemplated by Section 6(a)(iii) effected without its written consent if (i)
such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such
indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall
have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to
such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not
have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to
the date of such settlement. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence,
if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party
to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable fees and expenses of counsel,
an indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of the nature
contemplated by Section 6(a)(iii) effected without its consent if such
indemnifying party, prior to the date of settlement, (i) reimburses such
indemnified party in accordance with such request to the extent such
indemnifying party considers such request to be reasonable and (ii) provides
written notice in reasonable detail to the indemnified party of the reasons such
indemnifying party considers the unpaid balance as unreasonable.

        SECTION 7. CONTRIBUTION. If the indemnification provided for in Section
6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an
indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or
expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to
the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one
hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Securities
pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is
not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the
relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the
other hand in connection with the statements or omissions, or in connection with
any failure of the nature referred to in Section 6(a)(ii) hereof, which resulted
in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations.

        The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the
Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the
Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same
respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the
Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by
the Company and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in
each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus, or, if Rule 434 is used,
the corresponding location on the Term Sheet, bear to the aggregate initial
public offering price of the Securities as set forth on such cover.

                                      -21-

        The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters
on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission or any failure of the nature referred to in Section
6(a)(ii) hereof.

        The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata
allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The aggregate
amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an
indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to
include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified
party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any
investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or
threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission.

        Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public
were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such
Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

        No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

        For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and
each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall
have the same rights to contribution as the Company. The Underwriters'
respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in
proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth opposite their
respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.

        SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
DELIVERY. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company submitted pursuant
hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, or
by or on behalf of the Company, and shall survive delivery of the Securities to
the Underwriters.

                                      -22-

        SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

        (a) TERMINATION; GENERAL. The Representatives may terminate this
Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to Closing Time (i)
if there has been, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the
respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus, any
material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the
earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the
ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse
change in the financial markets in the United States, any outbreak of
hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or
development involving a prospective change in national or international
political. financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is
such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable to
market the Securities or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Securities, or
(iii) if trading in any securities of the Company has been suspended or limited
by the Commission or the Nasdaq National Market, or if trading generally on the
American Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange or in the Nasdaq National
Market has been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading
have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of said
exchanges or by such system or by order of the Commission, the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any other governmental authority, or
(iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or New York
authorities.

        (b) LIABILITIES. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
Section 9, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other
party except as provided in Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections
6 and 7 shall survive such termination and remain in full force and effect.

        SECTION 10. DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS. If one or more
of the Underwriters shall fail at Closing Time or a Date of Delivery to purchase
the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement
(the "Defaulted Securities"), the Representatives shall have the right, within
24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all,
of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the
terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have
completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:

               (a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of
        the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the
        non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not
        jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that
        their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the
        underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or

               (b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the
        number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or,
        with respect to any Date of

                                      -23-

        Delivery which occurs after the Closing Time, the obligation of the
        Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Option
        Securities to be purchased and sold on such Date of Delivery shall
        terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting
        Underwriter.

        No action taken pursuant to this Section 10 shall relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

        In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination
of this Agreement or, in the case of a Date of Delivery which is after the
Closing Time, which does not result in a termination of the obligation of the
Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities,
as the case may be, either the Representatives or the Company shall have the
right to postpone Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may
be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required
changes in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any other documents or
arrangements. As used herein, the term "Underwriter" includes any person
substituted for an Underwriter under this Section 10.

        SECTION 11. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or
transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the
Underwriters shall be directed to the Representatives at North Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-1201, attention of ; and notices to
the Company shall be directed to it at 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1500, Houston,
Texas 77056, attention of Melvin C. Payne.

        SECTION 12. PARTIES. This Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Underwriters and the Company and their respective
successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or
shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the
Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors and the controlling
persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their
heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim
under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This
Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the
sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters and the Company and their
respective successors, and said controlling persons and officers and directors
and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other
person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter
shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.

        SECTION 13.   GOVERNING LAW AND TIME.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF NEW YORK.  EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN SPECIFIED TIMES OF
DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.

        SECTION 14. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Article and Section headings herein
and the Table of Contents are for convenience on)v and shall not affect the
construction hereof.

                                      -24-

        If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon
this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement
between the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its terms.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                                         By:
                                             Melvin C. Payne
                                             President


CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
as of the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
   INCORPORATED
THE CHICAGO CORPORATION

By:  MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
        INCORPORATED

By ________________________________________
        Authorized Signatory

For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto.

                                      -25-

                                          SCHEDULE A

                                                       NUMBER OF
                                                        INITIAL
        NAME OF UNDERWRITER                           SECURITIES
        -------------------                           ----------
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
   Incorporated....................................
The Chicago Corporation............................


Total   ...........................................   3,400,000
                                                      =========

                                     Sch A-1

                                   SCHEDULE B

                             Carriage Services, Inc.
                        3,400,000 Shares of Common Stock
                           (Par Value $.01 Per Share)


        1. The initial public offering price per share for the Securities,
determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be $__________.

        2. The purchase price per share for the Securities to be paid by the
several Underwriters shall be $_________, being an amount equal to the initial
public offering price set forth above less $__________ per share; provided that
the purchase price per share for any Option Securities purchased upon the
exercise of the over-allotment option described in Section 2(b) shall be reduced
by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the
Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option
Securities.

                                     Sch B-1


                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1
                AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

          (Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation
                          Law of the State of Delaware)

      Carriage Services, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by
virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Corporation"), does hereby certify as follows:

      1. The name of the Corporation is Carriage Services, Inc. and the name
under which the Corporation was originally incorporated was Carriage Funeral
Services, Inc. The date of filing of the Corporation's original Certificate of
Incorporation was December 29, 1993.

      2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Restated
Certificate of Incorporation") restates and integrates and further amends the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

      3. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation as amended or supplemented
heretofore is further amended hereby to read in full as set forth herein and in
Exhibits A, B, C and D hereto containing the Amended and Restated Certificates
of Designation, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Corporation's Series
A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series
D Preferred Stock, respectively:

                                  ARTICLE I.

      The name of the Corporation is Carriage Services, Inc.

                                  ARTICLE II

      The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is
located at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of
Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of the registered agent of the
Corporation at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

                                  ARTICLE III

      The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to engage in any and
all lawful acts and activity for which corporations may be organized under the
General Corporation Law of Delaware. The Corporation will have perpetual
existence.

                                      1

                                  ARTICLE IV.

      The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is, 80,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of (i)
50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred
Stock"); (ii)15,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
("Class A Common Stock"); and (iii) 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share ("Class B Common Stock"; the Class A Common Stock and
the Class B Common Stock are collectively referred to as "Common Stock").

      Effective upon filing of this Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, 1996, each
issued and outstanding share of previously authorized common stock of the
Corporation ("Old Common Stock") shall represent one validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock. Each certificate which
theretofore represented shares of Old Common Stock shall thereafter represent
that number of shares of Class B Common Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each
person holding of record a stock certificate or certificates which represented
shares of Old Common Stock shall receive, upon surrender of such certificate or
certificates, a new certificate or certificates evidencing and representing the
number of shares of Class B Common Stock to which such person is entitled.

      The designations and the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications,
limitations, and restrictions of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock are as
follows:

1.    Provisions Relating to the Common Stock.

      (a) DIVIDENDS. Subject to the prior rights and preferences, if any,
applicable to shares of the Preferred Stock or any class or series thereof, each
share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder of record thereof to receive
dividends out of funds legally available therefor, when, as and if declared by
the board of directors of the Corporation with respect to any of such class of
stock. No dividend shall be declared or paid in respect of any Common Stock
unless the holders of both the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
receive the same per share dividend, payable in the same amount and type of
consideration, as if such classes constituted a single class, except that if any
dividend is declared that is payable in shares of Class A Common Stock or Class
B Common Stock, such dividend shall be declared and paid at the same rate per
share with respect to the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock, and
the dividend payable on shares of Class A Common Stock shall be payable only in
shares of Class A Common Stock and the dividend payable on shares of Class B
Common Stock shall be payable only in shares of Class B Common Stock.

      (b) LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. The holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to
participate in the net assets of the Corporation remaining after any
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation,
whether voluntary or involuntary, and after payment or provision for the payment
of the debts and liabilities of the Corporation and payment of the liquidation
preference of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation having such a
preference, distributing such proceeds pro-rata among the holders of Common
Stock. The holders of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
shall participate in such assets as if such classes constituted a single class

                                      2

of stock. A dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Corporation, as such
terms are used in this paragraph (b), shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or
to include any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other
corporation or corporations or other entity or a sale, lease, exchange, or
conveyance of all or a part of the assets of the Corporation.

      (c)   VOTING RIGHTS.

            (i) Except as may otherwise be expressly required by the General
Corporation Law of Delaware, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and
the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall vote together as a single
class, provided, however, that with respect to each matter properly brought
before the shareholders for their consideration and vote, each share of Class A
Common Stock shall entitle the registered holder thereof to one vote on all
matters brought before the common stockholders of the Corporation for a vote and
each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the registered holder thereof
to ten votes on all matters brought before the common stockholders of the
Corporation for a vote.

            (ii) In the case of each share of Class B Common Stock held of
record by a bank, voting trustee, broker, dealer, clearing agency, or any
nominee thereof, or by any other nominee of the beneficial owner of such share,
the registered holder of such share will be entitled, notwithstanding the
foregoing limitation, to cast ten votes with respect to such share if such
holder shall establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such share
has been beneficially owned continuously from the date of issuance by the
original beneficial owner (whose name and address must be specified to the
Corporation), or by a Permitted Transferee (as defined in paragraph 1(e) of
Article IV hereof) of such original beneficial owner. Any such registered holder
who wishes to cast ten votes per share shall file with the transfer agent for
the Class B Common Stock a certificate, on a form that will be mailed to such
holder by such transfer agent on request, certifying as to the information
specified in the preceding sentence and specifying the date on which such holder
desires to exercise voting rights (the "Voting Date"). Any such certificate
shall be deemed filed only if received by the transfer agent not less than ten
nor more than 30 days prior the Voting Date. If such certificate shall not
establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation that the registered holder is
entitled to cast ten votes per share, then, within five business days after the
receipt thereof by the transfer agent, the Corporation shall mail to the person
filing such certificate a notice that describes the deficiency and, unless the
Corporation determines that such person shall have a reasonable opportunity to
cure such deficiency prior to the Voting Date, notifies such person that such
person shall be entitled to only one vote per share on the Voting Date.

      (d)   CONVERSION BY REGISTERED HOLDER.

            (i) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible at any
time, at the option of the registered holder thereof, into one fully paid and
nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock of the Corporation.

            (ii) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued
upon such conversion, but in lieu thereof the Corporation shall pay to the
holder an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such fractional
share.

                                      3

            (iii) To convert shares of Class B Common Stock under this paragraph
1(d), the registered holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or
certificates representing such shares, duly endorsed to the Corporation or in
blank (which endorsement shall correspond exactly with the name or names of the
registered holder or holders set forth on the face of the certificates and on
the stock transfer records of the Corporation), at the office of the transfer
agent for the shares of Class B Common Stock (which may be either the
Corporation or any third party retained by it for such purpose), and shall give
written notice to the transfer agent and the Corporation that such holder elects
to convert all or part of the shares represented thereby, stating therein the
names or names (with the address or addresses) in which the certificate or
certificates for shares of Class A Common Stock are to be issued.

            (iv) If the registered holder fully complies with paragraph (iii),
the Corporation shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, instruct the transfer
agent to deliver to such holder, or to such holder's nominee or nominees, a
certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to
which such holder shall be entitled, rounded to the nearest whole number of
shares, and a check for any amount payable hereunder in lieu of a fractional
share, along with a certificate representing any shares of Class B Common Stock
that the holder has not elected to convert hereunder but which constituted part
of the shares of Class B Common Stock represented by the certificate or
certificates surrendered.

            (v) Shares of Class B Common Stock shall be deemed to have been
converted as of the close of business on the date of the due surrender of the
certificates representing the shares to be converted as provided above, and the
person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock
issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record
holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such time.

            (vi) If the Corporation shall in any manner split or subdivide the
outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, the
outstanding shares of the other such class of Common Stock shall be split or
subdivided in the same manner, proportionately and on the same basis per share.

            (vii) When shares of Class B Common Stock have been converted
pursuant to this paragraph (d), they shall be irrevocably canceled and not
reissued.

      (e) AUTOMATIC CONVERSION. Any shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding
on December 31, 2001, without further action of the holder thereof, shall be
automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock and certificates
formerly representing outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock shall thereupon
and thereafter represent the like number of shares of Class A Common Stock.

      (f) TRANSFERS OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK. No person holding any share of
Class B Common Stock shall transfer, and the Corporation shall not register (nor
permit the transfer agent for the Class B Common Stock to register) the transfer
of, any shares of Class B Common Stock or any interest therein, whether by sale,
assignment, gift, bequest, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, or any other
disposition, except to a "Permitted Transferee" of such person (as defined below
in this paragraph). If a holder of shares of Class B Common Stock transfers any
such shares to any person

                                      4

or entity other than a "Permitted Transferee," such transfer, without any
further action of the parties or the Corporation, shall automatically and
irrevocably convert such shares into an equal number of shares of Class A Common
Stock from the date of such transfer. The term "Permitted Transferee" shall mean
only:

            (i) the spouse and any lineal descendant (including adopted
      children) of any person duly holding shares of Class A Common Stock (a
      "Qualified Holder"), and any spouse of any such lineal descendant (all
      such spouses and lineal descendants being hereinafter referred to as
      "Family Members");

            (ii) the trustee of a trust for the sole benefit of a Qualified
      Holder or Family Members;

            (iii) a partnership made up exclusively of Qualified Holders or
      Family Members or a corporation or limited liability company wholly owned
      by Qualified Holders or Family Members, provided, however, that as of the
      date that such partnership, corporation or company no longer comprised of
      or owned exclusively by Qualified Holders or Family Members, such
      partnership, corporation or company will no longer be a Permitted
      Transferee and any Class B Common Stock held by it shall automatically and
      irrevocably be converted into Class A Common Stock without any further
      action of the parties or the Corporation; or

            (iv) the executor, administrator or personal representative of the
      estate of a qualified holder or of any Family Member, or the guardian or
      conservator of a Qualified Holder or any Family Member who has been
      adjudged disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction.

2.    Provisions Relating to the Preferred Stock.

      (a) The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more
classes or series, the shares of each class or series to have any designations
and powers, preferences, and rights, and qualifications, limitations, and
restrictions thereof as are stated and expressed in this Article IV and in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such class or series
adopted by the board of directors of the Corporation as hereafter prescribed.

      (b) Authority is hereby expressly granted to and vested in the board of
directors of the Corporation to authorize the issuance of the Preferred Stock
from time to time in one or more classes or series, and with respect to each
class or series of the Preferred Stock, to state by the resolution or
resolutions from time to time adopted providing for the issuance thereof the
following:

            (i) whether or not the class or series is to have voting rights,
special, or limited, or is to be without voting rights, and whether or not such
class or series is to be entitled to vote as a separate class either alone or
together with the holders of one or more other classes or series of stock;

            (ii) the number of shares to constitute the class or series and the
designations thereof;

                                      5

            (iii) the preferences and relative, participating, optional, or
other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations, or
restrictions thereof, if any, with respect to any class or series;

            (iv) whether or not the shares of any class or series shall be
redeemable at the option of the Corporation or the holders thereof or upon the
happening of any specified event, and, if redeemable, the redemption price or
prices (which may be payable in the form of cash, notes, securities, or other
property), and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions upon
which, such shares shall be redeemable and the manner of redemption;

            (v) whether or not the shares of a class or series shall be subject
to the operation of retirement or sinking funds to be applied to the purchase or
redemption of such shares for retirement, and, if such retirement or sinking
fund or funds are to be established, the periodic amount thereof, and the terms
and provisions relative to the operation thereof;

            (vi) the dividend rate, whether dividends are payable in cash, stock
of the Corporation, or other property, the conditions upon which and the times
when such dividends are payable, the preference to or the relation to the
payment of dividends payable on any other class or classes or series of stock,
whether or not such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative, and if
cumulative, the date or dates from which such dividends shall accumulate;

            (vii) the preferences, if any, and the amounts thereof which the
holders of any class or series thereof shall be entitled to receive upon the
voluntary or involuntary dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets
of, the Corporation;

            (viii)whether or not the shares of any class or series, at the
option of the Corporation or the holder thereof or upon the happening of any
specified event, shall be convertible into or exchangeable for the shares of any
other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or
classes of stock, securities, or other property of the Corporation and the
conversion price or prices or ratio or ratios or the rate or rates at which such
conversion or exchange may be made, with such adjustments, if any, as shall be
stated and expressed or provided for in such resolution or resolutions; and

            (ix) any other special rights and protective provisions with respect
to any class or series as may to the board of directors of the Corporation seem
advisable.

      (c) The shares of each class or series of the Preferred Stock may vary
from the shares of any other class or series thereof in any or all of the
foregoing respects and in any other manner. The board of directors of the
Corporation may increase the number of shares of the Preferred Stock designated
for any existing class or series by a resolution adding to such class or series
authorized and unissued shares of the Preferred Stock not designated for any
other class or series. The board of directors of the Corporation may decrease
the number of shares of the Preferred Stock designated for any existing class or
series by a resolution subtracting from such class or series authorized and
unissued shares of the Preferred Stock designated for such existing class or
series, and the shares so subtracted shall become authorized, unissued, and
undesignated shares of the Preferred Stock.

                                      6

3.    General.

      (a) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the Corporation may issue shares of its Preferred Stock and
Common Stock from time to time for such consideration (not less than the par
value thereof) as may be fixed by the board of directors of the Corporation,
which is expressly authorized to fix the same in its absolute discretion subject
to the foregoing conditions. Shares so issued for which the consideration shall
have been paid or delivered to the Corporation shall be deemed fully paid stock
and shall not be liable to any further call or assessment thereon, and the
holders of such shares shall not be liable for any further payments in respect
of such shares.

      (b) The Corporation shall have authority to create and issue rights and
options entitling their holders to purchase shares of the Corporation's capital
stock of any class or series or other securities of the Corporation, and such
rights and options shall be evidenced by instrument(s) approved by the board of
directors of the Corporation. The board of directors of the Corporation shall be
empowered to set the exercise price, duration, times for exercise, and other
terms of such rights or options; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the consideration to be
received for any shares of capital stock subject thereto shall not be less than
the par value thereof.

                                  ARTICLE V.

      The number, classification, and terms of the board of directors of the
Corporation and the procedures to elect directors, to remove directors, and to
fill vacancies in the board of directors shall be as follows:

      (a) The number of directors that shall constitute the whole board of
directors shall from time to time be fixed exclusively by the board of directors
by a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole board of directors serving at
the time of that vote. In no event shall the number of directors that constitute
the whole board of directors be fewer than three. No decrease in the number of
directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent
director. Directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot
unless the by-laws of the Corporation otherwise provide.

      (b) The board of directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three
classes designated Class I, Class II, and Class III, respectively, all as nearly
equal in number as possible, with each director then in office receiving the
classification that at least a majority of the board of directors designates.
The initial term of office of directors of Class I shall expire at the annual
meeting of stockholders of the Corporation in 1997, of Class II shall expire at
the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation in 1998, and of Class III
shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation in 1999,
and in all cases as to each director until his successor is elected and
qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal. At each annual
meeting of stockholders beginning with the annual meeting of stockholders in
1997, each director elected to succeed a director whose term is then expiring
shall hold his office until the third annual meeting of stockholders after his
election and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier
death, resignation or removal. If the number of directors that constitutes the
whole board of directors is changed as permitted by this Article V, the majority
of the whole board of directors that adopts

                                      7

the change shall also fix and determine the number of directors comprising each
class; provided, however, that any increase or decrease in the number of
directors shall be apportioned among the classes as equally as possible.

      (c) Vacancies in the board of directors resulting from death, resignation,
retirement, disqualification, removal from office, or other cause and
newly-created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number
of directors may be filled by no less than a majority vote of the remaining
directors then in office, though less than a quorum, who are designated to
represent the same class or classes of stockholders that the vacant position,
when filled, is to represent or by the sole remaining director (but not by the
stockholders except as required by law), and each director so chosen shall
receive the classification of the vacant directorship to which he has been
appointed or, if it is a newly-created directorship, shall receive the
classification that at least a majority of the board of directors designates and
shall hold office until the first meeting of stockholders held after his
election for the purpose of electing directors of that classification and until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation,
or removal from office.

      (d) A director of any class of directors of the Corporation may be removed
before the expiration date of that director's term of office, only for cause, by
an affirmative vote of the holders of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the
votes of the outstanding shares of the class or classes or series of stock then
entitled to be voted at an election of directors of that class or series, voting
together as a single class, cast at the annual meeting of stockholders or at any
special meeting of stockholders called by a majority of the whole board of
directors for this purpose.

      (e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser or no
vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular
class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by
this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders
of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the votes of the outstanding shares of
the Corporation then entitled to be voted in an election of directors, voting
together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt
any provision inconsistent with, this Article V.

                                  ARTICLE VI.

      All of the power of the Corporation, insofar as it may be lawfully vested
by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the board of directors, is
hereby conferred upon the board of directors of the Corporation. In furtherance
of and not in limitation of that power or the powers conferred by law, (1) a
majority of directors then in office (or such higher percentage as may be
specified in the by-laws with respect to any provision thereof) shall have the
power to adopt, amend, and repeal the by-laws of the Corporation; (2) the
stockholders of the Corporation shall have no power to appoint or remove
directors as members of committees of the board of directors, nor to abrogate
the power of the board of directors to establish any such committees or the
power of any such committee to exercise the powers and authority of the board of
directors; (3) the stockholders of the Corporation shall have no power to elect
or remove officers of the Corporation nor to abrogate the power of the board of
directors to elect and remove officers of the Corporation; and (4)
notwithstanding any other provision of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser or no
vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular

                                      8

class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by
this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the by-laws of the Corporation shall
not be adopted, altered, amended or repealed by the stockholders of the
Corporation except in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws and by the
vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of
stock then entitled to vote upon the election of directors, voting together as a
single class, or such higher vote as is set forth in the by-laws. In the event
of a direct conflict between the by-laws of the Corporation and this Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, the provisions of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation shall be controlling. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might
otherwise permit a lesser or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of
the holders of any particular class or series of the capital stock of the
Corporation required by law or by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the
votes of the shares of the Corporation then entitled to be voted in an election
of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or
repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article VI.

                                 ARTICLE VII.

      Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the
Corporation may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting
forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having
not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize
or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon
were present and voted.

                                 ARTICLE VIII.

      Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, and any proposals
to be considered at such meetings, may be called and proposed exclusively by the
board of directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the
members of the board of directors at the time in office, and no stockholder of
the Corporation shall require the board of directors to call a special meeting
of common stockholders or to propose business at a special meeting of
stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law or regulation, no business
proposed by a stockholder to be considered at an annual meeting of the
stockholders (including the nomination of any person to be elected as a director
of the Corporation) shall be considered by the stockholders at that meeting
unless, no later than sixty (60) days before the annual meeting of stockholders
or (if later) ten days after the first public notice of that meeting is sent to
stockholders, the Corporation receives from the stockholder proposing that
business a written notice that sets forth (1) the nature of the proposed
business with reasonable particularity, including the exact text of any proposal
to be presented for adoption, and the reasons for conducting that business at
the annual meeting; (2) with respect to each such stockholder, that
stockholder's name and address (as they appear on the records of the
Corporation), business address and telephone number, residence address and
telephone number, and the number of shares of each class of stock of the
Corporation beneficially owned by that stockholder; (3) any interest of the
stockholder in the proposed business; (4) the name or names of each person
nominated by the stockholder to be elected or re-elected as a director, if any;
and (5) with respect to each nominee, that nominee's name, business address and
telephone number, and residence address and telephone number, the number of
shares, if any, of each class of stock of the Corporation owned directly and
beneficially by that nominee, and all information relating to that nominee that
is required

                                      9

to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of directors, or is
otherwise required, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (or any provision of law subsequently
replacing Regulation 14A), together with a duly acknowledged letter signed by
the nominee stating his or her acceptance of the nomination by that stockholder,
stating his or her intention to serve as director if elected, and consenting to
being named as a nominee for director in any proxy statement relating to such
election. The person presiding at the annual meeting shall determine whether
business (including the nomination of any person as a director) has been
properly brought before the meeting and, if the facts so warrant, shall not
permit any business (or voting with respect to any particular nominee) to be
transacted that has not been properly brought before the meeting.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser or no
vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular
class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by
this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders
of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the shares of the Corporation then
entitled to be voted in an election of directors, voting together as a single
class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision
inconsistent with, this Article VIII.

                                  ARTICLE IX.

      No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its
directors, officers, or stockholders or between the Corporation and any person
(as used herein "person" means any corporation, partnership, association, firm,
trust, joint venture, political subdivision, or instrumentality) or other
organization in which one or more of its directors, officers, or stockholders
are directors, officers, or stockholders, or have a financial interest, shall be
void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or
officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the board or any
committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely
because his, her, or their votes are counted for such purpose, if: (i) the
material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract
or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of directors or the
committee, and the board of directors or the committee in good faith authorizes
the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the
disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a
quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and
as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders
entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically
approved in good faith by majority vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the
contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is
authorized, approved, or ratified by the board of directors, a committee
thereof, or the stockholders. Interested directors may be counted in determining
the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a
committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

                                   ARTICLE X

      The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless any person who was, is,
or is threatened to be made a party to a proceeding (as hereinafter defined) by
reason of the fact that he or she (i) is or was a director or officer of the
Corporation or (ii) while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner,
venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent, or similar functionary of
another foreign or domestic corporation, partner ship, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, to the
fullest extent permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same
exists or may hereafter be amended. Such right shall be a contract right and as
such shall run to the benefit of any director or officer who is elected and
accepts the position of director or officer of the Corporation or elects to
continue to serve as a director or officer of the Corporation while this Article
X is in effect. Any repeal or amendment of this Article X shall be prospective
only and shall not limit the rights of any such director or officer or the
obligations of the Corporation with respect to any claim arising from or related
to the services of such director or officer in any of the foregoing capacities
prior to any such repeal or amendment to this Article X. Such right shall
include the right to be paid by the Corporation expenses incurred in defending
any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition to the maximum extent
permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended. If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses
hereunder is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a
written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time
thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of
the claim, and if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall also be
entitled to be paid the expenses of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a
defense to any such action that such indemnification or advancement of costs of
defense are not permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law, but the
burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure
of the Corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel,
or stockholders) to have made its determination prior to the commencement of
such action that in demnification of, or advancement of costs of defense to, the
claimant is permissible in the circumstances nor an actual determination by the
Corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or
stockholders) that such indemnification or advancement is not permissible shall
be a defense to the action or create a presumption that such indemnification or
advancement is not permissible. In the event of the death of any person having a
right of indemnification under the foregoing provisions, such right shall inure
to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors, administrators, and personal
representatives. The rights conferred above shall not be exclusive of any other
right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, bylaw,
resolution of stockholders or directors, agreement, or otherwise.

      The Corporation may additionally indemnify any employee or agent of the
Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

      As used herein, the term "proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or
completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
arbitrative, or investigative, any appeal in such an action, suit, or
proceeding, and any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such an action,
suit, or proceeding.

                                  ARTICLE XI

      Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the by-laws of
the Corporation shall so provide.

                                      10

                                  ARTICLE XII

      A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Any repeal or amendment of this Article XI by the stockholders
of the Corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any
limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Corporation arising
from an act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or amendment.
In addition to the circumstances in which a director of the Corporation is not
personally liable as set forth in the foregoing provisions of this Article XI, a
director shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders to such
further extent as permitted by any law hereafter enacted, including, without
limitation, any subsequent amendment to the Delaware General Corporation Law.

      4. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted
by vote of the stockholders in accordance with Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the state of Delaware.

                                      11

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Carriage Services, Inc. has caused this Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Melvin C. Payne, its
President, this 2d day of July, 1996.

                                    Carriage Services, Inc.

                                    By: \s\ MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                         Melvin C. Payne, President

                                      12


                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2
                          AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                             A Delaware Corporation

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          PAGE

ARTICLE ONE:  OFFICES........................................................1
      1.1   REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT......................................1
      1.2   OTHER OFFICES....................................................1

ARTICLE TWO:  MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS.......................................1
      2.1   ANNUAL MEETING...................................................1
      2.2   SPECIAL MEETING..................................................1
      2.3   PLACE OF MEETINGS................................................2
      2.4   NOTICE...........................................................2
      2.5   VOTING LIST......................................................2
      2.6   QUORUM...........................................................2
      2.7   REQUIRED VOTE; WITHDRAWAL OF QUORUM..............................3
      2.8   METHOD OF VOTING; PROXIES........................................3
      2.9   RECORD DATE......................................................3
      2.10  CONDUCT OF MEETING...............................................4
      2.11  INSPECTORS.......................................................4
      2.12  NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION AS A DIRECTOR...........................4

ARTICLE THREE:  DIRECTORS....................................................5
      3.1   MANAGEMENT.......................................................5
      3.2   NUMBER; QUALIFICATION; ELECTION; TERM............................5
      3.3   CHANGE IN NUMBER.................................................5
      3.4   REMOVAL..........................................................6
      3.5   VACANCIES........................................................6
      3.6   MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS............................................6
      3.7   FIRST MEETING....................................................6
      3.8   ELECTION OF OFFICERS.............................................6
      3.9   REGULAR MEETINGS.................................................6
      3.10  SPECIAL MEETINGS.................................................6
      3.11  NOTICE...........................................................6
      3.12  QUORUM; MAJORITY VOTE............................................7
      3.13  PROCEDURE........................................................7
      3.14  PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT............................................7
      3.15  COMPENSATION.....................................................7

ARTICLE FOUR:  COMMITTEES....................................................7
      4.1   DESIGNATION......................................................7
      4.2   NUMBER; QUALIFICATION; TERM......................................8
      4.3   AUTHORITY........................................................8
      4.4   COMMITTEE CHANGES................................................8

                                      i

      4.5   ALTERNATE MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES..................................8
      4.6   REGULAR MEETINGS.................................................8
      4.7   SPECIAL MEETINGS.................................................8
      4.8   QUORUM; MAJORITY VOTE............................................8
      4.9   MINUTES..........................................................9
      4.10  COMPENSATION.....................................................9
      4.11  RESPONSIBILITY...................................................9

ARTICLE FIVE:  NOTICE........................................................9
      5.1   METHOD...........................................................9
      5.2   WAIVER...........................................................9

ARTICLE SIX:  OFFICERS......................................................10
      6.1   NUMBER; TITLES; TERM OF OFFICE..................................10
      6.2   REMOVAL.........................................................10
      6.3   VACANCIES.......................................................10
      6.4   AUTHORITY.......................................................10
      6.5   COMPENSATION....................................................10
      6.6   CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD...........................................10
      6.7   CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.........................................10
      6.8   PRESIDENT.......................................................11
      6.9   VICE PRESIDENTS.................................................11
      6.10  TREASURER.......................................................11
      6.11  ASSISTANT TREASURERS............................................11
      6.12  SECRETARY.......................................................11
      6.13  ASSISTANT SECRETARIES...........................................12

ARTICLE SEVEN:  CERTIFICATES AND STOCKHOLDERS...............................12
      7.1   CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES.........................................12
      7.2   REPLACEMENT OF LOST OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES...................12
      7.3   TRANSFER OF SHARES..............................................12
      7.4   REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS.........................................13
      7.5   REGULATIONS.....................................................13
      7.6   LEGENDS.........................................................13

ARTICLE EIGHT:  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS....................................13
      8.1   DIVIDENDS.......................................................13
      8.2   RESERVES........................................................13
      8.3   BOOKS AND RECORDS...............................................13
      8.4   FISCAL YEAR.....................................................13
      8.5   SEAL. ..........................................................13
      8.6   RESIGNATIONS....................................................14
      8.7   SECURITIES OF OTHER CORPORATION.................................14
      8.8   TELEPHONE MEETINGS..............................................14
      8.9   ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING........................................14
      8.10  INVALID PROVISIONS..............................................14

                                      ii

      8.11  MORTGAGES, ETC..................................................14
      8.12  HEADINGS........................................................15
      8.13  REFERENCES......................................................15
      8.14  AMENDMENTS......................................................15

                                     iii

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

                                      OF

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                            A Delaware Corporation

                                   PREAMBLE

      These Amended and Restated By-Laws (the "by-laws") are subject to, and
governed by, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware
General Corporation Law") and the certificate of incorporation of Carriage
Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"). In the event of a
direct conflict between the provisions of these by-laws and the mandatory
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the provisions of the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, such provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation,
as the case may be, will be controlling.

                             ARTICLE ONE:  OFFICES

      1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT. The registered office and registered
agent of the Corporation shall be as designated from time to time by the
appropriate filing by the Corporation in the office of the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware.

      1.2 OTHER OFFICES. The Corporation may also have offices at such other
places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors
may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may
require.

                    ARTICLE TWO:  MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

      2.1 ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation
shall be held each calendar year on such date and at such time as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice
of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting. At such
meeting, the stockholders shall elect directors and transact such other business
as may properly be brought before the meeting.

      2.2 SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting of the stockholders of the
Corporation, and any proposals to be considered at such meetings, may be called
and proposed exclusively by the board of directors, pursuant to a resolution
approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors at the time in
office, and no stockholder of the Corporation shall require the board of
directors to call a special meeting of stockholders or to propose business at a
special meeting of stockholders. A special meeting shall be held on such date
and at such time as shall be designated by the person(s) calling the meeting and
stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of
such meeting. Only such business shall be transacted at a special meeting as may
be stated or indicated in the notice of such meeting or in a duly executed
waiver of notice of such meeting.

                                      1

      2.3 PLACE OF MEETINGS. An annual meeting of stockholders may be held at
any place within or without the State of Delaware designated by the board of
directors. A special meeting of stockholders may be held at any place within or
without the State of Delaware designated in the notice of the meeting or a duly
executed waiver of notice of such meeting. Meetings of stockholders shall be
held at the principal office of the Corporation unless another place is
designated for meetings in the manner provided herein.

      2.4 NOTICE. Written or printed notice stating the place, day, and time of
each meeting of the stockholders and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be delivered not less than ten
nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by
mail, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If such
notice is to be sent by mail, it shall be directed to such stockholder at his
address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, unless he shall have
filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices to
him be mailed to some other address, in which case it shall be directed to him
at such other address. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be
required to be given to any stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person
or by proxy and shall not, at the beginning of such meeting, object to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened, or who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a signed
waiver of notice, in person or by proxy.

      2.5 VOTING LIST. At least ten days before each meeting of stockholders,
the Secretary or other officer of the Corporation who has charge of the
Corporation's stock ledger, either directly or through another officer appointed
by him or through a transfer agent appointed by the board of directors, shall
prepare a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and number of
shares registered in the name of each stockholder. For a period of ten days
prior to such meeting, such list shall be kept on file at a place within the
city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the
notice of meeting or a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting or, if not
so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held and shall be open to
examination by any stockholder during ordinary business hours. Such list shall
be produced at such meeting and kept at the meeting at all times during such
meeting and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

      2.6 QUORUM. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote on a matter, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these by-laws. If a quorum
shall not be present, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders, the
stockholders entitled to vote thereat who are present, in person or by proxy,
or, if no stockholder entitled to vote is present, any officer of the
Corporation may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than
announcement at the meeting (unless the board of directors, after such
adjournment, fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting), until a quorum
shall be present, in person or by proxy. At any adjourned meeting at which a
quorum

                                      2

shall be present, in person or by proxy, any business may be transacted which
may have been transacted at the original meeting had a quorum been present;
provided that, if the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if after the
adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of
the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to
vote at the adjourned meeting.

      2.7 REQUIRED VOTE; WITHDRAWAL OF QUORUM. When a quorum is present at any
meeting, the vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall decide any
question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one on which, by
express provision of statute, the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, or these by-laws, a different vote is required, in which case such
express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. The
stockholders present at a duly constituted meeting may continue to transact
business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

      2.8 METHOD OF VOTING; PROXIES. At any meeting of stockholders, every
stockholder having the right to vote may vote either in person or by a proxy
executed in writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized
attorney-in-fact. Each such proxy shall be filed with the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of the meeting. No
proxy shall be valid after three years from the date of its execution, unless
otherwise provided in the proxy. If no date is stated in a proxy, such proxy
shall be presumed to have been executed on the date of the meeting at which it
is to be voted. Each proxy shall be revocable unless expressly provided therein
to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an
irrevocable power or unless otherwise made irrevocable by law.

      2.9 RECORD DATE. For the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to
notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or any adjournment thereof,
or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or
allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any
change, conversion, or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall
not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted
by the board of directors, for any such determination of stockholders, such date
in any case to be not more than 60 days and not less than ten days prior to such
meeting. If no record date is fixed:

            (a) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice
      of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of
      business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if
      notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the
      day on which the meeting is held.

            (b) The record date for determining stockholders for any other
      purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of
      directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

            (c) A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of
      or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of
      the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new
      record date for the adjourned meeting.

                                      3

      2.10 CONDUCT OF MEETING. The Chairman of the Board, if such office has
been filled, and, if not or if the Chairman of the Board is absent or otherwise
unable to act, the President shall preside at all meetings of stockholders. The
Secretary shall keep the records of each meeting of stockholders. In the absence
or inability to act of any such officer, such officer's duties shall be
performed by the officer given the authority to act for such absent or
non-acting officer under these by-laws or by a person appointed by the meeting.

      2.11 INSPECTORS. The board of directors may, in advance of any meeting of
stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at such meeting or any
adjournment thereof. If any of the inspectors so appointed shall fail to appear
or act, the chairman of the meeting shall, or if inspectors shall not have been
appointed, the chairman of the meeting may, appoint one or more inspectors. Each
inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign
an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with
strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspectors
shall determine the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation
outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at
the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the validity and effect of proxies
and shall receive votes, ballots, or consents, hear and determine all challenges
and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate
all votes, ballots, or consents, determine the results, and do such acts as are
proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On
request of the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report in
writing of any challenge, request, or matter determined by them and shall
execute a certificate of any fact found by them. No director or candidate for
the office of director shall act as an inspector of an election of directors.
Inspectors need not be stockholders.

      2.12 NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION AS A DIRECTOR. Only persons who are
nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these bylaws and
qualify for nomination pursuant to Section 3.2 shall be eligible for election by
stockholders as, and to serve as, directors. Nominations of persons for election
to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of
stockholders (a) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (b) by any
stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of
giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.12, who shall be entitled to
vote for the election of directors at the meeting and who complies with the
notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12. Such nominations, other than
those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made
pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be
timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at
the principal executive offices of the Corporation (i) with respect to an
election to be held at the annual meeting of the stockholders of the
Corporation, not less than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the
immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, and
(ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders
of the Corporation for the election of directors not later than the close of
business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date
of the special meeting was mailed to stockholders of the Corporation as provided
in Section 2.4 or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made,
whichever first occurs. Such stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set
forth (x) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for
election or re-election as a director, all information relating to such person
that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of
directors, or is otherwise required, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934,

                                      4

as amended (including such person's written consent to being named in the proxy
statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected), and (y) as to the
stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and address, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, of such stockholder and (ii) the class and number of shares
of voting stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such
stockholder. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by
the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary
of the Corporation that information required to be set forth in a stockholder's
notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee. In the event that a person
is validly designated as a nominee to the Board of Directors in accordance with
the procedures set forth in this Section 2.12 and shall thereafter become unable
or unwilling to stand for election to the Board of Directors, the Board of
Directors or the stockholder who proposed such nominee, as the case may be, may
designate a substitute nominee. Other than directors chosen pursuant to the
provisions of Section 3.5, no person shall be eligible to serve as a director of
the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in
this Section 2.12. The presiding officer of the meeting of stockholders shall,
if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was
not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these bylaws, and if he
should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective
nomination shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section 2.12, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section
2.12.

                           ARTICLE THREE:  DIRECTORS

      3.1 MANAGEMENT. The business and property of the Corporation shall be
managed by the board of directors. Subject to the restrictions imposed by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these by-laws, the board
of directors may exercise all the powers of the Corporation.

      3.2 NUMBER; QUALIFICATION; ELECTION; TERM. The number of directors which
shall constitute the entire board of directors shall be not less than three nor
more than twelve. Within the limits above specified, the number of directors
which shall constitute the entire board of directors shall be determined by
resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board of directors.
Except as otherwise required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, the directors shall be elected at an annual meeting of stockholders
at which a quorum is present. Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the
votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to
vote on the election of directors. Each director so chosen shall hold office
until his term expires as provided in the certificate of incorporation and until
his successor is elected and qualified or, if earlier, until his death,
resignation, or removal from office. None of the directors need be a stockholder
of the Corporation or a resident of the State of Delaware. Each director must
have attained the age of majority.

      3.3 CHANGE IN NUMBER. No decrease in the number of directors constituting
the entire board of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of
any incumbent director.

                                      5

      3.4 REMOVAL. Except as otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation, at any meeting of stockholders called
expressly for that purpose, any director or the entire board of directors may be
removed only for cause and only by a vote of the holders of at least eighty
percent (80%) of the shares then entitled to vote on the election of directors;

      3.5 VACANCIES. Vacancies and newly-created directorships resulting from
any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority
of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the sole
remaining director, and each director so chosen shall hold office until his term
expires as provided in the certificate of incorporation and until his successor
is elected and qualified or, if earlier, until his death, resignation, or
removal from office. If there are no directors in office, an election of
directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. Except as otherwise
provided in the certificate of incorporation, when one or more directors shall
resign from the board of directors, effective at a future date, a majority of
the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have
the power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect
when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director
so chosen shall hold office as provided in these by-laws with respect to the
filling of other vacancies.

      3.6 MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS. The directors may hold their meetings and may
have an office and keep the books of the Corporation, except as otherwise
provided by statute, in such place or places within or without the State of
Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or as shall
be specified in the notice of any such meeting or duly executed waiver of notice
of any such meeting.

      3.7 FIRST MEETING. Each newly elected board of directors may hold its
first meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of business,
if a quorum is present, immediately after and at the same place as the annual
meeting of stockholders, and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary.

      3.8 ELECTION OF OFFICERS. At the first meeting of the board of directors
after each annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum shall be present,
the board of directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation.

      3.9 REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be
held at such times and places as shall be designated from time to time by
resolution of the board of directors. Notice of such regular meetings shall not
be required.

      3.10 SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be
held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or any
director.

                                      6

      3.11 NOTICE. The Secretary shall give notice of each special meeting to
each director at least 24 hours before the meeting. Notice of any such meeting
need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the meeting,
submit a signed waiver of notice or who shall attend such meeting without
protesting, prior to or at its commencement, the lack of notice to him. Neither
the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special
meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of
notice of such meeting.

      3.12 QUORUM; MAJORITY VOTE. At all meetings of the board of directors, one
third (1/3) of the directors fixed in the manner provided in these by-laws shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any meeting of the
board of directors there be less than a quorum present, a majority of those
present or any director solely present may adjourn the meeting from time to time
without further notice. Unless the act of a greater number is required by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these by-laws, the act
of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is in
attendance shall be the act of the board of directors. At any time that the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation provides that directors elected
by the holders of a class or series of stock shall have more or less than one
vote per director on any matter, every reference in these by-laws to a majority
or other proportion of directors shall refer to a majority or other proportion
of the votes of such directors.

      3.13 PROCEDURE. At meetings of the board of directors, business shall be
transacted in such order as from time to time the board of directors may
determine. The Chairman of the Board, if such office has been filled, and, if
not or if the Chairman of the Board is absent or otherwise unable to act, the
President shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors. In the
absence or inability to act of either such officer, a chairman shall be chosen
by the board of directors from among the directors present. The Secretary of the
Corporation shall act as the secretary of each meeting of the board of directors
unless the board of directors appoints another person to act as secretary of the
meeting. The board of directors shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings
which shall be placed in the minute book of the Corporation.

      3.14 PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT. A director of the Corporation who is present
at a meeting of the board of directors at which action on any corporate matter
is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his dissent
shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his
written dissent to such action with the person acting as secretary of the
meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward any dissent by certified
or registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after the
adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director
who voted in favor of such action.

      3.15 COMPENSATION. The board of directors shall have the authority to fix
the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, paid to
directors for attendance at regular or special meetings of the board of
directors or any committee thereof; provided, that nothing contained herein
shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any
other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.

                                      7

                           ARTICLE FOUR:  COMMITTEES

      4.1 DESIGNATION. The board of directors may, by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire board of directors, designate one or more committees.

      4.2 NUMBER; QUALIFICATION; TERM. Each committee shall consist of one or
more directors appointed by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board
of directors. The number of committee members may be increased or decreased from
time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of
directors. Each committee member shall serve as such until the earliest of (i)
the expiration of his term as director, (ii) his resignation as a committee
member or as a director, or (iii) his removal as a committee member or as a
director.

      4.3 AUTHORITY. Each committee, to the extent expressly provided in the
resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all of the
authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and
property of the Corporation except to the extent expressly restricted by law,
the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these by-laws.

      4.4 COMMITTEE CHANGES. The board of directors shall have the power at any
time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to discharge any
committee.

      4.5 ALTERNATE MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES. The board of directors may designate
one or more directors as alternate members of any committee. Any such alternate
member may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the
committee. If no alternate committee members have been so appointed to a
committee or each such alternate committee member is absent or disqualified, the
member or members of such committee present at any meeting and not disqualified
from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously
appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in the
place of any such absent or disqualified member.

      4.6 REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of any committee may be held
without notice at such time and place as may be designated from time to time by
the committee and communicated to all members thereof.

      4.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of any committee may be held
whenever called by any committee member. The committee member calling any
special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting, including therein
the time and place of such special meeting, to be given to each committee member
at least two days before such special meeting. Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of any committee need be
specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting.

      4.8 QUORUM; MAJORITY VOTE. At meetings of any committee, a majority of the
number of members designated by the board of directors shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at a meeting of any
committee, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from time
to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a
quorum is present. The act of a majority of the members present at any

                                      8

meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of a committee,
unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation, these by-laws or the resolutions creating the
committee.

      4.9 MINUTES. Each committee shall cause minutes of its proceedings to be
prepared and shall report the same to the board of directors upon the request of
the board of directors. The minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall
be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute
books of the Corporation.

      4.10 COMPENSATION. Committee members may, by resolution of the board of
directors, be allowed a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for
attending any committee meetings or a stated salary.

      4.11 RESPONSIBILITY. The designation of any committee and the delegation
of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the board of directors or any
director of any responsibility imposed upon it or such director by law.

                             ARTICLE FIVE:  NOTICE

      5.1 METHOD. Whenever by statute, the certificate of incorporation of the
Corporation, or these by-laws, notice is required to be given to any committee
member, director, or stockholder and no provision is made as to how such notice
shall be given, personal notice shall not be required and any such notice may be
given (a) in writing, by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such committee
member, director, or stockholder at his address as it appears on the books (or
in the case of a stockholder, the stock transfer records of the Corporation), or
(b) by any other method permitted by law (including but not limited to overnight
courier service, telegram, telex, or telefax). Any notice required or permitted
to be given by mail shall be deemed to be delivered and given upon the time when
the same is deposited in the United States; provided that, with respect to any
notice given to a director by mail, the Corporation shall telefax or send by
overnight courier a copy of such notice (the "Concurrent Mail Notice"), on the
same day that such notice is deposited in the mail, to a fax number or street
address previously provided by a director in writing to the Corporation; and
provided further, however, that failure of a director to receive the Concurrent
Mail Notice shall not affect the validity of the notice given by mail. Any
notice required or permitted to be given by overnight courier service shall be
deemed to be delivered and given upon the time delivered to such service with
all charges prepaid and addressed as aforesaid; provided that, with respect to
any notice given to a director by overnight courier service, the Corporation
shall telefax a copy of such notice (the "Concurrent Courier Notice"), on the
same day that such notice is deposited with the courier service, to a fax number
previously provided by a director in writing to the Corporation; and provided
further, however, that failure of a director to receive the Concurrent Courier
Notice shall not affect the validity of the notice given by overnight courier
service. Any notice required or permitted to be given by telegram, telex, or
telefax shall be deemed to be delivered and given upon the time transmitted as
aforesaid.

                                      9

      5.2 WAIVER. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any
stockholder, director, or committee member of the Corporation by statute, the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, or these by-laws, a waiver
thereof in writing signed by the person or person entitled to such notice,
whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the
giving of such notice. Attendance of a stockholder, director, or committee
member at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except
where such person attends for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.

                            ARTICLE SIX:  OFFICERS

      6.1 NUMBER; TITLES; TERM OF OFFICE. The officers of the Corporation shall
be a President, a Secretary, and such other officers as the board of directors
may from time to time elect or appoint, including, without limitation, a
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Presidents
(with each Vice President to have such descriptive title, if any, as the board
of directors shall determine), and a Treasurer. Each officer shall hold office
until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, until
his death, or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner
hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
None of the officers need be a stockholder or a director of the Corporation or a
resident of the state of Delaware.

      6.2 REMOVAL. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the board of
directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the
best interest of the Corporation will be served thereby, but such removal shall
be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.
Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create
contract rights.

      6.3 VACANCIES. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation (by
death, resignation, removal or otherwise) may be filled by the board of
directors.

      6.4 AUTHORITY. Officers shall have such authority and perform such duties
in the management of the Corporation as are provided in these by-laws or as may
be determined by resolution of the board of directors not inconsistent with
these by-laws.

      6.5 COMPENSATION. The compensation, if any, of officers and agents shall
be fixed from time to time by the board of directors; provided, however, that
the board of directors may delegate the power to determine the compensation of
any officer and agent (other than the officer to whom such power is delegated)
to a committee of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the
President.

      6.6 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board shall have such
powers and duties as may be reasonably prescribed by the board of directors.
Such officer shall preside, if present, at all meetings of the stockholders and
of the board of directors. Such officer may sign all certificates for shares of
stock of the Corporation.

                                      10

      6.7 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Chief Executive Officer shall have
general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation and shall have general and
active control of all its business. He shall preside, in the absence of the
Chairman of the Board, at all meetings of stockholders. He shall see that all
orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and the stockholders are
carried into effect. He shall have general executive charge, management, and
control of the properties and operations of the Corporation in the ordinary
course of its business, with all such powers with respect to such properties and
operations as may be reasonably incident to such responsibility, and shall have
such powers and authority usually appertaining to the chief executive officer of
a corporation, except as otherwise provided in these by-laws.

      6.8 PRESIDENT. The President shall have such powers and duties as may be
assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer. If the board of directors has
not elected a Chief Executive Officer or in the absence or inability to act of
the Chief Executive Officer, the President shall exercise all of the powers and
discharge all of the duties of the Chief Executive Officer. As between the
Corporation and third parties, any action taken by the President in the
performance of the duties of the Chief Executive Officer shall be conclusive
evidence that there is no Chief Executive Officer or that the Chief Executive
Officer is absent or unable to act.

      6.9 VICE PRESIDENTS. Each Vice President shall have such powers and duties
as may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer
or the President, and (in order of their seniority as determined by the board of
directors or, in the absence of such determination, as determined by the length
of time they have held the office of Vice President) shall exercise the powers
of the President during that officer's absence or inability to act. As between
the Corporation and third parties, any action taken by a Vice President in the
performance of the duties of the President shall be conclusive evidence of the
absence or inability to act of the President at the time such action was taken.

      6.10 TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have custody of the Corporation's
funds and securities, shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and
disbursements, shall deposit all monies and valuable effects in the name and to
the credit of the Corporation in such depository or depositories as may be
designated by the board of directors, and shall perform such other duties as may
be prescribed by the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the
President.

      6.11 ASSISTANT TREASURERS. Each Assistant Treasurer shall have such powers
and duties as may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the Chief
Executive Officer or the President. The Assistant Treasurers (in the order of
their seniority as determined by the board of directors or, in the absence of
such a determination, as determined by the length of time they have held the
office of Assistant Treasurer) shall exercise the powers of the Treasurer during
that officer's absence or inability to act.

      6.12 SECRETARY. Except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, the
Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the board of directors and
of the stockholders in books provided for that purpose, and he shall attend to
the giving and service of all notices. He may sign with the Chairman of the
Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, in the name of the
Corporation, all contracts of the Corporation and affix the seal of the
Corporation thereto. He may sign with the Chairman of the Board, the Chief
Executive Officer or the President all

                                      11

certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, and he shall have charge of
the certificate books, transfer books, and stock papers as the board of
directors may direct, all of which shall at all reasonable times be open to
inspection by any director upon application at the office of the Corporation
during business hours. He shall in general perform all duties incident to the
office of the Secretary, subject to the control of the board of directors, the
Chief Executive Officer, and the President.

      6.13 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. Each Assistant Secretary shall have such
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the board of directors, the Chief
Executive Officer or the President. The Assistant Secretaries (in the order of
their seniority as determined by the board of directors or, in the absence of
such a determination, as determined by the length of time they have held the
office of Assistant Secretary) shall exercise the powers of the Secretary during
that officer's absence or inability to act.

                 ARTICLE SEVEN:  CERTIFICATES AND STOCKHOLDERS

      7.1 CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES. Certificate for shares of stock of the
Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the board of
directors. The certificates shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board or the
President or a Vice President and also by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary or by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer. Any and all signatures
on the certificate may be a facsimile and may be sealed with the seal of the
Corporation or a facsimile thereof. If any officer, transfer agent, or registrar
who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon, a certificate
has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such
certificate is issued, such certificate may be issued by the Corporation with
the same effect as if her were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the
date of issue. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered and shall be
entered in the books of the Corporation as they are issued and shall exhibit the
holder's name and the number of shares.

      7.2 REPLACEMENT OF LOST OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES. The board of directors
may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of a
certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation and alleged to
have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming the certificate or certificates representing shares to be lost
or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates
the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to
the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or
certificates, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner
as it shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond with a surety or
sureties satisfactory to the Corporation in such sum as it may direct as
indemnity against any claim, or expense resulting from a claim, that may be made
against the Corporation with respect to the certificate or certificates alleged
to have been lost or destroyed.

      7.3 TRANSFER OF SHARES. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be
transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the holders thereof in
person or by their duly authorized

                                      12

attorneys or legal representatives. Upon surrender to the Corporation or the
transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate representing shares duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment, or
authority to transfer, the Corporation or its transfer agent shall issue a new
certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate, and
record the transaction upon its books.

      7.4 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat
the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact
thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other
claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person,
whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as
otherwise provided by law.

      7.5 REGULATIONS. The board of directors shall have the power and authority
to make all such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient concerning the
issue, transfer, and registration or the replacement of certificates for shares
of stock of the Corporation.

      7.6 LEGENDS. The board of directors shall have the power and authority to
provide that certificates representing shares of stock bear such legends as the
board of directors deems appropriate to assure that the Corporation does not
become liable for violations of federal or state securities laws or other
applicable law.

                   ARTICLE EIGHT:  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

      8.1 DIVIDENDS. Subject to provisions of law and the certificate of
incorporation of the Corporation, dividends may be declared by the board of
directors at any regular or special meeting and may be paid in cash, in
property, or in shares of stock of the Corporation. Such declaration and payment
shall be at the discretion of the board of directors.

      8.2 RESERVES. There may be created by the board of directors out of funds
of the Corporation legally available therefor such reserve or reserves as the
directors from time to time, in their discretion, consider proper to provide for
contingencies, to equalize dividends, or to repair or maintain any property of
the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the board of directors shall
consider beneficial to the Corporation, and the board of directors may modify or
abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

      8.3 BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete
books and records of account, shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its
stockholders and board of directors and shall keep at its registered office or
principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or
registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names and addresses of all
stockholders and the number and class of the shares held by each.

      8.4 FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the
board of directors; provided, that if such fiscal year is not fixed by the board
of directors and the selection of the fiscal year is not expressly deferred by
the board of directors, the fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

                                      13

      8.5 SEAL. The seal of the Corporation shall be such as from time to time
may be approved by the board of directors.

      8.6 RESIGNATIONS. Any director, committee member, or officer may resign by
so stating at any meeting of the board of directors or by giving written notice
to the board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President, or the
Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or,
if no time is specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Unless otherwise
specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to
make it effective.

      8.7 SECURITIES OF OTHER CORPORATION. The Chairman of the Board, the
President, or any Vice President of the Corporation shall have the power and
authority to transfer, endorse for transfer, vote, consent, or take any other
action with respect to any securities of another issuer which may be held or
owned by the Corporation and to make, execute, and deliver any waiver, proxy, or
consent with respect to any such securities.

      8.8 TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Stockholders (acting for themselves or through a
proxy), members of the board of directors, and members of a committee of the
board of directors may participate in and hold a meeting of such stockholders,
board of directors, or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which persons participating in the meeting
can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this section
shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except where a person
participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.

      8.9 ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Unless otherwise restricted by the
certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or by these by-laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders of the
Corporation, the board of directors, or of any committee of the board of
directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the number of stockholders
required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, all the
directors or all the committee members, as the case may be, entitled to vote
with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same
force and effect as a vote of such stockholders, directors or committee members,
as the case may be, and may be stated as such in any certificate or document
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or in any certificate
delivered to any person. Such consent or consents shall be filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the stockholders, board or committee, as the case may
be.

      8.10 INVALID PROVISIONS. If any part of these by-laws shall be held
invalid or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, so far as it is
possible and reasonable, shall remain valid and operative.

      8.11 MORTGAGES, ETC. With respect to any deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or
other instrument executed by the Corporation through its duly authorized officer
or officers, the

                                      14

attestation to such execution by the Secretary of the Corporation shall not be
necessary to constitute such deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument
a valid and binding obligation against the Corporation unless the resolutions,
if any, of the board of directors authorizing such execution expressly state
that such attestation is necessary.

      8.12 HEADINGS. The headings used in these by-laws have been inserted for
administrative convenience only and do not constitute matter to be construed in
interpretation.

      8.13 REFERENCES. Whenever herein the singular number is used, the same
shall include the plural where appropriate, and words of any gender shall
include each other gender where appropriate.

      8.14 AMENDMENTS. These by-laws may be altered, amended, or repealed or new
by-laws may be adopted by the board of directors, or by the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of the Corporation then
entitled to be voted in an election of directors, voting together as a single
class.

      The undersigned, the Secretary of the Corporation, hereby certifies that
the foregoing by-laws were adopted by unanimous consent by the directors of the
Corporation as of July 2, 1996.

                                                 \s\ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                                 Mark W. Duffey, Secretary

                                      15


                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1
                              INCORPORATED UNDER THE
                         LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

NUMBER                           C A R R I A G E                          SHARES
                                    SERVICES
THIS CERTIFICATE IS                                         CUSIP 143905-10-7
 TRANSFERABLE IN                                         SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN
NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                             DEFINITIONS

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK

THIS CERTIFIES THAT



is the owner of

                FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF CLASS A
                   COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE, OF

Carriage Services, Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the
holder hereof in person or by a duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this
certificate properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid until countersigned
by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

        Witness the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers.

                                         Countersigned and Registered:
                                               _____________________________
                                                   Transfer Agent and Registrar
Dated:

                                        By
President         Secretary                       Authorized Signature

                            CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

     The Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so
requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof which
the Corporation is authorized to issue and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Any such request should be
addressed to the Corporation at its principal place of business or to the
Transfer Agent.

     The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM -as tenants in common           UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -......Custodian......
TEN ENT -as tenants by the entireties                      (Cust)        (Minor)
JT TEN  -as joint tenants with right of                   under Uniform Gifts to
         survivorship and not as tenants                         Minors Act
         in common                                         .....................
                                                                    (State)

     Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

     For Value Received, ______________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer
     unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
  IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
      (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP OR POSTAL
                               CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
of the Class A Common Stock represented by the within certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint
_______________________________________________________________________ Attorney
to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated, _______________________

                                                X ______________________________
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO
THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND
WITH THE NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON
THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVE-
RY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTER-
ATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY
CHANGE WHATEVER.

                                                x ______________________________

                                                 ALL GUARANTEES MUST BE MADE BY
                                                 A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SUCH
                                                 AS A BANK OR BROKER) WHICH IS A
                                                 PARTICIPANT IN THE SECURITIES
                                                 TRANSFER AGENTS MEDALLION
                                                 PROGRAM ("STAMP"), THE NEW YORK
                                                 STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. MEDALLION
                                                 SIGNATURE PROGRAM ("MSP"), OR
                                                 THE STOCK EXCHANGES MEDALLION
                                                 PROGRAM ("SEMP") AND MUST NOT
                                                 BE DATED. GUARANTEES BY A
                                                 NOTARY PUBLIC ARE NOT
                                                 ACCEPTABLE.



                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
                       [Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Letterhead]

                                  July 16, 1996

Carriage Services, Inc.
1300 Post Oak Blvd.
Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77056

Gentlemen:

      We are acting as counsel for Carriage Services, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed offer and sale by
the Company to the Underwriters (the "Underwriters"), pursuant to the prospectus
forming a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-05545,
originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "S.E.C.") on
June 7, 1996 (such Registration Statement, as amended at the effective date
thereof being referred to herein as the "Registration Statement"), of an
aggregate of 3,400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
("Common Stock"), of the Company, together with a maximum of 510,000 shares of
Common Stock which may be sold to the Underwriters pursuant to the
over-allotment option provided in the Purchase Agreement and such additional
shares of Common Stock, representing up to 20% of the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the Registration Statement, which may be sold to the
Underwriters and which would be registered with the S.E.C. pursuant to Rule
462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), (collectively, said shares of Common Stock are referred to herein as the
"Shares"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set
forth in the Registration Statement.

      We are rendering this opinion as of the time the Registration Statement
becomes effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act.

      In connection with the opinion expressed herein, we have examined, among
other things, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, the records of corporate proceedings
that have occurred prior to the date hereof with respect to such offering, the
Registration Statement and the form of Purchase Agreement to be executed among
the Company, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and The Chicago
Corporation, as Representatives of the several Underwriters. We have also
reviewed such questions of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate.

      Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares proposed
to be sold by the Company to the Underwriters have been validly authorized for
issuance and, upon the issuance and delivery thereof in accordance with the
provisions of the Purchase Agreement (assuming that it is executed in the form
reviewed by us), and as set forth in the Registration Statement, will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

      This opinion is limited in all respects to the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware.

      We hereby consent to the statements with respect to us under the heading
"Legal Matters" in the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement
and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
and the incorporation by reference of this opinion and consent in a registration
statement filed to register additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule
462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, but we don not thereby admit that
were are within the class of persons whose consent is required under the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued thereunder.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          \s\ VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1
================================================================================

                        CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

                           1995 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

                                 JULY 1, 1995

================================================================================

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
ARTICLE I.  GENERAL........................................................  1
      Section 1.1.  PURPOSE................................................  1
      Section 1.2.  ADMINISTRATION.........................................  1
      Section 1.3.  ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION..........................  1
      Section 1.4.  TYPES OF AWARDS UNDER PLAN.............................  2
      Section 1.5.  AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON AWARDS.........................  2
      Section 1.6.  EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF PLAN........................  3

ARTICLE II.  STOCK OPTIONS.................................................  3
      Section 2.1.  AWARD OF STOCK OPTIONS.................................  3
      Section 2.2.  STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS................................  3
      Section 2.3.  STOCK OPTION PRICE.....................................  3
      Section 2.4.  TERM AND EXERCISE......................................  3
      Section 2.5.  MANNER OF PAYMENT......................................  3
      Section 2.6.  DELIVERY OF SHARES.....................................  4
      Section 2.7.  DEATH, RETIREMENT AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
                      OF OPTIONEE..........................................  4
      Section 2.8.  TAX ELECTION...........................................  4
      Section 2.9.  EFFECT OF EXERCISE.....................................  4

ARTICLE III.  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS .....................................  5
      Section 3.1.  AWARD OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.......................  5
      Section 3.2.  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS......................  5
      Section 3.3.  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PRICE...........................  5
      Section 3.4.  TERM AND EXERCISE......................................  5
      Section 3.5.  MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION GRANT.........  5
      Section 3.6.  DEATH OF OPTIONEE......................................  5
      Section 3.7.  RETIREMENT OR DISABILITY...............................  5
      Section 3.8.  TERMINATION FOR OTHER REASONS..........................  6
      Section 3.9.  APPLICABILITY OF STOCK OPTIONS SECTIONS................  6

ARTICLE IV.  RELOAD OPTIONS ...............................................  6
      Section 4.1.  AUTHORIZATION OF RELOAD OPTIONS........................  6
      Section 4.2.  RELOAD OPTION AMENDMENT................................  6
      Section 4.3.  RELOAD OPTION PRICE....................................  6
      Section 4.4.  TERM AND EXERCISE......................................  6
      Section 4.5.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT..............................  6
      Section 4.6.  APPLICABILITY OF STOCK OPTIONS SECTIONS................  7

ARTICLE V.  ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS .................................  7
      Section 5.1.  AWARD OF ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.................  7
      Section 5.2.  ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT................  7
      Section 5.3.  EXERCISE...............................................  7
      Section 5.4.  AMOUNT OF PAYMENT......................................  7
      Section 5.5.  FORM OF PAYMENT........................................  7
      Section 5.6.  EFFECT OF EXERCISE.....................................  7
      Section 5.7.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, RETIREMENT, DEATH
                      OR DISABILITY........................................  7

                                     -i-

ARTICLE VI.  LIMITED RIGHTS ...............................................  8
      Section 6.1.  AWARD OF LIMITED RIGHTS................................  8
      Section 6.2.  LIMITED RIGHTS AGREEMENT...............................  8
      Section 6.3.  EXERCISE PERIOD........................................  8
      Section 6.4.  AMOUNT OF PAYMENT......................................  8
      Section 6.5.  FORM OF PAYMENT........................................  8
      Section 6.6.  EFFECT OF EXERCISE.....................................  9
      Section 6.7.  RETIREMENT OR DISABILITY...............................  9
      Section 6.8.  DEATH OF OPTIONEE OR TERMINATION FOR OTHER REASONS.....  9
      Section 6.9.  TERMINATION RELATED TO A CHANGE IN CONTROL.............  9

ARTICLE VII.  BONUS STOCK AWARDS...........................................  9
      Section 7.1.  AWARD OF BONUS STOCK...................................  9
      Section 7.2.  STOCK BONUS AGREEMENTS.................................  9
      Section 7.3.  TRANSFER RESTRICTION...................................  9

ARTICLE VIII.  MISCELLANEOUS ..............................................  9
      Section 8.1.  GENERAL RESTRICTION....................................  9
      Section 8.2.  NON-ASSIGNABILITY.....................................  10
      Section 8.3.  WITHHOLDING TAXES.....................................  10
      Section 8.4.  RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT.......................... 10
      Section 8.5.  NON-UNIFORM DETERMINATIONS............................. 10
      Section 8.6.  RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER................................ 10
      Section 8.7.  DEFINITIONS............................................ 10
      Section 8.8.  LEAVES OF ABSENCE...................................... 11
      Section 8.9.  NEWLY ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES............................... 11
      Section 8.10. ADJUSTMENTS............................................ 11
      Section 8.11. CHANGES IN THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STRUCTURE............. 11
      Section 8.12. AMENDMENT OF THIS PLAN................................. 12

                                     -ii-

                        CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

                           1995 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

                              ARTICLE I.  GENERAL

      Section 1.1. PURPOSE. The purposes of this Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan") are to: (1) closely associate the interests of the management of
Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and its
subsidiaries and affiliates (the Company, together with its subsidiaries and
affiliates, being hereafter collectively referred to as "Carriage") with the
shareholders of the Company to generate an increased incentive to contribute to
the Company's future success and prosperity, thus enhancing the value of the
Company for the benefit of its shareholders; (2) provide management with a
proprietary ownership interest in the Company commensurate with Carriage's
performance, as reflected in increased shareholder value; (3) maintain
competitive compensation levels thereby attracting and retaining highly
competent and talented directors and employees; and (4) provide an incentive to
management for continuous employment with Carriage.

      Section 1.2.  ADMINISTRATION.

            (a) This Plan shall be administered by a Committee of disinterested
      persons appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the
      "Committee"), as constituted from time to time. The Committee shall
      consist of at least one member of the Board of Directors. During the
      one-year prior to commencement of service on the Committee, the Committee
      members will not have participated in, and while serving and for one year
      after serving on the Committee, such members shall not be eligible for
      selection as, persons to whom stock may be allocated or to whom stock
      options or stock appreciation rights may be granted under this Plan or any
      other discretionary plan of the Company under which participants are
      entitled to acquire stock, stock options, or stock appreciation rights of
      the Company other than the automatic grant of nondiscretionary awards as
      provided in Article VII.

            (b) The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion
and from time to time to:

                  (i) designate the employees or classes of employees of
            Carriage and other persons who are eligible to participate in this
            Plan;

                  (ii) grant awards ("Awards") provided in this Plan in such
            form and amount as the Committee shall determine;

                  (iii) impose such limitations, restrictions, and conditions,
            not inconsistent with this Plan, upon any such Award as the
            Committee shall deem appropriate; and

                  (iv) interpret this Plan and any agreement, instrument, or
            other document executed in connection with this Plan; adopt, amend,
            and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan; and make
            all other determinations and take all other action necessary or
            advisable for the implementation and administration of this Plan.

            (c) Decisions and determinations of the Committee on all matters
      relating to this Plan shall be in its sole discretion and shall be final,
      conclusive, and binding upon all persons, including the Company, any
      participant, any shareholder of the Company, and any employee of Carriage.
      A majority of the members of the Committee may determine its actions and
      fix the time and place of its meetings. No member of the Committee shall
      be liable for any action taken or decision made in good faith relating to
      this Plan or any Award thereunder.

      Section 1.3. ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION. Participants in this Plan
("Participants") shall be selected by the Committee from the directors,
executive officers and other employees of Carriage who are responsible for or
contribute to the management, growth, success and, profitability of Carriage,
and from persons (not otherwise

                                     -1-

specified above) who are former owners of funeral homes or cemeteries that have
been acquired by Carriage. In making this selection and in determining the form
and amount of Awards, the Committee shall consider any factors deemed relevant,
including the individual's functions, responsibilities, value of services to
Carriage, and past and potential contributions to Carriage's profitability and
growth.

      Section 1.4. TYPES OF AWARDS UNDER PLAN. Awards under this Plan may be in
the form of any or more of the following:

            (i)   Stock Options, as described in Article II;

           (ii)   Incentive Stock Options, as described in Article III;

          (iii)   Reload Options, as described in Article IV;

           (iv)   Alternate Appreciation Rights, as described in Article V;

            (v)   Limited Rights, as described in Article VI; and/or

           (vi)   Stock Bonus Awards,as described in Article VII.

Awards under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement between the
Company and the recipient of the Award ("Award Agreement"), in form and
substance satisfactory to the Committee, and not inconsistent with this Plan.

      Section 1.5.  AGGREGATE LIMITATION ON AWARDS.

            (a) Shares of stock which may be issued under this Plan shall be
      authorized and unissued or treasury shares of Common Stock $.01 par value,
      of the Company ("Common Stock"). The maximum number of shares of Common
      Stock which may be issued under this Plan shall be 500,000, which number
      shall be increased on January 1 of each calendar year, commencing on
      January 1, 1997 and continuing each calendar year thereafter for the
      duration of this Plan, by an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the
      number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the
      preceding calendar year. The number of shares which may be issued under
      this Plan and as to which options may be granted shall be subject to
      adjustment as provided in Section 8.11.

            (b) For purposes of calculating the maximum number of shares of
      Common Stock that may be issued under this Plan:

                   (i) all the shares issued (including the shares, if any,
            withheld for tax withholding requirements) shall be counted when
            cash is used as full payment for shares issued upon exercise of a
            Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or Reload Option;

                  (ii) only the shares issued (including the shares, if any,
            withheld for tax withholding requirements) as a result of an
            exercise of Alternate Appreciation Rights shall be counted; and

                 (iii) only the net shares issued (including the shares, if any,
            withheld for tax withholding requirements) shall be counted when
            shares of Common Stock or another Award under this Plan are used or
            withheld as full or partial payment for shares issued upon exercise
            of a Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or Reload Option.

                                     -2-

            (c) In addition to shares of Common Stock actually issued pursuant
      to the exercise of Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Reload Options,
      or Alternate Appreciation Rights, there shall be deemed to have been
      issued a number of shares equal to the number of shares of Common Stock in
      respect of which Limited Rights (as described in Article VI) shall have
      been exercised.

            (d) Shares tendered by a participant or withheld as payment for
      shares issued upon exercise of a Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or
      Reload Option shall be available for issuance under this Plan. Any shares
      of Common Stock subject to a Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or
      Reload Option that for any reason is terminated unexercised or expires
      shall again be available for issuance under this Plan, but shares subject
      to a Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or Reload Option that are not
      issued as a result of the exercise of Limited Rights shall not again be
      available for issuance under this Plan.

      Section 1.6.  EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF PLAN.

            (a) This Plan shall become effective on the date approved by the
      holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to one or
      more written consents or at an annual or special meeting of shareholders
      of the Company, in either event within twelve (12) months after this Plan
      is adopted by its Board of Directors.

            (b) No Awards shall be made under this Plan after the tenth
      anniversary of the effective date of this Plan; provided, however, that
      this Plan and all Awards made under this Plan prior to such date shall
      remain in effect until such Awards have been satisfied or terminated in
      accordance with this Plan and the terms of such Awards.

                           ARTICLE II. STOCK OPTIONS

      Section 2.1. AWARD OF STOCK OPTIONS. The Committee may from time to time,
and subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions
as the Committee may prescribe, grant to any participant in this Plan one or
more options to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock ("Stock Options")
allotted by the Committee. The date a Stock Option is granted shall mean the
date selected by the Committee as of which the Committee allots a specific
number of shares to a participant pursuant to this Plan.

      Section 2.2. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS. The grant of a Stock Option shall be
evidenced by a written Award Agreement, executed by the Company and the holder
of a Stock Option (the "Optionee"), stating the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to the Stock Option evidenced thereby, and in such form as the Committee
may from time to time determine.

      Section 2.3. STOCK OPTION PRICE. The option price per share of Common
Stock deliverable upon the exercise of a Stock Option shall be an amount
selected by the Committee and shall not be less than 100% of the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Stock Option is granted.

      Section 2.4. TERM AND EXERCISE. A Stock Option shall not be exercisable
prior to six months from the date of its grant and unless a shorter period is
provided by the Committee or by another Section of this Plan, may be exercised
during a period of ten years from the date of grant thereof (the "Option Term").
No Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of its Option Term.

      Section 2.5. MANNER OF PAYMENT. Each Award Agreement providing for Stock
Options shall set forth the procedure governing the exercise of the Stock Option
granted thereunder, and shall provide that, upon such exercise in respect of any
shares of Common Stock subject thereto, the Optionee shall pay to the Company,
in full, the option price for such shares with cash, or with previously owned
Common Stock, or at the discretion of the Committee, in whole or in part with,
the surrender of another Award under this Plan, the withholding of shares of
Common Stock

                                     -3-

issuable upon exercise of such Stock Option, other property, or any combination
thereof (each based on the fair market value of such Common Stock, Award or
other property on the date the Stock Option is exercised as determined by the
Committee).

      Section 2.6. DELIVERY OF SHARES. As soon as practicable after receipt of
payment, the Company shall deliver to the Optionee a certificate or certificates
for such shares of Common Stock. The Optionee shall become a shareholder of the
Company with respect to Common Stock represented by share certificates so issued
and as such shall be fully entitled to receive dividends, to vote and to
exercise all other rights of a shareholder.

      Section 2.7. DEATH, RETIREMENT AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF OPTIONEE.
Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or otherwise agreed to by the
Committee:

            (a) Upon the death of the Optionee, any rights to the extent
      exercisable on the date of death may be exercised by the Optionee's
      estate, or by a person who acquires the right to exercise such Stock
      Option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the
      Optionee, provided that such exercise occurs within both the remaining
      effective term of the Stock Option and one year after the Optionee's
      death. The provisions of this Section shall apply notwithstanding the fact
      that the Optionee's employment may have terminated prior to death, but
      only to the extent of any rights exercisable on the date of death.
            (b) Upon termination of the Optionee's employment by reason of
      retirement or permanent disability (as each is determined by the
      Committee), the Optionee may, within up to a maximum of 36 months from the
      date of termination (or such shorter period of time as may be determined
      by the Committee in any instance, as reflected in each Optionee's Award
      Agreement), exercise any Stock Options to the extent such options are
      exercisable during such 36-month period.

            (c) Except as provided in Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section
      2.7, or except as otherwise determined by the Committee, all Stock Options
      shall terminate three months after the date of the termination of the
      Optionee's employment (or such shorter period of time as may be determined
      by the Committee in any instance, as reflected in each Optionee's Award
      Agreement).

      Section 2.8. TAX ELECTION. Provided that the Company is a "reporting
company" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, at the time of
exercise of a Stock Option, recipients of Stock Options who are directors or
executive officers of the Company or who own more than 10% of the Common Stock
of the Company ("Section 16(a) Option Holders") at the time of exercise of a
Stock Option may elect, in lieu of paying to the Company an amount required to
be withheld under applicable tax laws in connection with the exercise of a Stock
Option in whole or in part, to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock
having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. Such
election may not be made prior to six months following the grant of the Stock
Option, except in the event of a Section 16(a) Option Holder's death or
disability. The election may be made at the time the Stock Option is exercised
by notifying the Company of the election, specifying the amount of such
withholding and the date on which the number of shares to be withheld is to be
determined ("Tax Date"), which shall be either (i) the date the Stock Option is
exercised or (ii) a date six months after the Stock Option was granted, if
later. The number of shares of Common Stock to be withheld to satisfy the tax
obligation shall be the amount of such tax liability divided by the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the Tax Date (or if not a business day, on the next
closest business day). If the Tax Date is not the exercise date, the Company may
issue the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Section 16(a)
Option Holder is entitled, and such option holder shall be obligated to tender
to the Company on the Tax Date a number of such shares necessary to satisfy the
withholding obligation. Certificates representing such shares of Common Stock
shall bear a legend describing such Section 16(a) Option Holders obligation
hereunder.

      Section 2.9. EFFECT OF EXERCISE. The exercise of any Stock Option shall
cancel that number of related Alternate Appreciation Rights and/or Limited
Rights, if any, that is equal to the number of shares of Common Stock

                                     -4-

purchased pursuant to said option unless otherwise agreed by the Committee in an
Award Agreement or otherwise.

                    ARTICLE III.  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS

      Section 3.1. AWARD OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. The Committee may, from
time to time and subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and
conditions as the Committee may prescribe, grant to any participant in this Plan
one or more "incentive stock options" (intended to qualify as such under the
provisions of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") ("Incentive Stock Options") to purchase the number of shares of Common
Stock allotted by the Committee. The date an Incentive Stock Option is granted
shall mean the date selected by the Committee as of which the Committee allots a
specific number of shares to a participant pursuant to this Plan.

      Section 3.2. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS. The grant of an Incentive
Stock Option shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement, executed by the
Company and the holder of an Incentive Stock Option (the "Optionee"), stating
the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option
evidenced thereby, and in such form as the Committee may from time to time
determine.

      Section 3.3. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PRICE. The option price per share of
Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option shall be
at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date
the Incentive Stock Option is granted; provided, however, the option price per
share of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option
granted to any owner of 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company and its subsidiaries shall be at least 110% of
the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Incentive Stock
Option is granted.

      Section 3.4. TERM AND EXERCISE. Each Incentive Stock Option shall not be
exercisable prior to six months from the date of its grant and, unless a shorter
period is provided by the Committee or another Section of this Plan, may be
exercised during a period of ten years from the date of grant thereof (the
"Option Term"). No Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the
expiration of its Option Term.

      Section 3.5. MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION GRANT. The aggregate
fair market value (determined on the date the option is granted) of Common Stock
subject to an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee by the Committee in
any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.

      Section 3.6.  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.

            (a) Upon the death of the Optionee, any Incentive Stock Option
      exercisable on the date of death may be exercised by the Optionee's estate
      or by a person who acquires the right to exercise such Incentive Stock
      Option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the
      Optionee, provided that such exercise occurs within both the remaining
      option term of the Incentive Stock Option and one year after the
      Optionee's death.

            (b) The provisions of this Section shall apply notwithstanding the
      fact that the Optionee's employment may have terminated prior to death,
      but only to the extent of any Incentive Stock Options exercisable on the
      date of death.

      Section 3.7. RETIREMENT OR DISABILITY. Upon the termination of the
Optionee's employment by reason of permanent disability or retirement (as each
is determined by the Committee), the Optionee may, within 36 months from the
date of such termination of employment (or such shorter period of time as may be
determined by the Committee in any instance, as reflected in each Optionee's
Award Agreement), exercise any Incentive Stock Options to the extent such
Incentive Stock Options were exercisable at the date of such termination of
employment.

                                     -5-

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax treatment available pursuant to Section
422 of the Code upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option will not be
available to an Optionee who exercises any Incentive Stock Options more than (i)
12 months after the date of termination of employment due to permanent
disability or (ii) three months after the date of termination of employment due
to retirement.

      Section 3.8. TERMINATION FOR OTHER REASONS. Except as provided in Sections
3.6 and 3.7 or except as otherwise determined by the Committee, all Incentive
Stock Options shall terminate three months after the date of the termination of
the Optionee's employment (or such shorter period of time as may be determined
by the Committee in any instance, as reflected in each Optionee's Award
Agreement).

      Section 3.9. APPLICABILITY OF STOCK OPTIONS SECTIONS. Sections 2.5, Manner
of Payment; 2.6, Delivery of Shares; 2.8, Tax Elections and 2.9, Effect of
Exercise, applicable to Stock Options, shall apply equally to Incentive Stock
Options. Such Sections are incorporated by reference in this Article III as
though fully set forth herein.

                         ARTICLE IV.  RELOAD OPTIONS

      Section 4.1. AUTHORIZATION OF RELOAD OPTIONS. Concurrently with or
subsequent to the award of Stock Options and/or the award of Incentive Stock
Options to any participant in this Plan, the Committee may authorize reload
options ("Reload Options") to purchase shares of Common Stock. The number of
Reload Options shall equal (i) the number of shares of Common Stock used to pay
the exercise price of the underlying Stock Options or Incentive Stock Options
and (ii) to the extent authorized by the Committee, the number of shares of
Common Stock withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price underlying
the Stock Option or Incentive Stock Option or used to satisfy any tax
withholding requirement incident to the exercise of the underlying Stock Options
or Incentive Stock Options. The grant of a Reload Option will become effective
upon the exercise of underlying Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, or
Reload Options through the use of shares of Common Stock held by the Optionee or
the withholding of shares by the Company in payment of the exercise price of the
underlying Stock Option or Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee.
Notwithstanding the fact that the underlying option may be an Incentive Stock
Option, a Reload Option is not intended to qualify as an "incentive stock
option" under Section 422 of the Code.

      Section 4.2. RELOAD OPTION AMENDMENT. Each Award Agreement shall state
whether the Committee has authorized Reload Options with respect to the Stock
Options and/or Incentive Stock Options covered by such Agreement. Upon the
exercise of an underlying Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or other Reload
Option, the Reload Option will be evidenced by an amendment to the underlying
Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall approve.

      Section 4.3. RELOAD OPTION PRICE. The option price per share of Common
Stock deliverable upon the exercise of a Reload Option shall be the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock on the date the grant of the Reload Option
becomes effective.

      Section 4.4. TERM AND EXERCISE. Each Reload Option is fully exercisable
six months from the effective date of grant. The term of each Reload Option
shall be equal to the remaining option term of the underlying Stock Option
and/or Incentive Stock Option.

      Section 4.5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless otherwise determined by the
Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, no additional Reload Options shall
be granted to Optionees when Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, and/or
Reload Options are exercised pursuant to the terms of this Plan following
termination of the Optionee's employment.

      Section 4.6. APPLICABILITY OF STOCK OPTIONS SECTIONS. Sections 2.5, Manner
of Payment; 2.6 Delivery of Shares; 2.7, Death, Retirement and Termination of
Employment of Optionee; 2.8, Tax Elections; and 2.9, Effect of

                                     -6-

Exercise, applicable to Stock Options, shall apply equally to Reload Options.
Such Sections are incorporated by reference in this Article IV as though fully
set forth herein.

                  ARTICLE V.  ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS

      Section 5.1. AWARD OF ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Concurrently with or
subsequent to the award of any Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or Reload
Option to purchase one or more shares of Common Stock, the Committee may,
subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as
the Committee may prescribe, award to the Optionee with respect to each share of
Common Stock covered by an Option, a related alternate appreciation right
permitting the Optionee to be paid the appreciation on the Option in lieu of
exercising the Option ("Alternate Appreciation Right").

      Section 5.2. ALTERNATE APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Alternate
Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced by written Award Agreements in such form
as the Committee may from time to time determine.

      Section 5.3. EXERCISE. An Optionee who has been granted Alternate
Appreciation Rights may, from time to time, in lieu of the exercise of an equal
number of Options, elect to exercise one or more Alternate Appreciation Rights
and thereby become entitled to receive from the Company payment in Common Stock
of the number of shares determined pursuant to Sections 5.4 and 5.5. Alternate
Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable only to the same extent and subject to
the same conditions as the Options related thereto are exercisable, as provided
in this Plan. The Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe additional
conditions to the exercise of any Alternate Appreciation Rights.

      Section 5.4. AMOUNT OF PAYMENT. The amount of payment to which an Optionee
shall be entitled upon the exercise of each Alternate Appreciation Right shall
be equal to 100% of the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of a
share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the option price per share on
the Option related to such Alternate Appreciation Right. A Section 16(a) Option
Holder may elect to withhold shares of Common Stock issued under this Section to
pay taxes as described in Section 2.8.

      Section 5.5. FORM OF PAYMENT. The number of shares to be paid shall be
determined by dividing the amount of payment determined pursuant to Section 5.4
by the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date of such
Alternate Appreciation Rights. As soon as practicable after exercise, the
Company shall deliver to the Optionee a certificate or certificates for such
shares of Common Stock.

      Section 5.6. EFFECT OF EXERCISE. Unless otherwise provided in an Award
Agreement or agreed to by the Committee, the exercise of any Alternate
Appreciation Rights shall cancel an equal number of Stock Options, Incentive
Stock Options, Reload Options, and Limited Rights, if any, related to said
Alternate Appreciation Rights.

      Section 5.7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, RETIREMENT, DEATH OR DISABILITY.
Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or agreed to by the Committee:

            (a) Upon termination of the Optionee's employment (including
      employment as a director of the Company after an Optionee terminates
      employment as an officer or key employee of the Company) by reason of
      permanent disability or retirement (as each is determined by the
      Committee), the Optionee may, within six months from the date of such
      termination (or such shorter period of time as may be determined by the
      Committee in any instance, as reflected in each Optionee's Award
      Agreement), exercise any Alternate Appreciation Rights to the extent such
      Alternate Appreciation Rights are exercisable during such period.

            (b) Except as provided in Section 5.7(a), all Alternate Appreciation
      Rights shall terminate three months after the date of the termination of
      the Optionee's employment or upon the death of the Optionee.

                                     -7-

                         ARTICLE VI.  LIMITED RIGHTS

      Section 6.1. AWARD OF LIMITED RIGHTS. Concurrently with or subsequent to
the award of any Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, Reload Option, or
Alternate Appreciation Right, the Committee may, subject to the provisions of
this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe,
award to the Optionee with respect to each share of Common Stock covered by an
Option, a related limited right permitting the Optionee, during a specified
limited time period, to be paid the appreciation on the option in lieu of
exercising the option ("Limited Right").

      Section 6.2. LIMITED RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Limited Rights granted under this
Plan shall be evidenced by written Award Agreements in such form as the
Committee may from time to time determine.

      Section 6.3. EXERCISE PERIOD. Limited Rights are exercisable in full for a
period of seven months following the date of a Change in Control of the Company
(the "Exercise Period"); provided, however, that Limited Rights may not be
exercised under any circumstances until the expiration of the six-month period
following the date of grant.

      As used in this Plan, a "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have
occurred if:

            (a) individuals who were directors of the Company immediately prior
      to a Control Transaction shall cease, within one year of such Control
      Transaction, to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the
      Company (or of the Board of Directors of any successor to the Company or
      to all or substantially all of its assets), or

            (b) any entity, person, or Group other than the Company or the
      current directors or executive officers of the Company acquires shares of
      the Company in a transaction or series of transactions that result in such
      entity, person or Group directly or indirectly owning beneficially 51% or
      more of the outstanding shares.

      As used herein, "Control Transaction" shall be (i) any tender offer for or
acquisition of capital stock of the Company, (ii) any merger, consolidation, or
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company which has been
approved by the shareholders, (iii) any contested election of directors of the
Company, or (iv) any combination of the foregoing which results in a change in
voting power sufficient to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company. As used herein, "Group" shall mean persons who act in concert as
described in Sections 13(d)(3) and/or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.

      Section 6.4. AMOUNT OF PAYMENT. The amount of payment to which an Optionee
shall be entitled upon the exercise of each Limited Right shall be equal to 100%
of the amount, if any, which is equal to the difference between the option price
per share of Common Stock covered by the related option and the Market Price of
a share of such Common Stock. "Market Price" is defined to be the greater of (i)
the highest price per share of the Company's Common Stock paid in connection
with any Change in Control and (ii) the fair market value per share of the
Company's Common Stock determined in accordance with Section 8.7(c).

      Section 6.5. FORM OF PAYMENT. Payment of the amount to which an Optionee
is entitled upon the exercise of Limited Rights, as determined pursuant to
Section 6.4, shall be made solely in cash.

      Section 6.6. EFFECT OF EXERCISE. If Limited Rights are exercised, the
Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Reload Options, and Alternate
Appreciation Rights, if any, related to such Limited Rights shall cease to be
exercisable to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which the
Limited Rights were exercised. Upon the exercise or termination of the Stock
Options, Incentive Stock Options, Reload Options, and Alternate Appreciation
Rights, if any, related to such Limited Rights, the Limited Rights granted with
respect thereto terminate to the extent of the number of shares as to which the
related options and Alternate Appreciation Rights were exercised or terminated.

                                     -8-

      Section 6.7. RETIREMENT OR DISABILITY. Upon termination of the Optionee's
employment (including employment as a director of the Company after an Optionee
terminates employment as an officer or key employee of the Company) by reason of
permanent disability or retirement (as each is determined by the Committee), the
Optionee may, within six months from the date of termination, exercise any
Limited Right to the extent such Limited Right is exercisable during such
six-month period.

      Section 6.8. DEATH OF OPTIONEE OR TERMINATION FOR OTHER REASONS. Except as
provided in Sections 6.7 and 6.9, or except as otherwise determined by the
Committee, all Limited Rights granted under this Plan shall terminate upon the
termination of the Optionee's employment or upon the death of the Optionee.

      Section 6.9. TERMINATION RELATED TO A CHANGE IN CONTROL. The requirement
that an Optionee be terminated by reason of retirement or permanent disability
or be employed by Carriage at the time of exercise pursuant to Sections 6.7 and
6.8 respectively, is waived during the Exercise Period as to an Optionee who (i)
was employed by Carriage at the time of the Change in Control and (ii) is
subsequently terminated by Carriage other than for just cause or who voluntarily
terminates if such termination was the result of a good faith determination by
the Optionee that as a result of the Change in Control he is unable to
effectively discharge his present duties or the duties of the position which he
occupied just prior to the Change in Control. As used herein "just cause" shall
mean willful misconduct or dishonesty or conviction of or failure to contest
prosecution for a felony, persistent failure or refusal to attend to duties or
follow Company policy, or excessive absenteeism unrelated to illness.

                       ARTICLE VII.  BONUS STOCK AWARDS

      Section 7.1. AWARD OF BONUS STOCK. The Committee may from time to time,
and subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions
as the Committee may prescribe, grant to any participant in this Plan shares of
Common Stock ("Stock Bonus").

      Section 7.2. STOCK BONUS AGREEMENTS. The grant of a Stock Bonus shall be
evidenced by a written Award Agreement, executed by the Company and the
recipient of a Stock Bonus, in such form as the Committee may from time to time
determine, providing for the terms of such grant, including any vesting
schedule, restrictions on the transfer of such Common Stock or other matters.

      Section 7.3. TRANSFER RESTRICTION. Any Award Agreement providing for the
issuance of Bonus Stock to any person who, at the time of grant, is a person
described in Section 16(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall
provide that such Common Stock cannot be resold for a period of six months
following the grant of such Bonus Stock.

                         ARTICLE VIII.  MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 8.1. GENERAL RESTRICTION. Each Award under this Plan shall be
subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee shall determine
that (i) the listing, registration, or qualification of the shares of Common
Stock subject or related thereto upon any securities exchange or under any state
or Federal law, or (ii) the consent or approval of any government regulatory
body, or (iii) an agreement by the grantee of an Award with respect to the
disposition of shares of Common Stock, is necessary or desirable as a condition
of, or in connection with, the granting of such Award or the issue or purchase
of shares of Common Stock thereunder, such Award may not be consummated in whole
or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval
or agreement shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not
acceptable to the Committee.

      Section 8.2. NON-ASSIGNABILITY. No Award under this Plan shall be
assignable or transferable by the recipient thereof, except by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution. During the life of the recipient, such Award
shall be exercisable only by such person or by such person's guardian or legal
representative.

                                     -9-

      Section 8.3. WITHHOLDING TAXES. Whenever the Company proposes or is
required to issue or transfer shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the
Company shall have the right to require the grantee to remit to the Company an
amount sufficient to satisfy any Federal, state, and/or local withholding tax
requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such
shares. Alternatively, the Company may issue or transfer such shares of the
Company net of the number of shares sufficient to satisfy the withholding tax
requirements. For withholding tax purposes, the shares of Common Stock shall be
valued on the date the withholding obligation is incurred.

      Section 8.4. RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in this Plan or in any
agreement entered into pursuant to this Plan shall confer upon any participant
the right to continue in the employment of Carriage or affect any right which
Carriage may have to terminate the employment of such participant.

      Section 8.5. NON-UNIFORM DETERMINATIONS. The Committee's determinations
under this Plan (including without limitation determinations of the persons to
receive Awards, the form, amount and timing of such Awards, the terms and
provisions of such Awards and the agreements evidencing same) need not be
uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are
eligible to receive, awards under this Plan, whether or not such persons are
similarly situated.

      Section 8.6. RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The recipient of any Award under
this Plan shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect thereto unless and
until certificates for shares of Common Stock are issued to him or her.

      Section 8.7. DEFINITIONS. In this Plan the following definitions shall
apply:

            (a) "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which, at the time more
      than 50% of the shares entitled to vote generally in an election of
      directors are owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any
      subsidiary thereof.

            (b) "Affiliate" means any person or entity which directly, or
      indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by,
      or is under common control with the Company.

            (c) "Fair market value" as of any date and in respect or any share
      of Common Stock means (i) until such time as the Common Stock is traded on
      a national securities exchange or over-the-counter and reported on the
      National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System
      ("NASDAQ"), then the price per share determined in good faith by the
      Committee, taking into consideration all factors it deems relevant,
      including liquidity, priority, minority interest discount, and the price
      per share at which other securities of the Company have been issued; (ii)
      if the Common Stock is traded on a national securities exchange, then the
      closing price on such date or on the next business day, if such date is
      not a business day, of a share of Common Stock reflected in the
      consolidated trading tables of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or any other
      publication selected by the Committee; or (iii) if the Common Stock is
      traded over-the-counter and reported on NASDAQ, then the average of the
      high and low sales prices on such trading day as reported in such
      publication or, if not so published, then as reported by NASDAQ, and if
      the Common Stock is not in the NASDAQ National Market System on such
      trading day, then the representative bid and asked prices at the end of
      such trading day in such market as reported by NASDAQ. In no event shall
      the fair market value of any share of Common Stock be less than its par
      value.

            (d) "Option" means Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, or Reload
      Option.

            (e) "Option price" means the purchase price per share of Common
      Stock deliverable upon the exercise of a Stock Option, Incentive Stock
      Option, or Reload Option.

      Section 8.8. LEAVES OF ABSENCE. The Committee shall be entitled to make
such rules, regulations, and determinations as it deems appropriate under this
Plan in respect of any leave of absence taken by the recipient of any

                                     -10-

Award. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be
entitled to determine (i) whether or not any such leave of absence shall
constitute a termination of employment within the meaning of this Plan and (ii)
the impact, if any, of any such leave of absence on Awards under this Plan
theretofore made to any recipient who takes such leave of absence.

      Section 8.9. NEWLY ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES. The Committee shall be entitled to
make such rules, regulations, determinations and awards as it deems appropriate
in respect of any employee who becomes eligible to participate in this Plan or
any portion thereof after the commencement of an award or incentive period.

      Section 8.10. ADJUSTMENTS. In any event of any change in the outstanding
Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization,
merger, consolidation, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or the like,
the Committee may appropriately adjust the number of shares of Common Stock that
may be issued under this Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to
Options theretofore granted under this Plan, and any and all other matters
deemed appropriate by the Committee.

      Section 8.11. CHANGES IN THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STRUCTURE.

            (a) The existence of outstanding Options, Alternate Appreciation
      Rights, or Limited Rights shall not affect in any way the right or power
      of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any or all
      adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, or other changes in the
      Company's capital structure or its business, or any merger or
      consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred
      or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or the
      rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any
      sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any
      other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or
      otherwise.

            (b) If, while there are outstanding Options, the Company shall
      effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares or other increase or
      reduction of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding without
      receiving compensation therefor in money, services or property, then (a)
      in the event of an increase in the number of such shares outstanding, the
      number of shares of Common Stock then subject to Options hereunder shall
      be proportionately increased; and (b) in the event of a decrease in the
      number of such shares outstanding the number of shares then available for
      Option hereunder shall be proportionately decreased.

            (c) After a merger of one or more corporations into the Company, or
      after a consolidation of the Company and one or more corporations in which
      the Company shall be the surviving corporation, which transaction alters
      the outstanding capital structure of the Company, then each holder of an
      outstanding Option shall, at no additional cost, be entitled upon exercise
      of such Option to receive (subject to any required action by shareholders)
      in lieu of the number of shares as to which such Option shall then be so
      exercisable, the number and class of shares of stock or other securities
      to which such holder would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
      terms of the agreement of merger or consolidation if, immediately prior to
      such merger or consolidation, such holder had been the holder of record of
      a number of shares of the Company equal to the number of shares as to
      which such Option had been exercisable.

            (d) If the Company is merged into or consolidated with another
      corporation or other entity under circumstances where the Company is not
      the surviving corporation, or if the Company sells or otherwise disposes
      of substantially all of its assets to another corporation or other entity
      while unexercised Options remain outstanding, then the Committee may
      direct that any of the following shall occur:

                   (i) If the successor entity is willing to assume the
            obligation to deliver shares of stock or other securities after the
            effective date of the merger, consolidation or sale of assets, as
            the case may be, each holder of an outstanding Option shall be
            entitled to receive, upon the exercise of such

                                     -11-

            Option and payment of the option price, in lieu of shares of Common
            Stock, such shares of stock or other securities as the holder of
            such Option would have been entitled to receive had such Option been
            exercised immediately prior to the consummation of such merger,
            consolidation or sale, and any related Alternate Appreciation Right
            and Limited Right associated with such Option shall apply as nearly
            as practicable to the shares of stock or other securities
            purchasable upon exercise of the Option following such merger,
            consolidation or sale of assets.

                  (ii) The Committee may waive any limitations set forth in or
            imposed pursuant to this Plan or any Award Agreement with respect to
            such Option and any related Alternate Appreciation Right or Limited
            Option such that such Option and related Alternate Appreciation
            Right and Limited Right shall become exercisable prior to the record
            or effective date of such merger, consolidation or sale of assets.

                 (iii) The Committee may cancel all outstanding Options and
            Alternate Appreciation Rights (but not Limited Rights) as of the
            effective date of any such merger, consolidation, or sale of assets
            provided that prior notice of such cancellation shall be given to
            each holder of an Option at least 30 days prior to the effective
            date of such merger, consolidation, or sale of assets, and each
            holder of an Option shall have the right to exercise such Option and
            any related Alternate Appreciation Right in full during a period of
            not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such merger,
            consolidation, or sale of assets. No action taken by the Committee
            under this subsection shall have the effect of terminating, and
            nothing in this subsection shall permit the Committee to terminate,
            any Limited Right held by an Optionee.

            (e) Except as herein provided, the issuance by the Company of Common
      Stock or any other shares of capital stock or securities convertible into
      shares of capital stock, for cash property, labor done or other
      consideration, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
      be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock
      then subject to outstanding Options.

      Section 8.12.  AMENDMENT OF THIS PLAN.

            (a) The Committee may, without further action by the shareholders
      and without receiving further consideration from the participants, amend
      this Plan or condition or modify Awards under this Plan in response to
      changes in securities or other laws or rules, regulations or regulatory
      interpretations thereof applicable to this Plan or to comply with stock
      exchange rules or requirements.

            (b) The Committee may at any time and from time to time terminate or
      modify or amend this Plan in any respect, except that without shareholder
      approval the Committee may not (i) increase the maximum number of shares
      of Common Stock which may be issued under this Plan (other than increases
      pursuant to Section 8.11), (ii) extend the period during which any Award
      may be granted or exercised, or (iii) extend the term of this Plan. The
      termination or any modification or amendment of this Plan, except as
      provided in subsection (a), shall not, without the consent of a
      participant, affect his or her rights under an Award previously granted to
      him or her.

            (c) Notwithstanding Sections 8.12(a) and (b), the provisions of
      Article VII of this Plan may not be amended more than once every six
      months, other than to comport with changes in the Code, the Employee
      Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or the rules thereunder.

                                     -12-

                              FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                        CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.
                           1995 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

      WHEREAS, CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. (the "Company"), as successor to Carriage
Funeral Services, Inc., has heretofore adopted the CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES,
INC. 1995 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"); and

      WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan in certain respects;

      NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan shall be amended as follows:

      1. Effective as of ________________, 1996, (a) the term "Company" as used
in the Plan shall mean Carriage Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and (b)
the name of the Plan shall be changed to the "Carriage Services, Inc. 1995 Stock
Incentive Plan."

      2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, Section 1.2(a) of the
Plan shall be deleted and the following shall be substituted therefor:

            "(a) This Plan shall be administered by a committee (the
      'Committee') of, and appointed by, the Board of Directors of the Company,
      and the Committee shall be constituted so as to permit this Plan to comply
      with Rule 16b-3, as currently in effect or as hereinafter modified or
      amended, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
      amended."

      3. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, Section 1.5(a) of the
Plan shall be deleted and the following shall be substituted therefor:

            "(a) Shares of stock which may be issued under this Plan shall be
      authorized and unissued or treasury shares of either (i) Class A Common
      Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company ('Class A Common Stock') or (ii)
      Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company ('Class B Common
      Stock'). As used herein, the term 'Common Stock' shall mean both Class A
      Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The maximum number of shares of
      Common Stock that may be issued under this Plan shall be 400,000. The
      number of shares that may be issued under this Plan and as to which
      options may be granted shall be subject to adjustment as provided in
      Sections 8.10 and 8.11. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the
      contrary, (1) Awards under this Plan that were granted prior to the date
      of the initial public offering of shares of Class A Common Stock shall be
      satisfied in shares of Class B Common Stock and (2) Awards under this Plan
      that are granted on or after the date of the initial public offering of
      shares of Class A Common Stock shall be satisfied in shares of Class A
      Common Stock. Further, upon the exercise of an Award, any exercise payment
      which is made in shares of Common Stock in accordance with Section 2.5
      hereof shall be made (A) only in shares of Class B Common Stock if such
      Award is to be satisfied in Class B Common Stock or (B) only in shares of
      Class A Common Stock if such Award is to be satisfied in shares of Class A
      Common Stock."

      4. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, Section 3.5 of the
Plan shall be deleted and the following shall be substituted therefor:

            "Section 3.5. MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION GRANT. To the
      extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the
      respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of stock with respect to
      which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an
      individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans
      of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds
      $100,000, such excess Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as options
      which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall
      determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury
      Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of an
      Optionee's Incentive Stock Options will not constitute Incentive Stock
      Options because of such limitation and shall notify the Optionee of such
      determination as soon as practicable after such determination."

      5. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, the second and third
paragraphs of Section 6.3 of the Plan shall be deleted and the following shall
be substituted therefor:

            "As used in this Plan, a 'Change in Control' shall be deemed to have
      occurred if (a) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any
      merger, consolidation or other reorganization (or survives only as a
      subsidiary of an entity), (b) the Company sells, leases or exchanges, or
      agrees to sell, lease or exchange, all or substantially all of its assets
      to any other person or entity, (c) the Company is to be dissolved and
      liquidated, (d) any person or entity, including a "group" as contemplated
      by Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
      acquires or gains ownership or control (including, without limitation,
      power to vote) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company's
      voting stock (based upon voting power), or (e) as a result of or in
      connection with a contested election of directors, the persons who were
      directors of the Company before such election shall cease to constitute a
      majority of the Company's Board of Directors."

      6. The reference to "Section 8.11" in Section 8.12(b) of the Plan shall be
deleted and a reference to "Sections 8.10 and 8.11" shall be substituted
therefor.

      7. The amendments to the Plan set forth in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
hereof shall be effective as of ______________, 1996, provided that such
amendments are approved by the stockholders of the Company on or before
_______________, 1996.

      8.    As amended hereby, the Plan is specifically ratified and reaffirmed.

                                     -2-

                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             I. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

      The CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN (the "Plan") is
intended to provide a means whereby certain employees of CARRIAGE SERVICES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and its subsidiaries may develop a
sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in the development and
financial success of the Company, and to encourage them to remain with and
devote their best efforts to the business of the Company, thereby advancing the
interests of the Company and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Company may
grant to certain employees ("Optionees") the option ("Option") to purchase
shares of the Class A common stock of the Company ("Stock"), as hereinafter set
forth. Options granted under the Plan may be either incentive stock options,
within the meaning of section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), ("Incentive Stock Options") or options which do not
constitute Incentive Stock Options.

                               II. ADMINISTRATION

      The Plan shall be administered by a committee (the "Committee") of, and
appointed by, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), and the
Committee shall be constituted so as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule
16b-3, as currently in effect or as hereinafter modified or amended ("Rule
16b-3"), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"1934 Act"). The Committee shall have sole authority to select the Optionees
from among those individuals eligible hereunder and to establish the number of
shares which may be issued under each Option. In selecting the Optionees from
among individuals eligible hereunder and in establishing the number of shares
that may be issued under each Option, the Committee may take into account the
nature of the services rendered by such individuals, their present and potential
contributions to the Company's success and such other factors as the Committee
in its discretion shall deem relevant. The Committee is authorized to interpret
the Plan and may from time to time adopt such rules and regulations, consistent
with the provisions of the Plan, as it may deem advisable to carry out the Plan.
All decisions made by the Committee in selecting the Optionees, in establishing
the number of shares which may be issued under each Option and in construing the
provisions of the Plan shall be final.

                             III. OPTION AGREEMENTS

      (a) Each Option shall be evidenced by a written agreement between the
Company and the Optionee ("Option Agreement") which shall contain such terms and
conditions as may be

                                    -1-

approved by the Committee. The terms and conditions of the respective Option
Agreements need not be identical. Specifically, an Option Agreement may provide
for the surrender of the right to purchase shares under the Option in return for
a payment in cash or shares of Stock or a combination of cash and shares of
Stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of the shares with
respect to which the right to purchase is surrendered over the option price
therefor ("Stock Appreciation Rights"), on such terms and conditions as the
Committee in its sole discretion may prescribe; provided, that, except as
provided in Subparagraph VIII(c) hereof, the Committee shall retain final
authority (i) to determine whether an Optionee shall be permitted, or (ii) to
approve an election by an Optionee, to receive cash in full or partial
settlement of Stock Appreciation Rights. Moreover, an Option Agreement may
provide for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part, by the
delivery of a number of shares of Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a fair
market value equal to such option price.

      (b) For all purposes under the Plan, the fair market value of a share of
Stock on a particular date shall be equal to the mean of the high and low sales
prices of the Stock (i) reported by the National Market System of NASDAQ on that
date or (ii) if the Stock is listed on a national stock exchange, reported on
the stock exchange composite tape on that date; or, in either case, if no prices
are reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such prices of
the Stock are so reported. If the Stock is traded over the counter at the time a
determination of its fair market value is required to be made hereunder, its
fair market value shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the
reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of Stock on the most
recent date on which Stock was publicly traded. In the event Stock is not
publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made
hereunder, the determination of its fair market value shall be made by the
Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the fair market value of a share of Stock on the date of an initial public
offering of Stock shall be the offering price under such initial public
offering.

      (c) Each Option and all rights granted thereunder shall not be
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title
I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the
rules thereunder, and shall be exercisable during the Optionee's lifetime only
by the Optionee or the Optionee's guardian or legal representative.

                           IV. ELIGIBILITY OF OPTIONEE

      Options may be granted only to individuals who are employees (including
officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company or any parent or
subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) of the Company at
the time the Option is granted. Options may be granted to the same individual on
more than one occasion. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an
individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock
possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, within the
meaning of section 422(b)(6) of the

                                    -2-

Code, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least
110% of the fair market value of the Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such
Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from
the date of grant. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value
(determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of
stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the
first time by an individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock
option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds
$100,000, such excess Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Options which
do not constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in
accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and
other administrative pronouncements, which of an Optionee's Incentive Stock
Options will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation
and shall notify the Optionee of such determination as soon as practicable after
such determination.

                        V.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

      The aggregate number of shares which may be issued under Options granted
under the Plan shall not exceed 600,000 shares of Stock. Such shares may consist
of authorized but unissued shares of Stock or previously issued shares of Stock
reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares which remain unissued and which
are not subject to outstanding Options at the termination of the Plan shall
cease to be subject to the Plan, but, until termination of the Plan, the Company
shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the
requirements of the Plan. Should any Option hereunder expire or terminate prior
to its exercise in full, the shares theretofore subject to such Option may again
be subject to an Option granted under the Plan to the extent permitted under
Rule 16b-3. The aggregate number of shares which may be issued under the Plan
shall be subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Paragraph VIII
hereof with respect to shares of Stock subject to Options then outstanding.
Exercise of an Option in any manner, including an exercise involving a Stock
Appreciation Right, shall result in a decrease in the number of shares of Stock
which may thereafter be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale to
any one individual, by the number of shares as to which the Option is exercised.
Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the Company for those shares
acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those
shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any Option which does not constitute
an Incentive Stock Option.

                               VI.  OPTION PRICE

      The purchase price of Stock issued under each Option shall be determined
by the Committee, but such purchase price shall not be less than the fair market
value of Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted.

                                    -3-

                              VII.  TERM OF PLAN

      The Plan shall be effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board,
provided the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within twelve
months thereafter. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan or in any Option
Agreement, no Option shall be exercisable prior to such stockholder approval.
Except with respect to Options then outstanding, if not sooner terminated under
the provisions of Paragraph IX, the Plan shall terminate upon and no further
Options shall be granted after the expiration of ten years from the date of its
adoption by the Board.

                   VIII.  RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

      (a) The existence of the Plan and the Options granted hereunder shall not
affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the
Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or
other change in the Company's capital structure or its business, any merger or
consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities, the
dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other
disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate
act or proceeding.

      (b) The shares with respect to which Options may be granted are shares of
Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of
an Option theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or
consolidation of shares of Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Stock
without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Stock
with respect to which such Option may thereafter be exercised (i) in the event
of an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately
increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced,
and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares shall
be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be
proportionately increased.

      (c) If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or
otherwise changes its capital structure (a "recapitalization"), the number and
class of shares of Stock covered by an Option theretofore granted shall be
adjusted so that such Option shall thereafter cover the number and class of
shares of stock and securities to which the Optionee would have been entitled
pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the
recapitalization, the Optionee had been the holder of record of the number of
shares of Stock then covered by such Option. If (i) the Company shall not be the
surviving entity in any merger, consolidation or other reorganization (or
survives only as a subsidiary of an entity), (ii) the Company sells, leases or
exchanges, or agrees to sell, lease or exchange, all or substantially all of its
assets to any other person or entity, (iii) the Company is to be dissolved and
liquidated, (iv) any person or entity, including a "group" as contemplated by
Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act, acquires or gains ownership or control
(including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the Company's voting stock (based upon voting power), or
(v) as a result of or in connection with a

                                    -4-

contested election of directors, the persons who were directors of the Company
before such election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each
such event is referred to herein as a "Corporate Change"), no later than (a) ten
days after the approval by the stockholders of the Company of such merger,
consolidation, reorganization, sale, lease or exchange of assets or dissolution
or such election of directors or (b) thirty days after a change of control of
the type described in Clause (iv), the Committee, acting in its sole discretion
without the consent or approval of any Optionee, shall act to effect one or more
of the following alternatives, which may vary among individual Optionees and
which may vary among Options held by any individual Optionee: (1) accelerate the
time at which Options then outstanding may be exercised so that such Options may
be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date
(before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which
specified date all unexercised Options and all rights of Optionees thereunder
shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected
Optionees of some or all of the outstanding Options held by such Optionees
(irrespective of whether such Options are then exercisable under the provisions
of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by
the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Options
and the Company shall pay to each Optionee an amount of cash per share equal to
the excess, if any, of the amount calculated in Subparagraph (d) below (the
"Change of Control Value") of the shares subject to such Option over the
exercise price(s) under such Options for such shares, (3) make such adjustments
to Options then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such
Corporate Change (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its
sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to Options then outstanding) or
(4) provide that the number and class of shares of Stock covered by an Option
theretofore granted shall be adjusted so that such Option shall thereafter cover
the number and class of shares of stock or other securities or property
(including, without limitation, cash) to which the Optionee would have been
entitled pursuant to the terms of the agreement of merger, consolidation or sale
of assets and dissolution if, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or
sale of assets and dissolution, the Optionee had been the holder of record of
the number of shares of Stock then covered by such Option.

      (d) For the purposes of clause (2) in Subparagraph (c) above, the "Change
of Control Value" shall equal the amount determined in clause (i), (ii) or
(iii), whichever is applicable, as follows: (i) the per share price offered to
stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, reorganization,
sale of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per share offered to
stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a
Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change occurs other
than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the fair market value per share of
the shares into which such Options being surrendered are exercisable, as
determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the
date of cancellation and surrender of such Options. In the event that the
consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction
described in this Subparagraph (d) or Subparagraph (c) above consists of
anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent
of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash.

                                    -5-

      (e) Any adjustment provided for in Subparagraphs (b) or (c) above shall be
subject to any required stockholder action.

      (f) Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company
of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock
of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the
exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of
shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other
securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and
no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of
shares of Stock subject to Options theretofore granted or the purchase price per
share.

                   IX.  AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

      The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with
respect to any shares for which Options have not theretofore been granted. The
Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from
time to time; provided, that no change in any Option theretofore granted may be
made which would impair the rights of the Optionee without the consent of such
Optionee; and provided, further, that (i) the Board may not make any alteration
or amendment which would decrease any authority granted to the Committee
hereunder in contravention of Rule 16b-3 and (ii) the Board may not make any
alteration or amendment which would materially increase the benefits accruing to
participants under the Plan, increase the aggregate number of shares which may
be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, change the class of
individuals eligible to receive Options under the Plan or extend the term of the
Plan, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

                              X.  SECURITIES LAWS

      (a) The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Stock pursuant to any
Option granted under the Plan at any time when the offering of the shares
covered by such Option have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
and such other state and federal laws, rules or regulations as the Company or
the Committee deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel for the
Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws,
rules or regulations available for the offering and sale of such shares.

      (b) It is intended that the Plan and any grant of an Option made to a
person subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act meet all of the requirements of
Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or any such Option would disqualify the
Plan or such Option under, or would otherwise not comply with, Rule 16b-3, such
provision or Option shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to Rule
16b-3.

                                    -6-


                             CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.

                  1996 NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             I. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

      The CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC. 1996 NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
(the "Plan") is intended to promote the interests of CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and its stockholders by helping to award
and retain highly-qualified independent directors, and allowing them to develop
a sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in the development and
financial success of the Company. Accordingly, the Company shall grant to
directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries ("Nonemployee Directors") the option ("Option") to purchase shares
of the Class A common stock of the Company ("Stock"), as hereinafter set forth.
Options granted under the Plan shall be options which do not constitute
incentive stock options, within the meaning of section 422(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                            II.  OPTION AGREEMENTS

      Each Option shall be evidenced by a written agreement in the form attached
to the Plan.

                 III.  ELIGIBILITY OF OPTIONEE; OPTION AWARDS

      A. Options may be granted only to individuals who are Nonemployee
Directors of the Company.

      B. As of the date of an initial public offering of Stock, each Nonemployee
Director then in office or elected to the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board") on such date shall receive, without the exercise of the discretion of
any person or persons, an Option exercisable for (i) 15,000 shares of Stock if
such Nonemployee Director does not also serve on the Company's Executive
Committee as of such date or (ii) 25,000 shares of Stock if such Nonemployee
Director does also serve on the Company's Executive Committee as of such date.
      C. As of the date of the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company
in each year that the Plan is in effect as provided in Paragraph VI hereof, each
Nonemployee Director then in office or elected to the Board on such date shall
receive, without the exercise of the discretion of any person or persons, an
Option exercisable for 6,000 shares of Stock (subject to adjustment in the same
manner as provided in Paragraph VII hereof with respect to shares of Stock
subject to Options then outstanding).

      D. If, as of any date that the Plan is in effect, there are not sufficient
shares of Stock available under the Plan to allow for the grant to each
Nonemployee Director of an Option for the number of shares provided herein, each
Nonemployee Director shall receive an Option for his or

                                    -1-

her pro-rata share of the total number of shares of Stock then available under
the Plan. All Options granted under the Plan shall be at the Option price set
forth in Paragraph V hereof and shall be subject to adjustment as provided in
Paragraph VII hereof.

                        IV.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

      The aggregate number of shares which may be issued under Options granted
under the Plan shall not exceed 200,000 shares of Stock. Such shares may consist
of authorized but unissued shares of Stock or previously issued shares of Stock
reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares which remain unissued and which
are not subject to outstanding Options at the termination of the Plan shall
cease to be subject to the Plan, but, until termination of the Plan, the Company
shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the
requirements of the Plan. Should any Option hereunder expire or terminate prior
to its exercise in full, the shares theretofore subject to such Option may again
be subject to an Option granted under the Plan. Exercise of an Option shall
result in a decrease in the number of shares of Stock which may thereafter be
available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale to any one individual, by
the number of shares as to which the Option is exercised.

                               V.  OPTION PRICE

      The purchase price of Stock issued under each Option described in
Paragraph IIIB hereof shall be the initial public offering price of the Stock.
The purchase price of Stock issued under each Option described in Paragraph IIIC
hereof shall be the fair market value of Stock subject to the Option as of the
date the Option is granted. For all purposes under the Plan, the fair market
value of a share of Stock on a particular date shall be equal to the mean of the
high and low sales prices of the Stock (i) reported by the National Market
System of NASDAQ on that date or (ii) if the Stock is listed on a national stock
exchange, reported on the stock exchange composite tape on that date; or, in
either case, if no prices are reported on that date, on the last preceding date
on which such prices of the Stock are so reported. If the Stock is traded over
the counter at the time a determination of its fair market value is required to
be made hereunder, its fair market value shall be deemed to be equal to the
average between the reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of
Stock on the most recent date on which Stock was publicly traded. In the event
Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is
required to be made hereunder, the determination of its fair market value shall
be made by the Board in such manner as it deems appropriate.

                               VI.  TERM OF PLAN

      The Plan shall be effective on the date the Plan is approved by the
stockholders of the Company. Except with respect to Options then outstanding, if
not sooner terminated under the provisions of Paragraph VIII, the Plan shall
terminate upon and no further Options shall be granted after the expiration of
ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company.

                                    -2-

                   VII.  RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

      A. The existence of the Plan and the Options granted hereunder shall not
affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the
Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or
other change in the Company's capital structure or its business, any merger or
consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities, the
dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other
disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate
act or proceeding.

      B. The shares with respect to which Options may be granted are shares of
Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of
an Option theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or
consolidation of shares of Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Stock
without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Stock
with respect to which such Option may thereafter be exercised (i) in the event
of an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately
increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced,
and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares shall
be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be
proportionately increased.

      C. If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or
otherwise changes its capital structure (a "recapitalization"), the number and
class of shares of Stock covered by an Option theretofore granted shall be
adjusted so that such Option shall thereafter cover the number and class of
shares of stock and securities to which the optionee would have been entitled
pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the
recapitalization, the optionee had been the holder of record of the number of
shares of Stock then covered by such Option.

      D. Any adjustment provided for in Subparagraphs B or C above shall be
subject to any required stockholder action.

      E. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company
of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock
of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the
exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of
shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other
securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and
no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of
shares of Stock subject to Options theretofore granted or the purchase price per
share.

                  VIII.  AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

      The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with
respect to any shares for which Options have not theretofore been granted. The
Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from
time to time; provided, that no change in any Option theretofore granted may be
made which would impair the rights of the optionee without the

                                    -3-

consent of such optionee; and provided, further, that the Board may not make any
alteration or amendment which would materially increase the benefits accruing to
participants under the Plan, increase the aggregate number of shares which may
be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, change the class of
individuals eligible to receive Options under the Plan or extend the term of the
Plan, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

                             IX.  SECURITIES LAWS

      A. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Stock pursuant to any
Option granted under the Plan at any time when the offering of the shares
covered by such Option have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules or regulations as
the Company deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel for the
Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws,
rules or regulations available for the offering and sale of such shares.

      B. It is intended that the Plan and any grant of an Option made to a
person subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "1934 Act"), meet all of the requirements of Rule 16b-3, as currently in
effect or as hereinafter modified or amended ("Rule 16b-3"), promulgated under
the 1934 Act. If any provision of the Plan or any such Option would disqualify
the Plan or such Option under, or would otherwise not comply with, Rule 16b-3,
such provision or Option shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to Rule
16b-3.

                                    -4-


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


            THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 20, 1992, among CARRIAGE FUNERAL
SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), WALLIS & SON FUNERAL
HOMES, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Wallis"), LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("LaneDelaware"), LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., a Tennessee
corporation ("Lane-Tennessee") (Wallis, Lane-Delaware and Lane-Tennessee being
sometimes referred to herein singly as a "Company" and collectively as the
"Companies"), SCI FUNERAL SERVICES OF GEORGIA, INC., a Delaware corporation
("SCI-Georgia"), and SENTINEL GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Sentinel")
(SCI-Georgia and Sentinel being sometimes hereafter referred to singly as
"Shareholder" and collectively as the "Shareholders");


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, Wallis owns and operates the Wallis & Son Funeral Home in
La Fayette, Georgia (the "Wallis Home"), LaneDelaware owns and operates the
Erwin-Petitt Funeral Home in Summerville, Georgia (the "Erwin Home"), and
Lane-Tennessee owns and operates the Williamson & Sons Funeral Home in
Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee (the "Williamson Home") (the Erwin Home, the Wallis Home
and the Williamson Home being sometimes collectively referred to herein as the
"Homes"); and

            WHEREAS, SCI-Georgia owns all of the issued and outstand-

ing capital stock of Wallis, and Sentinel owns all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Lane-Delaware and Lane-Tennessee;
and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire substantially
all of the assets, rights and properties of the Homes from the Companies, all on
the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

            NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

            1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                  1.1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of this
            Agreement, the Companies agree to sell and the Purchaser agrees to
            purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1, all of the
            properties, assets, rights and business of the Homes described
            below, as they shall exist at the time of the Closing (collectively,
            the "Assets"), excluding those described in Section 1.2:

                        (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                        (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories, monuments and
                  other goods and inventories;

                       (iii) machinery, equipment, motor vehicles (including
                  vehicles currently leased by one or more of the Companies, to
                  be purchased by them prior to Closing and resold to the
                  Purchaser hereunder), furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and
                  other fixed assets and property, plant and equipment,
                  including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                        (iv) the leasehold interests under the leases described
                  on Schedule 1.5;

                        (v) all cash balances in bank accounts and certificates
                  of deposit, but only if such cash balances or certificates of
                  deposit are either (i) committed fund obligations under
                  preneed contracts, or (ii) proceeds from sales of inventory or
                  collections of accounts receivable described on the listing to
                  be delivered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.10;

                        (vi) the rights of the Company under pre-need contracts
                  and the other agreements, leases and commitments described on
                  Schedule 1.5;

                        (vii) all rights to the names "Erwin-Petitt Funeral
                  Home," "Wallis & Sons Funeral Home" and "Williamson & Sons
                  Funeral Home" and all derivatives thereof;

                        (viii) all permits, licenses, books, records, brochures
                  and literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                  industrial accident and other similar funds, and prepaid
                  items; and

                        (ix) all other assets, rights and properties owned or
                  held by the Companies at the time of Closing and used in the
                  operation of, or in connection with, the business of the Homes
                  or located thereon, excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                                      - 2 -

            At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the Assets
            free and clear of any and all liens, security inter ests, pledges,
            encumbrances, or title restrictions of any kind (collectively,
            "Liens").

                  1.2. RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
            following properties, assets, rights and interests (the "Retained
            Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and sale contemplated
            hereby and are therefore not included in the Assets:

                        (i) all cash on hand or on deposit, including bank
                  account balances, certificates of deposit and marketable
                  securities, excluding, however, account balances and
                  certificates of deposit described in Section 1.1(v);

                        (ii) the corporate records, minutes of proceedings,
                  stock records and corporate seal of the Companies, and any
                  shares of the Companies' capital stock held in their treasury;

                        (iii) the Companies' share of any prepaid federal income
                  taxes and any rights to or claims for federal income tax
                  refunds; and

                        (iv) all assets, rights and properties of funeral homes
                  owned and operated by the Companies, other than the Homes.

                  1.3. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the Assets shall
            be $2,036,589, all of which shall be paid in cash at Closing by wire
            transfer to such account as the Shareholders shall designate prior
            to Closing.

                  1.4. PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION. At or before the Closing, and
            as a condition thereto, the Purchaser, the Companies and the
            Shareholders shall agree in writing to an allocation of the purchase
            price for the Assets, and the Purchaser and the Shareholders agree
            to use such allocation for all tax, accounting and other reporting
            purposes (including any information furnished under Section 1060 of
            the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended).

                  1.5. ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon the sale
            and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section 1.6. below,
            assume and agree to pay or discharge only the following liabilities
            and obligations of the Companies (collectively, the "Assumed
            Liabilities"):

                                      - 3 -

                        (i) liabilities under the preneed contracts described in
                  Section 3.9; and

                        (ii) obligations arising after Closing under the
                  agreements and leases and commitments described on Schedule
                  1.5 hereto (the "Assumed Contracts").

                  The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities
            shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any third parties under
            any contracts or arrangements with the Companies. Nothing herein
            shall prevent the Purchaser from contesting in good faith any of the
            Assumed Liabilities. At Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the
            Shareholders an instrument (which may be combined with one or more
            contract assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
            satisfactory in form and substance to the Shareholders, pursuant to
            which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                  1.6. LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding Section 1.5.
            above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not agree to pay or
            discharge any obligations or liabilities of the Companies not
            specifically included in the Assumed Liabilities and, in particular,
            Purchaser shall not assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the
            following:

                        (i) any notes or accounts payable of any kind,
                  regardless of whether entered into in the ordinary course of
                  business;

                        (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any type,
                  whether arising by reason of the sale of the Assets or by
                  operation of the Companies prior to the Closing Date;

                        (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense based upon
                  or arising from any claims, litigation, legal proceedings or
                  other actions against the Companies based upon any set of
                  facts occurring prior to the Closing;

                        (iv) the liabilities and obligations under any
                  warranties to customers with respect to goods or products sold
                  or services provided by the Companies prior to Closing;

                        (v) all personal injury, product liability claims,
                  claims of environmental damage, claims of

                                      - 4 -

                  hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts, enforcement
                  proceedings, cleanup orders and other similar actions or
                  claims instituted by private parties or governmental agencies,
                  with respect to the conduct of the business and operations of
                  the Companies prior to Closing; or

                        (vi) any other liability or obligation not specifically
                  included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                  1.7. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
            items, including without limitation, real estate and personal
            property taxes, rents under leases and utility bills, and payments
            under the Assumed Contracts shall be prorated as of the Closing
            Date, the Companies being charged and credited for all of same up to
            such date and the Purchaser being charged and credited for all of
            same on and after such date. Utility services will be transferred to
            the Purchaser's name on the Closing Date. If the actual amounts to
            be prorated are not known as of the Closing Date, the prorations
            shall be made on the basis of the best evidence then available, and
            thereafter, within thirty (30) days after actual figures are
            received, a cash settlement will be made between the Companies and
            the Purchaser.

                  1.8. INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the Companies
            shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of transfer,
            assignment and conveyance, including (without limitation) bills of
            sale, contract assignments and assignments of motor vehicle
            registrations, transferring title to the Assets to the Purchaser as
            may reasonably be requested by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall
            be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser
            and shall vest in the Purchaser good and marketable title to all the
            Assets, free and clear of all Liens.

                  1.9. DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS. At the
            Closing, the Companies will deliver to the Purchaser all of the
            Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and consents to
            assignment as the Purchaser shall deem necessary to assure the
            Purchaser of their full benefit. Simultaneously with such
            deliveries, the Companies shall take all requisite steps to put the
            Purchaser in actual possession and operating control of the Assets
            and all of the Companies' business records, books and other data. In
            addition, at the Closing, the Share-

                                      - 5 -

            holders, the Companies and the Purchaser shall coordinate with one
            another in taking all necessary or appropriate action to cause the
            transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section 3.9 including,
            without limitation, the obtaining of governmental and third party
            consents and, if necessary, the substitution of a successor trustee
            by the Purchaser or a designee of the Purchaser.

                  1.10. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders and the Companies
            shall from time to time after the Closing, without further
            consideration, execute and deliver such instruments of transfer,
            conveyance and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant
            to Section 1.8), and shall take such other action, as the Purchaser
            may reasonably request to more effectively transfer, convey and
            assign to and vest in the Purchaser, and to put the Purchaser in
            actual possession and control of, each of the Assets.

            2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of Butler &
      Binion, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas, at 9:00 a.m. on the
      tenth business day following the Purchaser's receipt of the approval
      referred to in Section 7.9, or at such other date, time or place as may be
      mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event later than August 31,
      1992. The date and time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing
      Date", and shall be deemed to have occurred as of the commencement of
      business on the Closing Date. All action to be taken at the Closing as
      hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
      delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered
      to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action
      or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
      incident to the Closing has been completed.

            3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
      SHAREHOLDERS. The Companies and the Shareholders jointly and severally
      represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser that:

                  3.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. Each Company and each
            Shareholder is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
            good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, and
            has all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
            obligations under this Agreement.

                  3.2. OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANIES. All of the issued and
            outstanding shares of capital stock of Wallis

                                   - 6 -

            are owned of record and beneficially by SCI-Georgia, and all of the
            issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Lane-Delaware and
            Lane-Tennessee are owned of record and beneficially by Sentinel.

                  3.3. CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. During the twelve months
            ended December 31, 1991, the Wallis Home, the Erwin Home and the
            Williamson Home had gross revenues (less discounts) of at least
            $345,506, $515,757 and $741,670, respectively, and performed at
            least 90, 108 and 188 adult funeral services, respectively. Attached
            hereto as Schedule 3.3 is a listing of the accounts receivable and
            inventory of each Home as of December 31, 1991, and (as shown on
            such Schedule) the total inventories (determined at cost) and
            accounts receivable (face value net of reasonable reserves) of each
            Home at such date are as set forth below:

                                                            ACCOUNTS
                                   INVENTORIES            RECEIVABLES
                                   -----------            -----------
               Wallis Home         $   9,168               $  78,369
               Erwin Home          $  18,709               $  88,605
               Williamson Home     $  35,257               $ 158,784

                  3.4. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. The Companies are in
            actual possession and control of all properties owned or leased by
            them which are required in the conduct of their business, and have
            good and marketable title to all of the Assets to be sold and
            conveyed to the Purchaser under this Agreement, free and clear of
            any and all Liens.

                  3.5. REAL PROPERTY. The Shareholders have provided to the
            Purchaser a copy of the most recently available title policies,
            title commitments, surveys and environmental assessment reports on
            the real property leased to the Companies under the leases described
            on Schedule 1.5 (hereafter referred to collectively as the "Real
            Property"). There is not pending or, to each Shareholder's
            knowledge, threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation
            of the Real Property or any portion thereof. Since June 22, 1973 (in
            the case of the Wallis Home) or since August 30, 1991 (in the case
            of the Erwin Home and the Williamson Home), no toxic or hazardous
            wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or
            any similar state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as
            defined under the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation
            and Liability Act of

                                   - 7 -

            1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
            amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation) have
            been generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or from any
            portion of the Real Property, except for substances, such as
            formaldehyde, that are used in the operation of the Real Property as
            a funeral home or otherwise in the ordinary course of business and
            have been properly used, stored and disposed of in accordance with
            applicable legal requirements, and except for any of the foregoing
            which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material
            adverse impact on the financial condition, operations, properties or
            prospects of any of the Homes. The Real Property is not now subject
            to any reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of any
            federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency having
            jurisdiction over the Real Property. To each Shareholder's
            knowledge, none of the Real Property contains any underground
            storage tanks or PCBs.

                  3.6. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since December 31, 1991,
            there has not been:

                        (i) any material adverse change in the financial
                  condition, operations, properties or prospects of any Home;

                        (ii) any material damage, destruction or losses against
                  any of the Homes or any waiver any rights of material value to
                  any of the Homes;

                        (iii) any claim or liability for any material damages
                  for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach
                  of contract against or affecting any of the Homes; or

                        (iv) any transaction or event entered into or affecting
                  any of the Homes other than in the ordinary course of the
                  business.

                  3.7. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all motor
            vehicles, equipment, fixtures and other major fixed assets owned by
            the Companies which are used in the operation of, or in connection
            with, the business of the Homes or located thereon. All such Assets
            are, taken as a whole, in operating condition and repair, ordinary
            wear and tear excepted.

                                      - 8 -

                  3.8. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Each Assumed Contract is valid
            and in full force and effect and none of the Companies, nor, to each
            Shareholder's knowledge, any of the other parties thereto, are in
            default thereunder.

                  3.9. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. On or before March
            31, 1992, the Companies will deliver to the Purchaser a Schedule
            listing, as of December 31, 1991, (i) all preneed contracts of each
            Home unfulfilled as of the date thereof, including contracts for the
            sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust
            accounts relating to the Homes, indicating the location of each and
            the balance thereof. In addition, on or before three business days
            prior to Closing, the Companies shall deliver to the Purchaser a
            Schedule listing the information described in such clauses (i) and
            (ii) as the date thereof. All funds received by each Company for the
            Homes under preneed contracts entered into after August 30, 1991
            have been deposited in the appropriate accounts and administered and
            reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as required by
            applicable laws and regulations. To each Shareholder's knowledge,
            the market value of the preneed accounts, trusts or other deposits
            is equal to or greater than the preneed liability related to such
            accounts. The services provided by each Company since August 30,
            1991 have been rendered in a professional and competent manner
            consistent with prevailing professional standards, practices and
            customs.

                  3.10. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. Neither Shareholder has received, at
            any time (in the case of the Wallis Home) or since August 30, 1991
            (in the case of the Erwin Home and the Williamson Home), notice that
            any Company is charged with infringement of any patent, trademark,
            trade secret, license or other similar proprietary rights of any
            other person in respect of the operation of the business of the
            Homes or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                  3.11. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. To each Shareholder's knowledge,
            each Company possesses all licenses, franchises, permits,
            certificates, consents, rights and privileges necessary or
            appropriate to the conduct of each Home's operations, except for any
            such license, franchise, permit, certificate, consent, right or
            privilege the absence of which would not, individually or in the
            aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
            condition, business, operations or prospects of any Home or any of
            the Assets.

                                      - 9 -

                  3.12. LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending before
            the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of the agreed
            consent orders referred to in Section 7.9, there are no claims,
            actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to each
            Shareholder's knowledge, threatened against or affecting any Company
            (with respect to the operation of the Homes) or any of the Assets,
            at law or in equity or before or by any court or federal, state,
            municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
            agency or instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
            proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or in the
            aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
            condition, business, operations or prospects of any Home or any of
            the Assets. No Company is subject to any continuing court or
            administrative order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court
            or foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental
            department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality, in respect
            of the operation of the Homes or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                  3.13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each Company has been operated, at
            all times (in the case of the Wallis Home) and since August 30, 1991
            (in the case of the Erwin Home and the Williamson Home), in
            compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes,
            rules, ordinances and regulations applicable to the Homes, the
            operation thereof and the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the
            Purchaser hereunder, except for any such noncompliance which would
            not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
            effect on the financial condition, business, operations or prospects
            of any Home or any of the Assets.

                  3.14. FINDERS. Neither any Shareholder nor any Company (nor
            Service Corporation International) is a party to or in any way
            obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are no
            outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment of any
            broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation,
            execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.15. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and performance of
            this Agreement by the Shareholders and the Companies have been duly
            authorized by their respective Boards of Directors. This Agreement
            is legally binding and enforceable against each Shareholder and each
            Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the execution,

                                     - 10 -

            delivery nor performance of this Agreement by either Shareholder or
            any Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute
            a default or accelerate the performance required under, the
            respective Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of
            such Shareholder or such Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of
            trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a party or by
            which it or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
            governmental body.

                  3.16. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
            by the Companies and the Shareholders hereunder or in any Schedules
            or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, do not
            and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
            to state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
            necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
            therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not
            misleading.

            4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser
      represents and warrants to and agrees with the Companies and the
      Shareholders that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
            corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
            under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite
            corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
            Agreement.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery and
            performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser has been duly
            authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is valid and
            binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in
            accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery or
            performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or
            result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
            constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or
            bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of
            trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a party or by
            which it or its property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
            governmental body. At or prior to Closing, the Purchaser will have
            made all necessary applications and obtained all necessary licenses
            and permits, if any, which, together with the transfer of the
            Companies'

                                   - 11 -

            licenses and permits described in Section 1.1(viii), will be
            required in order to enable the Purchaser to acquire the Assets
            hereunder and consummate the Closing.

                  4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
            obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are not
            outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any broker's or
            finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution
            or performance of this Agreement.

                  4.4. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
            by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any certificates furnished to the
            Shareholders pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain
            any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
            fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make
            the representations or warranties herein or therein, in light of the
            circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

            5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING CLOSING.
      The Companies and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant and
      agree with the Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
            the Closing Date, the business of each Home will be operated only in
            the ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written
            consent of the Purchaser, neither Shareholder nor any of the
            Companies will cause or permit any of the following actions to
            occur:

                        (i) cancel or permit any insurance applicable to the
                  Assets or any Home to lapse or terminate, unless renewed or
                  replaced by like coverage;

                        (ii) commit any act or permit the occurrence of any
                  event or the existence of any condition of the type described
                  in clause (iv) of Section 3.6; in addition, if any of the
                  other events described in Section 3.6 occurs, the Shareholders
                  will promptly notify the Purchaser of the existence and nature
                  of such event;

                        (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any respect any
                  of the Assumed Contracts or the standard form of, and terms
                  and conditions applicable to, preneed contracts;

                                   - 12 -

                        (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of the fixed
                  assets described on Schedule 3.7; or

                        (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key
                  personnel of any Home.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Shareholders
            will give and cause the Companies to give to the Purchaser and its
            counsel, accountants and other representatives, full and free access
            to all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments and records
            of the Homes so that the Purchaser may have full opportunity to make
            such investigation as it shall desire to make of the business,
            affairs and properties of the Homes.

                  5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Shareholders will use their
            best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other
            persons which may be required to be obtained on their part and on
            the part of the Companies to consummate the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement, including the approval of the
            Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.9.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
            the Shareholders and the Companies agree that neither they nor
            Service Corporation International shall enter into any agreements or
            commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals
            or expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with
            any potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to
            the possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial
            portion of the assets and business of any Home or any other sale of
            any Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or
            otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided, however, that
            any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock may occur with
            either Shareholder or one or more of their wholly owned
            subsidiaries, provided that the successor entity joins in the
            execution of this Agreement to expressly acknowledge the assumption
            of the obligations hereunder of the applicable Company.

                  5.5 FINANCIAL REPORTING. On or before the 20th day after the
            end of each month prior to Closing, the Companies shall deliver to
            the Purchaser an Operating Statement for each Home as of the end of
            such month, each such Statement to set forth at least the gross
            revenues, operating expenses and operating income after deduction
            for operating expenses.

                                     - 13 -

            6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
      covenants with the Shareholders and the Companies that:

                  6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use its best
            efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other
            persons which may be required to be obtained on its part to
            consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. In
            addition, the Purchaser agrees to furnish information regarding
            itself as may be reasonably required in connection with obtaining
            the approval of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section
            7.9.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
            its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information
            obtained with respect to each Company from any representative,
            officer, director or employee of such Company, including their
            accountants or legal counsel, or from any books or records of any of
            them, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement. If the transactions contemplated hereby are not
            consummated, neither the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use
            such data or information or disclose the same to others, except as
            such data or information is published or is a matter of public
            knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to be
            disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, all
            written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the
            Companies or the Shareholders or their representatives in connection
            with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
            returned to the Shareholder.

            7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations of
      the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
      conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
            The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error, misstatement or
            omission in the representations and warranties made by the Companies
            and the Shareholders in Section 3 hereof; the representations and
            warranties made by the Companies and the Shareholders herein shall
            be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing
            and shall then be true and correct; the Companies and the
            Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all agreements
            and conditions

                                   - 14 -

            required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them
            at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a
            certificate, signed by an executive officer of the Companies and the
            Shareholders, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
            Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholders shall have caused to
            be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of counsel for the
            Shareholders and the Companies, to the effect that:

                        (i) each Shareholder and each Company is a corporation
                  duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
                  the laws of its state of incorporation, and has all requisite
                  corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations
                  under this Agreement;

                        (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this
                  Agreement by each Shareholder and each Company have been duly
                  authorized by its respective Board of Directors;

                        (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding upon each
                  Shareholder and each Company and enforceable against them in
                  accordance with its terms;

                        (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance by
                  either Shareholder of this Agreement will conflict with or
                  result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of,
                  nor constitute a default under, the Certificate of
                  Incorporation or bylaws of such Shareholder or under any
                  material loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed
                  of trust or other contract or agreement known to such counsel
                  and to which such Shareholder is a party or by which it or its
                  property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                  decree known to such counsel and of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body; and

                        (v) other than the FTC approval requirement described in
                  Section 7.9, no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery of this
                  Agreement by either Shareholder or any Company

                                   - 15 -

                  or the performance of their obligations hereunder, except for
                  any consents which have already been obtained.

            Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
            certificates of officers of the Shareholders and the Companies and
            certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided
            to the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
            any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
            reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors
            rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to
            federal law and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                  7.3. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
            have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial portion of the
            physical assets and properties of any Home (regardless of whether
            such loss or damage was insured), the effect of which would have a
            material adverse effect on the condition, business, operations or
            prospects of such Home.

                  7.4. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
            instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
            related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for the
            Purchaser, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such
            certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments
            and documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                  7.5. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
            representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the
            financial information and books and records of each Company, and
            shall have discovered no change in the business, assets, operations,
            financial condition or prospects of any Company which could, in the
            sole determination of the Purchaser, have an adverse effect on the
            value to the Purchaser of the business, assets, financial condition
            or prospects of the Homes and the Assets being purchased.

                  7.6. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. The Purchaser shall have conducted,
            at its expense, a Phase I (and, if deemed necessary by Purchaser, a
            Phase II) environmental audit of each Home and the Real Property by
            an environmental consulting firm selected by Purchaser, and the
            results of

                                     - 16 -

            such report (together with any remedial action, if any, taken by the
            Companies in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in
            its sole discretion.

                  7.7. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received,
            from Provident Services, Inc. or another financial institution
            acceptable to it, a written commitment, containing such terms and
            conditions and otherwise in form and substance acceptable to the
            Purchaser, providing for the extension of financing in order to
            provide the portion of the consideration for the Assets not
            furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from other
            sources, and such commitment shall have been funded in such amount
            contemporaneously with the Closing.

                  7.8. FORMER OWNER CONTRACTS. Each of the other parties to the
            lease agreements, employment agreements and non-competition
            agreements described on Schedule 1.5 shall have consented to the
            assignment thereof by the respective Companies to the Purchaser, and
            each of such lease agreements, employment agreements and
            non-competition agreements shall have been extended, amended and
            otherwise modified, or new agreements entered into, in a manner and
            in form and content mutually acceptable to the Purchaser and each of
            such other parties.

                  7.9. FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
            received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser and the
            transactions described herein by the Federal Trade Commission (the
            "FTC") under the FTC's consent decrees with Service Corporation
            International (as proposed and reported in 50 Fed.Reg. 37,359 (Aug.
            6, 1991)) and with Sentinel (as proposed and reported in 50 Fed.Reg.
            37,357 (Aug. 6, 1991)). In addition, the Shareholders shall have
            obtained all other consents and approvals of other persons and
            governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated in this
            Agreement.

                  7.10. MINIMUM WORKING CAPITAL. Each of the total accounts
            receivable and total inventories (determined in the manner described
            in Section 3.3) included within the Assets at Closing shall be at
            least in the amount thereof for the Homes (taken as a whole) at
            December 31, 1991 as set forth in Section 3.3, and the Shareholders
            shall have delivered to the Purchaser the written certification of
            the Shareholders to that effect, together with a listing of the
            accounts receivable and inventory of the Homes in substantially the
            same format as attached as Schedule 3.3

                                   - 17 -

<PAGE>



            hereto, dated as no more than three business days
            preceding Closing.

            8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHAREHOLDERS.
      The obligations of the Companies and the Shareholders under this Agreement
      shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be
      expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
            The Shareholders shall not have discovered any material error,
            misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties made
            by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the representations and
            warranties made by the Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been
            made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true
            and correct; the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with
            all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
            performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
            Shareholders shall have received a certificate, signed by an
            executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the foregoing
            provisions of this Section 8.1.

                  8.2.     OPINION OF COUNSEL.  The Purchaser shall have
            caused to be delivered to the Shareholders an opinion of
            Butler & Binion, a registered limited liability partner

            ship, counsel for the Purchaser, to the effect that:

                           (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to
                  enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                        (ii)     the execution, delivery and performance
                  of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                  authorized by its Board of Directors;

                       (iii)     this Agreement is valid and binding
                  upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the Pur-

                  chaser in accordance with its terms;

                        (iv)     neither the execution, delivery or per-

                  formance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with
                  or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision
                  of, nor constitute a default under, the Certificate of
                  Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any loan or
                  credit agree-


                                   - 18 -

<PAGE>



                  ment, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement known to such counsel and to which Purchaser is a
                  party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel and of
                  any court, administrative agency or governmental body; and

                           (v) other than the approval requirement described in
                  Section 7.9, no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery of this
                  Agreement by the Purchaser or the performance of its
                  obligations hereunder, except for such consents which have
                  already been obtained.

            Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
            certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
            officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Shareholder and
            the Companies at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
            any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
            reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors
            rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to
            federal law, the internal laws of the State of Texas and the General
            Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and approvals
            referred to in Section 7.9, including the approval of the FTC, shall
            have been obtained.

            9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
            Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed representations and
            warranties of the party executing or delivering the same.

                  9.2.     SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
            Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
            behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
            representations and warranties made hereunder or pursuant
            hereto or any Schedule hereto or in connection with the
            transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not
            terminate, but shall survive the Closing and continue in

                                   - 19 -

<PAGE>



            effect thereafter for a period of two (2) years following the
            Closing, at which time they shall terminate (except as to claims
            which are then pending by written notice delivered prior to the
            expiration of such two-year period).

            10.   INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS AND THE COMPANIES.
            The Shareholders and the Companies jointly and severally agree to
            indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and its successors and
            assigns from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities,
            obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being herein
            called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively called
            "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or
            default in the performance by either Shareholder or any Company of
            any covenant or agreement of the Shareholders and the Companies
            contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or
            inaccurate or erroneous representation made by either Shareholder or
            any Company herein, in any Schedule delivered to the Purchaser
            pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other instrument delivered
            by or on behalf of any such Shareholder or any such Company pursuant
            hereto, (iii) any claim made against the Purchaser in respect of any
            liabilities or obligations of any Company (whether absolute or
            contingent) other than the Assumed Liabilities, and (iv) any and all
            actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and
            expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the
            foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
            to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholders and the Companies
            and their successors and assigns from and against any Losses which
            are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
            performance by the Purchaser of any covenant or agreement of the
            Purchaser contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty
            or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the Purchaser
            herein or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by or on
            behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto, (iii) any claim made
            against either Shareholder or any Company in respect of the Assumed
            Liabilities, (iv) any and all actions suits, proceedings, claims,
            demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
            fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                                     - 20 -

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
            against an indemnified party hereunder that, if successful, might
            result in a claim for indemnification against an indemnifying party
            hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written
            notice thereof and shall have the right (i) to participate in the
            defense thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by advisory
            counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
            indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts in
            connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within ten
            business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
            described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
            indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall
            be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided
            herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the right to control
            the defense of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall
            have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
            represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it,
            and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified party's
            interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

            11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Shareholders and
            the Companies agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
            satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof and the
            Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
            satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
            Closing by:

                        (a) the mutual consent of the Shareholders and the
                  Purchaser;

                        (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made by
                  either Shareholder or any Company in the observance or in the
                  due and timely performance by any of their covenants herein
                  contained, or if there shall have been a breach or
                  misrepresentation by either Shareholder or any Company of any
                  of their warranties and representations herein contained, or
                  if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by either Shareholder or any Company at or before
                  the

                                   - 21 -

                  Closing shall not have been complied with or performed at the
                  time required for such compliance or performance and such
                  noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                  waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                        (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be made
                  by the Purchaser in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of the
                  Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have been complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Sellers in writing;

                        (d) the Shareholders, if on or before April 30, 1992 the
                  Purchaser shall have failed to deliver to the Shareholders
                  written notice to the effect that (i) the condition in Section
                  7.5 has been satisfied or waived by the Purchaser, (ii) the
                  Purchaser has entered into the extensions, amendments,
                  modifications or new agreements referred to in Section 7.8,
                  all of which shall be conditioned on the occurrence of the
                  Closing hereunder, or that such condition has otherwise been
                  waived by the Purchaser, and (iii) the Purchaser shall have
                  received the commitment referred to in Section 7.7, which
                  shall be subject to the occurrence of the Closing hereunder
                  and such other conditions as are typical to such commitments,
                  or that such condition has otherwise been waived by the
                  Purchaser; or

                           (e) the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if for any
                  reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on or before
                  August 31, 1992.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
            terminated under paragraph (a), (d) or (e) of Section 11.2, then no
            party shall have any liability to any other party hereunder. If this
            Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
            then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
            liability to any other party hereto, provided

                                   - 22 -

            the terminating party has not breached any representation or
            warranty or failed to comply with any of its covenants in this
            Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall not prejudice the rights
            and remedies of the terminating party against any other party which
            has breached any of its representations, warranties or covenants
            herein prior to such termination.

            12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  12.1. EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the parties
            shall each pay their own expenses in connection with the
            negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
            consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.


                  12.2. BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with the bulk
            sales laws of any state. If by reason of any applicable bulk sales
            law any claims are asserted by creditors of any Company, such claims
            shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser in the case of claims
            arising under any of the Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility
            of the Companies and the Shareholders in the case of claims arising
            under any other liabilities of any Company.

                  12.3. TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be payable
            in connection with the sale of the Assets under this Agreement shall
            be paid by the Companies.

                  12.4. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
            communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
            have been given if personally delivered or mailed, first class,
            registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                           (i)   if to the Companies or
                                   the Shareholders to:

                                 Service Corporation International
                                 1929 Allen Parkway
                                 Houston, Texas  77019
                                 Attn:  President

                                     - 23 -

                                 with a copy to:

                                 Legal Department
                                 Service Corporation International
                                 1929 Allen Parkway
                                 Houston, Texas  77019

                        (ii)     if to the Purchaser, to:

                                 Carriage Funeral Services, Inc.
                                 2000 Post Oak Blvd.
                                   Suite 2180
                                 Houston, Texas 77056
                                 Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                 with a copy to:

                                 Butler & Binion, L.L.P.
                                 1000 Louisiana
                                   Suite 1600
                                 Houston, Texas 77002
                                 Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

            or to such other address as shall be given in writing by either
            party to the other party hereto.

                  12.5. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by either
            party hereto without the consent of the other party, provided,
            however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign its
            rights hereunder without the consent of the Shareholders or the
            Companies to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser (whether by
            merger, sale of assets or otherwise).

                  12.6. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
            12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
            of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns,
            heirs and personal representatives.

                  12.7. NAME CHANGES. On or before 30 days following Closing,
            the Shareholders shall cause Wallis either to be merged into
            affiliated corporation or dissolved, or shall cause the corporate
            charter of Wallis to be amended, in any case so that the corporate
            name of neither Wallis nor any such affiliate shall be "Wallis and
            Son" or any derivative thereof (except that "Wallis-Stewart Funeral
            Home Inc." shall be permitted). In addition, within such

                                   - 24 -

            30-day period, the Shareholders shall cause all assumed name or
            similar certificates for the names described in Section 1.1(vii) to
            be withdrawn, canceled or terminated.

                  12.8. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
            paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
            and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
            Agreement.

                  12.9. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
            instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                  12.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Schedules,
            certificates and other documents referred to herein constitute the
            entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior
            understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and
            thereof.

                  12.11. GOVERNING LAW. This agreement shall be construed and
            enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
            State of Texas.

                  12.12. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
            counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
            which shall constitute the same instrument.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered
in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                       THE PURCHASER:

                                       CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation

                                       By   /s/ MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                            MELVIN C. PAYNE, President

                                   - 25 -

                                       THE COMPANIES:

                                       WALLIS & SONS FUNERAL HOMES, INC.,
                                         a Georgia corporation

                                       By /s/ JANET L. RILEY
                                          JANET L. RILEY, Vice President


                                       LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation

                                       By /s/ JANET L. RILEY
                                         JANET L. RILEY, Vice President


                                       LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
                                         a Tennessee corporation

                                       By /s/ JANET L. RILEY
                                         JANET L. RILEY, Vice President


                                       THE SHAREHOLDERS:

                                       SCI FUNERAL SERVICES
                                         OF GEORGIA, INC., a Delaware
                                         corporation


                                       By /s/   VICTOR M. EVANS
                                         Name:  VICTOR M. EVANS
                                         Title: PRESIDENT

                                     - 26 -

                                       SENTINEL GROUP, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation

                                       By /s/  JANET L. RILEY
                                         JANET L. RILEY, Vice President

                                     - 27 -


SCHEDULE       DESCRIPTION
- --------       -----------
  1.5        Assumed Contracts
  3.3        Accounts Receivable and Inventory
  3.7        Fixed Assets


                                                                    Exhibit 10.5

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of November 30, 1992, among CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), WALLIS & SON
FUNERAL HOMES, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Wallis"), and WARD'S FUNERAL HOME,
INC., a Delaware corpration ("Ward's") (Wallis and Ward's are together hereafter
referred to as the "Companies"), and SCI GEORGIA FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("SCI-Georgia"), and SENTINEL GROUP, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Sentinel"), (SCI-Georgia and Sentinel are together hereinafter
referred to as the "Shareholders");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, Wallis owns and operates the Sipple's Mortuary, a
funeral home located in Savannah, Georgia (the "Sipples Home"), and Ward's owns
and operates the two Ward's Funeral Homes located in Gainesville and Cleveland,
Georgia (the "Ward's Homes") (the Sipples Home and the Ward's Homes being
referred to hereafter collectively as the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, SCI-Georgia owns all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Wallis, and Sentinel owns all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Ward's; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Homes from the
Companies, all on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1.       PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                           1.1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Companies agree to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the
                  Homes described below, as they shall exist at the time of the
                  Closing (collectively, the "Assets"), excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2:

                                  (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                 (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories,
                           monuments and other goods and inventories;

                                      - 1 -

                                (iii) the five motor vehicles described on
                           Schedule 3.7, and the other machinery, equipment,
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, crematories, tools and
                           other fixed assets and property, plant and equipment,
                           including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                                 (iv) as to the Sipples Home, the leasehold
                           interests under the lease described on Schedule 1.4
                           and, as to the Ward's Homes, fee simple title to the
                           owned real property described on Schedule 3.5;

                                  (v) all cash balances in bank accounts and
                           certificates of deposit, but only if such cash
                           balances or certificates of deposit are committed
                           fund obligations under preneed contracts;

                                 (vi) the rights of the Companies under pre-need
                           contracts and the other agreements, leases and
                           commitments described on Schedule 1.4;

                                (vii) all rights owned or held by the Companies
                           to the names "Sipple's Mortuary", "Ward's Funeral
                           Home" and all derivatives thereof;

                               (viii) all transferrable permits and licenses,
                           and all books, records, brochures and literature,
                           rights in unemployment compensation, industrial
                           accident and other similar funds, and prepaid items;
                           and

                                 (ix) all other assets, rights and properties
                           owned or held by the Companies at the time of Closing
                           and used in the operation of, or in connection with,
                           the business of the Homes or located thereon,
                           excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Companies shall convey to the Purchaser
                  the Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against real
                  property described on Schedule 3.5 approved by the Purchaser
                  (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                           1.2. RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded

                                      - 2 -

                  from the purchase and sale contemplated hereby and are
                  therefore not included in the Assets:

                                (i) all cash on hand or on deposit, including
                           bank account balances, certificates of deposit and
                           marketable securities, excluding, however, account
                           balances and certificates of deposit described in
                           Section 1.1(v);

                               (ii) intercompany accounts and notes receivable
                           owed to either Company by the Shareholders or any of
                           their affiliates which do not arise out of the sale
                           of goods or services of such Company;

                              (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seal of
                           either Company, and any shares of either Company's
                           capital stock held in its treasury;

                               (iv) either Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                (v) all assets, rights and properties of funeral
                           homes owned and operated by the Companies, other than
                           the Homes.

                           1.3. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the
                  Assets shall be $2,300,000, all of which shall be paid in cash
                  at Closing by wire transfer to such account as the
                  Shareholders shall designate prior to Closing.

                           1.4. ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5. below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Companies
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                (i) liabilities under the preneed contracts
                           described in Section 3.9, under preneed contracts
                           entered into in the ordinary course of business
                           between the date of such schedule and the Closing
                           Date, and under at-need contracts for services to be
                           performed following Closing, provided that the entire
                           amount of consideration payable by the customers
                           under at-need contracts is payable following Closing
                           or an appropriate adjustment to such effect shall be
                           made at Closing between the Companies and the
                           Purchaser; and

                                      - 3 -

                               (ii) obligations arising after Closing under the
                           agreements and leases and commitments described on
                           Schedule 1.4 hereto (the "Assumed Contracts").

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Companies an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or more contract
                  assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Companies, pursuant
                  to which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.5. LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4. above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Companies not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities and, in particular, Purchaser shall not assume or
                  agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                  (i) any notes or accounts payable of any kind,
                           regardless of whether entered into in the ordinary
                           course of business;

                                 (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Homes prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against either
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                 (iv) the liabilities and obligations under any
                           warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Companies
                           prior to Closing;

                                  (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to

                                     - 4 -

                           the conduct of the business and operations of the
                           Companies prior to Closing; or

                                 (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Companies being charged
                  and credited for all of same up to such date and the Purchaser
                  being charged and credited for all of same on and after such
                  date. Utility services will be transferred to the Purchaser's
                  name on or as soon as possible after the Closing Date. If the
                  actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of the Closing
                  Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of the best
                  evidence then available, and thereafter, within thirty (30)
                  days after actual figures are received, a cash settlement will
                  be made between the Companies and the Purchaser.

                           1.7. INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, each
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8. DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, each Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  (to the extent required within the period contemplated in
                  Section 7.8) consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall
                  deem necessary to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit.
                  Simultaneously with such deliveries, each Company shall take
                  all requisite steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession
                  and operating control of the Assets and all of such Company's
                  on-site business records, books and other data. In addition,
                  at the Closing, the Shareholders, the Companies and the
                  Purchaser shall coordinate with one another in taking all
                  necessary or appropriate action to

                                     - 5 -

                  cause the transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section
                  3.9 including, without limitation, the obtaining of
                  governmental and third party consents and, if necessary, the
                  substitution of a successor trustee by the Purchaser or a
                  designee of the Purchaser.

                           1.9. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders and the
                  Companies shall from time to time after the Closing, without
                  further consideration, execute and deliver such instruments of
                  transfer, conveyance and assignment (in addition to those
                  delivered pursuant to Section 1.7), and shall take such other
                  action, as the Purchaser may reasonably request to more
                  effectively transfer, convey and assign to and vest in the
                  Purchaser, and to put the Purchaser in actual possession and
                  control of, each of the Assets.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Butler & Binion, L.L.P., 1000 Louisiana, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas, at
         9:00 a.m. on the tenth business day following the Purchaser's receipt
         of notice of the approval referred to in Section 7.9, or at such other
         date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but
         in no event later than December 31, 1992. The date and time of the
         Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to
         have occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing Date.
         All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all
         documents and instruments executed and delivered, and all payments made
         with respect thereto, shall be considered to have been taken, delivered
         or made simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall
         be considered as complete until all action incident to the Closing has
         been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
         SHAREHOLDERS. The Companies and the Shareholders jointly and severally
         represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Companies and
                  the Shareholders are each a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  state of its incorporation, and each has all requisite
                  corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations
                  under this Agreement.

                           3.2. OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANIES. All of the issued
                  and outstanding shares of capital stock of Wallis are owned of
                  record and beneficially by SCI-Georgia, and all of the issued
                  and outstanding shares of capital stock

                                     - 6 -

                  of Ward's are owned of record and beneficially by Sentinel.

                           3.3. CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. During the twelve
                  months ended December 31, 1991, the Sipples Home had gross
                  revenues (less discounts) of at least $1,023,984.00, and
                  during the four months ended December 31, 1991, the Ward's
                  Homes had gross revenues (less discounts) of at least
                  $351,625.00; and during such periods, the Sipples Home
                  performed at least 299 adult funeral services, and the Ward's
                  Homes performed at least 63 adult funeral services. During the
                  six months ended June 30, 1992, the Sipples Home had gross
                  revenues (less discounts) of at least $493,639.00 and the
                  Ward's Homes had gross revenues (less discounts) of at least
                  $484,271.00; and during such period, the Sipples Home
                  performed at least 141 adult funeral services and the Ward's
                  Homes performed at least 125 adult funeral services. Attached
                  hereto as Schedule 3.3 is a listing of the accounts receivable
                  and inventory of each Home as of September 30, 1992, and (as
                  shown on such Schedule) the total inventories (determined at
                  cost) and accounts receivable (at face value) of the Homes at
                  such date are as set forth below:

                                                                Accounts
                                              Inventories      Receivable
                                              -----------      ----------

                           Sipples Home         $38,750         $209,190

                           Ward's Homes         $57,493         $158,740

                           3.4. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. Each Company
                  is in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Homes, and has good and indefeasible title to
                  all of the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the Purchaser
                  under this Agreement, free and clear of any and all Liens
                  other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

                           3.5. REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of real property leased by Wallis
                  for operation in the Sipples Home and owned by Ward's for use
                  in the Ward's Homes (hereafter referred to collectively as the
                  "Real Property"). Schedule 3.5 also describes all Liens of any
                  kind against the Real Property on which the Ward's Homes are
                  situated; there are no Liens against Wallis' leasehold
                  interest in the Real Property on which the Sipples Home is
                  situated.

                                     - 7 -

                  There is not pending or, to the Shareholders' knowledge,
                  threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of
                  the Real Property or any portion thereof. Since December 30,
                  1986, (in the case of the Sipples home) or August 30, 1991,
                  (in the case of the Ward's Homes), no toxic or hazardous
                  wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection
                  Agency, or any similar state or local agency) or hazardous
                  substances (as defined under the Comprehensive Environment
                  Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended,
                  or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or
                  any similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
                  generated, stored, dumped or released onto or from any portion
                  of the Real Property, except for substances, such as
                  formaldehyde, that are used in the operation of the Real
                  Property as funeral homes or otherwise in the ordinary course
                  of business and have been properly used, stored and disposed
                  of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and
                  except for any of the foregoing which would not, individually
                  or in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the
                  financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of
                  the Homes. To the knowledge of the Companies and the
                  Shareholders, the Real Property is not now subject to any
                  reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of any
                  federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency
                  having jurisdiction over the Real Property. To the knowledge
                  of the Companies and the Shareholders, none of the Real
                  Property contains any underground storage tanks or PCBs.

                           3.6. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since June 30,
                  1992, there has not been:

                                  (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of any Home;

                                 (ii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                           against any Home or any waiver of any rights of
                           material value to any Home;

                                (iii) any claim or liability for any material
                           damages for any actual or alleged negligence or other
                           tort or breach of contract against or affecting any
                           Home; or

                                 (iv) any transaction or event entered into or
                           affecting any Home other than in the ordinary course
                           of the business.

                                     - 8 -

                           3.7. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all
                  material items of motor vehicles, equipment, fixtures and
                  other major fixed assets owned by the Companies which are used
                  in the operation of, or in connection with, the business of
                  the Homes or located thereon. All such Assets are, taken as a
                  whole, in operating condition and reasonable repair, ordinary
                  wear and tear excepted.

                           3.8. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Each Assumed Contract
                  is valid and in full force and effect and neither the
                  Companies, nor, to the knowledge of the Companies and the
                  Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto, are in default
                  thereunder.

                           3.9. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of October 20, 1992 (in the case
                  of the Sipples Home) and October 31, 1992 (in the case of the
                  Ward's Homes), or later if otherwise indicated on such
                  schedule, (i) all preneed contracts of each Home unfulfilled
                  as of the date thereof, including contracts for the sale of
                  funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts
                  relating to each Home, indicating the location of each and the
                  balance thereof. In addition, on or before three business days
                  prior to Closing, the Companies shall deliver to the Purchaser
                  a Schedule listing the information described in such clauses
                  (i) and (ii) as the date thereof. All funds received by the
                  Companies for the Homes under preneed contracts entered into
                  after December 30, 1986 (in the case of the Sipples Home) or
                  August 30, 1991 (in the case of the Ward's Homes) have been
                  deposited in the appropriate accounts and administered and
                  reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as required
                  by applicable laws and regulations. As to all preneed accounts
                  set forth on Schedule 3.9, either (i) such accounts are
                  covered by written contracts signed or approved by the
                  customer, (ii) the direct costs to be incurred by the
                  Purchaser in providing the services and merchandise called for
                  by any unwritten agreements will not exceed trusted principal
                  and interest receivable with respect thereto or (iii) the
                  obligations of the Companies thereunder are no more than to
                  apply as a credit the amount of trust balances, including
                  interest, for any particular account against the price for
                  performing the service and providing products on an at-need
                  basis. The services provided by the Companies at the Homes
                  since December 30, 1986 (in the case of the Sipples Home) or
                  August 30, 1991 (in the case of the Ward's Homes) have been
                  rendered in a professional and competent manner consistent
                  with prevailing professional standards, practices and customs.

                                     - 9 -

                           3.10. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. Neither Company has
                  received, at any time, notice that it is charged with
                  infringement of any patent, trademark, trade secret, license
                  or other similar proprietary rights of any other person in
                  respect of the operation of the business of any of the Homes
                  or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.11. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. To the knowledge of the
                  Companies and the Shareholders, each Company possesses all
                  licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents, rights
                  and privileges necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the
                  operations of the Homes, including (without limitation) all
                  permits necessary for compliance with all applicable
                  environmental laws, except for any such license, franchise,
                  permit, certificate, consent, right or privilege the absence
                  of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
                  material adverse effect on the financial condition, business,
                  operations or prospects of any of the Homes or any substantial
                  portion of the Assets.

                           3.12. LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.9, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Shareholders' knowledge, threatened against
                  or affecting either Company (with respect to the operation of
                  any of the Homes) or any of the Assets, at law or in equity or
                  before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of any
                  Home or any substantial portion of the Assets. Neither Company
                  is subject to any continuing court or administrative order,
                  writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign,
                  federal, state, municipal or other governmental department,
                  commission, board, agency or instrumentality, in respect of
                  the operation of any Home or the use or ownership of the
                  Assets.

                           3.13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Companies have
                  operated each Home at all times since December 30, 1986 (in
                  the case of the Sipples Home) or August 30, 1991 (in the case
                  of the Ward's Homes) in compliance with all federal, state,
                  municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances and
                  regulations applicable to the Homes, the operation thereof and
                  the Assets to be sold and conveyed

                                     - 10 -

                  to the Purchaser hereunder, except for any such noncompliance
                  which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
                  material adverse effect on the financial condition, business,
                  operations or prospects of any Home or any substantial portion
                  of the Assets.

                           3.14. FINDERS. Neither Shareholder nor either Company
                  (nor Service Corporation International) is a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against any of them, for the
                  payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the
                  origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this
                  Agreement.

                           3.15. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Shareholders and the
                  Companies have been duly authorized by their respective Boards
                  of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
                  enforceable against each Shareholder and each Company in
                  accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor
                  performance of this Agreement by either Shareholder or either
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the respective Certificate or Articles of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of either Shareholder or either Company or any
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.16. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Companies and the Shareholders
                  hereunder or in any Schedules or certificates furnished to the
                  Purchaser pursuant hereto, do not and will not contain any
                  untrue statement of a material fact or, to the knowledge of
                  the Companies and the Shareholders, omit to state a material
                  fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to
                  make the representations or warranties herein or therein, in
                  light of the circumstances in which they are made, not
                  misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
         Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Companies and
         the Shareholders that:

                           4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and

                                     - 11 -

                  perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is
                  duly qualified as a foreign corporation in the State of
                  Georgia.

                           4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                  violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                  constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage,
                  deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
                  party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body. At or prior to Closing, the
                  Purchaser will have made all necessary applications and
                  obtained all necessary licenses and permits, if any, which,
                  together with the transfer of the Companies' transferrable
                  licenses and permits described in Section 1.1(viii), will be
                  required in order to enable the Purchaser to acquire the
                  Assets hereunder and consummate the Closing.

                           4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Shareholders or the Companies
                  pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain any
                  untrue statement of a material fact or, to the Purchaser's
                  knowledge, omit to state a material fact required to be stated
                  herein or therein or necessary to make the representations or
                  warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in
                  which they are made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING
         CLOSING. The Companies and the Shareholders jointly and severally
         covenant and agree with the Purchaser that:

                                     - 12 -

                           5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of each Home will
                  be operated only in the ordinary course, and, in particular,
                  without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, neither
                  Shareholder nor either Company will cause or permit any of the
                  following actions to occur:

                                  (i) cancel or permit any insurance applicable
                           to the Assets or any Home to lapse or terminate,
                           unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                                 (ii) commit any act or permit the occurrence of
                           any event or the existence of any condition of the
                           type described in clause (iv) of Section 3.6; in
                           addition, if any of the other events described in
                           Section 3.6 occurs, the Shareholders will promptly
                           notify the Purchaser of the existence and nature of
                           such event;

                                (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                 (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of the
                           fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7; or

                                  (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of any Home.

                           5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Shareholders will give and cause each Company to give to the
                  Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
                  representatives, full and free access to all of the on-site
                  properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of each
                  Home so that the Purchaser may have full opportunity to make
                  such investigation as it shall desire to make of the business,
                  affairs and properties of the Homes, provided such
                  investigation is conducted so as not to unreasonably interfere
                  with the normal day-to-day operations of any Home.

                           5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Shareholders will
                  use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on their part and on the part of the Companies to
                  consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
                  including the approval of the Federal Trade Commission
                  described in Section 7.9.

                                     - 13 -

                           5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains
                  in effect, the Shareholders and the Companies agree that
                  neither they nor Service Corporation International shall enter
                  into any agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or
                  encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or
                  otherwise hold any discussions with any potential buyers,
                  investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible
                  sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
                  the assets and business of any Home or any other sale of
                  either Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or
                  stock or otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided,
                  however, that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock
                  may occur with either Shareholder or one or more direct or
                  indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Service Corporation
                  International, provided that the successor entity joins in the
                  execution of this Agreement to expressly acknowledge the
                  assumption of the obligations hereunder of the applicable
                  Company.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
         covenants with the Shareholders and the Companies that:

                           6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.9.

                           6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Companies
                  from any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Companies, including their accountants or legal counsel, or
                  from any books or records of it, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason,
                  all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
                  from the Companies or the Shareholders or their

                                     - 14 -
                  representatives in connection with the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned to the
                  Shareholders.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
         of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing;
         provided, however, that the conditions described in Sections 7.5
         through 7.8 shall be deemed satisfied or waived by the Purchaser if it
         shall not have raised any objections as to any of such conditions
         within the 25-day period referred to therein (other than the funding of
         the commitment referred to in Section 7.7, which is unaffected by such
         25-day period):

                           7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Companies and the Shareholders in Section 3
                  hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
                  Companies and the Shareholders herein shall be deemed to have
                  been made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall
                  then be true and correct; the Companies and the Shareholders
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by them at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Purchaser shall have received a certificate, signed by an
                  executive officer of the Companies and the Shareholders, to
                  the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                           7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholders shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of counsel
                  for the Shareholders and the Companies, to the effect that:

                                 (i) each Shareholder and each Company are
                           corporations duly organized, validly existing and in
                           good standing under the laws of their respective
                           states of incorporation and have all requisite
                           corporate power to enter into and perform their
                           respective obligations under this Agreement;

                                (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of
                           this Agreement by the Shareholders and the Companies
                           have been duly authorized by their respective Board
                           of Directors;

                                     - 15 -

                               (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding upon
                           each Shareholder and each Company and enforceable
                           against them in accordance with its terms;

                                (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Shareholders and the Companies of
                           this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                           violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                           constitute a default under, the Articles or
                           Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of either
                           Shareholder or either Company or under any material
                           loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed
                           of trust or other contract or agreement known to such
                           counsel and to which either Shareholder or either
                           Company is a party or by which it or its property is
                           bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                 (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                           declaration or filing with any governmental authority
                           or regulatory body, federal, state or local, is
                           necessary or required in connection with the
                           execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Shareholders or the Companies or the performance of
                           their respective obligations hereunder, except for
                           any consents which have already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Shareholders and the
                  Companies and certificates of public officials, copies of
                  which shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing. Any
                  opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be
                  limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
                  or other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by
                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                           7.3. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of the any of
                  the Homes (regardless of whether such loss or damage was
                  insured), the effect of which would have a material adverse
                  effect on the condition, business, operations or prospects of
                  any such Home.

                           7.4. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the

                                     - 16 -

                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. On or before twenty-five
                  (25) days after the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser and
                  its representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition
                  review of the financial information and books and records of
                  the Homes, and shall have discovered no change in the
                  business, assets, operations, financial condition or prospects
                  of any Home which could, in the sole determination of the
                  Purchaser, have an adverse effect on the value to the
                  Purchaser of the business, assets, financial condition or
                  prospects of any such Home and the Assets being purchased.

                           7.6. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. On or before 25 days after
                  the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have
                  conducted, at its expense, a Phase I (and, if deemed necessary
                  by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of the Homes and
                  the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected
                  by Purchaser, and the results of such report (together with
                  any remedial action, if any, taken by the Companies in
                  response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its
                  sole discretion.

                           7.7. FINANCING COMMITMENT. On or before 25 days after
                  the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have received,
                  from Texas Commerce Bank National Association or another
                  financial institution acceptable to it, a written commitment,
                  containing such terms and conditions and otherwise in form and
                  substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
                  extension of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  further condition to Closing, unaffected by such 25-day
                  period, that such commitment shall have been funded in such
                  amount contemporaneously with the Closing, provided that the
                  Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations under such
                  commitment.

                           7.8. FORMER OWNER CONTRACTS. On or before 25 days
                  after the date of this Agreement, each of the other parties to
                  the lease agreements, employment agreements and
                  non-competition agreements described on Schedule 1.4 shall
                  have consented to the assignment thereof by the

                                     - 17 -

                  Companies to the Purchaser, and each of such lease agreements,
                  employment agreements and non-competition agreements shall
                  have been extended, amended and otherwise modified, or new
                  agreements entered into, in a manner and in form and content
                  mutually acceptable to the Purchaser and each of such other
                  parties.

                           7.9. FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall
                  have received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser
                  and the transactions described herein by the Federal Trade
                  Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's consent decrees with
                  Service Corporation International (as proposed and reported in
                  50 Fed.Reg. 37,359 (Aug. 6, 1991)) and with Sentinel (as
                  proposed and reported in 50 Fed.Reg. 37,357 (Aug. 6, 1991)).
                  In addition, the Shareholders shall have obtained all other
                  necessary or appropriate consents and approvals of other
                  persons and governmental authorities to the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement.

                           7.10. TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Shareholders' expense) for the Real Property on which the
                  Ward's Homes are situated, and a Leasehold Policy of Title
                  Insurance (at the Purchaser's expense) for the Real Property
                  on which the Sipples Home is situated, each in an amount
                  mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy shall be
                  issued by a title company with offices in each County in which
                  the Real Property is located and reasonably acceptable to the
                  Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a "Title Company"),
                  insuring that Purchaser is the owner or sole lessee of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner or Leasehold Policy of Title Insurance
                  in effect in the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however,
                  that such policy shall be limited to restrictions that are
                  Permitted Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.11. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at
                  the Shareholders' expense (in the case of the Real Property on
                  which the Ward's Homes are located) and at the Purchaser's
                  expense (in the case of the Real Property

                                     - 18 -

                  on which the Sipples Home is located), a survey prepared by a
                  licensed surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each
                  Title Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property,
                  which survey shall be sufficient for each Title Company to
                  delete the survey exception contained in the policies of title
                  insurance referred to in Section 7.10, save and except for the
                  phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and
                  content reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its lender.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
         SHAREHOLDERS. The obligations of the Companies and the Shareholders
         under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any
         of which may be expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing:

                           8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Shareholders shall not have discovered any
                  material error, misstatement or omission in the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser in
                  Section 4 hereof; the representations and warranties made by
                  the Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been made again
                  at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
                  correct; the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with
                  all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
                  performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing;
                  and the Shareholders shall have received a certificate, signed
                  by an executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Shareholders and the Companies
                  an opinion of Butler & Binion, L.L.P., counsel for the
                  Purchaser, to the effect that:

                                 (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the State of Georgia;

                                (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of
                           this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                     - 19 -

                               (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding upon
                           the Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser
                           in accordance with its terms;

                                (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                           or agreement known to such counsel and to which
                           Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property
                           is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                 (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                           declaration or filing with any governmental authority
                           or regulatory body, federal, state or local, is
                           necessary or required in connection with the
                           execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Shareholders and the Companies at Closing. Any
                  opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be
                  limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
                  or other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by
                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law, the internal laws of the State of Texas and the General
                  Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                           8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.9, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained
                  in this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                                     - 20 -

                           9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which time they shall
                  terminate (except as to claims which are then pending by
                  written notice delivered prior to the expiration of such
                  two-year period).

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS AND THE
                  COMPANIES. The Shareholders and the Companies jointly and
                  severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser
                  and its successors and assigns from and against any and all
                  losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses
                  (any one such item being herein called a "Loss" and all such
                  items being herein collectively called "Losses") which are
                  caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
                  performance by either Shareholder or either Company of any
                  covenant or agreement of the Shareholders and the Companies
                  contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or
                  inaccurate or erroneous representation made by either
                  Shareholder or either Company herein, in any Schedule
                  delivered to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any
                  certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of
                  such Shareholder or such Company pursuant hereto, (iii) any
                  claim made against the Purchaser in respect of any liabilities
                  or obligations of either Company (whether absolute or
                  contingent) other than the Assumed Liabilities, and (iv) any
                  and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
                  judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
                  fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                           10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser
                  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholders and the
                  Companies and their successors and assigns from and against
                  any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach
                  or default in the performance by the Purchaser of any covenant
                  or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement,
                  (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
                  representation made by the Purchaser herein or in any
                  certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of
                  the Purchaser pursuant hereto, (iii) any claim made against
                  either Shareholder or either Company in respect of the Assumed
                  Liabilities or based on any set of facts arising after

                                     - 21 -

                  the Closing and related to the operation of the Homes, (iv)
                  any and all actions suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
                  judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
                  fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                           10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
                  selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
                  indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts
                  in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
                  within ten business days after delivery of the indemnified
                  party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
                  indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between
                  such parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by
                  the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
                  indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
                  of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have
                  the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
                  represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected
                  by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified
                  party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                           11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The
                  Shareholders and the Companies agree to use their best efforts
                  to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in
                  Section 7 hereof and the Purchaser agrees to use its best
                  efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions
                  specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                 (a) the mutual consent of the Shareholders and
                           the Purchaser;

                                 (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall
                           be made by either Shareholder or either Company in
                           the observance or in the due and timely performance
                           by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
                           there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by either Shareholder

                                     - 22 -

                           or either Company of any of their warranties and
                           representations herein contained, or if the
                           conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                           performed by either Shareholder or either Company at
                           or before the Closing shall not have been complied
                           with or performed at the time required for such
                           compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Purchaser in writing;

                                 (c) the Shareholders if a material default
                           shall be made by the Purchaser in the observance or
                           in the due and timely performance by the Purchaser of
                           any of the covenants of the Purchaser herein
                           contained, or if there shall have been a material
                           breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                           of its warranties and representations herein
                           contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
                           be complied with or performed by the Purchaser at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Shareholders in writing; or

                                 (d) the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if for
                           any reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on
                           or before December 31, 1992.

                           11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement
                  is terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then
                  no party shall have any liability to any other party
                  hereunder. If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b)
                  or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this
                  Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party
                  hereto, provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination. For purposes of the foregoing, the "terminating
                  party" shall include the Companies if the terminating parties
                  are the Shareholders.

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1. EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs,
                  the parties shall each pay their own expenses in connec-

                                     - 23 -

                  tion with the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of
                  this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein.

                           12.2. BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of either Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of
                  the Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Companies
                  and the Shareholders in the case of claims arising under any
                  other liabilities of the Companies.

                           12.3. TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Companies.

                           12.4. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                 (i) if to either Company or either Shareholder
                                     to:

                                     Service Corporation International
                                     1929 Allen Parkway
                                     Houston, Texas 77019
                                     Attn: President

                                     with a copy to:

                                     General Counsel
                                     Service Corporation International
                                     1929 Allen Parkway
                                     Houston, Texas 77019

                                (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                     CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                                     Three Riverway
                                     Suite 1375
                                     Houston, Texas 77056
                                     Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                     - 24 -

                                     with a copy to:

                                     Butler & Binion, L.L.P.
                                     1000 Louisiana
                                     Suite 1600
                                     Houston, Texas  77002
                                     Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by
                  either party to the other party hereto.

                           12.5. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all of the other
                  parties, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Shareholders or the Companies to a
                  successor-in-interest to the Purchaser (whether by merger,
                  sale of assets or otherwise), provided that the Purchaser
                  shall not thereby be relieved of its obligations hereunder.

                           12.6. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives.

                           12.7. CHANGE OF NAMES. Promptly following the Closing
                  (but in no event later than 30 days thereafter) Sentinel and
                  Ward's shall cause the Certificate of Articles of
                  Incorporation of Ward's to be amended so as to change its name
                  to one wholly dissimilar to "Ward's Funeral Home, Inc." In
                  addition, promptly following the closing of the purchase by
                  the Purchaser of the assets and properties of the Wallis & Son
                  Funeral Home in LaFayette, Georgia under a separate Asset
                  Purchase Agreement (but in no event later than 30 days
                  thereafter), Wallis and SCI-Georgia shall cause the
                  Certificate of Articles of Incorporation of Wallis to be
                  amended so as to change its name to one wholly dissimilar to
                  "Wallis & Son Funeral Home, Inc." In each case, the
                  Shareholders will furnish the Purchaser with written evidence
                  of each such amendment.

                           12.8. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                                     - 25 -

                           12.9. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only
                  by an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof.

                           12.11. GOVERNING LAW. This agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.12. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed
                  in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
                  but all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.


                                      THE PURCHASER:

                                      CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.



                                      By /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                             Mark W. Duffey,
                                             Executive Vice President


                                      THE COMPANIES:
                                      WALLIS & SON FUNERAL HOMES, INC.



                                      By /s/ RAY A. GIPSON
                                             Ray A. Gipson,
                                             Vice President

                                      WARD'S FUNERAL HOME, INC.


                                      By /s/ RAY A. GIPSON
                                             Ray A. Gipson,
                                             Vice President


                                      THE SHAREHOLDERS:

                                      SCI GEORGIA FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

                                      By /s/ RAY A. GIPSON
                                             Ray A. Gipson,
                                             Vice President


                                      SENTINEL GROUP, INC.

                                      By /s/ RAY A. GIPSON
                                             Ray A. Gipson,
                                             Vice President

                                     - 27 -

SCHEDULE                                DESCRIPTION
- --------                                -----------

  1.4                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.3                                   Accounts Receivable and Inventory
  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts




                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of December 9, 1992, among CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), LANE FUNERAL
HOME, INC., a Tennessee corporation ("Lane-Tennessee"), and LANE FUNERAL HOME,
INC., a Delaware corporation "Lane-Delaware") (Lane-Tennessee and Lane-Delaware
are together hereafter referred to as the "Companies"), and SENTINEL GROUP,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Shareholder");


                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, Lane-Tennessee owns and operates the R. J. Coulter
Chapel, a funeral home located in Chattanooga, Tennessee (the "Coulter Home"),
and Lane-Delaware owns and operates the South Crest Chapel, a funeral home
located in Rossville, Georgia (the "South Crest Home") (the Coulter Home and the
South Crest Home being referred to hereafter collectively as the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, the Shareholder owns all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of each Company; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Homes from the
Companies, all on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1.       PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                           1.1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Companies agree to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the
                  Homes described below, as they shall exist at the time of the
                  Closing (collectively, the "Assets"), excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2:

                                    (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                    (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories,
                           monuments and other goods and inventories;

                                    (iii) the 15 motor vehicles described on
                           Schedule 3.7, and the other machinery, equipment,
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other

                                      - 1 -

                           fixed assets and property, plant and equipment,
                           including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                                    (iv) fee simple title to the real property
                           and improvements described on Schedule 3.5;

                                    (v) all cash balances in bank accounts and
                           certificates of deposit, but only if such cash
                           balances or certificates of deposit are committed
                           fund obligations under preneed contracts;

                                    (vi) the rights of the Companies under
                           pre-need contracts and the other agreements, leases
                           and commitments described on Schedule 1.4;

                                    (vii) all rights owned or held by the
                           Companies to the names "Coulter Chapel", "South Crest
                           Chapel", "Lane Funeral Home" and all derivatives
                           thereof, and all goodwill associated with the
                           foregoing;

                                    (viii) all transferrable permits and
                           licenses, and all books, records, brochures and
                           literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                           industrial accident and other similar funds, and
                           prepaid items;

                                    (ix) all rights of the Companies under the
                           environment site assessment reports prepared for the
                           Homes by Atlantic Geoscience, Inc. (without, however,
                           releasing Atlantic Geoscience, Inc. from the
                           Companies' reliance on such reports); and

                                    (x) all other assets, rights and properties
                           owned or held by the Companies at the time of Closing
                           and used in the operation of, or in connection with,
                           the business of the Homes or located thereon,
                           excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Companies shall convey to the Purchaser
                  the Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against real
                  property described on Schedule 3.5 approved by the Purchaser
                  (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                           1.2. RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and
                  sale contemplated hereby and are therefore not included in the
                  Assets:

                                     - 2 -

                                    (i) all cash on hand or on deposit,
                           including bank account balances, certificates of
                           deposit and marketable securities, excluding,
                           however, account balances and certificates of deposit
                           described in Section 1.1(v);

                                    (ii) intercompany accounts and notes
                           receivable owed to either Company by the Shareholder
                           or any of its affiliates which do not arise out of
                           the sale of goods or services of such Company;

                                    (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seals of the
                           Companies, and any shares of either Company's capital
                           stock held in its treasury;

                                    (iv) either Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                    (v) all assets, rights and properties of
                           funeral homes owned and operated by the Companies,
                           other than the Homes.

                           1.3. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the
                  Assets shall be $6,000,000, all of which shall be paid in cash
                  at Closing by wire transfer to such account as the Shareholder
                  shall designate prior to Closing.

                           1.4. ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5. below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Companies
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                    (i) liabilities under the preneed contracts
                           described in Section 3.9, under preneed contracts
                           entered into in the ordinary course of business
                           between the date of such schedule and the Closing
                           Date, and under at-need contracts for services to be
                           performed following Closing, provided that the entire
                           amount of consideration payable by the customers
                           under at-need contracts is payable following Closing
                           or an appropriate adjustment to such effect shall be
                           made at Closing between the Companies and the
                           Purchaser; and

                                     - 3 -

                                    (ii) obligations arising after Closing under
                           the agreements and leases and commitments described
                           on Schedule 1.4 hereto (the "Assumed Contracts").

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Companies. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Companies an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or more contract
                  assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Companies, pursuant
                  to which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.5. LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4. above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Companies not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities and, in particular, Purchaser shall not assume or
                  agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                    (i) any notes or accounts payable of any
                           kind, regardless of whether entered into in the
                           ordinary course of business;

                                    (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Homes prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                    (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against either
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                    (iv) the liabilities and obligations under
                           any warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Companies
                           prior to Closing;

                                    (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to the
                           conduct of the business and operations of the
                           Companies prior to Closing; or

                                     - 4 -

                                    (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Companies being charged
                  and credited for all of same up to and on such date and the
                  Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same after
                  such date. Utility services will be transferred to the
                  Purchaser's name on or as soon as possible after the Closing
                  Date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of
                  the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of
                  the best evidence then available, and thereafter, within
                  thirty (30) days after actual figures are received, a cash
                  settlement will be made between the Companies and the
                  Purchaser.

                           1.7. INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, each
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8. DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, each Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  (to the extent required within the period contemplated in
                  Section 7.8, with respect to the Assumed Contracts referred to
                  therein) consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall deem
                  necessary to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit.
                  Simultaneously with such deliveries, each Company shall take
                  all requisite steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession
                  and operating control of the Assets and all of such Company's
                  on-site business records, books and other data. In addition,
                  at the Closing, the Shareholder, the Companies and the
                  Purchaser shall coordinate with one another in taking all
                  necessary or appropriate action to cause the transfer of the
                  trust funds referred to in Section 3.9 including, without
                  limitation, the obtaining of governmental and third party
                  consents and, if necessary, the substitution of a successor
                  trustee by the Purchaser or a designee of the Purchaser.

                                     - 5 -

                           1.9. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholder and the
                  Companies shall from time to time after the Closing, without
                  further consideration, execute and deliver such instruments of
                  transfer, conveyance and assignment (in addition to those
                  delivered pursuant to Section 1.7), and shall take such other
                  action, as the Purchaser may reasonably request to more
                  effectively transfer, convey and assign to and vest in the
                  Purchaser, and to put the Purchaser in actual possession and
                  control of, each of the Assets.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Butler & Binion, L.L.P., 1000 Louisiana, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas, at
         9:00 a.m. on the tenth business day following the Purchaser's receipt
         of notice of the approval referred to in Section 7.9, or at such other
         date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but
         in no event later than February 28, 1993. The date and time of the
         Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to
         have occurred as of the close of business on the Closing Date. All
         action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all
         documents and instruments executed and delivered, and all payments made
         with respect thereto, shall be considered to have been taken, delivered
         or made simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall
         be considered as complete until all action incident to the Closing has
         been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
         SHAREHOLDER. The Companies and the Shareholder jointly and severally
         represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Companies and
                  the Shareholder are each a corporation duly organized, validly
                  existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of
                  its incorporation, and each has all requisite corporate power
                  to enter into and perform its obligations under this
                  Agreement.

                                     - 6 -

                           3.2. OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANIES. All of the issued
                  and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Company are
                  owned of record and beneficially by the Shareholder.

                           3.3. CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. During the four
                  months beginning September 1, 1991 and ended December 31,
                  1991, the Coulter Home had gross revenues (less discounts) of
                  at least $302,966 and the South Crest Home had gross revenues
                  (less discounts) of at least $772,642; and during such period,
                  the Coulter Home performed at least 71 adult funeral services
                  and the South Crest Home performed at least 147 adult funeral
                  services. During the ten months ended October 31, 1992, the
                  Coulter Home had gross revenues (less discounts) of at least
                  $769,839 and the South Crest Home had gross revenues (less
                  discounts) of at least $1,966,858; and during such period, the
                  Coulter Home performed at least 203 adult funeral services and
                  the South Crest Home performed at least 484 adult funeral
                  services. Attached hereto as Schedule 3.3 is a listing of the
                  accounts receivable and inventory of each Home as of October
                  31, 1992, and (as shown on such Schedule) the total
                  inventories (determined at cost) and accounts receivable (at
                  face value) of the Homes at such date are as set forth below:

                                    ACCOUNTS
                                              Inventories      Receivable

                           Coulter Home         $13,152         $126,686

                           South Crest Home     $79,860         $459,456


                           3.4. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. Each Company
                  is in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Homes, and has good and indefeasible title to
                  all of the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the Purchaser
                  under this Agreement, free and clear of any and all Liens
                  other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

                           3.5. REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of real property owned by the
                  Companies and used in the operation of the Homes

                                     - 7 -

                  (hereafter referred to collectively as the "Real Property").
                  Schedule 3.5 also described all Liens of any kind against the
                  Real Property. There is not pending or, to the Shareholder's
                  knowledge, threatened any proceeding for the taking or
                  condemnation of the Real Property or any portion thereof.
                  Since August 30, 1991, no toxic or hazardous wastes (as
                  defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any
                  similar state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as
                  defined under the Comprehensive Environment Response,
                  Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or the
                  Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or any
                  similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
                  generated, stored, dumped or released onto or from any portion
                  of the Real Property, except for substances, such as
                  formaldehyde, that are used in the operation of the Real
                  Property as funeral homes or otherwise in the ordinary course
                  of business and have been properly used, stored and disposed
                  of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and
                  except for any of the foregoing which would not, individually
                  or in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the
                  financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of
                  the Homes. To the knowledge of the Companies and the
                  Shareholder, the Real Property is not now subject to any
                  reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of any
                  federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency
                  having jurisdiction over the Real Property. To the knowledge
                  of officers of the Companies and the Shareholder, none of the
                  Real Property contains any underground storage tanks or PCBs,
                  except to the extent described in the environmental reports
                  referred to in Section 1.1(ix).

                           3.6. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since September
                  30, 1992, there has not been:

                                    (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of either Home;

                                    (ii) any material damage, destruction or
                           losses against any Home or any waiver of any rights
                           of material value to either Home;

                                    (iii) any claim or liability for any
                           material damages for any actual or alleged negligence
                           or other tort or breach of contract against or
                           affecting either Home; or

                                      - 8 -

                                    (iv) any transaction or event entered into
                           or affecting either Home other than in the ordinary
                           course of the business.

                           3.7. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all
                  material items of motor vehicles, equipment, fixtures and
                  other major fixed assets owned by the Companies which are used
                  in the operation of, or in connection with, the business of
                  the Homes or located thereon. All such Assets are, taken as a
                  whole, in operating condition and reasonable repair, ordinary
                  wear and tear excepted.

                           3.8. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Each Assumed Contract
                  is valid and in full force and effect and neither the
                  Companies, nor, to the knowledge of the Companies and the
                  Shareholder, any of the other parties thereto, are in default
                  thereunder.

                           3.9. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of June 30, 1992 (except as
                  otherwise noted therein), (i) all preneed contracts of each
                  Home unfulfilled as of the date thereof, including contracts
                  for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all
                  trust accounts relating to each Home, indicating the location
                  of each and the balance thereof. In addition, on or before
                  three business days prior to Closing, the Companies shall
                  deliver to the Purchaser a Schedule listing the information
                  described in such clauses (i) and (ii) as the date thereof.
                  All funds received by the Companies for the Homes under
                  preneed contracts entered into after August 30, 1991 have been
                  deposited in the appropriate accounts and administered and
                  reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as required
                  by applicable laws and regulations. As to all preneed accounts
                  set forth on Schedule 3.9, either (i) such accounts are
                  covered by written contracts signed or approved by the
                  customer, (ii) the direct costs to be incurred by the
                  Purchaser in providing the services and merchandise called for
                  by any unwritten agreements will not exceed trusted principal
                  and interest receivable with respect thereto or (iii) the
                  obligations of the Companies thereunder are no more than to
                  apply as a credit the amount of trust balances, including
                  interest, for any particular account against the price for
                  performing the service and providing products on an at-need
                  basis. The services provided by the Companies at the Homes
                  since August 30, 1991 have been rendered in a professional and
                  competent manner consistent with prevailing professional
                  standards, practices and customs.

                                      - 9 -

                           3.10. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. Neither Company has
                  received, at any time, notice that it is charged with
                  infringement of any patent, trademark, trade secret, license
                  or other similar proprietary rights of any other person in
                  respect of the operation of the business of the Homes or the
                  use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.11. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. To the knowledge of the
                  Companies and the Shareholder, each Company possesses all
                  licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents, rights
                  and privileges necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the
                  operations of the Homes, including (without limitation) all
                  permits necessary for compliance with all applicable
                  environmental laws, except for any such license, franchise,
                  permit, certificate, consent, right or privilege the absence
                  of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
                  material adverse effect on the financial condition, business,
                  operations or prospects of either of the Homes or any
                  substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.12. LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.9, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Shareholder's knowledge, threatened against
                  or affecting either Company (with respect to the operation of
                  either of the Homes) or any of the Assets, at law or in equity
                  or before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or
                  other governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of
                  either Home or any substantial portion of the Assets. Neither
                  Company is subject to any continuing court or administrative
                  order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or
                  foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental
                  department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality, in
                  respect of the operation of either Home or the use or
                  ownership of the Assets.

                           3.13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Companies have
                  operated each Home at all times since August 30, 1991 in
                  compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other
                  statutes, rules, ordinances and regulations applicable to the
                  Homes, the operation thereof and the Assets to be sold and
                  conveyed to the Purchaser hereunder, except for any such
                  noncompliance which would not, individually or in the
                  aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of either Home or
                  any substantial portion of the Assets.

                                     - 10 -

                           3.14. FINDERS. Neither the Shareholder nor the
                  Companies (nor Service Corporation International) is a party
                  to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
                  agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against any of
                  them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in
                  connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or
                  performance of this Agreement.

                           3.15. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Shareholder and the
                  Companies have been duly authorized by their respective Boards
                  of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
                  enforceable against the Shareholder and each Company in
                  accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor
                  performance of this Agreement by the Shareholder or either
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the respective Certificate or Articles of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Shareholder or either Company or any
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.16. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Companies and the Shareholder hereunder
                  or in any Schedules or certificates furnished to the Purchaser
                  pursuant hereto, do not and will not contain any untrue
                  statement of a material fact or, to the knowledge of the
                  Companies and the Shareholder, omit to state a material fact
                  required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make
                  the representations or warranties herein or therein, in light
                  of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
         Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Companies and
         the Shareholder that:

                           4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly
                  qualified as a foreign corporation in the States of Georgia
                  and Tennessee.

                                     - 11 -

                           4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                  violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                  constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage,
                  deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
                  party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body. At or prior to Closing, the
                  Purchaser will have made all necessary applications and
                  obtained all necessary licenses and permits, if any, which,
                  together with the transfer of the Company's transferrable
                  licenses and permits described in Section 1.1(viii), will be
                  required in order to enable the Purchaser to acquire the
                  Assets hereunder and consummate the Closing.

                           4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Shareholder or the Companies
                  pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain any
                  untrue statement of a material fact or, to the Purchaser's
                  knowledge, omit to state a material fact required to be stated
                  herein or therein or necessary to make the representations or
                  warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in
                  which they are made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHAREHOLDER PENDING
         CLOSING. The Companies and the Shareholder jointly and severally
         covenant and agree with the Purchaser that:

                                     - 12 -

                           5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of each Home will
                  be operated only in the ordinary course, and, in particular,
                  without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, neither
                  the Shareholder nor either Company will cause or permit any of
                  the following actions to occur:

                                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance
                           applicable to the Assets or either Home to lapse or
                           terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like
                           coverage;

                                    (ii) commit any act or permit the occurrence
                           of any event or the existence of any condition of the
                           type described in clause (iv) of Section 3.6; in
                           addition, if any of the other events described in
                           Section 3.6 occurs, the Shareholder will promptly
                           notify the Purchaser of the existence and nature of
                           such event;

                                    (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                    (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of the
                           fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7; or

                                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of either Home.

                           5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Shareholder will give and cause each Company to give to the
                  Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
                  representatives, full and free access to all of the on-site
                  properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of each
                  Home so that the Purchaser may have full opportunity to make
                  such investigation as it shall desire to make of the business,
                  affairs and properties of the Homes, provided such
                  investigation is conducted so as not to unreasonably interfere
                  with the normal day-to-day operations of the Homes.

                           5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Shareholder will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part and on the part of the Companies to
                  consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agree-ment,
                  including the approval of the Federal Trade Commission
                  described in Section 7.9.

                                     - 13 -

                           5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains
                  in effect, the Shareholder and the Companies agree that
                  neither they nor Service Corporation International shall enter
                  into any agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or
                  encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or
                  otherwise hold any discussions with any potential buyers,
                  investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible
                  sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
                  the assets and business of either Home or any other sale of
                  either Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or
                  stock or otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided,
                  however, that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock
                  may occur with the Shareholder or one or more direct or
                  indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Service Corporation
                  International, provided that the successor entity joins in the
                  execution of this Agreement to expressly acknowledge the
                  assumption of the obligations hereunder of the applicable
                  Company.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
         covenants with the Shareholder and the Companies that:

                           6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.9.

                           6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Companies
                  from any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Companies, including their accountants or legal counsel, or
                  from any books or records of them, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason,
                  all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
                  from the Companies or the Shareholder or their representatives
                  in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement shall be returned to the Shareholder.

                                     - 14 -

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
         of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing;
         provided, however, that the conditions described in Sections 7.5
         through 7.8 shall be deemed satisfied or waived by the Purchaser if it
         shall not have raised any objections as to any of such conditions
         within the 25-day period referred to therein (other than the funding of
         the commitment referred to in Section 7.7, which is unaffected by such
         25-day period):

                           7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Companies and the Shareholder in Section 3 hereof;
                  the representations and warranties made by the Companies and
                  the Shareholder herein shall be deemed to have been made again
                  at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
                  correct; the Companies and the Shareholder shall have
                  performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
                  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
                  them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
                  received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the
                  Companies and the Shareholder, to the effect of the foregoing
                  provisions of this Section 7.1.

                           7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholder shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of counsel
                  for the Shareholder and the Companies, to the effect that:

                                       (i) the Shareholder and each Company are
                           corporations duly organized, validly existing and in
                           good standing under the laws of their respective
                           states of incorporation and have all requisite
                           corporate power to enter into and perform their
                           respective obligations under this Agreement;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Shareholder and the
                           Companies have been duly authorized by their
                           respective Board of Directors;

                                     - 15 -

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Shareholder and each Company and enforceable
                           against them in accordance with its terms;

                                    (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Shareholder and the Companies of
                           this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                           violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                           constitute a default under, the Articles or
                           Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Shareholder or either Company or under any material
                           loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed
                           of trust or other contract or agreement known to such
                           counsel and to which the Shareholder or either
                           Company is a party or by which it or its property is
                           bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of
                           or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Shareholder or the Companies or the performance of
                           their respective obligations hereunder, except for
                           any consents which have already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Shareholder and the
                  Companies and certificates of public officials, copies of
                  which shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing. Any
                  opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be
                  limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
                  or other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by
                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                           7.3. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of either of the
                  Homes (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured),
                  the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on
                  the condition, business, operations or prospects of either
                  such Home.

                                     - 16 -

                           7.4. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. On or before twenty-five
                  (25) days after the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser and
                  its representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition
                  review of the financial information and books and records of
                  the Homes, and shall have discovered no change in the
                  business, assets, operations, financial condition or prospects
                  of either Home which could, in the sole determination of the
                  Purchaser, have an adverse effect on the value to the
                  Purchaser of the business, assets, financial condition or
                  prospects of either such Home and the Assets being purchased.

                           7.6. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. On or before 25 days after
                  the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have
                  conducted, at its expense, a Phase I (and, if deemed necessary
                  by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of the Homes and
                  the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected
                  by Purchaser, and the results of such report (together with
                  any remedial action, if any, taken by the Companies in
                  response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its
                  sole discretion.

                           7.7. FINANCING COMMITMENT. On or before 25 days after
                  the date of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have received,
                  from Texas Commerce Bank National Association or another
                  financial institution acceptable to it, a written commitment,
                  containing such terms and conditions and otherwise in form and
                  substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
                  extension of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  further condition to Closing, unaffected by such 25-day
                  period, that such commitment shall have been funded in such
                  amount contemporaneously with the Closing, provided that the
                  Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations under such
                  commitment.

                                     - 17 -

                           7.8. FORMER OWNER CONTRACTS. On or before 25 days
                  after the date of this Agreement, each of the other parties to
                  the lease agreements, employment agreements and
                  non-competition agreements described on Schedule 1.4 shall
                  have consented to the assignment thereof by the Companies to
                  the Purchaser, and each of such lease agreements, employment
                  agreements and non-competition agreements shall have been
                  extended, amended and otherwise modified, or new agreements
                  entered into, in a manner and in form and content mutually
                  acceptable to the Purchaser and each of such other parties.

                           7.9. FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall
                  have received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser
                  and the transactions described herein by the Federal Trade
                  Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's consent decree with the
                  Shareholder (as proposed and reported in 50 Fed.Reg. 37,357
                  (Aug. 6, 1991)). In addition, the Shareholder shall have
                  obtained all other necessary or appropriate consents and
                  approvals of other persons and governmental authorities to the
                  transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                           7.10. TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Shareholder's expense) for each parcel of Real Property in an
                  amount mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy
                  shall be issued by a title company with offices in each County
                  in which the Real Property is located and reasonably
                  acceptable to the Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a
                  "Title Company"), insuring that Purchaser is the owner of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in effect in
                  the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however, that such
                  policy shall be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
                  Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.11. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at
                  the Shareholder's expense, a survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall be sufficient for each Title Company to delete
                  the survey exception contained in the owner policy of title
                  insurance referred to in Section 7.10, save and except for the
                  phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and
                  content reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its lender.

                                     - 18 -

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
         SHAREHOLDER. The obligations of the Companies and the Shareholder under
         this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of
         which may be expressly waived by the Shareholder in writing:

                           8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Shareholder shall not have discovered any
                  material error, misstatement or omission in the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser in
                  Section 4 hereof; the representations and warranties made by
                  the Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been made again
                  at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
                  correct; the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with
                  all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
                  performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing;
                  and the Shareholder shall have received a certificate, signed
                  by an executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Shareholder and the Companies an
                  opinion of Butler & Binion, L.L.P., counsel for the Purchaser,
                  to the effect that:

                                       (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the States of Georgia and Tennessee;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with its terms;

                                     - 19 -

                                    (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                           or agreement known to such counsel and to which
                           Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property
                           is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of
                           or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Shareholder and the Company at Closing. Any
                  opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be
                  limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
                  or other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by
                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law, the internal laws of the State of Texas and the General
                  Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                           8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.9, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained
                  in this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                                     - 20 -

                           9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which time they shall
                  terminate (except as to claims which are then pending by
                  written notice delivered prior to the expiration of such
                  two-year period).

                  10.      INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDER AND THE
                  COMPANIES. The Shareholder and the Companies jointly and
                  severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser
                  and its successors and assigns from and against any and all
                  losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses
                  (any one such item being herein called a "Loss" and all such
                  items being herein collectively called "Losses") which are
                  caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
                  performance by the Shareholder or either Company of any
                  covenant or agreement of the Shareholder and the Companies
                  contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or
                  inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the Shareholder
                  or either Company herein, in any Schedule delivered to the
                  Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other
                  instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Shareholder or
                  such Company pursuant hereto, (iii) any claim made against the
                  Purchaser in respect of any liabilities or obligations of
                  either Company (whether absolute or contingent) other than the
                  Assumed Liabilities, and (iv) any and all actions, suits,
                  proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses
                  (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the
                  foregoing.

                           10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser
                  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholder and the
                  Companies and their successors and assigns from and against
                  any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach
                  or default in the performance by the Purchaser of any covenant
                  or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement,
                  (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
                  representation made by the Purchaser herein or in any
                  certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of
                  the Purchaser pursuant hereto, (iii) any claim made against
                  the Shareholder or either Company in respect of the Assumed
                  Liabilities or based on any set of facts arising after the
                  Closing and related to the operation of the Homes, and (iv)
                  any and all actions suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
                  judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
                  fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                                     - 21 -

                           10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
                  selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
                  indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts
                  in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
                  within ten business days after delivery of the indemnified
                  party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
                  indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between
                  such parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by
                  the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
                  indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
                  of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have
                  the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
                  represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected
                  by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified
                  party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  11.      TERMINATION.

                           11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The
                  Shareholder and the Companies agree to use their best efforts
                  to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in
                  Section 7 hereof and the Purchaser agrees to use its best
                  efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions
                  specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual consent of the Shareholder
                           and the Purchaser;

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by the Shareholder or either Company in
                           the observance or in the due and timely performance
                           by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
                           there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by the Shareholder or either
                           Company of any of their warranties and
                           representations herein contained, or if the
                           conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                           performed by the Shareholder or either Company at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Purchaser in writing;

                                     - 22 -

                                       (c) the Shareholder if a material default
                           shall be made by the Purchaser in the observance or
                           in the due and timely performance by the Purchaser of
                           any of the covenants of the Purchaser herein
                           contained, or if there shall have been a material
                           breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                           of its warranties and representations herein
                           contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
                           be complied with or performed by the Purchaser at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Shareholder in writing; or

                                    (d) the Shareholder or the Purchaser, if for
                           any reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on
                           or before February 28, 1993.

                           11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement
                  is terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then
                  no party shall have any liability to any other party
                  hereunder. If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b)
                  or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this
                  Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party
                  hereto, provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination. For purposes of the foregoing, the terminating
                  party shall include the Companies if the terminating party is
                  the Shareholder.

                                     - 23 -

                  12.      MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1. EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs,
                  the parties shall each pay their own expenses in connection
                  with the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this
                  Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein.

                           12.2. BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of either Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of
                  the Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Companies
                  and the Shareholder in the case of claims arising under any
                  other liabilities of the Companies.

                           12.3. TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Companies.

                           12.4. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                           (i) if to either Company or the Shareholder to:

                              Service Corporation International
                              1929 Allen Parkway
                              Houston, Texas 77019
                              Attn: President

                              with a copy to:

                              General Counsel
                              Service Corporation International
                              1929 Allen Parkway
                              Houston, Texas 77019

                                     - 24 -

                           (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                              CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                              Three Riverway
                              Suite 1375
                              Houston, Texas 77056
                              Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                              with a copy to:

                              Butler & Binion, L.L.P.
                              1000 Louisiana
                              Suite 1600
                              Houston, Texas  77002
                              Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by
either party to the other party hereto.

                           12.5. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all other parties
                  hereto, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Shareholder or the Companies to a successor-in-interest
                  to the Purchaser (whether by merger, sale of assets or
                  otherwise), provided that the Purchaser shall not thereby be
                  relieved of its obligations hereunder.

                           12.6. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors and assigns.

                           12.7. CHANGE OF NAME. Promptly following the Closing
                  (but in no event later than 30 days thereafter), the
                  Shareholder and the Companies shall cause the respective
                  Certificate or Articles of Incorporation of each Company to be
                  amended so as to change its name to one wholly dissimilar to
                  "Lane Funeral Home, Inc." and will furnish the Purchaser with
                  written evidence of each such amendment.

                           12.8. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                                     - 25 -

                           12.9. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only
                  by an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof.

                           12.11. GOVERNING LAW. This agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.12. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed
                  in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
                  but all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                       THE PURCHASER:

                                       CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation


                                       By  MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                           MELVIN C. PAYNE, President


                                       THE COMPANIES:

                                       LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
                                         a Tennessee corporation


                                       By RAY A. GIPSON
                                          RAY A. GIPSON, Vice President



                                       LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation


                                       By RAY A. GIPSON
                                          RAY A. GIPSON, Vice President


                                       THE SHAREHOLDER:

                                       SENTINEL GROUP, INC.,
                                         a Delaware corporation



                                       By RAY A. GIPSON
                                          RAY A. GIPSON, Vice President

<PAGE>
SCHEDULE                               DESCRIPTION


  1.4                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.3                                   Accounts Receivable and Inventory
  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts



                                                                    Exhibit 10.7

                   STOCK AND REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of September 6, 1994, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL SERVICES OF OHIO, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Purchaser"),
KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), and JAMES
B. SMITH, LOUISE SMITH, residents of Huron County, Ohio, and LEE K. SMITH and
NANCY SMITH-GELVIN, residents of Erie County, Ohio (collectively, the
"Shareholders");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Kubach-Smith
Funeral Home and the Heaston-Gerber-Smith Funeral Home in Norwalk, Ohio, the
Rawle-Kubach-Smith Funeral Home in Milan, Ohio and the Gerber-Smith Funeral Home
in Wakeman, Ohio (collectively, the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists
of 500 shares of Common Stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), of which 320
shares (the "Shares") are issued, outstanding and held and owned of record by
the Shareholders as shown on Schedule I hereto; and

                  WHEREAS, James B. Smith and Louise Smith (together, the
"Smiths") own fee simple title to (i) all of the parcels of real property on
which the Homes are situated, as more particularly described under the heading
"Purchased Real Property" on Schedule 4.1 hereto (the "Purchased Real
Property"), and (ii) the real property on which a building is situated adjacent
to the Kubach-Smith Funeral Home containing six garage bays and two apartment
units, as more particularly described under the heading "Leased Real Property"
on Schedule 4.1 hereto (the "Leased Real Property") (the Purchased Real Property
and the Leased Real Property are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Real Property"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser purchase the
Shares from the Shareholders, purchase the Purchased Real Property from the
Smiths and lease the Leased Real Property from the Smiths, all upon the terms
and conditions and for the consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARES AND THE REAL PROPERTY.

                  1.1. TRANSFER OF THE SHARES. Each Shareholder severally agrees
         to sell his or her respective Shares to the Purchaser, free and clear
         of all security interests, pledges, liens, mortgages, title
         restrictions, charges, encumbrances or rights of any other person
         (collectively, "Liens"). The Purchaser, agrees to purchase and accept
         the Shares from each of the Shareholders.

                  1.2. TRANSFER OF THE PURCHASED REAL PROPERTY. The Smiths
         jointly and severally agree to sell fee simple title to the Purchased
         Real Property to the Purchaser, free and clear of all Liens other than
         Permitted Encumbrances described on Schedule 4.1, and the Purchaser
         agrees to purchase and accept the Purchased Real Property from the
         Smiths.

                  1.3. CONSIDERATION. Subject to Section 1.4, the consideration
         for the Shares and the Purchased Real Property shall be $2,300,000 (the
         "Purchase Price"), of which $937,000 shall be allocated to the Shares
         and $1,363,000 shall be allocated to the Purchased Real Property. Of
         the Purchase Price, (i) an amount sufficient to discharge indebtedness
         of the Company, as determined pursuant to Section 1.4(a), shall be paid
         by the Purchaser directly to the holders of such indebtedness, or in
         such other manner mutually determined by the parties, (ii) the sum of
         $200,000 shall collectively be represented by Subordinated Promissory
         Notes of Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
         the parent corporation of the Purchaser ("Carriage"), each payable to
         the shareholders in the respective original principal amounts shown on
         Schedule I, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached
         hereto, with the blanks appropriately completed (collectively, the
         "Subordinated Notes"), and (iii) the balance of the Purchase Price,
         after deducting the amounts described in clauses (i) and (ii) above,
         shall be allocated between the Purchase Price for the Shares and the
         Real Property on a pro rata basis, and the net portion so allocated to
         the Shares shall be paid to the Shareholders on a pro rata basis in
         accordance with their respective holdings of the Shares as reflected on
         Schedule I.

                  1.4. ADJUSTMENTS TO CONSIDERATION.

                           (a) AT CLOSING. At or prior to Closing, the
                  Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a written
                  statement, certified by them to be accurate and complete,
                  setting forth a description, and the outstanding balance as of
                  the Closing, of all liabilities and obligations of the
                  Company, including (but not limited to) indebtedness for
                  borrowed money, indebtedness secured by Liens against any
                  assets or properties of the Company, accounts and trade
                  payable, accrued liabilities, federal, state and local taxes,
                  any liabilities under suits, claims, judgments or orders then
                  pending or any other liability or obligation of the Company
                  attributable to the operation of the Company's business prior
                  to Closing (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), excluding
                  obligations under preneed contracts for which the full amount
                  has been deposited in trust as required under applicable law.
                  At Closing, the Purchaser shall pay out of the Purchase Price
                  such portion as shall be required

                                      -2-

                  to pay and discharge those Unassumed Liabilities secured by
                  Liens against any assets or properties of the Company, any
                  other indebtedness of the Company for borrowed money, and any
                  other Unassumed Liabilities as mutually determined by the
                  parties, either directly to such creditors or otherwise in a
                  manner mutually determined by the parties such as to assure
                  that the assets and properties of the Company are free and
                  clear of any Liens and all such Unassumed Liabilities are paid
                  or satisfied in full. Such payment of Unassumed Liabilities
                  shall be deemed a downward adjustment to the Purchase Price
                  for the Shares. Any Unassumed Liabilities remaining unpaid
                  after the Closing shall be subject to indemnification under
                  Section 12.1.

                           (b)POST CLOSING. If in any of the five one-year
                  periods following the Closing Date (commencing on the first
                  day of the calendar month following the month in which Closing
                  occurs and each of the first four anniversaries of such date,
                  such periods being hereafter collectively referred to as
                  "Revenue Periods"), the total net revenue (as defined below)
                  is less than $1,455,000, then the amount of the difference
                  shall constitute a downward adjustment in the Purchase Price,
                  provided that the maximum amount of any such adjustment in any
                  single one-year period shall be $80,000 and the maximum
                  aggregate amount of such adjustment over such five-year period
                  shall be $400,000. For purposes of the foregoing, each
                  one-year period shall be determined on a stand-alone basis
                  without carry-forwards or carrybacks in any previous or
                  succeeding years. In each such instance, the Purchaser shall
                  be entitled to offset the amount of such downward adjustment
                  against the installments of principal and interest then due
                  under the Subordinated Notes and the amounts then payable
                  under the Non-Competition Agreements referred to in Section
                  2.2(ii), each offset to be applied equally between the
                  Subordinated Notes on the one hand, and the Non-Competition
                  Agreements on the other, and then prorata among the Notes and
                  Non-Competition Agreements, as applicable. In the event of any
                  such adjustment and offset, the Purchaser shall provide to the
                  Shareholders written notice thereof within 30 days following
                  expiration of the applicable Revenue Period, which notice
                  shall include a calculation of the total net revenues of the
                  Homes computed as aforesaid. The amount, if any, which is
                  payable under the Subordinated Notes and the Non-Competition
                  Agreements after giving effect to such adjustment and offset
                  shall accompany such notice. Offset shall be applied on a pro
                  rata basis in accordance with the amount of the annual
                  payments then payable to each Shareholder that are being
                  offset against. If in any Revenue Period the amount of

                                      -3-

                  offset exceeds the amount of all annual payments available for
                  offset, then the deficiency shall be carried forward to the
                  next annual installments for offset, and that deficiency shall
                  not accrue interest during the interim. There shall be no
                  upward adjustment in the Purchase Price due to this Section
                  1.4(b). If the Hinman, Tanner and Walker funeral home in
                  Norwalk, Ohio1 permanently ceases operations (which does not
                  include a relocation within the Norwalk, Ohio area) while this
                  paragraph (b) is in effect, then the adjustment and offset
                  provisions hereof shall terminate upon the adjustment and
                  offset (if any) for the Revenue Period in which such cessation
                  occurs, after which there will be no more such adjustments or
                  offset under this paragraph (b). For purposes hereof, "net
                  revenues" means the gross revenues attributable to the
                  operation of the Homes (including rental income attributable
                  to portions of the Real Property leased to third persons),
                  less discounts, all determined in accordance with generally
                  accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

                  1.5. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
         items relating to the assets and liabilities of the Homes and to Real
         Property, including but not limited to, utilities, real estate and
         personal property taxes, shall be prorated as of the Closing Date, the
         Shareholders or the Smiths, as the case may be, being charged and
         credited for all of same up to such date and the Purchaser being
         charged and credited for all of same on and after such date. If the
         actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of the Closing Date, the
         prorations shall be made on the basis of the best evidence then
         available, and thereafter, within thirty (30) days after actual figures
         are received, a cash settlement will be made between the Shareholders
         and the Purchaser.

                  1.6. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders agree to execute and
         deliver from time to time after the Closing, at the reasonable request
         of the Purchaser, and without further consideration, such additional
         instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action
         as the Purchaser may reasonably require more effectively to convey,
         assign, transfer and deliver the Shares and title to the Purchased Real
         Property to the Purchaser.

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Freeman, Laycock, Lux & Conway, 54 East Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio
         44897, at 9:00 a.m. on September 6, 1994, or at such other date, time
         or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event
         later than September 30, 1994. The date and time of the Closing is

                                      -4-

         herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to have occurred
         as of the commencement of business on the Closing Date. At the Closing,
         (i) the Shareholders shall deliver all certificates representing their
         respective Shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by duly executed stock
         powers, (ii) the Smiths shall execute and deliver one or more general
         warranty deeds conveying fee simple title to the Purchased Real
         Property to the Purchaser, and (iii) the Purchaser shall cause Carriage
         to execute and deliver the originals of the Subordinated Notes to the
         Shareholders and shall deliver the cash portion of the Purchase Price
         payable to the Shareholders at Closing as provided in Section 1.3 by
         wire transfer to such account or accounts in the United States as they
         shall designate to the Purchaser in writing at least two business days
         prior to the Closing. All action to be taken at the Closing as
         hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
         delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be
         considered to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no
         such action or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete
         until all action incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the purchase and
         sale of the Shares and the Purchased Real Property, the following
         transactions shall take place at the Closing:

                           (i) the Purchaser and the Smiths shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other a Lease Agreement to be dated
                  the Closing Date and in substantially the form of Exhibit B
                  hereto (the "Lease Agreement");

                          (ii) James B. and Louise Smith, Lee K. and Amy
                  Smith, and William J. Gelvin and Nancy Smith-Gelvin shall each
                  execute and deliver to the Purchaser a Non-Competition
                  Agreement to be dated the Closing Date and in substantially
                  the forms of Exhibits C-1, C-2 and C-3, respectively attached
                  hereto, and the Purchaser shall execute and deliver the
                  Non-Competition Agreements to each of such persons
                  (collectively, the "Non-Competition Agreements");

                         (iii) the Purchaser and the Smiths shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other a Consulting Agreement to be
                  dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form of
                  Exhibit D hereto (the "Consulting Agreement"); and

                          (iv) the Purchaser and Lee K. Smith ("Lee") shall
                  each execute and deliver to the other an Employment Agreement
                  to be dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form of
                  Exhibit E hereto (the "Employment Agreement").

                                      -5-

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE SHARES. Each Shareholder
severally (but not jointly) represents and warrants, as to such Shareholder
only, that:

                  3.1. TITLE TO THE SHARES. Such Shareholder has good and
         marketable title to his or her respective Shares as shown on Schedule
         I, free and clear of any and all Liens, and such Shareholder has the
         absolute and unrestricted right, power, authority and capacity to sell
         such Shares to the Purchaser as provided in this Agreement. Upon
         delivery of such Shares to the Purchaser, against payment therefor as
         provided in Section 1.3, the Purchaser will receive from such
         Shareholder good and marketable title thereto, free and clear from all
         Liens.

                  3.2. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDER. Such Shareholder has the
         full right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this
         Agreement and the other documents to which he or she is a party, and to
         consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This
         Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by such
         Shareholder, each of such other documents will constitute, the legal,
         valid and binding obligations of such Shareholders enforceable against
         him or her in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the
         execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement or any of such
         other documents, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
         hereby or thereby, will: (i) result in a violation or breach of any
         term or provision of, constitute a default or acceleration under,
         require notice to or consent of any third party to, or result in the
         creation of any Lien by virtue of (x) the charter or bylaws of the
         Company or (y) any contract, agreement, lease, license or other
         commitment to which the Company or such Shareholder is a party or by
         which such shareholder or his or her respective assets or properties
         are bound; nor (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction
         or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE REAL ESTATE. The Smiths
jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser
that:

                  4.1. DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 4.1 attached hereto sets
         forth a legal description of all parcels included within the Real
         Property (Leased and Purchased), and also briefly describes each
         building and major structure and improvement thereon. The Smiths have
         good and marketable fee simple title to the Real Property, free and
         clear of any and all Liens, other than (i) Liens to be fully released
         at or prior to Closing, and (ii) title restrictions described in
         Schedule 4.1 (the "Permitted Encumbrances"). No person other than the
         Smiths have any ownership, leasehold or other interest of any kind in
         the Real Property. The Real Property is the only

                                      -6-

         interest in real property used in the conduct of the business of the
         Homes as presently conducted. All of the buildings, structures and
         improvements located on the Real Property are in good operating
         condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such buildings,
         structures or improvements as constructed or configured on the date
         hereof, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now operated or
         maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other administrative
         regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any provision of
         law. There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of the Smiths,
         threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real
         Property or any portion thereof.

                  4.2. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. No toxic or hazardous wastes (as
         defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar
         state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as defined under the
         Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
         1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
         amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
         generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or from the Real
         Property, nor to the knowledge of the Smiths, have any such materials
         or wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on any
         real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. The Real
         Property is not subject to any reclamation, remediation or reporting
         requirements of any federal, state, local or other governmental body or
         agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property. The Real Property
         does not contain any asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls, urea,
         formaldehyde, radon gas or underground storage tanks, except for
         substances used in the ordinary course of the operations of the Homes
         that are properly used, stored and disposed of in accordance with
         applicable legal requirements.

                  4.3. NO FLOOD HAZARDS. The Real Property is not located within
         an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
         Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental
         agency or body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

                  4.4. FIRPTA. Neither of the Smiths is a "foreign person" (as
         defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
         amended (the "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder), and the
         Smiths shall deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in recordable
         form containing such information as shall be required by Internal
         Revenue Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder.

                  4.5. BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect
         to the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have
         been (and on the Closing Date will be)

                                      -7-

         paid, and no Liens or other claims for the same have been filed or
         asserted against any part of the Real Property.

                  5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The
Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the
Purchaser as follows (except as to the representa-tion and warranty contained in
the second sentence of Section 5.4, which is being made jointly and severally
only by the Smiths):

                  5.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corporation
         duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
         the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
         and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to carry on its
         business as now conducted. The Shareholders have delivered to the
         Purchaser complete and correct copies of the charter and bylaws of the
         Company, both as in effect on the date hereof.

                  5.2. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the
         Company consists of 500 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which
         320 shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and
         nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of
         any person. No shares of the Company are held by it as treasury stock.
         The Company does not have any outstanding subscriptions, options or
         other agreements or commitments obligating it to issue shares of its
         capital stock. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the
         Shareholders will not, and will not cause or permit the Company to,
         issue or enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or other
         commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance
         of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  5.3. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company has no subsidiaries or any
         investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
         other business enterprise.

                  5.4. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholders have delivered to
         the Purchaser the unaudited balance sheets of the Company at June 30,
         1993 (the "Company Balance Sheet") and at June 30, 1992, and the
         related unaudited profit and loss statements of the Company for the
         respective twelve-month periods of operations then ended. All such
         financial statements are true and correct, have been prepared in
         accordance with the books and records of the Company, and present
         fairly the financial position of the Company at the dates indicated and
         the results of its operations for the periods then ended in accordance
         with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. The
         Homes collectively performed the funeral services for each of its
         fiscal years ended June 30, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 as shown on
         Schedule 5.4.

                                      -8-

                  5.5. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
         properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes (other
         than the Real Property) are owned by the Company. Except for leases and
         licenses disclosed in Schedules 5.11 and 5.15, none of such assets,
         rights or properties is subject to any lease or license. The Company is
         in actual possession and control of all properties owned by it (subject
         to the right of customers under preneed contracts to transfer such
         contracts as provided under Ohio law), and has good and marketable
         title to all of its assets, rights and properties, including without
         limitation, all properties and assets reflected in the Company Balance
         Sheet (other than properties and assets reflected in such balance sheet
         that have been sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of
         business subsequent to the date of the Company Balance Sheet), free and
         clear of all Liens, except for Liens to be discharged and released at
         or prior to Closing as contemplated in Section 1.4(a).


                  5.6. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as described on
         Schedule 5.6, since the date of the Company Balance Sheet, there has
         not been:

                           (i) any material adverse change in the financial
                  condition, operations, properties or prospects of the Company
                  or of any Home (the term "prospects", for purposes of the
                  foregoing, to be interpreted based upon events or transactions
                  occurring during such period);

                          (ii) any change in the authorized capital or
                  outstanding securities of the Company;

                         (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities
                  which the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to
                  issue, sell or deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed
                  to grant any options, warrants or other rights calling for the
                  issue, sale or delivery thereof;

                          (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to
                  borrow any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become
                  subject to, any absolute or contingent obligation or
                  liability, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary
                  course of business;

                           (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or
                  other extraordinary compensation to any employee of the
                  Company;

                          (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other
                  change in any key personnel of the Company;

                         (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
                  agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose

                                      -9-

                  of, any of the inventories or other assets or properties of
                  the Company, except in the ordinary course of business;

                        (viii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                  against the Company or any waiver any rights of material value
                  to the Company;

                          (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                  entering into of any collective bargaining agreement, with
                  respect to employees of the Company;

                           (x) any claim or liability for any material
                  damages for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or
                  breach of contract against or affecting the Company; or

                          (xi) any other material transaction or event
                  entered into or affecting the Company other than in the
                  ordinary course of the business.

                  5.7. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth
         in the Company Balance Sheet, the Company has none, and none of its
         assets or properties are subject to any, material liabilities or
         obligations of any kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts
         payable and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of the
         Company's business since the date of the Company Balance Sheet.

                  5.8. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other
         taxes due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this
         Agreement have been paid or are adequately provided for in the
         Company's books and records. The Company has filed all tax returns and
         reports required to be filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all
         such tax returns and reports are true, complete and correct. True and
         correct copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns filed
         by the Company for each of its last three taxable years have been
         furnished to the Purchaser. No assessments of deficiencies have been
         made against the Company which are presently pending or outstanding. No
         state of facts exists or has existed which would constitute grounds for
         the assessment of any tax liability against the Company with respect to
         any prior taxable period which has not been audited by the Internal
         Revenue Service or which has not been closed by applicable statute.
         There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory
         period of limitations applicable to any income tax return of the
         Company for any period. The Shareholders shall be fully responsible for
         all taxes of the Company accrued through the Closing and for
         completing, filing and handling all tax returns and reports in respect
         of all periods through Closing, including responding

                                      -10-

         to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding such taxes, returns
         and reports.

                  5.9. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories reflected
         on the Company Balance Sheet and all items placed in inventory since
         the date thereof are (i) accounted for in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles consistently applied, (ii) accounted for
         net of reserves which are sufficient to cover any losses due to
         obsolescence, shrinkage, or unmarketability, and (iii) saleable or
         usable in the ordinary course of business of the Company at usual and
         customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns consistent
         with past practice. All accounts receivable reflected on the Company
         Balance Sheet are, and all of the Company's accounts receivable on the
         Closing Date will be (i) bona fide claims against debtors for sales or
         other charges and (ii) subject to no defenses, set-offs or
         counter-claims (it being understood that the bankruptcy of an account
         party, or other economic risk associated with the collection of an
         account, shall not be deemed covered by this clause (ii)).

                  5.10. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 5.10 lists all motor vehicles and
         all other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other
         fixed assets owned by the Company.

                  5.11. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 5.11 hereto sets
         forth a complete description of:

                         (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to
                  which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all
                  notes or other evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements
                  creating any Lien on any property of, the Company;

                        (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition
                  agreements and other agreements relating to the employment of
                  any employees of the Company;

                       (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the
                  Company which do not terminate or are not terminable by the
                  Company upon notice of 30 days or less or which involves an
                  obligation on its part in excess of $1,000 per annum or $5,000
                  in the aggregate; and

                        (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the
                  Company entered into outside the ordinary course of business.

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 5.11 is
         valid and in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to
         the knowledge of the Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto,
         are in default thereunder. The

                                      -11-

         Shareholders have furnished to the Purchaser a true and correct copy of
         each document listed on Schedule 5.11.

                  5.12. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 5.12
         hereto accurately and completely lists (i) all preneed contracts of the
         Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof, including contracts for the
         sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts
         relating to the Homes, indicating the location of each and the balance
         thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed on Schedule 5.12
         (x) have been entered into in the normal course of business at regular
         retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion program, solely for use
         by the named customers and members of their families on terms not more
         favorable than shown on the specimen contracts which have been
         delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules and
         regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have been
         delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full
         force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither
         the Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds
         received by the Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in
         the appropriate accounts and administered and reported in accordance
         with the terms thereof and as required by applicable laws and
         regulations. The services heretofore provided by the Company have been
         rendered in a professional and competent manner consistent with
         prevailing professional standards, practices and customs.

                  5.13. TRADEMARKS, ETC.. The Company does not own nor has it
         applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses,
         trademarks, trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses
         (collectively, "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule
         5.13. The Company owns or possesses valid rights or adequate licenses
         for all of such Intangible Rights as are necessary to the conduct of
         the business of the Homes as presently conducted. The Company is not
         charged with infringement of any Intangible Rights of any other person,
         nor does the Company know of any such infringement, whether or not
         claimed by any person.

                  5.14. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of
         insurance in such amounts, and which insure against such losses and
         risks, as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and
         properties. Valid policies for such insurance will be outstanding and
         duly in force at all times prior to the Closing.

                  5.15. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 5.15 hereto correctly
         and completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
         consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
         are all that are necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the
         business and operations of

                                      -12-

         the Company and the Homes. All such items are in full force and effect.

                  5.16. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions, suits,
         proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of any
         Shareholder, threatened against the Company or any of the assets or
         properties of the Company, at law or in equity or before or by any
         court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental department,
         commission, board, agency or instrumentality. The Company is not
         subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
         injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
         order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign,
         federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
         board, agency or instrumentality.

                  5.17. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
         compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, municipal
         and other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to
         the Company, the operation of the Homes and the Company's assets,
         rights and properties (including without limitation all environmental
         protection and occupations safety and health rules, regulations and
         laws, and laws and regulations applicable to preneed contracts and
         trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                  5.18. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 5.18 hereto correctly and completely
         lists the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other
         compensation of all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule
         5.18 also sets forth the date of the last salary increase for each
         employee listed thereon, the outstanding balances of all loans and
         advances, if any, made by the Company to any employee or agent of the
         Company, and the number of vacation days or other time off to which
         each such employee is then eligible to take. At Closing, the
         Shareholders will cause the Company to pay or satisfy all vacation,
         holiday and other accrued benefits to employees of the Homes which are
         then outstanding. There are not pending or threatened against the
         Company any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work
         stoppages, and there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or
         proposals that are pending or have been conducted or made with or by
         any labor union or association with respect to any employees of the
         Company. The Company believes that the relations between the Company
         and its employees are good.

                  5.19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. There are no plans, contracts,
         commitments, programs and policies (including, without limitation,
         pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation,
         severance, retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental
         insurance, vacation, sick

                                      -13-

         leave, death benefit and other similar employee benefit plans and
         policies) maintained by the Company providing benefits to any employee
         or former employee of the Company, other than sick leave, vacation and
         group hospitalization benefits that are described on Schedule 5.19, all
         of which are maintained in accordance with applicable legal
         requirements.

                  5.20. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Each Home has been
         operated and is being operated in a manner separate from the personal
         and other business activities of the Shareholders and their affiliates,
         and neither the Company nor its assets are subject to any affiliated
         party commitments or transactions.

                  5.21. BANK ACCOUNTS. Schedule 5.21 hereto sets forth the name
         of each bank, savings and loan or other financial institution in which
         the Company has any account or safe deposit box, the style and number
         of each such account or safe deposit box and the names of all persons
         authorized to draw thereon or have access thereto.

                  5.22. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company
         are true, correct and complete in all material respects, have been
         maintained by the Company in accordance with good business practice and
         in accordance with all laws, regulations and other requirements
         applicable to the Company. The corporate records of the Company reflect
         a true record of all meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors
         and the Shareholders of the Company.

                  5.23. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 14.1, neither
         the Company nor any Shareholder is a party to or in any way obligated
         under any contract or other agreement, and there are no outstanding
         claims against any of them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's
         fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  5.24. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized
         by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
         enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither
         the execution, delivery nor performance by the Company of this
         Agreement will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a
         default or accelerate the performance required under, the charter or
         bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
         other contract or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which
         it or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
         or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                                      -14-

                  5.25. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Company and the Shareholders hereunder or in any Schedules or
         certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do
         not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein
         necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or therein,
         in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

                  6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company and the
Shareholders that:

                  6.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to
         enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
         other documents to which it is a party.

                  6.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the documents
         attached as exhibits hereto have been duly authorized by its Board of
         Directors. This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as
         herein provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon
         the Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with
         their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance
         by the Purchaser of this Agreement, or any such other document will
         conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or
         provision of, nor constitute a default under, the Articles of
         Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
         party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any order,
         writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
         governmental body.

                  6.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are not
         outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any broker's or
         finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  7. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING
CLOSING. The Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant and
agree with the Purchaser that:

                  7.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
         the Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in
         the ordinary course, and, in

                                      -15-

         particular, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the
         Company will not, and the Shareholders will not cause or allow the
         Company to:

                          (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or
                  terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                         (ii) amend or otherwise modify its charter or
                  bylaws;

                        (iii) take any action described in Section 5.6;

                         (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other
                  commitment of the type described in Section 5.11; or

                          (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change
                  in key personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of
                  compensation of or declare or pay any bonuses to any employee
                  in excess of that listed on Schedule 5.18.

                  7.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will
         give to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
         representatives, full and free access to all of the properties, books,
         contracts, commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser
         may have full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire
         to make of the affairs of the Company.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
         approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
         their part to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement.

                  7.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         neither the Company nor any Shareholder shall enter into any agreements
         or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals
         or expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any
         potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the
         possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
         the assets and business of the Company or any other sale of the Company
         (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or otherwise) or any
         portion of the Real Property, other than with the Purchaser.

                  8. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Company and the Shareholders that:

                  8.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use its best
         efforts (which specifically does not include the payment

                                      -16-

         of out-of-pocket sums to third parties) to obtain the necessary
         consents and approvals of other persons which may be required to be
         obtained on its part to consummate the transactions contemplated in
         this Agreement.

                  8.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
         its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information
         obtained with respect to the Company from any representative, officer,
         director or employee of the Company, including their accountants or
         legal counsel, or from any books or records of any of them, in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
         that the Purchaser may disclose such information to its outside
         attorneys and accountants and to its lender, provided that the
         Purchaser shall remain responsible to the Company for any unauthorized
         disclosure thereof by such attorneys, accountants or lender. If the
         transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither the
         Purchaser nor its representatives shall disclose such data or
         information to others, except as such data or information is published
         or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an applicable law
         or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any
         reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company all written data and
         information obtained by the Purchaser from the Company or its
         representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by
         this Agreement.

                  9. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  9.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser shall not have discovered any material error,
         misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties made by
         the Shareholders in Sections 3, 4 and 5 hereof; the representations and
         warranties made by the Shareholders herein shall be deemed to have been
         made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
         correct in all material respects; the Company and the Shareholders
         shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
         agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
         complied with by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser
         shall have received a certificate, signed by the Shareholders and an
         executive officer of the Company, to the effect of the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 9.1.

                  9.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Freeman, Laycock, Lux &
         Conway, counsel for the Company and the Shareholders, dated the Closing
         Date, to the effect that:

                                      -17-

                          (i) the Company is a corporation validly existing
                  and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, with
                  full corporate authority to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement;

                         (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company
                  consists of 500 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which
                  320 shares are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid
                  and nonassessable;

                        (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due
                  inquiry, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or
                  other agreements or commitments obligating the Company to
                  issue any shares of its capital stock or securities
                  convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                         (iv) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized by its
                  Board of Directors;

                          (v) this Agreement has been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the
                  valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
                  against it in accordance with its terms;

                         (vi) neither the execution, delivery or
                  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement or any of such other documents will result in the
                  breach of or constitute a default under the Articles of
                  Incorporation or bylaws of the Company; and

                        (vii) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required on the part of the Company or the Shareholders in
                  connection with the execution and delivery by the Company and
                  the Shareholders of this Agreement or any of such other
                  documents.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the Company and
         certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to
         the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any
         document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
         moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
         principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and
         the internal laws of the State of Ohio.

                  9.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         shall have obtained all consents and approvals of

                                      -18-

         other persons and governmental authorities to the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement.

                  9.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
         have occurred any loss or damage to the Real Property or the physical
         assets and properties of the Company (regardless of whether such loss
         or damage was insured), the effect of which would have an adverse
         effect on the condition, business, operations or prospects of the
         Company or any of Homes.

                  9.5. RESIGNATIONS AND RELEASES. The Purchaser shall have
         received such resignations of the officers and directors of the Company
         as shall have been requested by the Purchaser, as well as written
         releases, in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, under
         which the Shareholders and their spouses waive and release all rights
         and claims against the Company save and except only those obligations
         arising under this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto.

                  9.6. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
         instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
         related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for the
         Purchaser, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such
         certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
         documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                  9.7. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
         representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the
         financial information, books and records, and properties and assets of
         the Company, the Homes and the Real Property, and shall have discovered
         no material change in the business, assets, operations, financial
         condition or prospects of the Company, the Homes or the Real Property
         which could, in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a
         material adverse effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business,
         assets, financial condition or prospects of the Company, the Homes or
         the Real Property.

                  9.8. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Smiths shall have executed and
         delivered to the Purchaser the Lease Agreement and the Consulting
         Agreement. The Shareholders, Amy Smith and William J. Gelvin shall have
         executed and delivered to the Purchaser their respective
         Non-Competition Agreements. Lee shall have executed and delivered to
         the Purchaser the Employment Agreement.

                  9.9. ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE. The Company shall have
         completed, executed and delivered to the Purchaser an environmental
         questionnaire, in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser,
         relating to the operation of the Homes and

                                      -19-

         the ownership of the Company's assets and the Real Property, and such
         questionnaire as so completed, executed and delivered shall reflect the
         absence of any significant environmental hazards, in the Purchaser's
         reasonable judgment.

                  9.10. TITLE INSURANCE. The Smiths shall have obtained, at
         their expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the
         Purchaser in the amount of the Purchase Price allocated to the
         Purchased Real Property under Section 1.3, issued by a title company as
         shall be designated by the Purchaser (the "Title Company"), insuring
         that the Purchaser is the owner of each parcel of the Purchased Real
         Property subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances, and any standard
         printed exceptions included in a Ohio standard form Owner Policy of
         Title Insurance. Such policy shall have deleted any exception regarding
         restrictions or be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
         Encumbrances, any standard exception pertaining to discrepancies,
         conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted except for "shortages
         in area", and any standard exception for taxes shall be limited to the
         year in which the Closing occurs.

                  9.11. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
         Smiths' expense, an as-built survey prepared by a licensed surveyor
         approved by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with
         respect to each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with
         any applicable standards under Ohio law, be sufficient for the Title
         Company to delete any survey exception contained in the title insurance
         policies referred to in Section 9.10, save and except for the phrase
         "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to
         Purchaser.

                  9.12. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received
         from a financial institution acceptable to it a written commitment,
         containing such terms and conditions and otherwise in form and
         substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the extension of
         financing in order to provide the portion of the Purchase Price not
         furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from other
         sources, and such commitment shall have been funded in such amount
         contemporaneously with the Closing. The Purchaser agrees to exercise
         its best efforts to obtain such financing.

                  9.13. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other than
         Permitted Encumbrances) against any assets of the Company or any
         portion of the Real Property shall have executed and delivered written
         releases of such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable
         to the Purchaser and its lender.

                  9.14. MECHEM TRUST. The parties acknowledge that the trustee
         under several trusts established for preneed accounts

                                      -20-

         of the Company by Mechem Financial Inc. (the "Mechem Trust") have
         become insolvent, resulting in an unfunded preneed liability of not
         more than $160,000. Set forth on Schedule 9.14 is a list of preneed
         accounts, including customer names and prices, covered by the Mechem
         Trust prior to its insolvency, which list the Shareholders represent
         and warrant to be accurate and complete. It shall be a condition to the
         Closing that the Shareholders cause a new trust to be established
         covering such accounts, as required under Ohio law and otherwise in a
         manner acceptable to the Purchaser, and that the Shareholders shall
         have contributed the sum of $80,000 to such trust, providing the
         Purchaser such evidence of such contribution as it shall reasonably
         request. Subject to the foregoing representations of the Shareholders,
         the Purchaser acknowledges that funding for the remaining balance of
         the new trust covering such accounts shall be the Company's
         responsibility.

                  10. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE
SHAREHOLDERS. The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders under this
Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be
expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                  10.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
         PERFORMED. The Company and the Shareholders shall not have discovered
         any material error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
         warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 6 hereof; the
         representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein shall be
         deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
         shall then be true and correct in all material respects; the Purchaser
         shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
         agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
         complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the Company and the
         Shareholders shall have received a certificate, signed by an executive
         officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
         this Section 10.1.

                  10.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to
         be delivered to the Company and the Shareholders an opinion of Snell &
         Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser, to the
         effect that:

                           (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to enter
                  into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
                  other documents contemplated herein to be executed and
                  delivered by the Purchaser (as shall be specified in such
                  opinion);

                                      -21-

                          (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by
                  the Purchaser of this Agreement and such other documents have
                  been duly authorized by its Board of Directors;

                         (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                  delivery as herein provided such other documents will be,
                  valid and binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable against
                  the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms;

                          (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance by
                  the Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other documents
                  will conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any
                  term or provision of, nor constitute a default under, the
                  Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or under
                  any loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of
                  trust or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and
                  to which the Purchaser is a party or by which it or its
                  property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                  decree known to such counsel and of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body; and

                           (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other documents, or
                  the performance of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
         officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Company at Closing.
         Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be limited by
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
         laws affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
         opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the
         State of Texas.

                  10.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
         obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  10.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Purchaser shall have executed
         and delivered to the Smiths the Consulting Agreement and the Lease
         Agreement, to the Shareholders, Amy Smith and William J. Gelvin their
         respective Non-Competition Agreements, and to Lee the Employment
         Agreement.

                                      -22-

                  11. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  11.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
         Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
         representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
         same.

                  11.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless
         of any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party
         hereto, all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
         hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in
         connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall
         not terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
         thereafter, except that the representations and warranties contained
         herein shall terminate on June 30, 1996, except as to those
         representations and warranties for which claims have been asserted
         prior to such date, which shall continue to survive until such claims
         have been fully and finally resolved.

                  12. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  12.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. Each Shareholder
         severally (but not jointly) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
         Purchaser and its successors and assigns from and against any and all
         losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one
         such item being herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein
         collectively called "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of any
         breach or warranty or inaccurate representation made by such
         Shareholder in Section 3, and the Smiths jointly and severally agree to
         indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and (following the Closing)
         the Company and their respective successors and assigns from and
         against any and all Losses which are caused by or arise out of any
         breach of warranty or inaccurate representation made by them in Section
         4. The Shareholders jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
         harmless the Purchaser and (following the Closing) the Company, and
         their respective successors and assigns, from and against any and all
         losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in
         the performance by the Company or the Shareholders of any covenant or
         agreement of the Company or the Shareholders contained in this
         Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
         representation made by the Company or the Shareholders herein (except
         as provided in the first sentence above), in any Schedule delivered to
         the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Company or the Shareholders pursuant
         hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the Company, whether absolute
         or contingent,

                                      -23-

         known or unknown, to the extent not paid or discharged at Closing as
         provided in Section 1.4 and (iv) any and all actions, suits,
         proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including
         reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  12.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
         to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholders and their heirs and
         assigns from and against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of
         (i) any breach or default in the performance by the Purchaser of any
         covenant or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement,
         (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation
         made by the Purchaser herein or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto, and (iii)
         any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments,
         costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of
         the foregoing.

                  12.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
         party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
         represented, at his, her or its own expense, by advisory counsel
         selected by him, her or it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
         indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts in
         connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within ten
         business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
         described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
         indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be
         fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided herein,
         then the indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
         of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have the right
         (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be represented, at his,
         her or its own expenses, by advisory counsel selected by him, her or
         it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified party's
         interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  13. TERMINATION.

                  13.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
         Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 9 hereof; and the
         Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 10 hereof.

                                      -24-

                  13.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders,
                  the Company and the Purchaser;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by the Company or any Shareholder in the observance or in the
                  due and timely performance by any of their covenants herein
                  contained, or if there shall have been a material breach or
                  misrepresentation by the Company or any Shareholder of any of
                  their warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Company or any Shareholder at or before the
                  Closing shall not have been complied with or performed at the
                  time required for such compliance or performance and such
                  noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                  waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                           (c) the Company if a material default shall be made
                  by the Purchaser in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of the
                  Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have bene complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Company and the Shareholders in writing; or

                           (d) either the Company or the Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by September 30, 1994.

                  13.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
         terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 13.2, then no party
         shall have any liability to any other party hereunder. If this
         Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 13.2,
         then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against
         any other party which has breached any of its representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  14.      MISCELLANEOUS.

                                      -25-

                  14.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
         negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. If the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are
         consummated, the Company shall have no obligation for, nor shall it be
         charged with, any such expenses of the Shareholders (provided that the
         foregoing shall not prevent the Company from paying such fees prior to
         Closing). All finder's or similar fees and expenses of Thomas, Pierce &
         Company shall be borne exclusively by the Shareholders. All sales,
         transfer, stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed
         or charged in connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne
         by the Shareholders.

                  14.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
         communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
         have been given when personally delivered or three business days
         following the date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail,
         postage prepaid, as follows:

                          (i) if to the Company or the Shareholders, to:

                              Kubach-Smith Funeral Home, Inc.
                              314 E. Main
                              Norwalk, Ohio  44897
                              Attention:  Mr. James B. Smith

                              with a copy to:

                              Freeman, Laycock, Lux & Conway
                              54 East Main Street
                              Norwalk, Ohio  44857
                              Attn: Mr. Jeffrey P. Laycock

                         (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                              Carriage Funeral Services
                                   of Ohio, Inc.
                              Three Riverway, Suite 1375
                              Houston, Texas  77056
                              Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                              with a copy to:

                              Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                              1000 Louisiana
                              Suite 3650
                              Houston, Texas 77002
                              Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                                      -26-

         or to such other address as shall be given in writing by either party
         to the other party hereto.

                  14.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties,
         provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign
         its rights hereunder without the consent of the Shareholders to a
         successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Company (whether by
         merger, sale of assets or otherwise), provided that the assigning party
         shall not thereby be relieved of continuing liability hereunder without
         the consent of the Shareholders.

                  14.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
         14.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
         the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
         personal representatives.

                  14.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
         paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  14.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
         instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                  14.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
         Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
         constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede
         all prior understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and
         thereof (including, without limitation, the letter of intent dated June
         27, 1994).

                  14.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
         enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
         State of Ohio.

                  14.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                THE PURCHASER:

                                CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES
                                          OF OHIO, INC.

                                By: /s/ RUSSELL W. ALLEN
                                         Russell W. Allen,
                                         Executive Vice President

                                      -27-

                                THE COMPANY:

                                KUBACH-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, INC.


                                By: /s/ JAMES B. SMITH
                                        James B. Smith,
                                        President


                                THE SHAREHOLDERS:


                                    /s/ JAMES B. SMITH
                                        James B. Smith


                                    /s/ LOUISE SMITH
                                        Louise Smith


                                    /s/ LEE K. SMITH
                                        Lee K. Smith


                                    /s/ NANCY SMITH-GELVIN
                                        Nancy Smith-Gelvin

                                      -28-

                  CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, by
its execution hereof, hereby guaranties the financial obligations of Carriage
Funeral Services of Ohio, Inc., an Ohio corporation, set forth in this
Agreement.

                                CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC.


                                By: /s/ RUSSELL W. ALLEN
                                        Russell W. Allen,
                                        Executive Vice President

                                      -29-

EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION

      A                           Subordinated Promissory Note
      B                           Lease Agreement
      C-1                         Non-Competition Agreement - James B.
                                   and Louise Smith
      C-2                         Non-Competition Agreement - Lee K.
                                   and Amy Smith
      C-3                         Non-Competition Agreement - William
                                   G. Gelvin and Nancy Smith-Gelvin
      D                           Consulting Agreement
      E                           Employment Agreement - Lee K. Smith


SCHEDULE                          DESCRIPTION

I                                 Stock Ownership
4.1                               Real Property
5.4                               Funeral Services
5.6                               Changes
5.10                              Fixed Assets
5.11                              Contracts and Commitments
5.12                              Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
5.13                              Trademarks, Etc.
5.15                              Licenses
5.18                              Employees
5.19                              Employee Benefit Plans
5.21                              Bank Accounts
9.14                              Mechem Preneed Accounts

                                      -30-

                                                                    Exhibit 10.8

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of May 10, 1995, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), WEST END
FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Illinois corporation (the "Company"), and JAMES C. HIRSCH
and CYNTHIA HIRSCH, both of whom are residents of Cook County, Illinois
(together, the "Shareholders") (the Company and the Shareholders being sometimes
hereafter referred to together as the "Sellers");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns all of the operating assets, rights
and properties (other than real property) associated with the operation of the
business (the "Business") of the four Hirsch Funeral Homes located in Chicago
Heights, Tinley Park, Matteson and Crete, Illinois (collectively, the "Homes"),
and the Shareholders collectively own all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of the Company; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of such assets, rights and properties of the Homes from the
Company, and that the parties enter into certain related transactions, on the
terms and subject to the conditions hereafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                           1.1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS BY THE COMPANY. Subject to
                  the provisions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell,
                  and the Purchaser agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred
                  to in Section 2.1, substantially all of the properties,
                  assets, rights and business of the Homes of every kind and
                  description, tangible and intangible, wherever located, as
                  they shall exist at the time of the Closing (collectively, the
                  "Assets"), including, but not limited to, all of the
                  following-described assets and rights (but excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2):

                                  (i) inventories of caskets, vaults, urns,
                           accessories, monuments and other goods and
                           inventories;

                                 (ii) machinery, equipment, motor vehicles (8),
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed
                           assets and property, plant and equipment, including
                           those described on Schedule 3.10 hereto;

                                (iii) all cash balances in bank accounts and
                           certificates of deposit to fund obligations under
                           preneed contracts;

                                 (iv) all pre-need contracts and other
                           agreements, leases and commitments described on
                           Schedule 3.11 (other than those shown thereon as not
                           being assumed by the Purchaser), relating to the
                           Business;

                                  (v) all rights to the names "Hirsch Funeral
                           Home," "West End Chapel," "Hirsch Memorial Chapel,"
                           "Lincolnway Chapel" and "Spindley/Koelling Chapel"
                           and all derivatives thereof, and all trademarks,
                           trade names, patents, processes, copyrights, know-how
                           and similar intangible rights, and all goodwill
                           associated therewith;

                                 (vi) all permits, licenses, books, records,
                           brochures and literature, rights in unemployment
                           compensation, industrial accident and other similar
                           funds, and prepaid items; and

                                (vii) all other assets, rights and properties
                           owned or leased by the Company that are used in or
                           necessary for the Business at the time of Closing,
                           excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the
                  Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way or
                  title restrictions of any kind (collectively, "Liens"), other
                  than Liens (if any) which are described on Schedule 3.4 as
                  being "Permitted Liens" (the "Permitted Liens").

                           1.2. RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and
                  sale contemplated hereby and are therefore not included in the
                  Assets:

                                  (i) all cash on hand, in transit or on
                           deposit, including bank account balances,
                           certificates of deposit and marketable securities,
                           excluding, however, account balances and certificates
                           of deposit to fund preneed contracts;

                                 (ii) accounts and notes receivable;

                                (iii) the personal items described on Schedule
                           1.2 hereto; provided, however, that such items may,
                           at the Sellers' sole option, remain at the Homes for
                           up to two years after the Closing, and thereafter
                           until the Sellers receive 30 days

                                      -2-

                           prior written notice to remove all or any of such
                           items, and provided that the Sellers shall remain
                           responsible for maintaining insurance on all such
                           items; and

                                 (iv) any prepaid federal income taxes of the
                           Company, and any rights to or claims for federal
                           income tax refunds, in respect of the operation of
                           the Business prior to the Closing.

                           1.3. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the
                  Assets shall be $4,850,000 (the "Purchase Price"). Of the
                  Purchase Price, (i) $4,000,000 shall be paid in cash at
                  Closing by wire transfer to such account as the Sellers shall
                  designate in writing prior to Closing, (ii) the sum of
                  $500,000 shall be represented by the Promissory Note of
                  Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
                  the Purchaser's parent corporation ("Carriage"), payable to
                  the Company in such amount and in substantially the form
                  attached hereto as Exhibit D (the "Note"), and (iii) the
                  balance of $350,000 (the "Deferred Purchase Price") shall be
                  payable over a period of ten years following the Closing as
                  hereafter provided. The Deferred Purchase Price shall be
                  payable in ten equal annual installments of $35,000 each, the
                  first of which shall be payable on or before the first
                  anniversary of the Closing Date, and continuing annually
                  thereafter on or before the second through tenth anniversaries
                  of the Closing Date. No interest shall accrue or be payable in
                  respect of the Deferred Purchase Price. For federal income tax
                  purposes, the parties agree that the Deferred Purchase Price
                  shall be deemed to include an imputed rate of interest of
                  eight percent (8%) per annum. The Note and the Deferred
                  Purchase Price shall be subject to offset as provided in
                  Section 10.4. At or before the Closing, the Purchaser and the
                  Sellers shall agree upon an allocation of the Purchase Price
                  for the Assets, and the Purchaser and the Sellers agree to use
                  such allocation for all tax, accounting and other reporting
                  purposes (including any information furnished under Section
                  1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
                  [hereafter, the "Code"]).

                           1.4. ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5. below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Company
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                  (i) liabilities under those preneed contracts
                           of the Homes that are included in the Assets; and

                                 (ii) obligations arising after Closing under
                           the agreements, leases and commitments of the

                                      -3-

                           Business described in Schedule 3.11 (other than
                           agreements, leases and commitments, if any, which are
                           indicated on such Schedule as not to be assumed by
                           the Purchaser).

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements so assumed.
                  Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from contesting in
                  good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At Closing, the
                  Purchaser shall deliver to the Company an instrument, dated
                  the Closing Date and reasonably satisfactory in form and
                  substance to it, pursuant to which the Purchaser will assume
                  the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.5. LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4. above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Company or the Business not specifically included in the
                  Assumed Liabilities and, in particular, the Purchaser shall
                  not assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                  (i) any notes or accounts payable;

                                 (ii) any trade payables of any kind, regardless
                           of whether entered into in the ordinary course of the
                           Business;

                                (iii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Business prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                 (iv) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against the
                           Company or the Business based upon any set of facts
                           occurring prior to the Closing;

                                  (v) the liabilities and obligations under any
                           warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Company
                           prior to Closing;

                                 (vi) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies,

                                      -4-

                           with respect to the conduct of the Business prior to
                           Closing; or

                                (vii) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, shall be prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company
                  being charged and credited for all of same up to such date and
                  the Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same on
                  and after such date. Utility services will be transferred to
                  the Purchaser's name on the Closing Date. If the actual
                  amounts to be prorated are not known as of the Closing Date,
                  the prorations shall be made on the basis of the best evidence
                  then available, and thereafter, within thirty (30) days after
                  actual figures are received, a cash settlement will be made
                  between the Company and the Purchaser.

                           1.7. INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale and assignments of motor vehicle
                  registrations, transferring title to the Assets to the
                  Purchaser as may reasonably be requested by the Purchaser.
                  Such instruments shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
                  substance to the Purchaser and shall vest in the Purchaser
                  good and marketable title to all the Assets, free and clear of
                  all Liens other than Permitted Liens. In addition to the cash
                  portion of the Purchase Price, at the Closing the Purchaser
                  shall cause Carriage to execute and deliver the Note to the
                  Company.
                           1.8. DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST
                  FUNDS. At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the
                  Purchaser all of the leases, contracts, commitments and rights
                  of the Business constituting a portion of the Assets, with
                  such assignments thereof and consents to assignment as the
                  Purchaser shall deem necessary to assure the Purchaser of
                  their full benefit. Simultaneously with such deliveries, the
                  Company shall take all requisite steps to put the Purchaser in
                  actual possession and operating control of the Assets and all
                  of the records, books and other data of the Business. In
                  addition, at the Closing, the Sellers and the Purchaser shall
                  take all necessary or appropriate action to cause the transfer
                  of the trust funds referred to in Section 3.12 including,
                  without limitation, the obtaining of governmental and third
                  party consents.

                                      -5-

                           1.9. TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Sellers, other than any such
                  taxes associated with transfers of motor vehicles, which shall
                  be the responsibility of the Purchaser.

                           1.10. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. As described in
                  Section 1.2(ii), all of the accounts and notes receivable of
                  the Company at the Closing ("Closing Date Receivables") shall
                  be retained by the Company. At the Closing, the Sellers shall
                  provide to the Purchaser a listing (certified by them to be
                  complete and accurate) of the Closing Date Receivables in
                  order to identify those to be retained by the Company.
                  Notwithstanding such retention of ownership, the Purchaser
                  shall have the exclusive (even as to the Sellers) right and
                  control over the collection of Closing Date Receivables. After
                  the Closing, for each month in which any Closing Date
                  Receivables are collected, the Purchaser shall remit 100% of
                  such collections to the Company by no later than the 15th day
                  of the following month. The Purchaser shall have no duty to
                  pursue collection of Closing Date Receivables by means greater
                  than used on its collection of other accounts receivable, and
                  in no event shall the Purchaser be required to institute suit
                  or refer any account to a collection agency. At any time after
                  the Closing, the Purchaser may at any time, by written notice
                  to the Company, return the right and control over collection
                  of Closing Date Receivables to the Company, in which case the
                  Purchaser shall be thereafter relieved of all further
                  responsibility hereunder other than in respect of collections
                  received prior to the giving of such notice.

                           1.11. EMPLOYEE MATTERS. On the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser may (but shall not be required to) offer employment
                  to each employee of the Homes listed on Schedule 3.18. Each
                  such employee so offered employment who accepts shall,
                  effective as of the Closing Date, cease to be an employee of
                  the Company and shall thereupon become an employee of the
                  Purchaser. The Sellers shall be responsible for satisfying all
                  claims, if any, of such employees as to accrued vacation and
                  holiday, health benefits, workers compensation claims,
                  termination and severance benefits, and any withdrawal
                  liability and vested rights under any pension or profit
                  sharing plans, all arising and accrued through the Closing
                  Date, and in no event shall the Purchaser have any liability
                  or responsibility in respect thereof.

                                      -6-

                           1.12. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company shall from time
                  to time after the Closing, without further consideration,
                  execute and deliver such instruments of transfer, conveyance
                  and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant to
                  Section 1.8), and shall take such other action, as the
                  Purchaser may reasonably request to more effectively transfer,
                  convey and assign to and vest in the Purchaser, and to put the
                  Purchaser in actual possession and control of, each of the
                  Assets.

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                           2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing shall occur at the
                  offices of McGrane, Perozzi, Stelter, Gerardi, Brauer & Ross,
                  165 West Tenth Street, Chicago Heights, Illinois, at 9:00 a.m.
                  on May 10, 1995, or at such other date, time or place as may
                  be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event later
                  than May 31, 1995. The date and time of the Closing is herein
                  called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to have
                  occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing
                  Date. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set
                  forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
                  delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall
                  be considered to have been taken, delivered or made
                  simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment
                  shall be considered as complete until all action incident to
                  the Closing has been completed.

                           2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the
                  purchase and sale of the Assets, the following transactions
                  shall take place at the Closing:

                                  (i) the Purchaser shall enter into a separate
                           Lease Agreement with each of (A) MRJ Building
                           Corporation, an Illinois corporation ("MRJ"),
                           substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1, covering
                           the portion of the Real Property described on
                           Schedule 3.5 under the heading "Chicago Heights" (the
                           "Chicago Heights Tract"), (B) Ro-Ja Building
                           Corporation, an Illinois corporation ("Ro-Ja"),
                           substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2, covering
                           the portion of the Real Property described on
                           Schedule 3.5 under the heading "Tinley Park Tract"
                           (the "Tinley Park Tract"), and (C) HFH Building
                           Corporation, an Illinois corporation ("HFH"),
                           substantially in the forms of Exhibits A-3 and A-4,
                           covering the portions of the Real Property described
                           on Schedule 3.5 under the headings "Matteson Tract"
                           (the "Matteson Tract") and "Crete Tract" (the "Crete
                           Tract"), respectively (such

                                      -7-

                           Lease Agreements being referred to herein
                           collectively as the "Lease Agreements");

                                 (ii) the Purchaser shall enter into (A) a
                           Non-Competition Agreement with the Shareholders in
                           substantially the form of Exhibit B-1 hereto (the
                           "Shareholder Non-Competition Agreement"), and the
                           Shareholders shall execute and deliver the
                           Shareholder Non-Competition Agreement to the
                           Purchaser, and (B) a Non-Competition Agreement with
                           Jim Gliottoni ("Gliottoni") in substantially the form
                           of Exhibit B-2 hereto (the "Gliottoni Non-Competition
                           Agreement") (such Non-Competition Agreements being
                           sometimes referred to herein together as the
                           "Non-Competition Agreements); and

                                (iii) the Purchaser shall enter into a separate
                           Employment Agreement with each of Gliottoni, Jeffrey
                           Tutt, James Cull and James C. Hirsch, substantially
                           in the forms of Exhibits C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4,
                           respectively (collectively, the "Employment
                           Agreements").

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS. The Sellers
         jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the
         Purchaser that:

                           3.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Illinois, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement.

                           3.2. OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY. The Shareholders are
                  the owners and holder of all of the issued and outstanding
                  capital stock of the Company.

                           3.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Sellers have delivered
                  to the Purchaser the unaudited Balance Sheets of the Company
                  at December 31, 1993 and 1994 (such balance sheet at December
                  31, 1994 being hereafter referred to as the "Company Balance
                  Sheet"), and the related unaudited Income Statements for the
                  respective twelve-month periods of operations then ended. All
                  of such financial statements are true and correct, have been
                  prepared in accordance with the books and records of the
                  Company, and present fairly the financial positions of the
                  Company at the dates thereof and the results of operations of
                  the Company for the periods then ended in accordance with
                  generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
                  The Homes collectively performed at least 431 adult funeral
                  services for the twelve months ended

                                      -8-

                  December 31, 1992, at least 442 adult funeral services for the
                  twelve months ended December 31, 1993 and at least 440 adult
                  funeral services for the twelve months ended December 31,
                  1994.

                           3.4. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF ASSETS. All assets,
                  rights and properties required in the conduct of the Business
                  are owned or validly leased by the Company and are included
                  within the Assets. The Company is in actual possession and
                  control of all properties owned or leased by it which are
                  required in the conduct of the Business, and has good and
                  marketable title to all of the Assets, free and clear of all
                  Liens, other than the Permitted Liens described on Schedule
                  3.4.

                           3.5. REAL PROPERTY.

                                  (a) Schedule 3.5 sets forth a description of
                           each parcel of real property on which each Home is
                           situated or which is otherwise used in the operation
                           of the Business (hereafter referred to collectively
                           as the "Real Property"), and also briefly describes
                           each building and major structure and improvement
                           thereon. MRJ has good and marketable title to the
                           Chicago Heights Tract, Ro-Ja has good and marketable
                           title to the Tinley Park Tract, and HFH has good and
                           marketable title to each of the Matteson Tract and
                           the Crete Tract, in each case free and clear of all
                           Liens, other than Liens described on Schedule 3.5. No
                           person other than MRJ (as to the Chicago heights
                           Tract), Ro-Ja (as to the Tinley Park Tract), HFH (as
                           to the Matteson Tract and the Crete Tract) or the
                           Company (as tenant on all Tracts) has any ownership,
                           leasehold or other interest of any kind in the Real
                           Property. All of the buildings and structures located
                           on the Real Property are in a reasonable state of
                           maintenance and repair, ordinary wear and tear
                           excepted. There is not pending nor, to the knowledge
                           of any Seller, threatened any proceeding for the
                           taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any
                           portion thereof.

                                  (b) No toxic or hazardous wastes (as defined
                           by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any
                           similar state or local agency) or hazardous
                           substances (as defined under the Comprehensive
                           Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act
                           of 1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and
                           Recovery Act, as amended, or any similar state or
                           local statute or regulation) have been generated,
                           stored, dumped, located or released onto

                                      -9-

                           or from the Real Property, nor to the Sellers'
                           knowledge have any such materials or wastes been
                           generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on
                           any real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real
                           Property. The Real Property is not now, and to the
                           best of Sellers' knowledge, will not be in the future
                           as a result of its condition at or prior to Closing,
                           subject to any reclamation, remediation or reporting
                           requirements of any federal, state, local or other
                           governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over
                           the Real Property. The Real Property does not contain
                           any asbestos, urea, formaldehyde, lead based paint,
                           or underground storage tanks, except for materials
                           are used in the ordinary operation of the Business
                           and are properly stored and disposed of in accordance
                           with applicable law.

                                  (c) None of MRJ, Ro-Ja or HFH (together, the
                           "Lessors") is a "foreign person" (as defined in
                           Section 1445(f)(3) of the Code and the regulations
                           issued thereunder), and the Sellers shall cause each
                           Lessor to deliver to the Purchaser at the Closing a
                           non-foreign affidavit in recordable form containing
                           such information as shall be required by Code Section
                           1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder,
                           which information shall include, without limitation,
                           a sworn statement by each Lessor (A) stating that
                           such Lessor is not a foreign person, (B) stating that
                           such Lessor is a United States tax resident
                           individual, (C) setting forth such Lessor's taxpayer
                           identification number, (D) stating that such Lessor
                           intends to file a United States Income Tax Return
                           with respect to the Real Property, and (E) granting
                           the Purchaser permission to furnish a copy of such
                           affidavit to the Internal Revenue Service.

                                  (d) All bills and other payments due with
                           respect to the ownership, operation, and maintenance
                           of the Real Property have been (and on the Closing
                           Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for
                           the same have been filed or asserted against any part
                           of the Real Property.

                                  (e) No portion of the Real Property is located
                           within an area that has been designated by the
                           Federal Insurance Administration, the Army Corp of
                           Engineers, or any other governmental agency or body
                           as being subject to special flooding hazards.

                                      -10-

                           3.6. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since December 31,
                  1994, there has not been:

                                  (i) any adverse change in the financial
                           condition, operations, properties or prospects of any
                           Home or of the Business;

                                 (ii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                           against any Home or any of its properties;

                                (iii) any claim or liability for any material
                           damages for any actual or alleged negligence or other
                           tort or breach of contract against or affecting the
                           Company;

                                 (iv) any declaration or payment of any bonus or
                           other extraordinary compensation to any employee of
                           the Company;

                                  (v) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other
                           change in any key personnel of the Company;

                                 (vi) any sale, transfer or other disposition
                           of, or agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise
                           dispose of, any of the inventories or other assets or
                           properties of the Company, except in the ordinary
                           course of the Business;

                                (vii) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                           entering into of any collective bargaining agreement,
                           with respect to employees of the Company; or

                               (viii) any other transaction or event entered
                           into or affecting the Company other than in the
                           ordinary course of the Business.

                           3.7. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as
                  set forth in the Company Balance Sheet and in this Agreement,
                  the Company has no, and none of its assets or properties are
                  subject to any, liabilities or obligations, other than
                  unsecured trade accounts payable and accrued expenses arising
                  in the ordinary course of the Business since the date of the
                  Company Balance Sheet.

                           3.8. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local
                  and other taxes due and payable on or before the date of this
                  Agreement in respect of the Company and the ownership of the
                  Assets and the Real Property have been paid. All tax returns
                  and reports required to be filed for all such taxes have been
                  filed with all taxing authorities, and all such tax returns
                  and reports are true

                                      -11-

                  and correct. True and correct copies of the federal, state and
                  local income tax returns filed by the Company for each of its
                  last three taxable years have been furnished to the Purchaser.
                  No assessments of deficiencies have been made against the
                  Company which are presently pending or outstanding, and no
                  state or facts exist which would constitute grounds for any
                  such assessment. No agreements, waivers or extensions of time
                  are in effect for the assessment of deficiencies in respect of
                  the Business or the Assets. Following the Closing, the Sellers
                  shall be responsible for accurately and completely preparing,
                  signing and filing all tax returns and paying all taxes in
                  respect of the assets and operations of the Company through
                  the Closing Date and for the sale of the Assets.

                           3.9. INVENTORY. All inventories reflected in the
                  Company Balance Sheet are, and all inventories of the Company
                  on the Closing Date will be, (i) accounted for at the lower of
                  cost or market in accordance with generally accepted
                  accounting principles consistently applied, and (ii) saleable
                  or usable in the ordinary course of the Business at usual and
                  customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns
                  consistent with past practice.

                           3.10. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.10 lists all motor
                  vehicles and other material items of equipment, fixtures,
                  furniture and other fixed assets used in the operation of the
                  Business, all of which are included in the Assets. All such
                  items are in good and operating condition and repair, ordinary
                  wear and tear excepted.

                           3.11. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.11 sets
                  forth a complete description of:

                                  (i) all documents evidencing the creation or
                           existence of any Lien against any of the Assets or
                           the Real Property, and all documents relating to any
                           debt secured in whole or in part by any such Liens;

                                 (ii) all collective bargaining agreements,
                           employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
                           other agreements relating to the employment of any
                           employees of the Company;

                                (iii) all joint venture agreements and all other
                           agreements involving the sharing of profits,
                           involving the Company or the Business;

                                 (iv) all (i) contracts or commitments for
                           capital expenditures for the Company involving

                                      -12-

                           obligations aggregating in excess of $5,000, (ii)
                           leases under which personal property is leased by the
                           Company and which are not cancelable by either party
                           thereto without penalty upon notice of 30 days or
                           less or pursuant to which rentals exceed $5,000 per
                           annum or $25,000 in the aggregate, or (iii) contracts
                           and agreements of the Company which do not terminate
                           or are not terminable by the Company upon notice of
                           30 days or less or which involves an obligation on
                           its part in excess of $5,000 per annum or $25,000 in
                           the aggregate; and

                                  (v) all other contracts and commitments of the
                           Company entered into outside the ordinary course of
                           the Business.

                           Each contract and other document required to be
                  described in Schedule 3.11 is valid and in full force and
                  effect and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge of the
                  Sellers, none of the other parties thereto, are in default
                  thereunder. A true and correct copy of each document listed on
                  Schedule 3.11 has been delivered to the Purchaser by the
                  Sellers.

                           3.12. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.12 accurately lists, as of the date hereof, (i) all preneed
                  contracts of the Homes unfulfilled as of such date, including
                  contracts for the sale of funeral merchandise and services,
                  and (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Company,
                  indicating the location of each and the balance thereof. All
                  preneed contracts required to be listed on Schedule 3.12 (x)
                  have been entered into in the normal course of business at
                  regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion
                  program, solely for use by the named customers and members of
                  their families on terms not more favorable than shown on the
                  specimen contracts which have been delivered to the Purchaser,
                  (y) are subject to the rules and regulations of the Homes as
                  now in force (copies of which have been delivered to the
                  Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full force and
                  effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither
                  the Company nor, except as disclosed on Schedule 3.12, such
                  customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by the
                  Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in the
                  appropriate accounts and administered and reported in
                  accordance with the terms thereof and as required by
                  applicable laws and regulations. The services heretofore
                  provided by the Homes have been rendered in a professional and
                  competent manner consistent with prevailing professional
                  standards, practices and customs.

                                      -13-

                           3.13. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. There are no patents, patent
                  applications, patent licenses, trademarks, trademark
                  applications or trademark licenses (collectively, "Intangible
                  Rights") used in the Business, except as described on Schedule
                  3.13. The Company is not charged with infringement of any
                  Intangible Rights, nor do the Sellers know of any such
                  infringement, whether or not claimed by any person.

                           3.14. INSURANCE AND CLAIMS. Schedule 3.14 lists and
                  describes all policies of insurance applicable to the Company
                  and the Assets including, without limitation, all insurance
                  policies that are for the benefit of, or the proceeds of which
                  are payable to, employees of the Company or their respective
                  designees. Valid policies for such insurance, true and
                  complete copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser,
                  will be outstanding and duly in force at all times prior to
                  the Closing. Such policies are in such amounts, and insure
                  against such losses and risks, as are generally maintained for
                  comparable businesses and properties.

                           3.15. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Section 3.15 lists all
                  licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents, rights
                  and privileges that are necessary or appropriate for the
                  conduct of the Business. All such items are in full force and
                  effect.

                           3.16. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions,
                  suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
                  Sellers' knowledge, threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of the Assets or the Real Property, at law or
                  in equity or before or by any court or federal, state,
                  municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
                  agency or instrumentality. The Company is not subject to any
                  continuing court or administrative order, writ, injunction or
                  decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or
                  foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental
                  department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality.

                                      -14-

                           3.17. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has operated
                  and is operating each Home in compliance with all federal,
                  state, municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances and
                  regulations applicable to the operation of the Business, the
                  Real Property and the Assets (including without limitation all
                  environmental protection and occupational safety and health
                  rules, regulations and laws, and laws and regulations
                  applicable to preneed contracts and trust accounts, including
                  the so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                           3.18. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.18 correctly and
                  completely lists the names and annual or hourly rates of
                  salary and other compensation of all the employees and agents
                  of the Company. Schedule 3.18 also sets forth the date of the
                  last salary increase for each employee listed thereon, and the
                  outstanding balances of all loans and advances made by the
                  Company to any such employee or agent. There are not pending
                  or threatened against the Company any general labor disputes,
                  strikes or concerted work stoppages, and there are no
                  discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are
                  pending or have been conducted or made with or by any labor
                  union or association with respect to any employees of the
                  Company.

                           3.19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Schedule 3.19 lists all
                  plans, contracts, commitments, programs and policies
                  (including, without limitation, pension, profit sharing,
                  thrift, bonus, deferred compensation, severance, retirement,
                  disability, medical, life, dental and accidental insurance,
                  vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other similar employee
                  benefit plans and policies) providing benefits to any employee
                  or former employee of the Company (collectively, the "Plans").
                  The Sellers have delivered to the Purchaser true and correct
                  copies of all documents embodying the Plans. None of the Plans
                  constitutes a pension plan, profit sharing plan or other plan
                  required to be qualified under the Employee Retirement Income
                  Security Act of 1974, as amended.

                           3.20. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the
                  Company are true, correct and complete, have been maintained
                  in accordance with good business practice and in accordance
                  with all laws, regulations and other requirements applicable
                  to the Business.

                           3.21. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 12.1,
                  no Seller is a party to or in any way obligated under any
                  contract or other agreement, and there are no outstanding
                  claims against any of them, for the payment of any broker's or
                  finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation,
                  execution or performance of this Agreement.

                                      -15-

                           3.22. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company have
                  been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement
                  is legally binding and enforceable against the Company in
                  accordance with its terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor
                  performance of this Agreement by the Company will result in a
                  violation or breach of, nor constitute a default or accelerate
                  the performance required under, the Articles of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of
                  trust or other contract or agreement to which the Company is a
                  party or by which it or its properties are bound, or violate
                  any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body.

                           3.23. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders
                  have full authority to enter into this Agreement and the
                  Documents (as hereafter defined) to which they are parties,
                  and to perform their obligations hereunder and thereunder, and
                  neither the execution, delivery nor performance by the
                  Shareholders of this Agreement or such Documents will result
                  in a violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                  constitute a default under, any contract, agreement or other
                  commitment to which any Shareholder is a party or by which any
                  of them, the Real Property or the Assets are bound, or violate
                  any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body. This Agreement is,
                  and such Documents upon their execution and delivery as herein
                  provided will be, valid and binding obligations of the
                  Shareholders enforceable against them in accordance with their
                  respective terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
                  "Documents" shall mean, as to any party hereto, any and all
                  agreements, certificates and other instruments expressly
                  contemplated in this Agreement or any exhibit hereto to be
                  executed or delivered by or on behalf of such party at or in
                  connection with the Closing hereunder.

                           3.24. ACQUISITION OF THE NOTE. The Note to be
                  acquired from Carriage by the Company hereunder will be
                  acquired by it for investment purposes only and not with the
                  present intention or view to, or resale in connection with,
                  any distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities
                  Act of 1933, as amended, except that the Company intends to
                  distribute the Note to the Shareholders following the Closing,
                  and the Shareholders have no such present intention or view
                  for resale. The Sellers understand that the Note is not
                  registered under such Securities Act or any state securities
                  or blue sky laws, and that Carriage is under no obligation to
                  register the Note under any such laws. The Sellers

                                      -16-

                  further understand that transferability of the Note will be
                  restricted in accordance with applicable state and federal
                  securities laws, and that a restrictive legend to such effect
                  will be inscribed thereon. The Sellers have had full
                  opportunity to receive such information and ask such questions
                  of representatives of Carriage concerning Carriage, its
                  subsidiaries and their business, operations, assets and
                  prospects, and concerning an investment in the Note, as the
                  Sellers have deemed appropriate in order to make an informed
                  investment decision with respect to the Note.

                           3.25. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Sellers hereunder or in any Schedules
                  or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto do
                  not and will not contain any untrue statement of a fact or
                  omit to state a fact required to be stated herein or therein
                  or necessary to make the representations or warranties herein
                  or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
                  made, not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
         Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Sellers that:

                           4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement and the Documents to which it
                  is a party.

                           4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement
                  and the Documents to which it is a party have been duly
                  authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is, and
                  upon execution and delivery as herein provided the Documents
                  to which the Purchaser is a party will be, valid and binding
                  upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in
                  accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution,
                  delivery or performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement or
                  such documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
                  breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                  under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                  Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
                  other contract or agreement to which it is a party or by which
                  it or its property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                  injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
                  governmental body.

                                      -17-

                           4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4. CARRIAGE. The execution and delivery by Carriage
                  of the Note have been duly authorized by its Board of
                  Directors. The Note, upon its execution and delivery as herein
                  provided, will be valid and binding upon Carriage and
                  enforceable against Carriage in accordance with its terms.
                  Neither the execution, delivery or performance by Carriage of
                  the Note will conflict with or result in a violation or breach
                  of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default under,
                  the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of Carriage or
                  under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                  or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                  decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body. If while the Note is outstanding Carriage conducts a
                  private placement of its Common Stock (or equity securities
                  convertible into its Common Stock) for cash investments from
                  outside investors, Carriage will provide the Sellers with
                  copies of subscription materials related thereto and will
                  provide them with the opportunity to apply all or any portion
                  of the outstanding balance under the Note toward the purchase
                  of such securities, subject to minimum investment requirements
                  and other conditions of the offering. In such event, the
                  Sellers may subscribe on the same terms as other potential
                  investors, except that the subscription price per share of
                  Carriage Common Stock will be the LESSER of $5.00 or the price
                  generally offered to other potential investors.


                           4.5. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Sellers pursuant hereto do not
                  and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
                  or omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein
                  or therein or necessary to make the representations or
                  warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in
                  which they are made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE SELLERS PENDING CLOSING. The Sellers
         jointly and severally covenant with the Purchaser that:

                           5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the Business will be op-

                                      -18-

                  erated only in the ordinary course, and, in particular,
                  without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the
                  Company will not (and the Shareholders will not cause or
                  permit the Company to):

                                  (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or
                           terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like
                           coverage;

                                 (ii) commit any act or permit the occurrence of
                           any event or the existence of any condition of the
                           type described in Section 3.6;

                                (iii) enter into any contract, agreement or
                           other commitment of the type described in Section
                           3.11; or

                                 (iv) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of the Company, or increase
                           the rate of compensation of or declare or pay any
                           bonuses to any employee in excess of that listed on
                           Schedule 3.18.

                           5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Sellers will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
                  accountants and other representatives, full and free access to
                  all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments and
                  records of the Company so that the Purchaser may have full
                  opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to
                  make of the Business and the affairs of the Company and the
                  Assets.

                           5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers will use
                  their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on their part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement.

                           5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains
                  in effect, the Sellers agree that they shall not enter into
                  any agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or
                  encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or
                  otherwise hold any discussions with any potential buyers,
                  investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible
                  sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
                  the Assets, the sale of all or a controlling interest in the
                  stock of the Company, or the merger or consolidation of the
                  Company, other than with the Purchaser.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
         covenants with the Sellers that:

                                      -19-

                           6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement.

                           6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Homes from
                  any representative or employee of the Company, including the
                  accountants or legal counsel of the Sellers, or from any books
                  or records of any of them, in connection with the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement. If the transactions
                  contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither the Purchaser
                  nor its representatives shall use such data or information or
                  disclose the same to others, except as such data or
                  information is published or is a matter of public knowledge or
                  is required by an applicable law or regulation to be
                  disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, all
                  written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from
                  the Sellers or their representatives in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned
                  to the Sellers.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
         of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                           7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any
                  material error, misstatement or omission in the
                  representations and warranties made by the Sellers in Section
                  3 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
                  Sellers herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and
                  as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct;
                  the Sellers shall have performed and complied with all
                  agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
                  performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing;
                  and the Purchaser shall have received a certificate, signed by
                  the Sellers, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
                  Section 7.1.

                           7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Sellers shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of McGrane,
                  Perozzi, Stelter, Gerardi, Brauer & Ross, Ltd., a professional
                  corporation, counsel for the Sellers, dated the Closing Date,
                  to the effect that:

                                  (i) the Company is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing

                                      -20-

                           under the laws of the State of Illinois, with full
                           corporate authority to enter into and perform its
                           obligations under this Agreement;

                                 (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of
                           this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                (iii) this Agreement and the Documents to which
                           the Sellers are parties have been duly and validly
                           executed and delivered by the Sellers and constitute
                           the valid and binding obligations of the Sellers
                           enforceable against them in accordance with their
                           respective terms;

                                 (iv) each Lease Agreement constitutes the valid
                           and binding obligation of each respective Lessor,
                           enforceable against such Lessor in accordance with
                           its respective terms; and the Gliottoni
                           Non-Competition Agreement constitutes the valid and
                           binding obligation of Gliottoni, enforceable against
                           him in accordance with its terms;

                                  (v) neither the execution, delivery or
                           consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                           Agreement or the Documents to which the Sellers are
                           parties will (x) result in the breach of or
                           constitute a default under the Articles of
                           Incorporation or bylaws of the Company, or under any
                           loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed
                           of trust or other contract or agreement known to such
                           counsel and to which any of the Sellers are a party
                           or by which they or the Assets or the Real Property
                           are bound, or (y) violate any order, writ, injunction
                           or decree known to such counsel of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body;

                                 (vi) no authorization, approval or consent of
                           or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery by the Sellers of this
                           Agreement or the Documents to which they are parties,
                           or the performance of their obligations hereunder or
                           thereunder; and

                                (vii) to the actual knowledge of such counsel
                           after due inquiry, there are no claims, actions,
                           suits, proceedings or investigations pending or
                           threatened against or affecting the Company or any of
                           the Assets, at law or in equity or before

                                      -21-

                           or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                           governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                           instrumentality.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the
                  Company, copies of which shall be provided to Purchaser at
                  Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document
                  may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
                  moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law and the internal laws of the State of Illinois.

                           7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers shall have
                  obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
                  governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by
                  this Agreement.

                           7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to any substantial
                  portion of the Assets (regardless of whether such loss or
                  damage was insured).

                           7.5. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.6. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
                  representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review
                  of the financial information and books and records of the
                  Company, and shall have discovered no change in the Business,
                  assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of the
                  Company which could, in the reasonable determination of the
                  Purchaser, have an adverse effect on the value to the
                  Purchaser of the Assets being purchased.

                           7.7. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Each Lessor shall have
                  executed and delivered its respective Lease Agreement, the
                  Shareholders shall have executed and delivered the Shareholder
                  Non-Competition Agreement, Gliottoni shall have executed and
                  delivered his respective Non-Competition Agreement and his
                  Employment Agreement, and each of Jeffrey Tutt, James Cull and
                  James C. Hirsch shall each have executed and delivered his
                  respective Employment Agreement.

                                     -22-

                           7.8. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have
                  received from a financial institution acceptable to it a
                  written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and
                  otherwise in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser,
                  providing for the extension of financing in order to provide
                  the portion of the Purchase Price payable in cash at Closing
                  which is not furnished by the Purchaser from its own funds or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources, and such
                  commitment shall have been funded in such amount
                  contemporaneously with the Closing.

                           7.9. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS.
                  There shall have been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense,
                  (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed necessary by Purchaser, a Phase
                  II) environmental audit of the Homes and the Real Property by
                  an environmental consulting firm selected by Purchaser, (ii) a
                  health and safety inspection of the Homes by a person (who may
                  be an employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by the
                  Purchaser and who is qualified and experienced in such matters
                  in the funeral service industry, and (iii) a structural
                  inspection of the Homes by an engineering firm selected by the
                  Purchaser. The Sellers agree to pay the costs and to take the
                  action reasonably recommended by such firms and/or persons, up
                  to $15,000 in the aggregate. In any event, it shall be a
                  condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder that the
                  results of the reports of such firms or persons (together with
                  any remedial action taken by Sellers, regardless of the cost,
                  in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its
                  sole discretion.

                           7.10. TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received, at the Sellers' expense, a Leasehold Policy of Title
                  Insurance in an agreed-upon amount, with respect to each
                  parcel of Real Property, issued by a title company with
                  offices in Cook (as to the Chicago Heights, Tinley Park and
                  Matteson Tracts) and Will (as to the Crete Tract) Counties,
                  Illinois and reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser (the
                  "Title Company"), insuring the Purchaser's leasehold interest
                  in each parcel of the Real Property, subject only to the
                  standard printed exceptions included in an Illinois standard
                  form Leasehold Policy of Title Insurance; provided, however,
                  that such policy shall have deleted the exception regarding
                  restrictions, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the rights of parties in
                  possession shall be deleted, and the standard exception for
                  taxes shall be limited to the year in which the Closing
                  occurs.

                                      -23-

                           7.11. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at
                  Sellers' expense, an as-built survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to the Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall comply with prevailing professional standards
                  under Illinois law, be sufficient for Title Company to delete
                  the survey exception contained in the leasehold policy of
                  title insurance referred to in Section 7.11, save and except
                  for the phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form
                  and content acceptable to the Purchaser.

                           7.12. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other
                  than Permitted Liens) against any of the Assets or any portion
                  of the Real Property shall have executed and delivered written
                  releases of such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise
                  acceptable to the Purchaser and its lender.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS. The obligations
         of the Sellers under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Sellers in
         writing:

                           8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Sellers shall not have discovered any material
                  error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein
                  shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time
                  of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Sellers shall have received a certificate, signed by the
                  President or a Vice President of the Purchaser, to the effect
                  of the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Sellers an opinion of Snell &
                  Smith, a Professional Corporation, counsel for Purchaser, to
                  the effect that:

                                  (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement and the
                           Documents to which it is a party;

                                      -24-

                                 (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by
                           the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Documents to
                           which it is a party have been duly authorized by its
                           Board of Directors;

                                (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                           delivery as herein provided the Documents to which
                           the Purchaser is a party will be, valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms;

                                 (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement or the
                           Documents to which it is a party will conflict with
                           or result in a violation or breach of any term or
                           provision of, nor constitute a default under, the
                           Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                           or agreement known to such counsel and to which
                           Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property
                           is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                  (v) no authorization, approval or consent of
                           or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this
                           Agreement or the Documents to which the Purchaser is
                           a party or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder or thereunder.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to Sellers at Closing. Any opinion as to the
                  enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
                  affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
                  opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of
                  the State of Texas.

                           8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
                  obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
                  governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by
                  this Agreement.

                                      -25-

                           8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Purchaser shall have
                  executed and delivered the Lease Agreements, the
                  Non-Competition Agreements and the Employment Agreements.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained
                  in this Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be
                  deemed representations and warranties of the party executing
                  or delivering the same.

                           9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or pursuant
                  hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in connection with
                  the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not
                  terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
                  thereafter.

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLERS. The Sellers
                  jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
                  Purchaser and its successors and assigns from and against any
                  and all losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or
                  expenses (any one such item being herein called a "Loss" and
                  all such items being herein collectively called "Losses")
                  which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default
                  in the performance by the Sellers of any covenant or agreement
                  of the Sellers contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of
                  warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the
                  Sellers herein, in any Schedule delivered to the Purchaser
                  pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other instrument
                  delivered by or on behalf of the Sellers pursuant hereto,
                  (iii) any claim made against the Purchaser in respect of any
                  liabilities or obligations of the Company (whether absolute or
                  contingent) other than the Assumed Liabilities, and (iv) any
                  and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
                  judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
                  fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                           10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser
                  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers and their
                  heirs, successors and assigns from and against any Losses
                  which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default
                  in the performance by the Purchaser of any covenant or
                  agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, (ii)
                  any breach of warranty or inaccurate

                                      -26-

                  or erroneous representation made by the Purchaser herein or in
                  any certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf
                  of the Purchaser pursuant hereto, (iii) any claim made against
                  the Sellers in respect of the Assumed Liabilities, and (iv)
                  any and all actions suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
                  judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
                  fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                           10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at his or its own expense, by advisory counsel
                  selected by him or it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if
                  the indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any
                  amounts in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the
                  foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of the
                  indemnified party's notice described above, the indemnifying
                  party indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as
                  between such parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified
                  for by the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
                  indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
                  of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have
                  the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
                  represented, at his or its own expenses, by advisory counsel
                  selected by him or it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if
                  the indemnified party's interests are, or would be, affected
                  thereby.

                           10.4. OFFSET. If any Seller becomes obligated to
                  indemnify the Purchaser after the Closing Date pursuant to
                  this Agreement, or if either Shareholder breaches the
                  Shareholder Non-Competition Agreement, at any time when the
                  Note or any of the Deferred Purchase Price remains payable or
                  any amount remains payable under Section 1.10 hereof, then the
                  Purchaser may, at its option and without prejudice to any
                  right of the Purchaser to proceed directly against any of the
                  Sellers, set-off the amount for which the Sellers shall be so
                  obligated for such indemnification or breach against the Note,
                  the Deferred Purchase Price and the amounts so outstanding
                  under Section 1.10. The exercise of such right of set-off
                  shall be evidenced by means of a written notice to such effect
                  given by the Purchaser to the Sellers, describing the basis
                  for indemnity or recovery and set-off hereunder and the amount
                  of the set-off.

                                      -27-

                           10.5. PENSION PLAN. As described on Schedule 3.19,
                  the Company maintains the West End Funeral Home, Inc. Profit
                  Sharing Plan and Trust (the "Profit Sharing Plan") for the
                  benefit of its employees. The Purchaser is neither acquiring
                  any benefit of, nor assuming any liability associated with,
                  the Profit Sharing Plan. The Sellers after the Closing shall
                  remain solely responsible for, and shall indemnify the
                  Purchaser in respect of, the continued maintenance and
                  compliance with all legal requirements of the Profit Sharing
                  Plan and (if the Sellers choose to terminate the Profit
                  Sharing Plan) all matters incident to the termination thereof,
                  including (without limitation) any distributions to employees.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                           11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Sellers
                  agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
                  satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof
                  and the Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring
                  about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section
                  8 hereof.

                           11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual written consent of the
                           Sellers and the Purchaser;

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by any Seller in the observance or in
                           the due and timely performance by any of the Sellers'
                           covenants herein contained, or if there shall have
                           been a breach or misrepresentation by any Seller of
                           any of the Sellers' warranties and representations
                           herein contained, or if the conditions of this
                           Agreement to be complied with or performed by the
                           Sellers at or before the Closing shall not have been
                           complied with or performed at the time required for
                           such compliance or performance and such noncompliance
                           or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                           waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                                    (c) the Sellers if a material default shall
                           be made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the
                           due and timely performance by the Purchaser of any of
                           the covenants of the Purchaser herein contained, or
                           if there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any of its
                           warranties and representations herein contained, or
                           if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied
                           with or performed by the Purchaser at

                                      -28-

                           or before the Closing shall not have been complied
                           with or performed at the time required for such
                           compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Sellers in writing; or

                                    (d) either the Sellers or the Purchaser, if
                           the Closing has not occurred by May 31, 1995.

                           11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement
                  is terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then
                  no party shall have any liability to any other party
                  hereunder. If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b)
                  or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this
                  Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party
                  hereto, provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination.

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing
                  occurs, the parties shall each pay their own expenses in
                  connection with the negotiation, preparation and carrying out
                  of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein. Without limiting the generality of the
                  foregoing, all finders' and similar fees and expenses of
                  Thomas Pierce & Co., sales representative for the Sellers,
                  shall be borne solely by the Sellers, and in no event shall
                  the Purchaser be charged or responsible therefor.

                           12.2. BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of the Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of the
                  Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Sellers in
                  the case of claims arising under any other liabilities of the
                  Company.

                           12.3. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given on the date personally delivered
                  or three business days following the date

                                      -29-

                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                    (i) if to any Seller, to:

                                        Mr. James C. Hirsch
                                        Hirsch Funeral Home
                                        1340 Otto Boulevard
                                        Chicago Heights, Illinois  60411-2752

                                        with a copy to:

                                        McGrane, Perozzi, Stelter,
                                         Gerardi, Brauer & Ross, Ltd.
                                        165 West Tenth Street
                                        Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411
                                        Attention: Mr. Joseph R. Perozzi

                                   (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                        Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.
                                        Three Riverway, Suite 1375
                                        Houston, Texas  77056
                                        Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                        with a copy to:

                                        Snell & Smith,
                                        A Professional Corporation
                                        1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                        Houston, Texas  77002
                                        Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any
                  party to the other parties hereto.

                           12.4. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the
                  other parties, provided, however, that following the Closing
                  the Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the
                  consent of the Sellers to a successor-in-interest to the
                  Purchaser (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise).
                  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to
                  confer upon any person, other than the parties to this
                  Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any
                  rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

                           12.5. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.4, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their

                                      -30-

                  respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal
                  representatives.

                           12.6. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                           12.7. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only
                  by an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Exhibits, Schedules, certificates and other documents referred
                  to herein constitute the entire agreement of the parties
                  hereto, and supersede all prior understandings with respect to
                  the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without
                  limitation, the letter of intent between the Purchaser and the
                  Sellers dated February 10, 1995).

                           12.9. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Illinois.

                           12.10. CONSTRUCTION. As the context requires or
                  permits: pronouns used herein shall include the masculine, the
                  feminine and neuter; terms used in plural shall include the
                  singular, and singular terms shall include the plural;
                  "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" and "hereto" shall refer to
                  this Agreement; and section and paragraph references, when not
                  expressly referring to another agreement or document, shall
                  mean sections or paragraphs in this Agreement.

                           12.11. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed
                  in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
                  but all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -31-

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                  THE PURCHASER

                                  CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC.

                                  By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                          Mark W. Duffey,
                                          Executive Vice President

                                  THE COMPANY

                                   WEST END FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                                   By: /s/ JAMES C. HIRSCH
                                           James C. Hirsch,
                                           President


                                   THE SHAREHOLDERS:



                                   /s/ JAMES C. HIRSCH
                                       James C. Hirsch


                                   /s/ CYNTHIA HIRSCH
                                       Cynthia Hirsch

                                      -32-

EXHIBITS                                DESCRIPTION

      A-1                               Lease Agreement (Chicago Heights Tract)
      A-2                               Lease Agreement (Tinley Park Tract)
      A-3                               Lease Agreement (Matteson Tract)
      A-4                               Lease Agreement (Crete Tract)
      B-1                               Non-Competition Agreement (Shareholders)
      B-2                               Non-Competition Agreement (Gliottoni)
      C-1                               Employment Agreement (Gliottoni)
      C-2                               Employment Agreement (Jeffrey Tutt)
      C-3                               Employment Agreement (James Cull)
      C-4                               Employment Agreement (James C. Hirsch)
      D                                 Promissory Note


SCHEDULES                               DESCRIPTION

    1.2                                 Retained Assets
    3.4                                 Permitted Liens
    3.5                                 Real Property
    3.10                                Fixed Assets
    3.11                                Contracts and Commitments
    3.12                                Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
    3.13                                Intangible Assets
    3.14                                Insurance
    3.15                                Licenses, Permits, Etc.
    3.18                                Employees
    3.19                                Employee Benefit Plans

                                      -33-


                                                                    Exhibit 10.9

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 8, 1996, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"),
HENNESSY-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Acquisition
Subsidiary"), HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"),
and TERRANCE P. HENNESSY, a resident of Polk County, Florida ("Hennessy"), and
LAWRENCE BAGNOLI, a resident of Summit County, Ohio ("Bagnoli") (Hennessy and
Bagnoli being collectively referred to as the "Shareholders");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Hennessy-Bagnoli
Funeral Homes located at 936 North Main Street in Akron, Ohio and at 339
Southwest Avenue in Tallmadge, Ohio (collectively, the "Homes"), and leases from
the Shareholders and other persons the real property and improvements upon which
the Homes are situated; and

                  WHEREAS, the Shareholders collectively are the record and
beneficial owners and holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock, no par value ("Company Common Stock"), of the Company; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Acquisition Subsidiary
merge with and into the Company in a statutory merger to be consummated under
the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "Ohio Act") and upon the terms and
conditions and for the consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.

                  1.1. THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
         Agreement, at the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in Section
         1.2 below), the Acquisition Subsidiary shall be merged with and into
         the Company, and the separate corporate existence of the Acquisition
         Subsidiary shall thereupon cease (the "Merger"). The Company shall be
         the surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereafter referred
         to as the "Surviving Corporation") and shall continue to be governed by
         the laws of the State of Ohio, and the separate corporate existence of
         the Company, with all of its rights, privileges, immunities and
         franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger. The Merger shall
         have the effects specified in the Ohio Act and in this Agreement.

                  1.2. EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and
         conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing referred to in Section
         2.1, the Company and the Acquisition Subsidiary shall prepare, execute
         and deliver a certificate of merger with respect to the Merger, in a
         form complying with the provisions of Ohio Revised Code ss.1701.81, as
         amended, and the parties shall cause the same to be filed with the
         Secretary of State of the State of Ohio as soon as practicable on the
         Closing Date. The Merger shall become effective upon the filing of such
         certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio,
         or at such time thereafter as is mutually agreed to by the parties
         (hereinafter referred to as the "Effective Time of the Merger").

                  1.3. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS. (a) From and after
         the Effective Time of the Merger, the Articles of Incorporation of the
         Surviving Corporation shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the
         Acquisition Subsidiary as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
         Time of the Merger, subject to the right of the Surviving Corporation
         to thereafter amend its Articles of Incorporation as permitted
         thereunder and in accordance with applicable law.

                  (b) From and after the Effective Time of the Merger, the Code
         of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Code of
         Regulations of the Acquisition Subsidiary as in effect immediately
         prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, subject to the right of the
         Surviving Corporation to thereafter amend its Code of Regulations as
         permitted thereunder and in accordance with applicable law.

                  1.4. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. At the Effective Time of the
         Merger, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation shall
         be the officers and directors of the Acquisition Subsidiary in office
         at such time, and such persons shall hold office in accordance with the
         Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation or until their
         respective successors shall have ben appointed or elected.

                  1.5. CONVERSION AND CANCELLATION OF SHARES. The manner of
         converting or cancelling shares of the Company and the Acquisition
         Subsidiary in the Merger shall be as follows:

                  (a) At the Effective Time of the Merger, each share of Common
         Stock, $.01 par value, of the Acquisition Subsidiary then issued and
         outstanding shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
         the part of the Acquisition Subsidiary or the holder of such shares, be
         converted into one share of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the
         Surviving Corporation.

                  (b) At the Effective Time of the Merger, each share of capital
         stock of the Company issued and held in its treasury shall, by virtue
         of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof,
         cease to be outstanding and shall be cancelled and retired without the
         payment of any consideration in respect thereof.

                                      -2-

                  (c) At the Effective Time of the Merger, the shares of issued
         and outstanding Company Common Stock owned and held by the Shareholders
         shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of
         the holders thereof, be converted into the right to receive cash and/or
         the right to receive shares of Series D Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
         ("Series D Preferred Stock"), of the Purchaser, in accordance with the
         following procedures:

                           (i) First, the aggregate merger consideration payable
                  in respect of the issued and outstanding Company Common Stock
                  shall be determined (the "Merger Consideration"), as the sum
                  or difference of the following:

                                 (A) $2,741,370.74;

                                      PLUS

                                 (B) The sum of all of the Company's cash
                           balances in bank accounts, certificates of deposits
                           or marketable securities (all at current net
                           realizable value) as of the Effective Time of the
                           Merger ("Closing Date Cash"), other than any such
                           cash or other investments that are used or applied to
                           fund preneed trust accounts or preneed funds of the
                           Company;

                                      PLUS

                                 (C) An amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of
                           the outstanding balance that portion of the Company's
                           accounts receivable as of the Effective Time of the
                           Merger ("Closing Date Receivables") that are then
                           less than 90 days past due;

                                      LESS

                                 (D) An amount equal to all liabilities and
                           obligations of the Company, including (but not
                           limited to) indebtedness for borrowed money,
                           indebtedness secured by mortgages, liens, security
                           interests, pledges, encumbrances or other title
                           restrictions of any kind (collectively, "Liens")
                           against any assets or properties of the Company or
                           any of the real property on which the Homes are
                           situated, accounts and trade payable, accrued
                           liabilities, federal, state and local taxes, any
                           liabilities under suits, claims, judgments or orders
                           then pending or any other liability or obligation of
                           the Company attributable to the operation of the
                           Company's business prior to the

                                      -3-

                           Effective Time of the Merger (collectively,
                           "Unassumed Liabilities"), excluding (x) obligations
                           under preneed contracts for which the full amount has
                           been deposited in trust as required under applicable
                           law, and (y) Closing Date Expenses (as described in
                           subparagraph (ix) below; all to the extent that the
                           same have not been paid or discharged in full as of
                           the Effective Time of the Merger;

                                  PLUS or LESS

                                 (E) The net amount owed by or to the
                           Shareholders or the Surviving Corporation, as the
                           case may be, in respect of proratable items in
                           accordance with Section 1.6 below;

                                      PLUS

                                 (F) $50,000.00 allocated to the covenants of
                           the Shareholders described in Section 12.2.

                           At the Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver to the
                  Purchaser a certificate, dated the Closing Date, certified by
                  them to be accurate and complete, as to the amount of Closing
                  Date Cash, all of the Closing Date Receivables (including an
                  aging thereof) and the Unassumed Liabilities, and the parties
                  shall agree as to the amount of the proratable items under
                  Section 1.6, all for purposes of determining the amount of the
                  Merger Consideration in accordance with the above formula.

                            (ii) Second, the amount of the Merger Consideration
                  shall be allocated among the holders of the shares of Company
                  Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time of
                  the Merger in accordance with their respective proportions of
                  shares held in relation to the total number of issued and
                  outstanding shares. The holders of shares of Company Common
                  Stock that, as of the date of this Agreement, are held by
                  Bagnoli shall be entitled to receive the portion of the Merger
                  Consideration in the form as described in subparagraph (iii)
                  below, and the holders of shares of Company Common Stock that,
                  as of the date of this Agreement, are held by Hennessy shall
                  be entitled to receive the portion of the Merger Consideration
                  in the form as described in subparagraph (iv) below.

                           (iii) Of the Merger Consideration payable in respect
                  of shares of Company Common Stock that, as of the date of this
                  Agreement, are held by Bagnoli, (x) the sum of $12,000.00
                  shall be paid by the issuance and delivery

                                   -4-

                  of 12,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock of the Purchaser
                  (having the same terms and provisions described in
                  subparagraph (iv) below), all of which shares shall be
                  deposited into escrow as provided in subparagraph (vii) below,
                  (y) the sum of $18,000.00 cash shall be withheld subject to
                  the terms of subparagraph (ix) below, and (z) the balance
                  thereof shall be paid in cash at the Closing, as soon as
                  practicable following the Effective Time of the Merger, to
                  such account or accounts in the Continental United States as
                  shall be designated in writing by the holder(s) of such shares
                  to the Purchaser at least three business days prior to the
                  Closing Date.

                            (iv) All of the Merger Consideration payable in
                  respect of shares of Company Common Stock that, as of the date
                  of this Agreement, are held by Hennessy, shall be paid by the
                  issuance and delivery of a number of shares of Series D
                  Preferred Stock equal to $1.00 of such Merger Consideration
                  for each such share, of which 88,000 shares shall be deposited
                  into escrow as provided in subparagraph (vii) below, 132,000
                  shares shall be withheld subject to the terms of subparagraph
                  (ix) below, and the balance of such shares shall be delivered
                  to Hennessy. All of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock to
                  be issued to the Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement are
                  herein collectively referred to as the "Series D Shares." The
                  terms and provisions of the Series D Preferred Stock shall be
                  as provided in the Certificate of Designation, Preferences,
                  Rights and Limitations of the Series D Preferred Stock, a copy
                  of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Series D
                  Designation"). The "Dividend Rate" (as defined in the Series D
                  Designation) applicable to the Series D Shares shall be
                  $.0625, payable quarter-annually, and the "Initial Conversion
                  Base Price" (as defined in the Series D Designation)
                  applicable to the Series D Shares shall be $7.50 per share.

                             (v) No fractional Series D Shares or scrip will be
                  issued in respect of fractional interests; in lieu of any
                  fractional Series D Share which may be issued in respect of
                  shares of Company Common Stock held by Hennessy on the date
                  hereof, he instead shall receive a cash payment in an amount
                  equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by $1.00.

                            (vi) No later than 120 days after the Effective Time
                  of the Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall deliver to each
                  Shareholder a certificate of the Surviving Corporation,
                  certified by it to be true and complete, as to the amount of
                  collections received by it on the Closing Date Receivables
                  from the Effective Time

                                      -5-

                  of the Merger through the date specified in such notice
                  ("Interim Collections"). To the extent that the Interim
                  Collections exceed the component of the Merger Consideration
                  paid under clause (C) of subparagraph (i) above, the
                  difference shall constitute an upward adjustment in the Merger
                  Consideration, and the amount of such difference shall be paid
                  to the Shareholders promptly following the Surviving
                  Corporation's delivery of such certificate. On the first
                  anniversary of the Effective Time of the Merger, the Surviving
                  Corporation shall deliver to the Shareholders a certificate of
                  the Surviving Corporation, certified by it to be true and
                  complete, as to the amount of collections received by it on
                  Closing Date Receivables from the Effective Time of the Merger
                  through such first anniversary date ("One Year Collections").
                  To the extent that the One Year Collections exceed the sum of
                  the component of the Merger Consideration paid under clause
                  (C) of subparagraph (i) above PLUS the amount (if any) paid by
                  the Surviving Corporation in respect of Interim Collections as
                  provided above, the difference shall constitute a further
                  upward adjustment in the Merger Consideration, and the amount
                  of such difference shall be paid to the Shareholders promptly
                  following the Surviving Corporation's delivery of such
                  certificate. Each such payment shall be made in cash or in
                  Series D Shares, as the case may be, in the same proportions
                  as the original Merger Consideration has been paid at the
                  Closing as set forth in subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) above.
                  Neither the Surviving Corporation nor the Purchaser shall have
                  any duty to pursue collection of Closing Date Receivables by
                  means greater than used on its collection of other accounts
                  receivable, and in no event shall the Surviving Corporation or
                  the Purchaser be required to institute suit or refer any
                  account to a collection agency. If the amount of One-Year
                  Collections is less than the amount paid under clause (C) of
                  subparagraph (i) above, or if any Closing Date Receivables
                  remain uncollected on such first anniversary date and are
                  thereafter collected, in either event there shall be no
                  further adjustments to the Merger Consideration or payments in
                  respect thereof.

                            (vii) As provided in subparagraphs (iii) and (iv)
                  above, at the Effective Time of the Merger $100,000 of the
                  Merger Consideration, consisting of 100,000 Series D Shares
                  (the "Escrowed Amount") will be placed into escrow pursuant to
                  the terms of an Escrow Agreement in form and substance
                  mutually acceptable to the parties, to be entered into on the
                  Closing Date among the Purchaser, the Shareholders and
                  FirstMerit Bank or another financial institution with banking
                  offices in Akron, Ohio having total assets of at least $100
                  million and otherwise

                                      -6-

                  mutually designated by the parties, which shall act as escrow
                  agent, such Escrowed Amount to be maintained as security for
                  purposes of any indemnification claims under Section 10.1.
                  Subject to the terms of such Escrow Agreement, any portion of
                  the Escrowed Amount remaining after the expiration of three
                  (3) years following the date of such Escrow Agreement, LESS
                  any Losses for which there are claims then pending, shall then
                  be distributed to the Shareholders.

                           (viii) Within 120 days following the Closing, the
                  Surviving Corporation shall convert the trusted preneed
                  accounts referred to in Section 3.13 that are in existence at
                  the time of the Closing ("Closing Date Preneed Accounts") into
                  insurance-funded contracts as permitted under Ohio law, at
                  which time the Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, as
                  additional Merger Consideration, in the proportion of their
                  respective holdings of Company Common Stock at the Effective
                  Time of the Merger, an amount equal to (x) the amount, if any,
                  by which the aggregate cash balances of Closing Date Preneed
                  Accounts so converted exceeded, on the Closing Date, the
                  amount required under applicable law to have been held in such
                  accounts on the Closing Date, and (y) the amount, if any, of
                  net proceeds (normally characterized as commission) received
                  by the Surviving Corporation from the insurance carrier in
                  respect of the Closing Date Preneed Accounts so converted. The
                  Surviving Corporation may seek advice from the Shareholder
                  regarding the identity of the insurance carrier and the manner
                  of converting Closing Date Preneed Accounts into
                  insurance-funded products, but such determinations shall be in
                  the sole discretion of the Surviving Corporation. The
                  additional Merger Consideration payable to the Shareholders
                  under this subparagraph (viii) shall be payable in Series D
                  Shares at $1.00 per share (in the case of Hennessy) or in cash
                  (in the case of Bagnoli).

                      (ix) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i)(D) above, up to (but
                  not exceeding) $200,000.00 in attorneys' fees, accounting fees
                  and the fees of Thomas, Pierce & Co. that are related to the
                  transactions described in this Agreement (collectively,
                  "Closing Date Expenses") shall remain the obligation of the
                  Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time of the Merger.
                  At the Closing, the Shareholders shall provide to the
                  Purchaser copies of invoices, bills or estimates provided by
                  the third party vendors indicating the amount or estimate of
                  their respective Closing Date Expenses through the Closing. In
                  no event shall the Surviving Corporation be responsible for
                  Closing Date Expenses in excess of $200,000, and any Closing
                  Date Expenses in excess of such amount shall be

                                      -7-

                  subject to indemnity as described in Section 10.1. In
                  connection with the foregoing, at the Effective Time of the
                  Merger, $18,000.00 of the cash Merger Consideration otherwise
                  payable to Bagnoli under subparagraph (iii) above, and 132,000
                  Series D Shares otherwise deliverable to Hennessy under
                  subparagraph (iv) above, shall be withheld by the Purchaser in
                  accordance with the provisions hereof. Upon or promptly
                  following the expiration of 120 days after the Closing, the
                  parties shall make their post-Closing reconciliation, pursuant
                  to which the Shareholders shall be given credit for Interim
                  Collections as provided in subparagraph (vi) above, the amount
                  to which they are entitled in respect of the conversion of
                  Closing Date Preneed Accounts under subparagraph (viii) above
                  and the amount of the Merger Consideration withheld as
                  provided in this subparagraph (ix), the Purchaser shall be
                  credited for the Closing Date Expenses, and the appropriate
                  party or parties shall be credited for any further adjustments
                  in respect of proratable items as provided in Section 1.6
                  below, and if such reconciliation results in a net balance to
                  the Purchaser, the Shareholders shall promptly pay the amount
                  thereof to the Purchaser in cash, and if such reconciliation
                  results in a net balance to the Shareholders, the Purchaser
                  shall pay such amount to the Shareholders in accordance with
                  their respective interests, in Series D Shares to Hennessy and
                  in cash to Bagnoli.

                           (x) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
                  Agreement, in all cases under this Agreement in which Merger
                  Consideration is payable to the Shareholders, the same shall
                  be paid 88% to Hennessy and 12% to Bagnoli.

                  (d) At the Effective Time of the Merger, all options,
         warrants, calls, or other securities convertible into or exchangeable
         with Company Common Stock, and all hereafter issued Company Common
         Stock that is not issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement,
         shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of
         any holder thereof, cease to be outstanding and shall be cancelled and
         retired without the payment of any consideration in respect thereof.

                  1.6. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
         items relating to the assets and liabilities of the Company, including
         but not limited to, utilities, real estate and personal property taxes,
         and insurance rebates and refunds, shall be prorated as of the
         Effective Time of the Merger, the Shareholders being charged and
         credited for all of same up to such date and the Surviving Corporation
         being charged and credited for all of same on and after such date. If
         the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of the

                                      -8-

         Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of the best
         evidence then available, and thereafter, within thirty (30) days after
         actual figures are received, but in any event within 120 days after the
         Closing Date, a settlement will be made between the Shareholders and
         the Surviving Corporation (which settlement will be in Series D Shares,
         at $1.00 per share, in the case of Hennessy, or in cash, in the case of
         Bagnoli).

                  1.7. SS.368 REORGANIZATION. It is the intention of the parties
         that the Merger constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of
         Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
         (the "Code"), in accordance with Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code. The
         parties agree to file all of their respective tax returns and reports
         in a manner consistent with such intention, and to not take any filing
         position in a manner inconsistent with such intention unless compelled
         to do so by court order or administrative decree. Each party agrees to
         furnish such information and take such action as may be reasonably
         requested of the other party in connection with the foregoing (which
         action shall not include any change in the commercial terms of the
         Merger and the other transactions incident thereto). In no event,
         however, shall the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation be required
         to incur any out-of-pocket expenses in defending such position or
         providing such information or taking such action, nor shall the
         foregoing constitute a warranty or guaranty that the Merger will in
         fact constitute such a reorganization.

                  1.8. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT; WAIVER OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Each
         Shareholder, in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company, and the
         Purchaser, in its capacity as a shareholder of the Acquisition
         Subsidiary, hereby (i) consents to the Merger pursuant to Ohio Revised
         Code ss.1701.78, and (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally waives all
         dissenters' and other similar rights with respect to the Merger under
         and pursuant to Ohio Revised Code ss.ss.1701.84 and 1701.85.

                  1.9. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party agrees to execute and
         deliver from time to time after the Effective Time of the Merger, at
         the reasonable request of the other party or parties, and without
         further consideration, such additional instruments of conveyance and
         transfer, and to take such other action as the other party or parties
         may reasonably require to more effectively carry out the terms and
         provisions of the Merger and this Agreement.

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing of the Merger (the "Closing")
         shall occur at the offices of Snell & Smith, A Professional
         Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650, Houston,

                                      -9-

         Texas 77002, at 9:00 a.m. on March 8, 1996, or at such other date, time
         or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event
         later than March 31, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is herein
         called the "Closing Date". At the Closing, the Shareholders shall
         surrender for cancellation pursuant to the Merger all certificates
         representing their respective shares of Company Common Stock, against
         receipt from the Purchaser of the Merger Consideration. All action to
         be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and
         instruments executed and delivered, and all payments made with respect
         thereto, shall be considered to have been taken, delivered or made
         simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall be
         considered as complete until all action incident to the Closing has
         been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the Merger, at the
         Closing the Acquisition Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to each of
         Hennessy and Bagnoli, and each of Hennessy and Bagnoli shall execute
         and deliver to the Acquisition Subsidiary, an Employment Agreement to
         be dated the Closing Date and in substantially the forms attached
         hereto as Exhibits B-1 and B-2, respectively, attached hereto
         (collectively, the "Employment Agreements").

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The
Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the
Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary that:

                  3.1. TITLE TO SHARES. The Shareholders are the owners and
         holders, beneficially and of record, of all of the issued and
         outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, and the Shareholders have
         good and marketable title to all of such issued and outstanding shares,
         free and clear of any and all Liens.

                  3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corporation
         duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
         the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
         and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to carry on its
         business as now conducted. The Shareholders have delivered to the
         Purchaser complete and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation
         and Code of Regulations of the Company, both as in effect on the date
         hereof.

                  3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the
         Company consists of 500 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which
         285 shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and
         nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of
         any person. There are 71 shares of Company Common Stock which are held
         by it as treasury stock.

                                      -10-

         The Company does not have any outstanding subscriptions, options or
         other agreements or commitments obligating it to issue shares of its
         capital stock. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the
         Shareholders will not, and will not cause or permit the Company to,
         issue or enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or other
         commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance
         of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company has no subsidiaries or any
         investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
         other business enterprise.

                  3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholders have delivered to
         the Purchaser the (i) unaudited, compiled statements of assets,
         liabilities and equity - income tax basis of the Company at December
         31, 1995 (the "Company Balance Sheet") and 1994 and the related
         unaudited, compiled statements of revenues, expenses and retained
         earnings - income tax basis, statements of cash flows - income tax
         basis and detail of operating expenses - income tax basis of the
         Company for the respective twelve-month periods of operations then
         ended, together with the compilation report of Kee & Associates, Inc.
         dated February 9, 1996, and (ii) unaudited, compiled statements of
         assets, liabilities and equity - income tax basis of the Company at
         December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the related unaudited, compiled
         statements of revenues, expenses and retained earnings - income tax
         basis and statements of cash flows - income tax basis, for the
         respective twelve-month periods of operations then ended, together with
         the compilation report of Kee & Associates, Inc. dated February 5,
         1994. All such financial statements are true and correct, have been
         prepared in accordance with the books and records of the Company, and
         present fairly the financial positions of the Company at the dates
         indicated and the results of its operations for the periods then ended
         in accordance with the income tax basis of accounting, except as to the
         absence of any provision for deferred federal income taxes, the absence
         of footnotes and (in the case of interim financial statements only)
         subject to normally recurring year-end adjustments. The Homes
         collectively performed at least 262 funeral services for the twelve
         months ended December 31, 1993, at least 248 funeral services for the
         twelve months ended December 31, 1994, and at least 292 funeral
         services for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995.

                  3.6. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
         properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes are
         owned by the Company, other than the real property on which the Homes
         are situated, which is leased to the Company under valid leases which
         are currently in effect. Except as aforesaid, none of such assets,
         rights or properties

                                      -11-

         is subject to any lease or license (except as described on Schedule
         3.12). The Company is in actual possession and control of all
         properties owned by it, and has good and marketable title to all of its
         assets, rights and properties, including without limitation, all
         properties and assets reflected in the Company Balance Sheet (other
         than properties and assets reflected in such balance sheet that have
         been sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business
         subsequent to the date of the Company Balance Sheet), free and clear of
         all Liens, except for Liens to be discharged and released at or prior
         to Closing.

                  3.7. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as described on
         Schedule 3.7 hereto, since the date of the Company Balance Sheet, there
         has not been:

                           (i) any material adverse change in the financial
                  condition, operations, business or properties of the Company
                  or of either Home, or any event or condition occurring during
                  such period which, in the reasonable opinion of the
                  Shareholders, is likely to cause such a material adverse
                  change in the foreseeable future;

                           (ii) any change in the authorized capital or
                  outstanding securities of the Company;

                           (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities
                  which the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to
                  issue, sell or deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed
                  to grant any options, warrants or other rights calling for the
                  issue, sale or delivery thereof;

                           (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to
                  borrow any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become
                  subject to, any absolute or contingent obligation or
                  liability, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary
                  course of business;

                           (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
                  extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                           (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change
                  in any key personnel of the Company;

                           (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
                  agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of
                  the inventories or other assets or properties of the Company,
                  except in the ordinary course of business;

                                      -12-

                           (viii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                  against the Company or any waiver any rights of material value
                  to the Company;

                           (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                  entering into of any collective bargaining agreement, with
                  respect to employees of the Company;

                           (x) any claim or liability for any material damages
                  for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach
                  of contract against or affecting the Company;

                           (xi) any new competitor that has, to the
                  Shareholders' knowledge, built, commenced to build or
                  announced intentions to build a funeral home or mortuary in
                  direct competition with either Home; or

                           (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or
                  affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
                  business.

                  3.8. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth
         in the Company Balance Sheet or as described on Schedule 3.8, the
         Company has no, and none of its assets or properties are subject to
         any, liabilities or obligations of any kind or nature, other than
         unsecured trade accounts payable and accrued expenses arising in the
         ordinary course of the Company's business since the date of the Company
         Balance Sheet.

                  3.9. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other
         taxes due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this
         Agreement have been paid or are adequately provided for in the
         Company's books and records. The Company has filed all tax returns and
         reports required to be filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all
         such tax returns and reports are true, complete and correct. True and
         correct copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns filed
         by the Company for each of its last three taxable years have been
         furnished to the Purchaser. No assessments of deficiencies have been
         made against the Company which are presently pending or outstanding. No
         state of facts exists or has existed which would constitute grounds for
         the assessment of any tax liability against the Company with respect to
         any prior taxable period which has not been audited by the Internal
         Revenue Service or which has not been closed by applicable statute.
         There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory
         period of limitations applicable to any income tax return of the
         Company for any period.

                                      -13-

                  3.10. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories
         reflected on the Company Balance Sheet and all items placed in
         inventory since the date thereof are (i) accounted for in accordance
         with the income tax basis of accounting applied on a consistent basis,
         and (ii) saleable or usable in the ordinary course of business of the
         Company at usual and customary prices, subject to normal returns and
         markdowns consistent with past practice. At the Closing, the
         Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified by the
         Shareholders to be complete and correct, of all of the Company's
         inventory as of the Closing Date. All of the Closing Date Receivables
         will at the Effective Time of the Merger (i) represent bona fide claims
         for goods delivered or services rendered, and (ii) not be subject to
         any rights of offset or counterclaim.

                  3.11. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.11 lists all motor vehicles and
         all other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other
         material fixed assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good
         and operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                  3.12. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.12 hereto sets
         forth a complete description of:

                           (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to
                  which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all
                  notes or other evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements
                  creating any Lien on any property of, the Company;

                           (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition
                  agreements and other agreements relating to the employment of
                  any employees of the Company;

                           (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the
                  Company which involve an obligation on its part in excess of
                  $5,000 per annum or $10,000 in the aggregate; and

                           (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the
                  Company entered into outside the ordinary course of business
                  (other than this Agreement).

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.12 is
         valid and in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to
         the knowledge of the Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto,
         are in default thereunder. The Shareholders have furnished to the
         Purchaser a true and correct copy of each document listed on Schedule
         3.12.

                  3.13. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.13
         hereto accurately and completely lists, as of December

                                      -14-

         31, 1995 (i) all preneed contracts of the Company unfulfilled as of the
         date hereof, including contracts for the sale of funeral merchandise
         and services, and (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Homes,
         indicating the location of each and the balance thereof. All preneed
         contracts required to be listed on Schedule 3.13 (x) have been entered
         into in the normal course of business at regular retail prices, or
         pursuant to a sales promotion program, solely for use by the named
         customers and members of their families on terms not more favorable
         than shown on the specimen contracts which have been delivered to the
         Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules and regulations of the Company
         as now in force (copies of which have been delivered to the Purchaser),
         and (z) on the date hereof are in full force and effect, subject to no
         offsets, claims or waivers, and neither the Company nor such customer
         is in default thereunder. All funds received by the Company under
         preneed contracts have been deposited in the appropriate accounts and
         administered and reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as
         required by applicable laws and regulations. The aggregate market value
         of the preneed accounts, trusts or other deposits is equal to or
         greater than the aggregate preneed liability related to such accounts.

                  3.14. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. The services heretofore provided
         by the Company have been rendered in a professional and competent
         manner consistent with prevailing professional standards, practices and
         customs.

                  3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC.. The Company does not own nor has it
         applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses,
         trademarks, trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses
         (collectively, "Intangible Rights"). The Company owns or possesses
         valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such Intangible Rights as
         are necessary to the conduct of the business of the Homes as presently
         conducted. The Company is not charged with infringement of any
         Intangible Rights of any other person, nor does the Company know of any
         such infringement, whether or not claimed by any person.

                  3.16. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of
         insurance in such amounts, and which insure against such losses and
         risks, as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and
         properties. Valid policies for such insurance will be outstanding and
         duly in force at all times prior to the Closing.

                  3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly
         and completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
         consents, rights and privileges that are (i) necessary or appropriate
         for the operation of the Homes as funeral homes in the State of Ohio,
         and (ii) are

                                      -15-

         otherwise material to the business and operation of the Homes. All such
         items are in full force and effect.

                  3.18. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions, suits,
         proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of either
         Shareholder, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the
         assets or properties of the Company, at law or in equity or before or
         by any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental
         department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality. The Company
         is not subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
         injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
         order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign,
         federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
         board, agency or instrumentality.

                  3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
         compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, municipal
         and other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to
         the Company, the operation of the Homes and the Company's assets,
         rights and properties (including without limitation all environmental
         protection and occupations safety and health rules, regulations and
         laws, and laws and regulations applicable to preneed contracts and
         trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                  3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely
         lists the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other
         compensation of all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule
         3.20 also sets forth the date of the last salary increase for each
         employee listed thereon, the outstanding balances of all loans and
         advances, if any, made by the Company to any employee or agent of the
         Company, and the number of vacation days or other time off to which
         each such employee is then eligible to take. At Closing, the
         Shareholders will cause the Company to pay or satisfy all vacation,
         holiday and other accrued benefits to employees of the Homes which are
         then outstanding. There are not pending or, to the knowledge of either
         Shareholder, threatened against the Company any general labor disputes,
         strikes or concerted work stoppages, and there are no discussions,
         negotiations, demands or proposals that are pending or have been
         conducted or made with or by any labor union or association with
         respect to any employees of the Company. Neither Shareholder is aware
         of the existence of any serious health condition of any key management
         personnel of either Home that might impair any such person's ability to
         carry on his or her normal duties into the foreseeable future after the
         Closing. The Company believes that the relations between the Company
         and its employees are good.

                                      -16-

                  3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. There are no plans, contracts,
         commitments, programs and policies (including, without limitation,
         pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation,
         severance, retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental
         insurance, vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other similar
         employee benefit plans and policies) maintained by the Company
         providing benefits to any employee or former employee of the Company,
         other than sick leave, vacation and group hospitalization benefits and
         simplified employee benefit plan ("SEP") that are described on Schedule
         3.21, all of which are maintained in accordance with applicable legal
         requirements. True and complete copies of all such benefit plans
         described on Schedule 3.21, none of which (other than the SEP)
         constitutes a "pension plan" within the meaning of Section 3(2) of the
         Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, have been
         provided to the Purchaser. The SEP described on Schedule 3.21 has been
         established and maintained by using Model Form 5305-SEP, the Company
         has complied in all material respects with all applicable disclosure
         and reporting requirements of the Internal Revenue Service and U.S.
         Department of Labor, and upon the Effective Time of the Merger the
         Surviving Corporation will have no funding or other obligations
         thereunder. Following the Effective Time of the Merger, the
         Shareholders shall, at their own expense, take all necessary action to
         terminate the SEP.

                  3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Except for the current
         leases by the Shareholders and related persons of the Real Property to
         the Company, and except for Bagnoli's living arrangements at the Home
         in Tallmadge, Ohio (which after Closing shall be governed by his
         Employment Agreement), the Company and the Homes have been operated and
         are being operated in a manner separate from the personal and other
         business activities of the Shareholders and their affiliates, and
         neither the Company nor its assets are subject to any affiliated party
         commitments or transactions.

                  3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company
         are true, correct and complete in all material respects, have been
         maintained by the Company in accordance with good business practice and
         in accordance with all laws, regulations and other requirements
         applicable to the Company. The corporate records of the Company reflect
         a true record of all meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors
         and the Shareholders of the Company.

                  3.24. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 13.1, neither
         the Company nor either Shareholder is a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are no
         outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment of any broker's
         or finder's fee in connection with the

                                      -17-

         origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. Each Shareholder has the
         full right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this
         Agreement and the other documents to be executed by such Shareholder as
         provided in this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions
         contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon
         execution and delivery by each Shareholder, each of such other
         documents will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of
         the Shareholders enforceable against them in accordance with their
         respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of
         this Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the consummation of
         the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will: (i) result in a
         violation or breach of any term or provision of, constitute a default
         or acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any third party
         to, or result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of (x) the Articles
         of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or (y) any
         contract, agreement, lease, license or other commitment to which the
         Company or either Shareholder is a party or by which the Company or
         such Shareholder or his or its respective assets or properties are
         bound; nor (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or
         decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized
         by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
         enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither
         the execution, delivery nor performance by the Company of this
         Agreement will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a
         default or accelerate the performance required under, the Articles of
         Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or any indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which the
         Company is a party or by which it or its properties are bound, or
         violate any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
         administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.27. ACQUISITION OF SERIES D SHARES. The Series D Shares to
         be acquired by the Shareholders pursuant to the Merger will be acquired
         by them for investment purposes only and not with the present intention
         or view to, or resale in connection with, any distribution thereof
         within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Each
         Shareholder understands that such Series D Shares will not be
         registered under such Securities Act or any state securities or blue
         sky laws, that transferability of such Series D Shares will be

                                      -18-

         restricted in accordance with applicable state and federal securities
         laws, and that a restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on
         each certificate representing such Series D Shares. Prior to the
         Closing, each Shareholder will have had full opportunity to receive
         such information and ask such questions of representatives of the
         Purchaser concerning the Purchaser, its subsidiaries and their
         business, operations, assets and prospects, and concerning an
         investment in the Series D Shares, as such Shareholder will then have
         deemed appropriate in order to make an informed investment decision
         with respect to the Series D Shares.

                  3.28. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Section 3
         have been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
         contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
         signed for identification by the Shareholders. To the extent that there
         occur any changes in the information set forth in such Schedules prior
         to the Closing, the Shareholders shall prepare and deliver to the
         Purchaser, at least three business days prior to the Closing, amended
         and/or restated schedules to reflect any such changes. Such updated
         schedules shall be subject to Section 7.5.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Company and the
Shareholders that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary is
         a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
         under the laws of the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate
         power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
         and the other documents to which it is a party. The Purchaser is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate
         power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
         and the other documents to which it is a party, including the issuance
         and delivery of the Series D Shares to the Shareholders as herein
         provided. The Purchaser has delivered to the Shareholders complete and
         correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the
         Purchaser and the Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of
         the Acquisition Subsidiary, both as in effect on the date hereof.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and performance by the
         Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and the
         documents contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered
         by them have been duly authorized by their respective Boards of
         Directors. This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as
         herein provided such

                                      -19-

         other documents will be, valid and binding upon the Purchaser and the
         Acquisition Subsidiary and enforceable against each of them in
         accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
         or performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this
         Agreement or any such other document will conflict with or result in a
         violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a
         default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
         Purchaser or the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of
         the Acquisition Subsidiary, or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of
         trust or other contract or agreement to which the Purchaser or the
         Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by which they or their respective
         properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or decree
         of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the
         Purchaser consists of (i) 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par
         value, of which 5,040,002 shares are issued and outstanding; and (ii)
         40,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, of which (i)
         7,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock, $.01
         par value, all of which shares are issued and outstanding; (ii)
         2,500,000 shares have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock, $.01
         par value, of which, as of the date of this Agreement, 415,000 shares
         are issued and outstanding; (iii) 8,500,000 shares are designated as
         Series C Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, all of which shares are
         issued and outstanding; and (iv) 10,000,000 shares have been designated
         as Series D Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, none of which, as of the
         date of this Agreement, is currently issued or outstanding. Except as
         disclosed on Schedule 4.3, the Purchaser does not have any outstanding
         capital stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for any
         shares of its capital stock, or any outstanding rights to subscribe for
         or to purchase, or any outstanding rights or options for the purchase
         of, or any agreements providing for the issuance (contingent or
         otherwise) of, or any outstanding calls, commitments or claims of any
         character relating to, any capital stock or any stock or securities
         convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of the
         Purchaser.

                  4.4. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Purchaser has delivered to the
         Shareholders the (i) audited, consolidated balance sheets of the
         Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, 1994 and
         1993 and the related audited, consolidated statements of operations,
         stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the respective
         twelve-month periods of operations then ended, together with the
         footnotes thereto and the audit report thereon of Arthur Andersen LLP
         dated April 21, 1995, and (ii) the unaudited, consolidated balance
         sheet of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries at December
         31, 1995 (the "Purchaser Balance

                                      -20-

         Sheet"), and the related unaudited, consolidated statements of income
         and cash flows for the twelve-month period of operations then ended.
         All such financial statements are true and correct, have been prepared
         in accordance with the books and records of the Purchaser and its
         consolidated subsidiaries, and present fairly the financial positions
         of the Purchaser and its consolidates subsidiaries at the dates
         indicated and the results of its operations for the periods then ended
         in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
         consistently applied, except (in the case of unaudited financial
         statements only) for the absence of footnotes and subject to normally
         recurring year-end adjustments.

                  4.5. NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. Since the date of the
         Purchaser Balance Sheet, there has not been any material adverse change
         in the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of the
         Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  4.6. LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. There are no claims,
         actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
         knowledge of any executive officer of the Purchaser, threatened against
         or affecting the Purchaser or any of its consolidated subsidiaries or
         any of their respective assets or properties, at law or in equity or
         before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
         governmental department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality
         which, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on
         the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of the
         Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  4.7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Purchaser and its consolidated
         subsidiaries have complied and are in compliance with all federal,
         state, municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations
         applicable to them, except for violations which, in the aggregate,
         could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
         the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of the
         Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  4.8. FINDERS. Neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition
         Subsidiary is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or
         other agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against either of
         them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection
         with the origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this
         Agreement.

                  4.9. CONTINUITY OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. The Purchaser
         has no present intention of dissolving, liquidating

                                      -21-

         or merging out of existence the Surviving Corporation in the
         foreseeable future after the Effective Time of the Merger.

                  4.10. EMPLOYEES' YEARS OF SERVICE. Employees of the Surviving
         Corporation at the Homes will be credited for their years of service
         with the Homes in accordance with the Purchaser's policies for purposes
         of its employee benefit programs.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING
CLOSING. The Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant and
agree with the Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
         the Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in
         the ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written
         consent of the Purchaser, the Company will not, and the Shareholders
         will not cause or allow the Company to:

                           (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or
                  terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                           (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Articles of
                  Incorporation or Code of Regulations;

                           (iii) take any action described in Section 3.7;

                           (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other
                  commitment of the type described in Section 3.12;

                           (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in
                  key personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of
                  compensation of or declare or pay any bonuses to any employee
                  in excess of that listed on Schedule 3.20; or

                           (vi) take any other action which would cause any of
                  the representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof
                  not to be true and correct in all material respects on and as
                  of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if the
                  same had been made on and as of the Closing Date.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will
         give to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
         representatives, full and free access to all of the properties, books,
         contracts, commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser
         may have full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire
         to make of the affairs of the Company.

                                      -22-

                  5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
         approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
         their part to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         neither the Company nor either Shareholder shall enter into any
         agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any
         offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any
         discussions with any potential buyers, investment bankers or finders,
         with respect to the possible sale or other disposition of all or any
         substantial portion of the assets and business of the Company or any
         other sale of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or
         stock or otherwise) or any portion of the real property covered by the
         Lease Agreements referred to in Section 7.8, other than with the
         Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary as contemplated in this
         Agreement.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY
PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally covenant with the Company and the Shareholders that:

                  6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
         Subsidiary will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents
         and approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
         their part to consummate the transactions contemplated in this
         Agreement.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
         its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information
         obtained with respect to the Company from any representative, officer,
         director or employee of the Company, including their accountants or
         legal counsel, or from any books or records of any of them, in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
         that the Purchaser may disclose such information to its outside
         attorneys and accountants and to its lender, provided that the
         Purchaser shall remain responsible to the Company for any unauthorized
         disclosure thereof by such attorneys, accountants or lender. If the
         transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither the
         Purchaser nor its representatives shall disclose such data or
         information to others, except as such data or information is published
         or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an applicable law
         or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any
         reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company all written data and
         information obtained by the Purchaser from the Company or its
         representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by
         this Agreement.

                                      -23-

                  6.3. CHANGES. From the date of this Agreement to the Closing
         Date, neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition Subsidiary will take
         any action which would cause any of the representations and warranties
         made in Section 4 hereof not to be true and correct in all material
         respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect
         as if the same had been made on and as of the Closing Date.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The obligations of the Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions,
any of which may be expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error, misstatement or
         omission in the representations and warranties made by the Shareholders
         in Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
         Shareholders herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as
         of the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company
         and the Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all
         agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
         complied with by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser
         shall have received a certificate, signed by the Shareholders and an
         executive officer of the Company, to the effect of the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of M. Teri Lynch & Associates,
         counsel for the Company and the Shareholders, dated the Closing Date,
         to the effect that:

                           (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Ohio, with full corporate authority to enter into and
                  perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                           (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company
                  consists of 500 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which
                  285 shares are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid
                  and nonassessable;

                           (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due
                  inquiry, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or
                  other agreements or commitments obligating the Company to
                  issue any shares of its capital stock or securities
                  convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                           (iv) the Shareholders are the record and beneficial
                  owners of all of the issued and outstanding

                                      -24-

                  shares of Common Stock of the Company, free and clear of any
                  and all Liens, and the Shareholders have full capacity to
                  enter into and perform their obligations in accordance with
                  this Agreement;

                           (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized and
                  approved by all necessary corporate action required on the
                  part of the Company;

                           (vi) this Agreement has been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the
                  valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
                  against it in accordance with its terms;

                           (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be
                  executed and delivered hereunder by the Shareholders (as shall
                  be specified in such opinion) have been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Shareholders, and this Agreement
                  and such other documents constitute the valid and binding
                  obligations of the Shareholders enforceable against them in
                  accordance with their respective terms;

                           (viii) neither the execution, delivery or
                  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement or any of such other documents will (x) result in
                  the breach of or constitute a default under the Articles of
                  Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or any
                  loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust
                  or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and to
                  which either the Company or the Shareholders are a party or by
                  which they or their respective assets are bound, or (y)
                  violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such
                  counsel of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body;

                           (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Company and the Shareholders of this Agreement or any of such
                  other documents; and

                           (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due
                  inquiry, there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
                  investigations pending or threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of its assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality.

                                      -25-

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the Company and
         certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to
         the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any
         document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
         moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
         principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and
         the internal laws of the State of Ohio.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
         governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
         have occurred any loss or damage to the physical assets and properties
         of the Company or the real property or improvements on which the Homes
         are situated (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured),
         the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on the
         condition, business, operations or prospects of the Company or either
         Home.

                  7.5. UPDATED SCHEDULES. If the Shareholders provide to the
         Purchaser any amended and/or restated Schedules as contemplated in
         Section 3.29, then any new or additional information disclosed pursuant
         thereto shall be satisfactory to the Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                  7.6. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
         instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
         related legal matters shall be subject to the reasonable approval of
         counsel for the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, and such
         counsel shall have been furnished with such certified copies of actions
         and proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall have
         reasonably requested.

                  7.7. NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. The Purchaser shall have
         discovered no change in the business, assets, operations, or financial
         condition of the Company or the Homes which has a material adverse
         effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business, assets, or
         financial condition of the Company and the Homes being acquired
         pursuant to the Merger.

                  7.8. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Each of Hennessy and Bagnoli shall
         have executed and delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary their
         respective Employment Agreements; each of Hennessy and his wife,
         Patricia A. Hennessy, and Bagnoli and his wife Brenda Bagnoli, as
         sellers, shall have performed and

                                      -26-

         complied with all agreements and conditions required to be performed or
         complied with by them at or prior to the Closing by the Real Estate
         Purchase Agreement of even date herewith among such persons and the
         Acquisition Subsidiary, as buyer (the "Real Estate Purchase
         Agreement"), relating to the real property on which the Home in
         Tallmadge, Ohio is located, and the closing thereunder shall have
         occurred substantially simultaneously with the Effective Time of the
         Merger hereunder; Terrance P. and Patricia A. Hennessy, DeWoyne
         Hennessy, Francis D. Hennessy, III and Judy A. Hennessy, Helen F.
         Rowland and Paul E. Rowland, and Lisa Y. Abraham, all as lessor, shall
         have executed and delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary, as lessee,
         the Lease Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 hereto,
         covering the real property on which the Home in Akron, Ohio is located
         (the "Akron Home Lease Agreement"); and Terrance P. and Patricia A.
         Hennessy, as lessor, and shall have executed and delivered to the
         Acquisition Subsidiary, as lessee, the Lease Agreement substantially in
         the form of Exhibit C-2 hereto, covering a portion of the parking lot
         for the Home in Akron, Ohio (the "Akron Parking Lot Lease Agreement")
         (the Akron Home Lease Agreement and the Akron Parking Lot Lease
         Agreement are herein collectively referred to as the "Lease
         Agreements").

                  7.9. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall
         have been conducted (or the Purchaser shall have received), at the
         Purchaser's expense, (i) an environmental questionnaire of the Homes
         and the real property on which they are situated, completed and signed
         by an authorized officer of the Company, (ii) a health and safety
         inspection of the Homes by a person (who may be an employee of the
         Purchaser) or firm selected by the Purchaser and who is qualified and
         experienced in such matters in the funeral service industry, and (iii)
         a structural inspection of the Homes by an engineering firm selected by
         the Purchaser. The Shareholders agree to take the action (and pay any
         costs in connection therewith) as may be reasonably recommended by such
         firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in the aggregate. In any event, it
         shall be a condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder that the
         results of the reports of such firms or persons (together with any
         remedial action, if any, taken by Shareholders, regardless of the cost,
         in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole
         discretion.

                  7.10. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser represents that it
         has received from Provident Services, Inc. ("Provident") a written
         commitment providing for the extension of financing in order to provide
         the cash portion of the Merger Consideration not furnished by the
         Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be
         a condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder that such

                                      -27-

         commitment shall have been funded in such amount contemporaneously with
         the Closing.

                  7.11. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens against any
         assets of the Company shall have executed and delivered written
         releases of such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable
         to the Purchaser and Provident. If there will remain after the Closing
         any Liens securing borrowed money indebtedness against any of the real
         property covered by the Lease Agreements, then the holders of such
         Liens, the Purchaser and Provident shall have entered into a
         subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreement in form and
         substance acceptable to them.

                  7.12. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Shareholders shall
         have identified to the Purchaser such other personnel of the Homes (in
         addition to the Shareholders) as may be key to the continued effective
         management and operation of the Homes after the Closing, and the
         Purchaser shall have entered into mutually satisfactory arrangements
         regarding the continued employment of such personnel at the Homes
         following the Closing.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE
SHAREHOLDERS. The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders under this
Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be
expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Company and the Shareholders shall not have discovered any material
         error, misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
         made by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary in Section 4
         hereof; the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser and
         the Acquisition Subsidiary herein shall be deemed to have been made
         again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
         correct; the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
         performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required by
         this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to
         the Closing; and the Company and the Shareholders shall have received a
         certificate, signed by an executive officer of each of the Purchaser
         and the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect of the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Company and the Shareholders an opinion of Snell &
         Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser and the
         Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect that:

                           (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the

                                      -28-

                  laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate
                  power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
                  Agreement and the other documents contemplated herein to be
                  executed and delivered by the Purchaser (as shall be specified
                  in such opinion); and the Acquisition Subsidiary is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement and the other documents
                  contemplated herein to be executed and delivered by the
                  Acquisition Subsidiary (as shall be specified in such
                  opinion);

                           (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and
                  such other documents have been duly authorized and approved by
                  all necessary corporate action required on their part;

                           (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                  delivery as herein provided such other documents will be,
                  valid and binding upon the Purchaser and the Acquisition
                  Subsidiary, enforceable against the Purchaser and the
                  Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance with their respective
                  terms;

                           (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance
                  by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this
                  Agreement or any of such other documents will conflict with or
                  result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of,
                  nor constitute a default under, the Certificate of
                  Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser, the Articles of
                  Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Acquisition
                  Subsidiary or under any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
                  mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement known
                  to such counsel and to which the Purchaser or the Acquisition
                  Subsidiary is a party or by which they or their respective
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body; and

                           (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or
                  any of such other documents, or the performance of its
                  obligations hereunder or thereunder.

                                      -29-

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of officers of the Purchaser and the Acquisition
         Subsidiary, and on certificates of public officials, copies of which
         shall be provided to the Shareholders at Closing. Any opinion as to the
         enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
         insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
         creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be
         limited to federal law, the General Corporation Law of the State of
         Delaware, the Ohio General Corporation Law (as to the Acquisition
         Subsidiary's organization, existence and good standing, in reliance of
         an opinion of special Ohio counsel) and the internal laws of the State
         of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
         Subsidiary shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other
         persons and governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated
         by this Agreement.

                  8.4. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
         instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
         related legal matters shall be subject to the reasonable approval of
         counsel for the Company and the Shareholders, and such counsel shall
         have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
         proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall have
         reasonably requested.

                  8.5. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall
         have executed and delivered to each of Hennessy and Bagnoli their
         respective Employment Agreements; the Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
         performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required to
         be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing by the
         Real Estate Purchase Agreement, and the closing thereunder shall have
         occurred substantially simultaneously with the Effective Time of the
         Merger hereunder; the Acquisition Subsidiary shall have executed and
         delivered the Lease Agreements to each of the respective lessors
         thereunder; and the Purchaser shall have complied with each of its
         obligations under the letter agreement of even date herewith between
         the Purchaser and Hennessy that are to be complied by the Purchaser on
         or before the Closing Date.

                  8.6. NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. The Shareholders shall have
         discovered no change in the business, assets, operations, or financial
         condition of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a
         whole which has a material adverse effect on the value to the
         Shareholders of the Series D Shares being acquired by them pursuant to
         the Merger.

                                      -30-

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
         Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
         representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
         same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
         any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto,
         all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
         hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in
         connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall
         not terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
         thereafter as hereafter provided. The representations and warranties in
         Section 3.9 shall survive the Closing for the duration of all
         applicable statutes of limitations provided for under the Code; the
         representations and warranties under Sections 3.1 through 3.3, 3.6,
         3.24 through 3.26, 3.28, 4.1 through 4.3, 4.8 and 12.2(d) hereunder
         shall survive the Closing for the duration of the applicable state
         statute of limitations; and the remainder of all such representations
         and warranties made by the parties shall survive the Closing for a
         period of eighteen (18) months thereafter; at which applicable time, as
         described above, such representations and warranties shall terminate
         except as to claims then pending in respect thereof, as to which the
         same shall continue until such claims have been finally resolved.

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders
         jointly and severally (except as provided in Section 12.2(e)) agree to
         indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and (following the Effective
         Time of the Merger) the Surviving Corporation, and their respective
         successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses, damages,
         liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being
         herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively
         called "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or
         default in the performance by the Company or the Shareholders of any
         covenant or agreement of the Company or the Shareholders contained in
         this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
         representation made by the Company or the Shareholders herein, in any
         Schedule delivered to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any
         certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the
         Company or the Shareholders pursuant hereto (subject to the limitations
         in Section 9.2 above), (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the Company,
         whether absolute or contingent, known or unknown, to the extent not
         paid, discharged or

                                      -31-

         deducted from the Merger Consideration at the Closing as provided in
         Section 1.5(c)(i)(D) (other than up to $200,000 of Closing Date
         Expenses, as provided in Section 1.5(c)(ix)), provided that the
         Purchaser asserts any claims under this clause (iii) prior to the
         expiration of eighteen (18) months after the Closing Date, and (iv) any
         and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs
         and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the
         foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser and the
         Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally agree to indemnify and
         hold harmless the Shareholders and their heirs and assigns from and
         against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach
         or default in the performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
         Subsidiary of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser or the
         Acquisition Subsidiary contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of
         warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the
         Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary herein or in any certificate or
         other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the
         Acquisition Subsidiary pursuant hereto, and (iii) any and all actions,
         suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses
         (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
         party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
         represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it,
         and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or
         will be, required to pay any amounts in connection therewith, which
         approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding
         the foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of the
         indemnified party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
         indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between such
         parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying
         party as provided herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the
         right to control the defense of such claim, provided that the
         indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in the
         defense thereof and be represented, at its own expenses, by advisory
         counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
         indemnified party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  10.4. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. Notwithstanding the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 10, the Purchaser shall

                                      -32-

         not be entitled to obtain indemnification from the either Shareholder
         under clause (i) or (ii) of Section 10.1 (or clause (iv), insofar as
         the same relates to clause (i) or (ii)), until such time as the
         aggregate amount of all such claims of the Purchaser equal or exceed
         $10,000.00, but when such threshold has been so met, the Purchaser
         shall be entitled to the entirety of its claim, including the first
         $10,000.00.

                  10.5. PAYMENT IN SERIES D SHARES. The Purchaser agrees that
         the Shareholders may satisfy any claims of indemnification hereunder by
         the surrender for cancellation of Series D Shares (not otherwise held
         in escrow under Section 1.5(c)(vii)), at a value of $1.00 per Series D
         Share, for so long as the Shareholder in question holds any Series D
         Shares. Each such surrender shall constitute the indemnifying
         Shareholder's sale and the Purchaser's purchase of a number of Series D
         Shares equal to the amount of such indemnification claim which such
         Shareholder has elected to satisfy in such shares, upon which such
         Shareholder shall surrender to the Company all certificates
         representing such shares for cancellation.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
         Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the
         Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary agree to use their best
         efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in
         Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders,
                  the Company, the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by the Company or either Shareholder in the observance or in
                  the due and timely performance by any of their covenants
                  herein contained, or if there shall have been a material
                  breach or misrepresentation by the Company or either
                  Shareholder of any of their warranties and representations
                  herein contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to be
                  complied with or performed by the Company or either
                  Shareholder at or before the Closing shall not have been
                  complied with or performed at the time required for such
                  compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Purchaser in writing;

                                      -33-

                           (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be
                  made by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary in the
                  observance or in the due and timely performance by the
                  Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their
                  covenants herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser or the
                  Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their warranties and
                  representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
                  Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Purchaser
                  and the Acquisition Subsidiary at or before the Closing shall
                  not have been complied with or performed at the time required
                  for such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Company and the Shareholders in writing; or

                           (d) either the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by March 31, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
         terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party
         shall have any liability to any other parties hereunder. If this
         Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
         then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against
         any other party which has breached any of its representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  12. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

                  12.1. POST-CLOSING TAX MATTERS. The Shareholders shall be
         fully responsible for all taxes of the Company accrued through the
         Closing and for completing, filing and handling all tax returns and
         reports in respect of all periods through Closing, including responding
         to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding such taxes, returns
         and reports. In particular, the Purchaser will arrange through its
         outside accounting firm for the preparation of short-period federal
         income tax return for the Company's current year through the Closing
         Date (after which time the Surviving Corporation will be included as
         part of the consolidated group of which the Purchaser is the parent
         corporation), based upon information furnished by the Shareholders (and
         for which the Shareholders shall be solely responsible), and the
         Shareholders shall pay or reimburse the Purchaser for all federal
         income taxes in respect thereof and the reasonable cost of tax
         preparation by such outside accounting firm. If after the Closing the

                                      -34-

         Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation receives any refund in respect
         of federal income taxes paid for periods of operations ended prior to
         the Effective Time of the Merger, then the Purchaser shall forward (or
         cause the Surviving Corporation to forward) such payment in the form
         received to the Shareholders. The Purchaser agrees that if it takes any
         discretionary filing position with respect to federal income taxation
         of the Surviving Corporation which is inconsistent with any valid
         position taken by the Company prior to the Effective Time of the
         Merger, the effect of which action is to increase the Shareholders'
         federal income tax liability from that which they would have been
         subject to if such position had not been so taken by the Purchaser,
         then the Purchaser shall (or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to)
         reimburse the Shareholders for the actual amount of such increased
         federal income tax liability so suffered by them as aforesaid. In such
         case, the Shareholders agree to furnish such information reasonably
         requested of them by the Purchaser in order to determine the amount of
         such increased federal income tax liability.

                  12.2. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                           (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for
                  a period commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10)
                  years thereafter, neither Shareholder shall directly or
                  indirectly:

                                      (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee
                           or through the agency of any corporation,
                           partnership, association or agent or agency, anywhere
                           within a fifty (50) mile radius of either Home,
                           excluding therefrom that portion of such 50-mile
                           radius that lies within the incorporated city limits
                           of Cleveland and Canton, Ohio (the "Territory"), in
                           the funeral, mortuary, crematory, monument, or any
                           related line of business (collectively, the
                           "Business");

                                     (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in
                           one percent (1%) or more of the voting securities in
                           any corporation, partnership or other business entity
                           which conducts its operations, in whole or in part,
                           in the Business within the Territory; provided,
                           however, that the beneficial ownership solely for
                           purposes of investment of less than five percent (5%)
                           of a class of outstanding voting securities of a
                           corporation or other entity that is registered
                           pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities
                           Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall be exempt
                           from the foregoing restrictions;

                                      -35-

                                    (iii) become an employee of or consultant
                           to, or otherwise serve in any similar capacity with,
                           any corporation, partnership or other business entity
                           that conducts its business, in whole or in part, in
                           the Business within the Territory; or

                                     (iv) cause or induce any present or future
                           employee of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates to
                           leave the employ of the Purchaser or any such
                           affiliate to accept employment with such Shareholder
                           or with any person, firm, association or corporation
                           with which such Shareholder may be or become
                           affiliated.

                           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
                  Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in
                  the Business if he acts as a funeral director at any funeral
                  establishment within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages
                  in the sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for
                  services to be performed within the Territory, or if a
                  Shareholder promotes or finances any family member or
                  affiliate to operate a Business or engage in any of the
                  foregoing activities within the Territory.

                           (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be
                  held invalid or unenforceable because of the scope of the
                  territory or actions subject thereto or restricted thereby, or
                  the period of time within which such covenants are operative;
                  but any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction may
                  define the maximum territory and actions subject to and
                  restricted thereby and the period of time during which such
                  covenants are enforceable.

                           (c) REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy
                  at law for any actual or threatened breach of any of the
                  foregoing covenants would be inadequate and that the Purchaser
                  shall be entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive
                  relief or both, by temporary or permanent injunction or such
                  other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order as may be
                  entered into by a court of competent jurisdiction in addition
                  to any damages that the Purchaser may be legally entitled to
                  recover together with reasonable expenses of litigation,
                  including attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith, as
                  may be approved by such court.

                           (d) REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and
                  warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such
                  Shareholder understands that the foregoing restric-

                                      -36-

                  tions are being made incident to and as a condition of the
                  Merger, and that such covenants are necessary in order to
                  protect the business and goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii)
                  such covenants are not oppressive to either Shareholder in any
                  respect, and (iii) the consideration for such restrictions is
                  included in the Merger Consideration, which consideration each
                  Shareholder acknowledges is fair and adequate for the giving
                  of the covenants herein and for which such Shareholder
                  acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                           (e) INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS. The foregoing covenants
                  shall represent several, but not joint, obligations, of the
                  Shareholders. A breach by one Shareholder of any of such
                  covenants shall not, by itself, constitute a breach thereof by
                  the other Shareholder.

                           (f) MERGER CONSIDERATION ALLOCATION. The parties
                  agree to allocate $50,000 of the Merger Consideration to the
                  foregoing covenants for federal income tax purposes, pursuant
                  to Section 1060(a) of the Code. Such allocation is not
                  intended to be a measure of the amount or range of damages
                  which the Purchaser may suffer or recover as a result of any
                  breach of the foregoing covenants, and the Shareholders
                  acknowledge that in case of any such breach, the Purchaser
                  shall be entitled to seek in excess of such amount as it may
                  otherwise be able to demonstrate itself justly entitled to.

                  12.3. ACCESS TO RECORDS. For a period of three years following
         the Closing, the Surviving Corporation shall provide the Shareholders,
         during normal business hours at the Surviving Corporation's
         headquarters' address upon at least 48 hours' prior written notice,
         reasonable access to the books and records of the Surviving Corporation
         in effect at the time of the Closing, for the purpose of assisting the
         Shareholders with respect to any matter involving the Company's federal
         or state income tax liability based upon its results of operations for
         a period ending at or prior to the Closing Date. Such right of access
         shall include the right to make, on a confidential basis, copies or
         extracts therefrom, at the Shareholders' own expense. If during such
         three-year period the Surviving Corporation proposes to destroy or
         dispose of any such books and records, the Surviving Corporation shall
         first give the Shareholders ten days' prior written notice thereof and
         the opportunity to take over such books and records from the Surviving
         Corporation in lieu of such destruction or disposition, and if the
         Shareholders shall not have indicated their desire to do so within such
         ten-day period, then the Surviving Corporation may proceed with such

                                      -37-

         destruction or disposition without further responsibility to either
         Shareholder.

                  12.4. SATISFACTION OF PRENEED LIABILITIES. Subject to the
         accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties
         contained in Section 3.13 hereof, the Purchaser agrees with the
         Shareholders that, following the Closing, the Surviving Corporation
         shall take all such action as shall be required in order to satisfy all
         of the obligations of the Surviving Corporation under preneed contracts
         and in respect of funds held in trust therefor as described on Schedule
         3.13 in accordance with applicable law.

                  13. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
         negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. If the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are
         consummated, the Company shall have no obligation for, nor shall it be
         charged with, any such expenses of the Shareholders. All finder's or
         similar fees and expenses of Thomas, Pierce & Company shall be the
         responsibility of the Surviving Corporation to the extent (and only to
         the extent) included within the Closing Date Expenses in accordance
         with Section 1.5(c)(ix), and any portion thereof not covered by such
         provisions shall be borne exclusively by the Shareholders. All sales,
         transfer, stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed
         or charged in connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne
         by the Shareholders.

                  13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
         communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
         have been given when personally delivered or three business days
         following the date mailed, first class, registered or certified mail,
         postage prepaid, as follows:

                           (i) if to the Company or the Shareholders, to:

                               Mr. Terrance P. Hennessy
                               3538 Harbor Circle, N.W.
                               Winter Haven, Florida  33881

                               Mr. Lawrence Bagnoli
                               339 Southwest Avenue
                               Tallmadge, Ohio  44278

                                      -38-

                               with a copy to:

                               M. Teri Lynch & Associates
                               665 W. Exchange Street
                               Akron, Ohio  44302

                          (ii) if  to  the   Purchaser  or  the   Acquisition
                               Subsidiary, to:

                               Carriage Funeral Services, Inc.
                               1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                               Houston, Texas  77056
                               Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                               with a copy to:

                               Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                               1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                               Houston, Texas  77002
                               Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

         or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to
         the other parties hereto.

                  13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties;
         provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser or the
         Surviving Corporation may assign its rights hereunder without the
         consent of the Shareholders to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser
         or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be (whether by merger,
         sale of assets or otherwise), provided that the assigning party shall
         not thereby be relieved of its obligations hereunder without the prior
         written consent of the Shareholders.

                  13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
         13.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
         the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
         personal representatives.

                  13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
         paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
         instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

                  13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
         Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein,
         together with the related letter agreement of even

                                      -39-

         date herewith between the Purchaser and Hennessy referred to in Section
         8.5, constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
         supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject matter
         hereof and thereof (including, without limitation, the letter of intent
         dated September 1, 1995).

                  13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
         enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
         State of Ohio.

                  13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument. The parties agree that this
         Agreement and all Exhibits, Schedules, certificates, agreements and
         other documents executed or delivered pursuant hereto or in connection
         herewith may be executed by facsimile signature (other than documents
         to be filed of public record), and each party hereby waives the
         so-called best evidence rule or any other rule requiring original
         signatures in connection therewith.

                                      -40-


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

                                 By:/s/ MARK  W. DUFFEY
                                        MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                        Executive Vice President

                                 THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY:

                                 HENNESSY-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                                 By:/s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                        Mark W. Duffey,
                                        Executive Vice President

                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                                 By:/s/ TERRANCE P. HENNESSY
                                        Terrance P. Hennessy,
                                        President

                                 THE SHAREHOLDERS:

                                 /s/ TERRANCE P. HENNESSY
                                     Terrance P. Hennessy

                                 /s/ LAWRENCE BAGNOLI
                                     Lawrence Bagnoli

                                      -41-

EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION

      A                           Series D Designation
      B-1                         Employment Agreement (Hennessy)
      B-2                         Employment Agreement (Bagnoli)
      C-1                         Lease Agreement (Akron Home)
      C-2                         Lease Agreement (Akron Parking Lot)


SCHEDULE                          DESCRIPTION

3.7                               Changes
3.8                               Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities
3.11                              Fixed Assets
3.12                              Contracts and Commitments
3.13                              Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
3.17                              Licenses
3.20                              Employees
3.21                              Employee Benefit Plans
4.3                               Purchaser Capitalization

                                      -42-

                                                                   Exhibit 10.10

                        REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 8, 1996, among
HENNESSY-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Purchaser"), and
TERRANCE P. HENNESSY and PATRICIA A. HENNESSY, residents of Polk County,
Florida, and LAWRENCE BAGNOLI and BRENDA BAGNOLI, residents of Summit County,
Ohio (collectively, the "Sellers");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Sellers own fee simple title to all of the
parcels of real property and improvements located at 339 Southwest Avenue in
Tallmadge, Summit County, Ohio and more particularly described on Exhibit A
hereto (the "Real Property"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser purchase the
Real Property from the Sellers, all upon the terms and conditions and for the
consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE REAL PROPERTY.


                  1.1. TRANSFER OF THE REAL PROPERTY. The Sellers jointly and
         severally agree to sell fee simple title to the Real Property to the
         Purchaser, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, security interests,
         title restrictions, reservations, easements, encumbrances or claims of
         any other person (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens described on
         Exhibit B (collectively, "Permitted Encumbrances"), and the Purchaser
         agrees to purchase and accept the Real Property from the Sellers.

                  1.2. CONSIDERATION. The consideration for the Real Property
         shall be $208,629.26 (the "Purchase Price"), all of which shall be
         payable in cash at the Closing referred to in Section 2 by wire
         transfer to such account or accounts as the Sellers shall designate in
         writing prior to the Closing.

                  1.3. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
         items relating to the Real Property, including but not limited to,
         utilities and real property taxes, shall be prorated as of the Closing
         Date, the Sellers being charged and credited for all of same up to such
         date and the Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same on
         and after such date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known
         as of the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of
         the best evidence then available, and thereafter, within thirty (30)
         days after actual figures are received, a cash settlement will be made
         between the Sellers and the Purchaser.

                  1.4. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Sellers agree to execute and
         deliver from time to time after the Closing, at the reasonable request
         of the Purchaser, and without further consideration, such additional
         instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action
         as the Purchaser may reasonably require more effectively to convey,
         assign, transfer and deliver good and marketable title to the Real
         Property to the Purchaser.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The purchase and sale of the Real Property
(the "Closing") shall occur at the offices of Snell & Smith, A Professional
Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650, Houston, Texas 77002, at 9:00 a.m. on
March 8, 1996, or at such other date, time or place as may be mutually agreed
upon by the parties, but in no event later than March 31, 1996. The date and
time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to
have occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing Date. At the
Closing, the Sellers shall execute and deliver one or more general warranty
deeds conveying fee simple title to the Real Property to the Purchaser, against
receipt from the Purchaser of the Purchase Price. All action to be taken at the
Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to
have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or
delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action incident to
the Closing has been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS. The Sellers
jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser
that:

                  3.1. DESCRIPTION. Exhibit A attached hereto sets forth a legal
         description of all parcels included within the Real Property, and also
         briefly describes each building and major structure and improvement
         thereon. The Sellers have good and marketable fee simple title to the
         Real Property, free and clear of any and all Liens, other than (i)
         Liens to be fully released at or prior to Closing, and (ii) Permitted
         Encumbrances. No person other than the Sellers and Hennessy Funeral
         Home, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("HFHI"), has any ownership, leasehold
         or other interest of any kind in the Real Property, except as otherwise
         disclosed in writing by the Sellers to the Purchaser. The Real Property
         is the only interest in real property used in the conduct of the
         business of Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home (Tallmadge location) (the
         "Home") as presently conducted. All of the buildings, structures and
         improvements located on the Real Property are in good operating
         condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such buildings,
         structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as
         now operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other
         administrative regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any
         provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent
         their continued use for the purposes for which

                                      -2-

         they are now being used. There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of
         the Sellers, threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation
         of the Real Property or any portion thereof.

                  3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. To each Seller's knowledge, no
         toxic or hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental
         Protection Agency, or any similar state or local agency) or hazardous
         substances (as defined under the Comprehensive Environment Response,
         Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or the Resource
         Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or any similar state or
         local statute or regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped,
         located or released onto or from the Real Property, nor have any such
         materials or wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed
         of on any real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. To
         each Seller's knowledge, the Real Property is not now, and will not be
         in the future as a result of its condition at or prior to Closing,
         subject to any reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of
         any federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency having
         jurisdiction over the Real Property. To each Seller's knowledge, the
         Real Property does not contain any asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls,
         urea, formaldehyde, lead based paint, radon gas or underground storage
         tanks, except for substances used in the ordinary course of the
         operations of the Home that are properly used, stored and disposed of
         in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

                  3.3. NO FLOOD HAZARDS. To the knowledge of the Sellers, the
         Real Property is not located within an area that has been designated by
         the Federal Insurance Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or
         any other governmental agency or body as being subject to special
         flooding hazards.

                  3.4. NON-FOREIGN STATUS. No Seller is a "foreign person" (as
         defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
         amended (the "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder), and the
         Sellers shall deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in recordable
         form containing such informa-tion as shall be required by Internal
         Revenue Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder.

                  3.5. BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect
         to the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have
         been (and on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other
         claims for the same have been filed or asserted against any part of the
         Real Property.

                  3.6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Sellers have complied and are
         in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state,
         municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations
         applicable to the Real Property.

                                      -3-

                  3.7. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 12.1, no Seller
         is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
         agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against any of them, for
         the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the
         origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.8. AUTHORITY OF THE SELLERS. Each Seller has the full right,
         capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and the
         other documents to be executed by such Seller as provided in this
         Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
         thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by
         each Seller, each of such other documents will constitute, the legal,
         valid and binding obligations of the Sellers enforceable against them
         in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution,
         delivery nor performance of this Agreement or any of such other
         documents, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
         or thereby, will: (i) result in a violation or breach of any term or
         provision of, constitute a default or acceleration under, require
         notice to or consent of any third party to, or result in the creation
         of any Lien by virtue of any contract, agreement, lease, license or
         other commitment to which any Seller is a party or by which any such
         Seller or his or her respective assets or properties are bound; nor
         (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or decree of
         any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Sellers that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to
         enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
         other documents to which it is a party.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the documents
         contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered by it have
         been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is, and
         upon their execution and delivery as herein provided such other
         documents will be, valid and binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable
         against the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms.
         Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser of this
         Agreement, or any such other document will conflict with or result in a
         violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a
         default under, the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of
         the Purchaser or under

                                      -4-

         any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement
         to which it is a party or by which it or its property is bound, or
         violate any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
         administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are not
         outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any broker's or
         finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE SELLERS PENDING CLOSING. The Sellers
jointly and severally covenant and agree with the Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers will use their best
         efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other persons
         which may be required to be obtained on their part to consummate the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  5.2. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         no Seller shall enter into any agreements or commitments, or initiate,
         solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of interest,
         or otherwise hold any discussions with any potential buyers, investment
         bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
         disposition of all or any portion of the Real Property, other than with
         the Purchaser.

                  6. COVENANT OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Sellers that the Purchaser will use its best efforts to
obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other persons which may be
required to be obtained on its part to consummate the transactions contemplated
in this Agreement.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser shall not have discovered any material error,
         misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties made by
         the Sellers in Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties
         made by the Sellers herein shall be deemed to have been made again at
         and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the
         Sellers shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
         conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with
         by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser

                                      -5-

         shall have received a certificate, signed by the Sellers, to the effect
         of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Sellers shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of M. Teri Lynch & Associates,
         counsel for the Sellers, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

                           (i) this Agreement and the other documents to be
                  executed and delivered hereunder by the Sellers (as shall be
                  specified in such opinion) have been duly and validly executed
                  and delivered by the Sellers, and this Agreement and such
                  other documents constitute the valid and binding obligations
                  of the Sellers enforceable against them in accordance with
                  their respective terms;

                           (ii) neither the execution, delivery or consummation
                  of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of
                  such other documents will (x) result in the breach of or
                  constitute a default under any loan or credit agreement,
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement known to such counsel and to which any Seller is a
                  party or by which they or their respective assets are bound,
                  or (y) violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to
                  such counsel of any court, administrative agency or
                  governmental body; and

                           (iii) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Sellers of this Agreement or any of such other documents.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of the Sellers and certificates of public officials,
         copies of which shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing. Any
         opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be limited by
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws
         affecting creditors' rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion
         may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State of
         Ohio.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers shall have obtained
         all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
         have occurred any loss or damage to any material portion of the Real
         Property.

                                      -6-

                  7.5. TITLE INSURANCE. The Sellers shall have obtained, at
         their expense, a commitment (in form acceptable to the Purchaser) for
         an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the Purchaser in the
         amount of the Purchase Price, issued by a title company with offices in
         Summit County, Ohio mutually designated by the parties (the "Title
         Company"), insuring that the Purchaser is the owner of each parcel of
         the Real Property subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances, and any
         standard printed exceptions included in a Ohio standard form Owner
         Policy of Title Insurance. Such commitment shall provide for a policy
         that will delete any exception regarding restrictions or be limited to
         restrictions that are Permitted Encumbrances, any standard exception
         pertaining to discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be
         deleted except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for
         taxes shall be limited to the year in which the Closing occurs.

                  7.6. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
         Sellers' expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed surveyor
         approved by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with
         respect to each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with
         any applicable standards under Ohio law, be sufficient for the Title
         Company to delete any survey exception contained in the title insurance
         policies referred to in Section 7.5, save and except for the phrase
         "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to
         Purchaser.

                  7.7. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other than
         Permitted Encumbrances) against any portion of the Real Property shall
         have executed and delivered written releases of such Liens, all in
         recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the Purchaser and its
         lender.

                  7.8. CONSUMMATION OF MERGER. The merger of HFHI into the
         Purchaser pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date
         herewith (the "Merger Agreement") among the Purchaser, HFHI and
         Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., shall have been consummated in
         accordance with the terms thereof.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS. The obligations
of the Sellers under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Sellers in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Sellers shall not have discovered any material error, misstatement
         or omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser
         in Section 4 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
         Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of
         the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
         shall have performed and complied with all agreements and con-

                                      -7-

         ditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
         it at or prior to the Closing; and the Sellers shall have received a
         certificate, signed by an executive officer of the Purchaser, to the
         effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Sellers an opinion of Snell & Smith, A Professional
         Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser, to the effect that:

                           (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to enter
                  into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
                  other documents contemplated herein to be executed and
                  delivered by the Purchaser (as shall be specified in such
                  opinion);

                           (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement and such other documents have been
                  duly authorized by its Board of Directors;

                           (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                  delivery as herein provided such other documents will be,
                  valid and binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable against
                  the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms;

                           (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance
                  by the Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other
                  documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
                  breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                  under, the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of
                  the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement known to such counsel and to which the Purchaser is
                  a party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate
                  any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel
                  and of any court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                  and

                           (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other documents, or
                  the performance of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
         officials, copies of which shall be provided

                                      -8-

         to the Sellers at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any
         document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
         moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by
         principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and
         the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have obtained
         all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The merger of the Purchaser into
         HFHI shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the
         Merger Agreement.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
         Agreement or any Exhibit hereto shall be deemed representations and
         warranties of the party executing or delivering the same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
         any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto,
         all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
         hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Exhibit hereto or in connection
         with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not
         terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
         thereafter as hereafter provided. The representations and warranties
         under Sections 3.1 (insofar as the same relate to title to and
         ownership of the Real Property), 3.7, 3.8 and 4 hereunder shall survive
         the Closing for the duration of the applicable state statute of
         limitations; the representations and warranties under Section 3.2 shall
         survive the Closing for a period of three years thereafter; and the
         remainder of all representations and warranties made hereunder by the
         parties shall survive the Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months
         thereafter; at which applicable time, as described above, such
         representations and warranties shall terminate except as to claims then
         pending in respect thereof, as to which the same shall continue until
         such claims have been finally resolved.

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLERS. The Sellers jointly and
         severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and its
         successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses, damages,
         liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being
         herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively
         called "Losses")

                                      -9-

         which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
         performance by the Sellers of any covenant or agreement of the Sellers
         contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate
         or erroneous representation made by the Sellers herein, in any Exhibit
         attached hereto or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by
         or on behalf of the Sellers pursuant hereto, and (iii) any and all
         actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and
         expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the
         foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
         to indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers and their heirs and assigns
         from and against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any
         breach or default in the performance by the Purchaser of any covenant
         or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, (ii) any
         breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by
         the Purchaser herein or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto, and (iii)
         any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments,
         costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of
         the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
         party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
         represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it,
         and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or
         will be, required to pay any amounts in connection therewith, which
         approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding
         the foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of the
         indemnified party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
         indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between such
         parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying
         party as provided herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the
         right to control the defense of such claim, provided that the
         indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in the
         defense thereof and be represented, at its own expenses, by advisory
         counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
         indemnified party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Sellers agree to
         use their best efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the
         conditions specified in Section 7 hereof;

                                      -10-

         and the Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Sellers and the
                  Purchaser;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by any Seller in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
                  there shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation
                  by any Seller of any of their warranties and representations
                  herein contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to be
                  complied with or performed by any Seller at or before the
                  Closing shall not have been complied with or performed at the
                  time required for such compliance or performance and such
                  noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                  waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                           (c) the Sellers if a material default shall be made
                  by the Purchaser in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of the
                  Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have been complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Sellers in writing; or

                           (d) either the Sellers or the Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by March 31, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
         terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party
         shall have any liability to any other parties hereunder. If this
         Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
         then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against
         any other party which has breached any of its representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                                      -11-

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  12.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
         negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. All finder's or
         similar fees and expenses of Thomas, Pierce & Company shall be borne
         exclusively by the Sellers. All sales, transfer, stamp or other similar
         taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged in connection with the
         transactions hereunder shall be borne by the Sellers.

                  12.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
         communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
         have been given when personally delivered or three business days
         following the date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail,
         postage prepaid, as follows:

                           (i)  if to the Sellers, to:

                                Mr. Terrance P. Hennessy
                                Ms. Patricia Hennessy
                                3538 Harbor Circle, N.W.
                                Winter Haven, Florida  33881

                                and

                                Mr. Lawrence Bagnoli
                                Ms. Brenda Bagnoli
                                339 Southwest Avenue
                                Tallmadge, Ohio 44278

                                with a copy to:

                                M. Teri Lynch & Associates
                                665 W. Exchange Street
                                Akron, Ohio  44302

                           (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home, Inc.
                                1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                Houston, Texas  77056
                                Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                with a copy to:

                                Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                Houston, Texas  77002
                                Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                                      -12-

         or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to
         the other parties hereto.

                  12.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties,
         provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign
         its rights hereunder without the consent of the Sellers to a
         successor-in-interest to the Purchaser (whether by merger, sale of
         assets or otherwise), provided that the Purchaser shall not thereby be
         relieved of its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent
         of the Sellers.

                  12.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
         12.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
         the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
         personal representatives.

                  12.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
         paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  12.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
         instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

                  12.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
         certificates and other documents referred to herein constitute the
         entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior
         understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof
         (including, without limitation, the letter of intent dated September 1,
         1995).

                  12.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
         enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
         State of Ohio.

                  12.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument. The parties agree that this
         Agreement and all other documents executed or delivered pursuant hereto
         may be executed by facsimile signature (other than documents to be
         filed of public record), and each party hereby waives the so-called
         best evidence rule or any other evidentiary or other rule requiring
         original signatures in connection therewith.

                                      -13-

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 HENNESSY-BAGNOLI FUNERAL HOME, INC.

                                 By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                         Mark W. Duffey,
                                         Executive Vice President

                                 THE SELLERS:

                                 /s/ TERRANCE P. HENNESSY
                                     Terrance P. Hennessy

                                 /s/ PATRICIA A. HENNESSY
                                     Patricia A. Hennessy

                                 /s/ LAWRENCE BAGNOLI
                                     Lawrence Bagnoli

                                 /s/ BRENDA BAGNOLI
                                     Brenda Bagnoli



EXHIBITS

Exhibit A -  Description of Real Property
Exhibit B -  Permitted Encumbrances

                                      -14-

                                   EXHIBIT "A"


Situated in the City of Tallmadge, County of Summit and State of Ohio: And known
as being part of Lot No. 7, Tract No. 10 of said Township and is further
described as follows: Beginning at an iron pipe set in the southeasterly line of
the Akron-Kent Road or Case Avenue, at the most northerly corner of a 1.70 acre
tract of land now or formerly owned by Sophrana Ritchie as recorded in Volume
241, Page 268, Summit County Records of Deeds, said beginning point being also
defined as being in the westerly line of said Lot No. 7, distant about 929.94
feet from the northwest corner of said Lot No. 7, measuring along the westerly
line of said Lot; thence S. 40 deg. 19' E. 324.30 feet along the northeasterly
line of said Ritchie Tract to an iron pipe; thence N. 49 deg. 41' E. 277.40 feet
to an iron pipe; thence N. 14 deg 56' W. 132.29 feet to an iron pipe; thence N.
1 deg. 34' E. 175.84 feet to an iron pipe; thence N. 41 deg. 16' W. 68.68 feet
to an iron pipe set in the southeasterly line of said Akron-Kent Road; thence S.
50 deg. 22' W. 450.40 feet along the southeasterly line of said Road to the
place of beginning, and contains 2.757 acres of land, according to survey of
said premises made by F.R. Ritchie, Civil Engineer and Surveyor of Akron, Ohio,
for Helen A. Williams on or about October 22, 1928, be the same more or less,
but subject to all legal highways.

                                   EXHIBIT "B"

1.       Deed Restrictions recorded in Deed Book 515, Page 699 of Summit County
         Records.

2.       Right of Way recorded in Deed Book 1284, Page 513 of Summit County
         Records.

3.       Easement recorded in Deed Book 6193, Page 475 of Summit County Records.

4.       Sublease recorded in Volume ____, Page ____, of Summit COunty Records.



                                                                   Exhibit 10.11

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of January 4, 1996, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), THE LUSK
FUNERAL HOME, INCORPORATED, a Kentucky corporation (the "Company"), and GERALD
T. McFARLAND, JR., a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky (the "Shareholder");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Lusk-McFarland
Funeral Home located in Paris, Kentucky and the Pruitt Funeral Home in
Millersburg, Kentucky (collectively, the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists
of 100 shares of Common Stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), of which one (1)
share (the "Share") is issued, outstanding and held and owned of record by the
Shareholder; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Shareholder sell and the
Purchaser purchase the Share from the Shareholder, all upon the terms and
conditions and for the consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1.        SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARE.

                  1.1. TRANSFER OF THE SHARE. The Shareholder agrees to sell the
         Share to the Purchaser, free and clear of all security interests,
         pledges, liens, mortgages, title restrictions, charges and other
         encumbrances of any kind (collectively, "Liens"). The Purchaser agrees
         to purchase and accept the Share from the Shareholder.

                  1.2. CONSIDERATION FOR THE SHARE. The consideration for the
         Share shall be $1,000,000 (the "Purchase Price"). Of the Purchase
         Price, (i) an amount sufficient to discharge indebtedness of the
         Company as determined by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 1.3 shall be
         paid to the holders of such indebtedness, (ii) $100,000 shall be
         payable in the form of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, $.01 par
         value ("Parent Stock"), of Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a Delaware

<PAGE>

          corporation ("Parent"), at $1.00 per share of Parent Stock, each such
          share of Parent Stock to be convertible into Parent's Common Stock at
          a conversion price of $5.00 per share, and (iii) the remainder of the
          Purchase Price after giving effect to the amounts under clauses (i)
          and (ii) above shall be paid to the Shareholder in cash at Closing, by
          wire transfer to such account or accounts as the Shareholder shall
          designate in writing prior to the Closing. The Purchase Price shall be
          subject to adjustment following the Closing (as defined in Section
          2.1) as provided in Section 1.3.

                  1.3. ADJUSTMENT TO CONSIDERATION. At least two business days
         prior to the Closing, the Shareholder shall deliver to the Purchaser a
         written statement, certified by him to be accurate and complete,
         setting forth a description, and the outstanding balance as of the date
         of such statement, of all liabilities and obligations of the Company,
         including (but not limited to) indebtedness for borrowed money,
         indebtedness secured by Liens against any assets or properties of the
         Company, accounts and trade payable, accrued liabilities, federal,
         state and local taxes, any liabilities under suits, claims judgments or
         orders then pending, or any other liability or obligation
         (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), excluding obligations under
         preneed contracts for which the full amounts have been deposited in
         trust as provided under applicable law ("Preneed Liabilities"). To the
         extent that any Unassumed Liabilities are based upon goods purchased or
         services obtained by the Company (including utility bills and rents
         under leases) and other applicable items that apply both before and
         after the Closing (including property taxes), then such amounts shall
         be prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company being charged and
         credited for all of same up to such date and the Purchaser being
         charged and credited for all of same on and after such date. At
         Closing, the Purchaser shall pay out of the Purchase Price such portion
         thereof as shall be required to pay and discharge those Unassumed
         Liabilities as the Purchaser in its sole discretion deems appropriate,
         which at a minimum shall include liabilities secured by Liens against
         any assets of the Company and unsecured indebtedness for borrowed
         money, but may also include any of such other liabilities.
         Notwithstanding such payment, the Shareholder shall remain responsible
         for paying any remaining Unassumed Liabilities. Payments under this

                                      -2-

          Section 1.3 shall be deemed downward adjustments in the Purchase
          Price. If after the Closing the Company receives any refund payments
          from insurance carriers with respect to insured periods arising prior
          to the Closing, the Purchaser shall cause the Company to remit such
          payments to the Shareholder.

                  1.4. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. As described in Section 2.2(iv)
         below, the Company shall, immediately prior to the Closing, distribute
         to the Shareholder (among other things) the right to receive
         collections on all but the first $10,000 of the Company's accounts
         receivable then outstanding (collectively, the "Closing Date
         Receivables"). On the Closing Date, the Shareholder shall prepare and
         deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified by him to be accurate and
         complete, of all of the Closing Date Receivables. Following the
         Closing, the Purchaser shall have the exclusive (even as to the
         Shareholder) right to manage and oversee the collection of the Closing
         Date Receivables. On or before the 15th day of each month following
         each month in which there are any collections on Closing Date
         Receivables in excess of the first $10,000 thereof (which first $10,000
         of collections shall be retained by the Purchaser, without any recourse
         or accounting to the Shareholder), the Purchaser shall remit to the
         Shareholder the amount of such collections during the preceding month.
         The Purchaser shall have no duty to pursue collection of Closing Date
         Receivables by means greater than used on its collection of other
         accounts receivable, and in no event shall the Purchaser be required to
         institute suit or refer any account to a collection agency. At any time
         after the Closing, the Purchaser may, in its sole discretion, return
         the management and control over the Closing Date Receivables to the
         Shareholder, by giving written notice to him to such effect.

                  1.5. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholder agrees to execute and
         deliver from time to time after the Closing, at the request of the
         Purchaser, and without further consideration, such additional
         instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action
         as the Purchaser may reasonably require more effectively to convey,
         assign, transfer and deliver the Share to the Purchaser and carry out
         the other transactions contemplated hereunder.

                                      -3-

          2.       THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The closing of the transactions
         contemplated under this Agreement (the "Closing") shall occur at the
         offices of Miller, Griffin & Marks, Suite 700, Security Trust Building,
         271 West Short Street, Lexington, Kentucky, at 9:00 a.m. on January 4,
         1995, or at such other date, time or place as may be mutually agreed
         upon by the parties, but in no event later than January 15, 1996. The
         date and time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and
         shall be deemed to have occurred as of the commencement of business on
         the Closing Date. At the Closing: the Shareholder shall deliver all
         certificates representing the Share, duly enclosed or accompanied by
         duly executed stock powers, against payment by the Purchaser of the
         consideration therefor. All action to be taken at the Closing as
         hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
         delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be
         considered to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no
         such action or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete
         until all action incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the purchase and
         sale of the Share, the following transactions shall take place at the
         Closing:

                           (i) the Purchaser, the Shareholder and his wife,
                  Melissa McFarland (together, the "Covenantors") shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other a Non-Competition Agreement
                  substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the
                  "Non-Competition Agreement");

                           (ii) the Purchaser and the Shareholder shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other an Employment Agreement to be
                  dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form of
                  Exhibit B hereto (the "McFarland Employment Agreement");

                           (iii) the Purchaser and Jeff Morrison ("Morrison")
                  shall each execute and deliver to each other an Employment
                  Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the
                  "Morrison Employment Agreement"); and

                                      -4-

                           (iv) effective immediately prior to the Closing, the
                  Company shall distribute to the Shareholder (x) all of the
                  Company's cash balances as of such time, and (y) the right to
                  receive collections as to all but the first $10,000 of the
                  Closing Date Receivables.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDER. The
Shareholder represents and warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1. TITLE TO THE SHARE. The Shareholder has good and
                  marketable title to the Share, free and clear of any and all
                  Liens, and the Shareholder has the absolute and unrestricted
                  right, power, authority and capacity to sell the Share to the
                  Purchaser as provided in this Agreement. Upon delivery of the
                  Share to the Purchaser, against payment therefor as provided
                  in Section 1.2, the Purchaser will receive from the
                  Shareholder good and marketable title thereto, free and clear
                  of any and all Liens.

                           3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Kentucky, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement and to carry on its business
                  as now conducted. Neither the character or location of the
                  assets owned by the Company nor the nature of the business
                  transacted by it requires the Company to be qualified to do
                  business as a foreign corporation in any other jurisdiction.
                  The Shareholder has delivered to the Purchaser complete and
                  correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of
                  the Company, both as in effect on the date hereof.

                           3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of
                  the Company consists of 100 shares of Common Stock, no par
                  value per share, of which one (1) share (the Share owned by
                  the Shareholder) is validly issued and outstanding, fully paid
                  and nonassessable and not issued in violation of the
                  preemptive rights of any person. Thirty-nine (39) additional
                  shares of Common Stock are issued and held by it in its
                  treasury, of which thirty-eight (38) such shares are subject
                  to a pledge thereof in favor of certain former shareholders of
                  the Company as described in Section 3.13 (which pledges

                                      -5-

                  shall be released at or prior to the Closing pursuant to
                  Section 1.3). The Company does not have any outstanding
                  subscriptions, options or other agreements or commitments
                  obligating it to issue shares of its capital stock. From the
                  date hereof through the Closing Date, the Shareholder will
                  not, and will not cause or permit the Company to, issue or
                  enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or other
                  commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or
                  encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

                           3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company has no subsidiaries
                  or other entities in which the Company has a controlling
                  interest, nor does the Company have any investment or
                  ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or other
                  business enterprise except for The Central Kentucky Funeral
                  Limousine Association, Inc., the interests in which are held
                  by the Company under the circumstances and based upon such
                  commitments of the Company as are described on Schedule 3.13.

                           3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Company has delivered
                  to the Purchaser the unaudited Balance Sheets of the Company
                  at December 31, 1993 and 1994 (such balance sheet at December
                  31, 1994 being hereafter referred to as the "Company Balance
                  Sheet") and the related unaudited Profit and Loss Statements
                  of the Company for the respective twelve-month periods of
                  operations then ended. All such financial statements are true
                  and correct, have been prepared in accordance with the books
                  and records of the Company, and present fairly the financial
                  positions of the Company at the dates indicated and the
                  results of its operations for the periods then ended in
                  accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
                  consistently applied. The Homes collectively performed at
                  least 92 adult funeral services for the twelve months ended
                  December 31, 1993, at least 102 adult funeral services for the
                  twelve months ended December 31, 1994 and at least 100 adult
                  funeral services for the ten months ended October 31, 1995.

                           3.6. REAL PROPERTY.

                           (a) DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 3.6 sets forth a
                  legal description of all real property in which the Company
                  has any interest (collectively, the "Real Property"), and also
                  briefly describes each building and major structure and

                                      -6-

                  improvement thereon. No person other than the Company has any
                  ownership, leasehold or other interest of any kind in the Real
                  Property. The Real Property is the only interest in real
                  property required for the conduct of the business of the Homes
                  as presently conducted. All of the buildings, structures and
                  improvements located on the Real Property are in good
                  operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of
                  such buildings, structures or improvements, or the operation
                  or maintenance thereof as now operated or maintained,
                  contravenes any zoning ordinance or other administrative
                  regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any
                  provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or
                  prevent their continued use for the purposes for which they
                  are now being used. There is not pending nor, to the knowledge
                  of the Shareholder, threatened any proceeding for the taking
                  or condemnation of the Real Property or any portion thereof.
                  The Company has good and marketable fee simple title to the
                  Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than
                  Permitted Liens described on Schedule 3.7.

                           (b) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. Since July 2, 1990 and,
                  to the Shareholder's knowledge, prior to such date, no toxic
                  or hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental
                  Protection Agency, or any similar state or local agency) or
                  hazardous substances (as defined under the Comprehensive
                  Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
                  as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
                  amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation)
                  have been generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto
                  or from the Real Property, nor to the Shareholder's knowledge
                  have any such materials or wastes been generated, stored,
                  dumped, located or disposed of on any real property contiguous
                  or adjacent to the Real Property. The Real Property is not
                  now, and to the best of the Shareholder's knowledge, will not
                  be in the future as a result of its condition at or prior to
                  Closing, subject to any reclamation, remediation or reporting
                  requirements of any federal, state, local or other
                  governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real
                  Property. The Real Property does not contain any asbestos,
                  polychlorinated byphenyls, urea, formaldehyde, lead based
                  paint, radon gas or underground storage tanks, except for
                  substances used in the ordinary course of the operations of

                                      -7-

                  the Homes that are properly used, stored and disposed of in
                  accordance with applicable legal requirements.

                           (c) FIRPTA. Neither the Company nor the Shareholder
                  is a "foreign person" (as defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the
                  Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
                  the regulations issued thereunder), and the Shareholder shall
                  deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in recordable form
                  containing such information as shall be required by Code
                  Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder.

                           (d) BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with
                  respect to the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the
                  Real Property have been (and on the Closing Date will be)
                  paid, and no Liens or other claims for the same have been
                  filed or asserted against any part of the Real Property.

                           (e) NO FLOOD HAZARDS. The Real Property is not
                  located within an area that has been designated by the Federal
                  Insurance Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any
                  other governmental agency or body as being subject to special
                  flooding hazards.

                           3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets,
                  rights and properties required in the conduct of the business
                  of the Homes are owned by the Company. None of such assets,
                  rights or properties is or will be subject to any lease or
                  license. The Company is in actual possession and control of
                  all properties owned by it, and has good and marketable title
                  to all of its assets, rights and properties, including without
                  limitation, all properties and assets reflected in the Company
                  Balance Sheet (other than properties and assets reflected in
                  such balance sheet that have been sold or otherwise disposed
                  of in the ordinary course of business subsequent to the date
                  of the Company Balance Sheet), free and clear of all Liens,
                  except for (i) Liens to be discharged and released at or prior
                  to Closing, as contemplated in Section 1.3, and (ii) Liens
                  described on Schedule 3.7 (hereafter, the "Permitted Liens").

                           3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of
                  the Company Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                                      -9-

                           (i) any adverse change in the financial condition,
                  operations, properties or prospects of the Company or of
                  either Home;

                           (ii) any change in the authorized capital or
                  outstanding securities of the Company;

                           (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities
                  which the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to
                  issue, sell or deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed
                  to grant any options, warrants or other rights calling for the
                  issue, sale or delivery thereof;

                           (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to
                  borrow any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become
                  subject to, any absolute or contingent obligation or
                  liability, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary
                  course of business;

                           (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
                  extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                           (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change
                  in any key personnel of the Company;

                           (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
                  agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of
                  the inventories or other assets or properties of the Company,
                  except in the ordinary course of business;

                           (viii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                  against the Company or any waiver any rights of material value
                  to the Company;

                           (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                  entering into of any collective bargaining agreement, with
                  respect to employees of the Company;

                           (x) any claim or liability for any material damages
                  for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach
                  of contract against or affecting the Company; or

                                      -9-

                           (xi) any other transaction or event entered into or
                  affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
                  business.

                           3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as
                  set forth in the Company Balance Sheet, the Company has no,
                  and none of its assets or properties are subject to any,
                  liabilities or obligations, other than unsecured trade
                  accounts payable and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary
                  course of the Company's business since the date of the Company
                  Balance Sheet.

                           3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local
                  and other taxes due and payable by the Company on or before
                  the date of this Agreement have been paid or are adequately
                  provided for in the Company Balance Sheet. The Company has
                  filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed by it
                  with all taxing authorities, and all such tax returns and
                  reports are true, complete and correct. True and correct
                  copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns
                  filed by the Company for each of its last three taxable years
                  have been furnished to the Purchaser. The liabilities for
                  taxes reflected in the Company Balance Sheet represent
                  adequate provision for the payment of all accrued or unpaid or
                  deferred federal, state, local and other taxes of the Company,
                  for all periods ended on and prior to the date of the Company
                  Balance Sheet. No assessments of deficiencies have been made
                  against the Company which are presently pending or
                  outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed which
                  would constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax
                  liability against the Company with respect to any prior
                  taxable period which has not been audited by the Internal
                  Revenue Service or which has not been closed by applicable
                  statute. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers
                  extending the statutory period of limitations applicable to
                  any income tax return of the Company for any period. Prior to
                  the Closing Date, the Company will not, and the Shareholder
                  will not permit the Company to, cause or permit a change in
                  any method of accounting for tax purposes during or applicable
                  to the current tax year. Following the Closing, the
                  Shareholder shall be fully responsible for accurately and
                  completely preparing, signing and filing all tax returns and

                                      -10-

                  paying all taxes in respect of the Company's assets and
                  operations prior to the Closing Date.

                           3.11. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories
                  reflected on the Company Balance Sheet and all items placed in
                  inventory since such date (i) are accounted for in accordance
                  with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
                  applied, (ii) are accounted for net of reserves which are
                  sufficient to cover any losses due to obsolescence, shrinkage,
                  or unmarketability, and (iii) are saleable or usable in the
                  ordinary course of business of the Company at usual and
                  customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns
                  consistent with past practice. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Shareholder shall deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified
                  by the Shareholder to be complete and correct, of all of the
                  Company's inventory as of the Closing Date. All of the Closing
                  Date Receivables will (i) represent bona fide claims for goods
                  delivered or services rendered, and (ii) not be subject to any
                  rights of offset or counterclaim.

                           3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor
                  vehicles and all other material items of equipment, fixtures,
                  furniture and other fixed assets owned by the Company. All
                  such items are in good and operating condition and repair,
                  ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                           3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 sets
                  forth a complete description of:

                                    (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements
                           to which the Company is a party or by which it is
                           bound, and all indentures, trust agreements and other
                           instruments relating to any issue of bonds,
                           debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness,
                           of or creating any Lien on any property of, the
                           Company;

                                    (ii) all collective bargaining agreements,
                           employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
                           other agreements relating to the employment of any
                           employees of the Company;

                                      -11-

                                    (iii) all joint venture agreements and all
                           other agreements involving the sharing of profits, to
                           which Company is a party or by which it is bound;

                                    (iv) all (i) contracts or commitments for
                           capital expenditures for the Company involving
                           obligations on its part aggregating in excess of
                           $5,000, (ii) leases under which personal property is
                           leased to or from the Company and which are not
                           cancelable by it without penalty upon notice of 30
                           days or less or pursuant to which rentals payable by
                           or to the Company exceed $5,000 per annum or $15,000
                           in the aggregate, or (iii) contracts and agreements
                           affecting the Company which do not terminate or are
                           not terminable by it upon notice of 30 days or less
                           or which involves an obligation on its part in excess
                           of $5,000 per annum or $25,000 in the aggregate; and

                                    (v) all other contracts and commitments of
                           the Company entered into outside the ordinary course
                           of business.

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is
         valid and in full force and effect and neither the Company, nor, to the
         knowledge of the Shareholder, any of the other parties thereto, are in
         default thereunder. A true and correct copy of each document listed on
         Schedule 3.13 has been delivered to the Purchaser by the Company.

                  3.14. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14
         accurately and completely lists (i) all preneed contracts of the
         Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof, including contracts for the
         sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts
         relating to the Homes, indicating the location of each and the balance
         thereof (including the location and nature of preneed contracts funded
         by annuities or through insurance). All preneed contracts required to
         be listed on Schedule 3.14 (x) have been entered into in the normal
         course of business at regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales
         promotion program, solely for use by the named customers and members of
         their families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen
         contracts which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject
         to the rules

                                      -12-

         and regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have
         been delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in
         full force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and
         neither the Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All
         funds received by the Company under preneed contracts have been
         deposited in the appropriate accounts and administered and reported in
         accordance with the terms thereof and as required by applicable laws
         and regulations. The aggregate market value of the preneed accounts,
         trusts or other deposits is equal to or greater than the aggregate
         preneed liability related to such accounts. The services heretofore
         provided by the Company have been rendered in a professional and
         competent manner consistent with prevailing professional standards,
         practices and customs.

                  3.15. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company does not own nor has it
         applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses,
         trademarks, trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses
         (collectively, "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule
         3.15. The Company owns or possesses (or at Closing will own or possess)
         valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such Intangible Rights as
         are necessary to the conduct of the business of the Homes as presently
         conducted. The Company is not charged with infringement of any
         Intangible Rights, nor does the Company know of any such infringement,
         whether or not claimed by any person.

                  3.16. INSURANCE. Schedule 3.16 lists and describes all
         policies of insurance held by the Company, including, without
         limitation, all insurance policies that are for the benefit of, or the
         proceeds of which are payable to, employees of the Company or their
         respective designees. Valid policies for such insurance, true and
         complete copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser, will be
         outstanding and duly in force at all times prior to the Closing. Such
         policies are in such amounts, and insure against such losses and risks,
         as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties.

                  3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 correctly and
         completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
         consents, rights and privileges issued to or

                                      -13-

         held by the Company, which are all that are necessary or appropriate
         for the conduct of the business and operations of the Homes. All such
         items are in full force and effect.

                  3.18. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions, suits,
         proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the
         Shareholder, threatened against or affecting the Company, or any of the
         assets, business or properties of the Company, at law or in equity or
         before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
         governmental department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality.
         The Company is not subject to any continuing court or administrative
         order, writ, injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with
         respect to any order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or
         foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental department,
         commission, board, agency or instrumentality.

                  3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company and the Shareholder
         have complied in all material respects with all federal, state,
         municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances and regulations
         applicable to the Company, the operation of each Home, and the
         Company's assets, rights and properties (including without limitation
         all environmental protection and occupational safety and health rules,
         regulations and laws, and laws and regulations applicable to preneed
         contracts and trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral
         Rule").

                  3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 correctly and completely lists
         the names and annual or hourly rates of salary and other compensation
         of all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets
         forth the date of the last salary increase for each employee listed
         thereon, and the outstanding balances of all loans and advances, if
         any, made by the Company to any such employee or agent. At or
         immediately before the Closing, the Company shall furnish the Purchaser
         with a list of the vacation days or other time off to which the
         Company's employees are then eligible. At Closing, the Shareholder will
         cause the Company to pay or satisfy all vacation, holiday and other
         accrued benefits to employees of the Company which are then
         outstanding. There are not pending or threatened against the Company
         any general labor disputes,

                                      -14-

         strikes or  concerted  work  stoppages,  and there are no  discussions,
         negotiations,  demands  or  proposals  that are  pending  or have  been
         conducted  or made  with or by any  labor  union  or  association  with
         respect to any employees of the Company.  The Company believes that the
         relations between the Company and its employees are good.

                  3.21.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  Schedule 3.21 lists all plans,
         contracts,  commitments,  programs  and  policies  (including,  without
         limitation,   pension,   profit  sharing,   thrift,   bonus,   deferred
         compensation,  severance,  retirement,  disability,  medical (including
         retiree medical), life, dental and accidental insurance, vacation, sick
         leave,  death  benefit and other  similar  employee  benefit  plans and
         policies,  whether written or oral) maintained by the Company providing
         benefits   to  any   employee   or  former   employee  of  the  Company
         (collectively, the "Plans"). The Company has delivered to the Purchaser
         true and correct copies of all documents  embodying the Plans,  and all
         determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service regarding Plans
         required  to be  qualified  under the  Code.  Except  as  reflected  on
         Schedule 3.21, all obligations of the Company under the Plans have been
         fully paid, fully funded or adequate  accruals  therefor have been made
         on the Balance Sheet.  All necessary  governmental  approvals have been
         obtained  for all  Plans  subject  to the  Employee  Retirement  Income
         Security Act of 1974  ("ERISA") and have been  qualified  under Section
         401 of the Code, and each trust established for any Plan is exempt from
         federal income  taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code. With respect
         to any such Plan or any other  "employee  welfare  plan" (as defined in
         ERISA)  maintained  by the Company,  there has been no (i)  "reportable
         event" as defined in Section  4043 of ERISA,  (ii) event  described  in
         Section  4062(e)  or  4063(a)  of  ERISA,  or  (iii) in the case of any
         defined benefit plan, termination or partial termination.

                  3.22.  AFFILIATED PARTY  TRANSACTIONS.  Except as described on
         Schedule  3.22,  each  Home has  been  operated  since  the date of the
         Company  Balance Sheet in a manner separate from the personal and other
         business activities of the Shareholder and his affiliates,  and neither
         the  Company  nor  its  assets  are  subject  to any  affiliated  party
         commitments or transactions.

                                      -15-

                  3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS.  All books and records of the Company
         are true,  correct and  complete in all  material  respects,  have been
         maintained by the Company in accordance with good business practice and
         in  accordance  with  all  laws,  regulations  and  other  requirements
         applicable to the Company. The corporate records of the Company reflect
         a true record of all meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors
         and shareholders of the Company.

                  3.24.  FINDERS.  Except as described in Section 12.1,  neither
         the Company nor the  Shareholder  is a party to or in any way obligated
         under any  contract or other  agreement,  and there are no  outstanding
         claims  against  either of them,  for the  payment of any  broker's  or
         finder's fee in connection with the origin,  negotiation,  execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  3.25.  AUTHORITY OF THE  SHAREHOLDER.  The Shareholder has the
         full right,  capacity  and  authority  to enter into and  perform  this
         Agreement and the Documents (as  hereinafter  defined) to which he is a
         party,  and to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby and
         thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by
         the Shareholder,  the Documents will constitute,  the legal,  valid and
         binding  obligations  of the  Shareholder  enforceable  against  him in
         accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
         nor  performance  of this  Agreement  and the  Documents  to which  the
         Shareholder  is a  party,  nor  the  consummation  of the  transactions
         contemplated  hereby or thereby,  will:  (i) result in a  violation  or
         breach  of  any  term  or  provision   of,   constitute  a  default  or
         acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any third party to,
         or result in the  creation of any Lien by virtue of (x) the Articles of
         Incorporation or bylaws of the Company or (y) any contract,  agreement,
         lease,  license  or  other  commitment  to  which  the  Company  or the
         Shareholder  is a party or by which either of them or their  respective
         assets or properties are bound (except for any such agreement that will
         be  fully  terminated,  released  and  discharged  at  the  Closing  as
         contemplated  in Section  1.3);  nor (ii)  violate  any  statute or any
         order, writ,  injunction or decree of any court,  administrative agency
         or  governmental  body.  For  purposes  of  this  Agreement,  the  term
         "Documents" shall mean, as to any

                                      -16-

         party  hereto,   any  and  all  agreements,   certificates   and  other
         instruments  expressly  contemplated  in this  Agreement or any exhibit
         hereto to be executed or  delivered by or on behalf of such party at or
         in connection with the Closing hereunder.

                  3.26.  AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY.  The execution,  delivery and
         performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly  authorized
         by its Board of  Directors.  This  Agreement  is  legally  binding  and
         enforceable  against the Company in accordance with its terms.  Neither
         the  execution,  delivery  nor  performance  of this  Agreement  by the
         Company  will  result in a  violation  or breach of, nor  constitute  a
         default or accelerate the performance  required under,  the Articles of
         Incorporation or bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed
         of trust or other contract or agreement to which the Company is a party
         or by  which  it or its  properties  are  bound  (except  for any  such
         agreement that will be fully terminated, released and discharged at the
         Closing as  contemplated  in Section 1.3), or violate any order,  writ,
         injunction   or  decree  of  any   court,   administrative   agency  or
         governmental body.

                  3.27. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Company and the  Shareholder  hereunder  or in any  Schedules or
         certificates  furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do
         not and will not contain  any untrue  statement  of a material  fact or
         omit to state a material  fact  required to be stated herein or therein
         or  necessary  to make the  representations  or  warranties  herein  or
         therein,  in light of the  circumstances  in which  they are made,  not
         misleading.

                  3.28.  ACQUISITION  OF PARENT  STOCK.  The Parent  Stock to be
         acquired  by the  Shareholder  hereunder  will be  acquired  by him for
         investment purposes only and not with the present intention or view to,
         or resale in  connection  with,  any  distribution  thereof  within the
         meaning of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended.  The  Shareholder
         understands  that such Parent  Stock is not and will not be  registered
         under such Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky laws, and
         that  neither  Parent  nor the  Purchaser  is under any  obligation  to
         register  any such Parent  Stock under any such laws.  The  Shareholder
         further  understands that  transferability of such

                                      -17-

         Parent Stock will be restricted in accordance with applicable state and
         federal  securities laws, and that a restrictive  legend to such effect
         will be inscribed on each  certificate  representing  Parent Stock. The
         Shareholder  prior to the  Closing  will have had full  opportunity  to
         receive such information and ask such questions of  representatives  of
         Parent  concerning   Parent,   its  subsidiaries  and  their  business,
         operations,  assets and prospects,  and concerning an investment in the
         Parent Stock,  as the  Shareholder  has deemed  appropriate in order to
         make an informed investment decision with respect to the Parent Stock.

                  3.29.  SCHEDULES.  The Schedules referred to in this Agreement
         have been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
         contemporaneously  with the execution of this Agreement,  and have been
         signed for identification by the Shareholder.

                  4.  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  OF  THE  PURCHASER.  The
Purchaser  represents  and  warrants  to and  agrees  with the  Company  and the
Shareholder that:

                  4.1.   ORGANIZATION   AND   EXISTENCE.   The  Purchaser  is  a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the  State of  Delaware,  and has all  requisite  corporate
         power to enter into and perform its  obligations  under this  Agreement
         and the Documents to which it is a party.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER.  The execution,  delivery and
         performance  by the  Purchaser of this  Agreement  and the Documents to
         which  it is a  party  have  been  duly  authorized  by  its  Board  of
         Directors.  This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as
         herein  provided  the  Documents  will be,  valid and binding  upon the
         Purchaser and  enforceable  against the  Purchaser in  accordance  with
         their respective terms. Neither the execution,  delivery or performance
         by the  Purchaser of this  Agreement and the Documents to which it is a
         party will conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term
         or provision of, nor  constitute a default  under,  the  Certificate of
         Incorporation  or  bylaws  of the  Purchaser  or under  any  indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is

                                      -18-

         a party or by which it or its property is bound,  or violate any order,
         writ,  injunction  or decree  of any  court,  administrative  agency or
         governmental body.

                  4.3.  FINDERS.  The  Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
         obligated  under  any  contract  or other  agreement,  and there are no
         outstanding  claims  against  it, for the  payment of any  broker's  or
         finder's fee in connection with the origin,  negotiation,  execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  4.4. FULL DISCLOSURE.  The representations and warranties made
         by the Purchaser  hereunder,  or in any  certificates  furnished to the
         Company and the Shareholder pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will
         not contain any untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state a
         material  fact  required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to
         make the  representations or warranties herein or therein,  in light of
         the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

                  5.  COVENANTS  OF THE  COMPANY  AND  THE  SHAREHOLDER  PENDING
CLOSING. The Company and the Shareholder jointly and severally covenant with the
Purchaser that:

                  5.1.  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  From the date of this Agreement to
         the Closing Date,  the business of the Company will be operated only in
         the ordinary  course,  and, in  particular,  without the prior  written
         consent of the  Purchaser,  the Company will not,  and the  Shareholder
         will not cause or allow the Company to:

                           (i)  cancel  or  permit  any  insurance  to  lapse or
                  terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                           (ii)  amend  or  otherwise  modify  the  Articles  of
                  Incorporation or bylaws of the Company;

                           (iii) commit any act or permit the  occurrence of any
                  event or the existence of any condition of the type  described
                  in Section 3.8, other than as contemplated in Section 2.2(iv);

                                      -19-

                           (iv)  enter  into any  contract,  agreement  or other
                  commitment of the type described in Section 3.13; or

                           (v) hire, fire,  reassign or make any other change in
                  key  personnel  of  the  Company,  or  increase  the  rate  of
                  compensation  of or declare or pay any bonuses to any employee
                  in excess of that listed on Schedule 3.20.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION.  Prior to Closing, the Company and
         the Shareholder will give to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants
         and  other  representatives,  full  and  free  access  to  all  of  the
         properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of the Company so
         that the Purchaser may have full opportunity to make such investigation
         as it shall desire to make of the affairs of the Company, provided that
         such access is during normal  business hours of the Homes and conducted
         in such a manner so as to not  unreasonably  interfere  with the normal
         business operations of the Homes.

                  5.3.  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  The Company and the Shareholder
         will use their  best  efforts  to obtain  the  necessary  consents  and
         approvals  of other  persons  which may be  required  to be obtained on
         their  part  to  consummate  the  transactions   contemplated  by  this
         Agreement.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         neither the Company nor the Shareholder shall enter into any agreements
         or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals
         or expressions of interest,  or otherwise hold any discussions with any
         potential buyers,  investment  bankers or finders,  with respect to the
         possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
         the assets and  business  of the  Company any other sale of the Company
         (whether by merger,  consolidation,  sale of stock or otherwise), other
         than with the Purchaser.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER  PENDING CLOSING.  The Purchaser
covenants with the Company and the Shareholder that:

                  6.1.  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  The Purchaser will use its best
         efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other persons
         which may be  required to be

                                      -20-

         obtained on its part to consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  in
         this Agreement.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY.  Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
         its  representatives  will hold in confidence any data and  information
         obtained with respect to the Company from any representative,  officer,
         director or employee of the Company,  including  their  accountants  or
         legal  counsel,  or from  any  books  or  records  of any of  them,  in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
         transactions  contemplated  hereby  are not  consummated,  neither  the
         Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or information or
         disclose  the same to  others,  except as such data or  information  is
         published  or is a matter  of public  knowledge  or is  required  by an
         applicable  law or  regulation to be  disclosed.  If this  Agreement is
         terminated  for any reason,  the Purchaser  shall return to the Company
         all written data and  information  obtained by the  Purchaser  from the
         Company or its  representatives  in  connection  with the  transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement,  and the Purchaser shall not retain any
         photocopies of such information.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the  Purchaser  under  this  Agreement  shall  be  subject  to the  following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser  shall not have  discovered  any error,  misstatement  or
         omission in the  representations and warranties made by the Company and
         the Shareholder in Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties
         made by the Company and the Shareholder  herein shall be deemed to have
         been made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true
         and correct;  the Company and the Shareholder  shall have performed and
         complied with all agreements and conditions  required by this Agreement
         to be  performed  or complied  with by them at or prior to the Closing;
         and the  Purchaser  shall have  received a  certificate,  signed by the
         Shareholder and an executive  officer of the Company,  to the effect of
         the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                                      -21-

                  7.2.  OPINION OF COUNSEL.  The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered  to the  Purchaser  an opinion  of  Miller,  Griffin & Marks,
         counsel for the Company and the Shareholder, dated the Closing Date, to
         the effect that:

                           (i) the  Company  is a  corporation  duly  organized,
                  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
                  State of Kentucky, with full corporate authority to enter into
                  and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                           (ii) the  authorized  capital  stock  of the  Company
                  consists  of 100  shares  of  Common  Stock,  no par value per
                  share,   of  which  one  (1)  share  is  validly   issued  and
                  outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable;

                           (iii) to the  knowledge  of such  counsel,  after due
                  inquiry,  there are no outstanding  subscriptions,  options or
                  other  agreements  or  commitments  obligating  the Company to
                  issue  any  shares  of  its   capital   stock  or   securities
                  convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                           (iv) the  Shareholder  is the record  and  beneficial
                  owner of the  Share,  free and  clear of any and all  Liens or
                  claims  of any  other  person,  and the  Shareholder  has full
                  capacity to sell and  transfer  the Share in  accordance  with
                  this  Agreement;  and  upon  such  sale  and  transfer  to the
                  Purchaser by the Shareholder,  the Purchaser will acquire from
                  the Shareholder all of his rights in the Share;

                           (v) the  execution,  delivery and  performance by the
                  Company of this  Agreement  have been duly  authorized  by its
                  Board of Directors;

                           (vi)  this   Agreement  has  been  duly  and  validly
                  executed  and  delivered  by the Company and  constitutes  the
                  valid  and  binding  obligation  of  the  Company  enforceable
                  against it in accordance with its terms;

                           (vii) this  Agreement  and the Documents to which the
                  Shareholder is a party have been duly and validly executed and
                  delivered  by  him  and   constitute  the  valid

                                      -22-

                  and binding obligations of the Shareholder enforceable against
                  him in accordance with their respective terms;

                           (viii)   neither   the    execution,    delivery   or
                  consummation   of  the   transactions   contemplated  by  this
                  Agreement  or the  Documents  to  which  the  Company  and the
                  Shareholder  are  parties  will (x) result in the breach of or
                  constitute a default  under the Articles of  Incorporation  or
                  bylaws  of  the  Company  or any  loan  or  credit  agreement,
                  indenture,  mortgage,  deed of  trust  or  other  contract  or
                  agreement  known  to such  counsel  and to  which  either  the
                  Company  or the  Shareholder  is a party or by  which  they or
                  their  respective  assets  are  bound  (except  for  any  such
                  agreements theretofore in existence which have been terminated
                  and discharged as contemplated in Section 1.3), or (y) violate
                  any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel of
                  any court, administrative agency or governmental body;

                           (ix) no  authorization,  approval  or  consent  of or
                  declaration  or  filing  with any  governmental  authority  or
                  regulatory  body,  federal,  state or local,  is  necessary or
                  required in connection  with the execution and delivery by the
                  Company  and  the   Shareholder  of  this  Agreement  and  the
                  Documents to which they are parties; and

                           (x)  to the  knowledge  of  such  counsel  after  due
                  inquiry, there are no claims, actions,  suits,  proceedings or
                  investigations  pending or threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of its assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by  any  court  or   federal,   state,   municipal   or  other
                  governmental   department,   commission,   board,   agency  or
                  instrumentality.

         Such  opinion  may, as to matters of fact,  be given in  reliance  upon
         certificates  of  the  Shareholder  and  officers  of the  Company  and
         certificates of public officials,  copies of which shall be provided to
         Purchaser  at  Closing.  Any  opinion as to the  enforceability  of any
         document  may be limited  by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,
         moratorium  and  similar  laws  affecting   creditors'  rights  and  by
         principles  of equity.

                                      -23-

         Such opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the
         State of Kentucky.

                  7.3.  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  The Company and the Shareholder
         shall have  obtained all consents  and  approvals of other  persons and
         governmental  authorities  to the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
         Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE.  Prior to the Closing  there shall not
         have  occurred  any loss or damage to any  substantial  portion  of the
         physical  assets and  properties of the Company  (regardless of whether
         such loss or damage  was  insured),  the  effect of which  would have a
         material  adverse  effect on the  condition,  business,  operations  or
         prospects of the Company or of either Home.

                  7.5.  RESIGNATIONS  AND  RELEASES.  The  Purchaser  shall have
         received such resignations of the officers and directors of the Company
         as shall  have been  requested  by the  Purchaser,  as well as  written
         releases,  in form and  substance  acceptable to the  Purchaser,  under
         which the  Shareholder  and his spouse waive and release all rights and
         claims  against  the  Company  other than  those  arising  under  Plans
         described in Schedule 3.21 or under any of the Documents referred to in
         Section 2.2.

                  7.6.   APPROVAL  BY   COUNSEL.   All   actions,   proceedings,
         instruments  and  documents  required  to  carry  out the  transactions
         contemplated  by this  Agreement  or  incidental  thereto and all other
         related  legal  matters  shall have been  approved  by counsel  for the
         Purchaser,  and such  counsel  shall  have  been  furnished  with  such
         certified  copies of actions and proceedings and other  instruments and
         documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                  7.7.   PRE-ACQUISITION   REVIEW.   The   Purchaser   and   its
         representatives  shall have completed a  pre-acquisition  review of the
         financial information,  books and records, and properties and assets of
         the  Company and the Homes and shall have  discovered  no change in the
         business, assets,  operations,  financial condition or prospects of the
         Company or either Home which could, in the reasonable  determination of
         the Purchaser, have a material adverse effect on the business,  assets,

                                      -24-

         financial condition or prospects of the Homes being acquired hereunder.

                  7.8. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Covenantors shall have executed
         and delivered the Non-Competition Agreement, the Shareholder shall have
         executed and delivered the McFarland Employment Agreement, and Morrison
         shall have executed and delivered  the Morrison  Employment  Agreement,
         all as described in Section 2.2.

                  7.9. FINANCING  COMMITMENT.  The Purchaser  represents that it
         has received  from a financial  institution  acceptable to it a written
         commitment providing for the extension of financing in order to provide
         the portion of the Purchase  Price not  furnished  by the  Purchaser or
         obtained  by the  Purchaser  from  other  sources,  and it  shall  be a
         condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder that such commitment
         shall  have  been  funded  in such  amount  contemporaneously  with the
         Closing.

                  7.10. ENVIRONMENTAL,  OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall
         have been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if
         deemed necessary by Purchaser,  a Phase II) environmental  audit of the
         Homes  and  the  Real  Property  by an  environmental  consulting  firm
         selected by Purchaser, (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Homes
         by a person (who may be an employee of the  Purchaser) or firm selected
         by the Purchaser and who is qualified and  experienced  in such matters
         in the funeral service industry,  and (iii) a structural  inspection of
         the  Homes  by an  engineering  firm  selected  by the  Purchaser.  The
         Shareholder  agrees to pay the costs and to take the action  reasonably
         recommended  by  such  firms  and/or  persons,  up to  $15,000  in  the
         aggregate.  In any event,  it shall be a condition  to the  Purchaser's
         obligations  hereunder that the results of the reports of such firms or
         persons  (together  with  any  remedial  action,  if any,  taken by the
         Shareholder,  regardless  of the cost,  in response  thereto)  shall be
         satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                  7.11. TITLE INSURANCE.  The Shareholder shall have provided to
         the Purchaser,  at the Purchaser's  expense, an Owner's Policy of Title
         Insurance issued to the Purchaser in an agreed-upon amount, issued by a
         title  company  with  offices

                                      -25-

         in Bourbon  County,  Kentucky  area and  reasonably  acceptable  to the
         Purchaser (the "Title Company"), insuring the ownership interest in the
         Real  Property  in the  Purchaser  (by  transfer to it from the Company
         immediately following the Closing), subject only to the Permitted Liens
         and any standard  printed  exceptions  included in a Kentucky  standard
         form Policy of Title  Insurance;  provided,  however,  that such policy
         shall have deleted any exception  regarding  restrictions or be limited
         to  restrictions  that are  Permitted  Liens,  any  standard  exception
         pertaining  to  discrepancies,  conflicts or shortages in area shall be
         deleted except for "shortages in area", and any standard  exception for
         taxes shall be limited to subsequent years.

                  7.12.  SURVEY.  The  Purchaser  shall  have  received,  at its
         expense, an as-built survey prepared by a licensed surveyor approved by
         the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to each
         parcel of Real Property,  which survey shall comply with any applicable
         standards under Kentucky law, be sufficient for Title Company to delete
         any survey exception contained in the owner's policy of title insurance
         referred to in Section 7.11, save and except for the phrase  "shortages
         in area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to Purchaser.

                  7.13.  LIEN  RELEASES.  The  holders of the Liens  (other than
         Permitted  Liens)  against  any assets of the Company or any portion of
         the Real Property shall have executed and delivered written releases of
         such Liens,  all in  recordable  form and  otherwise  acceptable to the
         Purchaser and its lender.

                  8.   CONDITIONS  TO   OBLIGATIONS   OF  THE  COMPANY  AND  THE
SHAREHOLDER.  The  obligations  of the  Company and the  Shareholder  under this
Agreement  shall be subject  to the  following  conditions,  any of which may be
expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Company and the Shareholder  shall not have discovered any material
         error,  misstatement or omission in the  representations and warranties
         made by the  Purchaser  in Section 4 hereof;  the  representations  and
         warranties  made by the  Purchaser  herein shall be deemed to have been
         made again at and as of the time of Closing  and shall then be true and

                                      -26-

         correct;  the  Purchaser  shall have  performed  and complied  with all
         agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
         complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the Company and the
         Shareholder  shall have received a certificate,  signed by an executive
         officer of the Purchaser,  to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
         this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
         delivered  to the  Company  and the  Shareholder  an opinion of Snell &
         Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for Purchaser, to the effect
         that:

                           (i) the  Purchaser is a corporation  duly  organized,
                  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
                  State of Delaware,  and has all requisite  corporate  power to
                  enter into and perform its  obligations  under this  Agreement
                  and the Documents to which it is a party;

                           (ii) the execution,  delivery and  performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement and the Documents to which it is a
                  party have been duly authorized by its Board of Directors;

                           (iii)  this  Agreement  is,  and upon  execution  and
                  delivery  as  herein  provided  the  Documents  to  which  the
                  Purchaser  is a party  will be,  valid  and  binding  upon the
                  Purchaser and enforceable  against the Purchaser in accordance
                  with their respective terms;

                           (iv) neither the  execution,  delivery or performance
                  by the  Purchaser of this  Agreement or the Documents to which
                  it is a party will  conflict  with or result in a violation or
                  breach of any term or provision  of, nor  constitute a default
                  under,  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or  bylaws of the
                  Purchaser  or under any loan or credit  agreement,  indenture,
                  mortgage,  deed of trust or other contract or agreement  known
                  to such counsel and to which  Purchaser is a party or by which
                  it or its  property  is bound,  or violate  any  order,  writ,
                  injunction  or decree  known to such counsel and of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                      -27-

                           (v)  no  authorization,  approval  or  consent  of or
                  declaration  or  filing  with any  governmental  authority  or
                  regulatory  body,  federal,  state or local,  is  necessary or
                  required in connection  with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this  Agreement or the Documents to which it is a
                  party  or the  performance  of its  obligations  hereunder  or
                  thereunder.

         Such  opinion  may, as to matters of fact,  be given in  reliance  upon
         certificates  of officers of the Purchaser and  certificates  of public
         officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Company at Closing.
         Any opinion as to the  enforceability of any document may be limited by
         bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or other similar
         laws  affecting  creditors  rights and by  principles  of equity.  Such
         opinion may be limited to federal law, the General  Corporation  Law of
         the State of Delaware and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have obtained
         all  consents  and   approvals  of  other   persons  and   governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED  TRANSACTIONS.  The Purchaser shall have executed
         and delivered the  Non-Competition  Agreement to the  Covenantors,  the
         McFarland  Employment  Agreement  to the  Shareholder  and the Morrison
         Employment Agreement to Morrison.

                  8.5.   APPROVAL  BY   COUNSEL.   All   actions,   proceedings,
         instruments  and  documents  required  to  carry  out the  transactions
         contemplated  by this  Agreement  or  incidental  thereto and all other
         related  legal  matters  shall have been  approved  by counsel  for the
         Shareholder,  and such  counsel  shall  have been  furnished  with such
         certified  copies of actions and proceedings and other  instruments and
         documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1.  NATURE OF STATEMENTS.  All statements  contained in this
         Agreement   or  any   Schedule  or  Exhibit   hereto  shall  be

                                      -28-

         deemed  representations  and  warranties  of  the  party  executing  or
         delivering the same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
         any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto,
         all  covenants,   agreements,   representations   and  warranties  made
         hereunder or pursuant  hereto or any  Schedule or Exhibit  hereto or in
         connection with the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby shall
         not  terminate  but shall  survive the  Closing and  continue in effect
         thereafter,  provided  that all  such  representations  and  warranties
         (other than those made in  Sections  3.1 through  3.3,  3.25,  3.26 and
         3.28) shall  terminate  on the second  anniversary  of the Closing Date
         except  as to any  claims  related  thereto  that are  asserted  by the
         Purchaser prior to such second  anniversary  date, which shall continue
         until final resolution of such claims.

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1.  INDEMNIFICATION  BY THE  SHAREHOLDER.  The  Shareholder
         agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and  (following the
         Closing) the Company, and their respective successors and assigns, from
         and  against  any and all losses,  damages,  liabilities,  obligations,
         costs or expenses  (any one such item being herein  called a "Loss" and
         all such items being herein  collectively  called  "Losses")  which are
         caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the  performance
         by the Company or the  Shareholder  of any covenant or agreement of the
         Company or the Shareholder contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach
         of warranty  or  inaccurate  or  erroneous  representation  made by the
         Company or the  Shareholder  herein,  in any Schedule  delivered to the
         Purchaser  pursuant  hereto or in any  certificate or other  instrument
         delivered  by or on behalf of the Company or the  Shareholder  pursuant
         hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the Company,  whether absolute
         or contingent, known or unknown, that is not paid or discharged in full
         at Closing as  contemplated  under  Section  1.3,  and (iv) any and all
         actions,  suits,  proceedings,  claims, demands,  judgments,  costs and
         expenses  (including  reasonable  legal  fees)  incident  to any of the
         foregoing.

                                      -29-

                  10.2.  INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER.  The Purchaser agrees
         to  indemnify  and hold  harmless  the  Shareholder  and his  heirs and
         assigns from and against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of
         (i) any breach or default in the  performance  by the  Purchaser of any
         covenant or agreement  of the  Purchaser  contained in this  Agreement,
         (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate  or erroneous  representation
         made by the Purchaser  herein or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser  pursuant hereto,  and (iii)
         any and all actions suits,  proceedings,  claims,  demands,  judgments,
         costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of
         the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS.  If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party  entitled to  indemnification  hereunder  ("indemnified
         party")   that,   if   successful,   might   result   in  a  claim  for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate  in the defense  thereof and be
         represented, at his or its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by
         him or it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnifying party
         is, or will be,  required to pay any amounts in  connection  therewith.
         Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if within  ten  business  days  after
         delivery  of  the  indemnified  party's  notice  described  above,  the
         indemnifying  party indicates in writing to the indemnified party that,
         as between such parties,  such claims shall be fully indemnified for by
         the indemnifying party as provided herein,  then the indemnifying party
         shall have the right to control  the  defense of such  claim,  provided
         that the  indemnified  party shall have the right (i) to participate in
         the defense thereof and be represented,  at his or its own expense,  by
         advisory  counsel  selected  by him or it,  and  (ii)  to  approve  any
         settlement  if the  indemnified  party's  interests  are,  or would be,
         affected thereby.

                  10.4.   OFFSET.  If  the  Shareholder   becomes  obligated  to
         indemnify  the  Purchaser  after  the  Closing  Date  pursuant  to this
         Agreement,   or  if  the  Shareholder   breaches  the   Non-Competition
         Agreement,  at  any  time  when  any  amount  remains  payable  to  the
         Shareholder  under  Section  1.4  hereof or under  the  Non-Competition
         Agreement,  then the Purchaser may, at its option and without prejudice
         to  any  right  of  the  Purchaser  to

                                      -30-

         proceed directly against the Shareholder,  set-off the amount for which
         the  Shareholder  shall be so  obligated  for such  indemnification  or
         breach  against the amounts so  outstanding  under  Section 1.4 and the
         Non-Competition  Agreement. The exercise of such right of set-off shall
         be evidenced  by means of a written  notice to such effect given by the
         Purchaser to the  Shareholder,  describing  the basis for  indemnity or
         recovery and set-off hereunder and the amount of the set-off.  Upon the
         Purchaser's  exercise of any such right of  set-off,  in lieu of making
         any such payment to the Shareholder being offset against, the Purchaser
         instead shall, as quickly as shall be reasonably feasible, deliver such
         payment  (but only to extent for which  offset is  claimed)  to a bank,
         trust  company or other  financial  intermediary  located in Lexington,
         Kentucky to be held by it in trust pending the final  resolution of the
         Purchaser's   claims,   unless   such   resolution   occurs   prior  to
         establishment of such escrow.

                  10.5. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a)
         the Purchaser shall not be entitled to obtain  indemnification from the
         Shareholder  under  clause (i) or (ii) of Section 10.1 (or clause (iv),
         insofar as the same relates to clause (i) or (ii)), and the Shareholder
         shall not be  entitled  to obtain  indemnification  from the  Purchaser
         under clause (i) or (ii) of Section  10.2 (or clause  (iv),  insofar as
         the same  relates  to  clause  (i) or  (ii)),  until  such  time as the
         aggregate  amount  of all  such  claims  of the  party so  entitled  to
         indemnification  equal or exceed  $15,000,  but when such threshold has
         been so met, the party entitled to indemnification shall be entitled to
         the entirety of its claim,  including  the first  $15,000;  and (b) the
         aggregate  amount for which the  Purchaser  shall be  entitled  to seek
         indemnification  from the  Shareholder  hereunder shall be limited to a
         maximum amount equal to the Purchase Price.

                  10.6 PROFIT  SHARING PLAN. As described on Schedule  3.21, the
         Company  currently  maintains the  Lusk-McFarland  Funeral  Home,  Inc.
         Profit  Sharing  Plan for the  benefit of its  employees  (the  "Profit
         Sharing  Plan").   The  Shareholder   shall  be  personally  and  fully
         responsible  for funding all  contributions  to the Profit sharing Plan
         for all  periods  prior to the  Closing,  shall  following  the Closing
         promptly begin all necessary  proceedings for the termination,  winding
         up and

                                      -31-

         distribution  of the Profit Sharing Plan in accordance  with applicable
         law and shall pay all costgs and expenses in connection  therewith,  it
         being  understood  that after the Closing neither the Purchaser nor the
         Company  shall have any  liability  for any of the  foregoing,  and the
         Shareholder  shall  indemnify  and hold  harmless the Purchaser and the
         Company  for all Losses  incurred  in  connection  with the  operation,
         termination,  winding up or  distribution  of the Profit  Sharing Plan.
         From time to time after the Closing the  Shareholder  shall  advise the
         Purchaser as to the status of the  foregoing  matters and shall furnish
         copies of relevant proceedings in that regard.

                  10.7 PARTIAL RELEASE OF MORTGAGES.  Following the Closing, the
         Shareholder  shall use his best efforts to cause the Tichner  Liens (as
         hereafter  defined)  to be  released,  insofar  as the same  cover  the
         Tichner Tract (as hereafter  defined).  For purposes  hereof,  "Tichner
         Tract"  means  that  certain  parcel  or  tract  of  land  situated  in
         Millersburg, Bourbon County, Kentucky that is described on Schedule 3.6
         as the "Tichner Tract";  and "Tichner Liens" means,  collectively,  the
         Mortgage  dated  February 11, 1987  recorded in Mortgage Book 191, Page
         603 in the Bourbon  County  Clerk's  Office in favor of National Bank &
         Trust  Company,  the Mortgage  dated June 26, 1992 recorded in Mortgage
         Book 222,  Page 491 in the Bourbon  County  Clerk's  Office in favor of
         Fifth  Third  Bank of Central  Kentucky,  N.a.  (assigned  to The First
         National Bank of Chicago,  as trustee) and the Mortgage  dated November
         3, 1995 recorded in Mortgage  Book 248, Page 718 in the Bourbon  County
         Clerk's Office in favor of Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky, Inc.

                  10.8 ZONING. The Shareholder  specifically agrees to indemnify
         and hold  harmless  the Company  from all Losses  incurred by it to the
         extent that the Company does not possess all necessary  conditional use
         permits or other  approvals in order for the Real Property as currently
         used to comply with  applicable  zoning laws. The  Shareholder  further
         agrees to use his best  efforts  following  the  Closing  to enable the
         Purchaser to obtain all necessary permits and approvals to transfer the
         Real Property to the Purchaser in compliance with all applicable zoning
         laws,  provided that the Purchaser  intends to use Real Property in the
         manner it is being used at the time of the Closing.

                                      -32-

                  11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS.  The Company and the
         Shareholder  agree  to use  their  best  efforts  to  bring  about  the
         satisfaction of the conditions  specified in Section 7 hereof;  and the
         Purchaser   agrees  to  use  its  best   efforts  to  bring  about  the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2.  TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholder and
                  the Purchaser;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by the Company or the  Shareholder in the observance or in the
                  due and timely  performance by any of their  covenants  herein
                  contained,  or if there  shall have been a material  breach or
                  misrepresentation  by the Company or the Shareholder of any of
                  their warranties and representations  herein contained,  or if
                  the  conditions  of  this  Agreement  to be  complied  with or
                  performed by them at or before the Closing shall not have been
                  complied  with or  performed  at the  time  required  for such
                  compliance   or   performance   and  such   noncompliance   or
                  nonperformance  shall  not have been  expressly  waived by the
                  Purchaser in writing;

                           (c) the  Shareholder  if a material  default shall be
                  made  by the  Purchaser  in the  observance  or in the due and
                  timely performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of
                  the Purchaser herein contained,  or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or  misrepresentation  by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained,  or if
                  the  conditions  of  this  Agreement  to be  complied  with or
                  performed by the  Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have been  complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such  compliance  or  performance  and such  noncompliance  or
                  nonperformance  shall  not have been  expressly  waived by the
                  Shareholder in writing; or

                                      -33-

                           (d) either the  Shareholder or the Purchaser,  if the
                  Closing has not occurred by January 15, 1996.

                  11.3.  LIABILITY  UPON  TERMINATION.   If  this  Agreement  is
         terminated  under  paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2,  then no party
         shall  have  any  liability  to any  other  party  hereunder.  If  this
         Agreement is  terminated  under  paragraph  (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
         then (i) the party so  terminating  this  Agreement  shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not  breached any  representation  or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating  party against
         any  other  party  which  has  breached  any  of  its  representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  12.1. EXPENSES.  Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties   shall  pay  their  own  expenses  in   connection   with  the
         negotiation,  preparation  and carrying out of this  Agreement  and the
         consummation  of  the   transactions   contemplated   herein.   If  the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are
         consummated,  the Company shall have no obligation for, nor shall it be
         charged with, any such expenses of the  Shareholder.  Without  limiting
         the  generality  of the  foregoing,  all  finders' and similar fees and
         expenses of Lee Brothers,  sales  representative  for the  Shareholder,
         shall be borne  solely by the  Shareholder,  and in no event  shall the
         Company or the Purchaser be charged or responsible therefor. All sales,
         transfer,  stamp or other similar taxes,  if any, which may be assessed
         or charged in connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne
         by the Shareholder.

                  12.2.  NOTICES.  All  notices,  requests,  consents  and other
         communications  hereunder  shall be in  writing  and shall be deemed to
         have  been  given if  personally  delivered  or  mailed,  first  class,
         registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                                      -34-

                           (i) if to the Company or the Shareholder, to:

                               Mr. Gerald T. McFarland, Jr.
                               Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home
                               1120 Main Street
                               Paris, Kentucky  40361-1795

                               with a copy to:

                               Miller, Griffin & Marks
                               Suite 700, Security Trust Building
                               271 West Short Street
                               Lexington, Kentucky  40507-1292
                               Attention:  Mr. William F. Rigsby

                          (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                               Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.
                               1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                               Houston, Texas  77056
                               Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne,
                                           President

                               with a copy to:

                               Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                               1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                               Houston, Texas  77002
                               Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

         or to such  other  address as shall be given in writing by any party to
         the other party hereto.

                  12.3.  ASSIGNMENT.  This  Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto  without the prior written  consent of the other  parties,
         provided,  however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign
         its  rights  hereunder  without  the  consent of the  Shareholder  to a
         successor-in-interest  to the  Purchaser  or the  Company  (whether  by
         merger, sale of assets or otherwise).

                  12.4.  SUCCESSORS BOUND.  Subject to the provisions of Section
         12.3,  this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure

                                      -35-

         to the benefit of the parties hereto and their  respective  successors,
         assigns, heirs and personal representatives.

                  12.5.  SECTION  AND  PARAGRAPH   HEADINGS.   The  section  and
         paragraph  headings in this  Agreement are for reference  purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  12.6.  AMENDMENT.  This  Agreement  may be amended  only by an
         instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                  12.7.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This  Agreement  and the  Exhibits,
         Schedules,   certificates  and  other  documents   referred  to  herein
         constitute the entire  agreement of the parties  hereto,  and supersede
         all prior  understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and
         thereof (including,  without  limitation,  the letter of intent between
         the Purchaser and the Company dated August 31, 1995).

                  12.8.  GOVERNING  LAW. This  Agreement  shall be construed and
         enforced  under and in  accordance  with and governed by the law of the
         State of Kentucky.

                  12.9.  CONSTRUCTION.  As  the  context  requires  or  permits:
         pronouns  used herein  shall  include the  masculine,  the feminine and
         neuter;  terms used in plural shall include the singular,  and singular
         terms shall include the plural;  "hereof",  "herein",  "hereunder"  and
         "hereto"  shall refer to this  Agreement;  and  section  and  paragraph
         references,  when not  expressly  referring  to  another  agreement  or
         document, shall mean sections or paragraphs in this Agreement.

                  12.10.  COUNTERPARTS.   This  Agreement  may  be  executed  in
         counterparts,  each of which  shall be deemed an  original,  but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -36-

                  IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this  Agreement  has been  executed  and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC.

                                 By:/s/ MELVIN C. PAYNE
                                        Melvin C. Payne,
                                        President

                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 THE LUSK FUNERAL HOME, INCORPORATED

                                 By:/s/ GERALD T. MCFARLAND, JR.
                                        Gerald T. McFarland, Jr.,
                                        President

                                 THE SHAREHOLDER:

                                 /s/ GERALD T. MCFARLAND, JR.
                                     Gerald T. McFarland, Jr.

                                      -37-

EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION

      A                           Non-Competition Agreement
      B                           Employment Agreement (Gerald T. McFarland)
      C                           Employment Agreement (Jeff Morrison)


SCHEDULE                          DESCRIPTION

    3.6                           Real Property
    3.7                           Permitted Liens
    3.12                          Fixed Assets
    3.13                          Contracts and Commitments
    3.14                          Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
    3.15                          Intangible Assets
    3.16                          Insurance
    3.17                          Licenses
    3.20                          Employees
    3.21                          Employee Benefit Plans
    3.22                          Affiliated Party Transactions




                                                                   Exhibit 10.12

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 29, 1996, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), JAMES E. DRAKE
FUNERAL HOME, INC., a Kentucky corporation (the "Company"), and JAMES E. DRAKE
and PATRICIA A. DRAKE, residents of Harrison County, Kentucky (together, the
"Shareholders");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the James E. Drake
Funeral Home and the Whaley-McCarty Funeral Home, both located in Cynthiana,
Kentucky (collectively, the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists
of 2,000 shares of Common Stock, $1,000.00 par value per share ("Common Stock"),
of which 800 shares (the "Shares") are issued, outstanding and held and owned of
record by the Shareholders; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Shareholders sell and the
Purchaser purchase the Shares from the Shareholders, all upon the terms and
conditions and for the consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARES.


                  1.1. TRANSFER OF THE SHARES. The Shareholders jointly and
         severally agree to sell the Shares to the Purchaser, free and clear of
         all security interests, pledges, liens, mortgages, title restrictions,
         charges and other encumbrances of any kind (collectively, "Liens"). The
         Purchaser agrees to purchase and accept the Shares from the
         Shareholders.

                  1.2. CONSIDERATION FOR THE SHARES. The consideration for the
         Shares shall be $1,700,000 (the "Purchase Price"). Of the Purchase
         Price, (i) an amount sufficient to discharge indebtedness of the
         Company as determined by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 1.3 shall be
         paid to the holders of such indebtedness, (ii) the sum of $150,000
         shall be payable in the form of shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
         $.01 par value ("Parent Stock"), of Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a
         Delaware corporation ("Parent"), at $1.00 per share of Parent Stock, of
         which 100,000 such shares of Parent Stock will be convertible into
         Parent's Common Stock at a conversion price of $4.50 per share and
         50,000 such shares will be convertible into Parent's Common Stock at a
         conversion price of $5.00 per share, all of which shares of Parent
         Stock shall be placed into escrow at Closing as described in Section
         10.5, (iii) the sum of $200,000 (the "Deferred Purchase Price") shall
         be payable over a period of ten years as hereafter provided, (iv) the
         sum of $50,000 in cash shall be placed into escrow at Closing as
         described in Section 10.5, and (v) the excess of the Purchase Price
         over such amounts under clauses (i) through (iv) above shall be paid to
         the Shareholders in cash at Closing, by wire transfer to such account
         or accounts as the Shareholders shall designate in writing prior to the
         Closing. The Deferred Purchase Price shall be payable in ten equal
         installments of $20,000 each, the first of which shall be payable on or
         before the first anniversary of the Closing Date, and continuing
         annually thereafter on or before the second through tenth anniversaries
         of the Closing Date. No interest shall accrue or be payable in respect
         of any portion of the Deferred Purchase Price. Solely for federal
         income tax purposes, the Deferred Purchase Price shall be deemed to
         include an imputed rate of interest of six percent (6%) per annum. The
         Purchase Price shall be subject to adjustment following the Closing (as
         defined in Section 2.1) as provided in Section 1.3.

                  1.3. ADJUSTMENT TO CONSIDERATION. At least two business days
         prior to the Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a
         written statement, certified by them to be accurate and complete,
         setting forth a description, and the outstanding balance as of the date
         of such statement, of all liabilities and obligations of the Company,
         including (but not limited to) indebtedness for borrowed money,
         indebtedness secured by Liens against any assets or properties of the
         Company, accounts and trade payable, accrued liabilities, federal,
         state and local taxes, any liabilities under suits, claims judgments or
         orders then pending, or any other liability or obligation
         (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), excluding obligations under
         preneed contracts for which the full amounts have been deposited in
         trust as provided under applicable law ("Preneed Liabilities"). At
         Closing, the Purchaser shall pay out of the Purchase Price such portion
         thereof as shall be required to pay and discharge those Unassumed
         Liabilities as the Purchaser in its sole discretion deems appropriate,
         which at a minimum shall include liabilities secured by Liens against
         any assets of the Company and unsecured indebtedness for borrowed
         money, but may also include any of such other liabilities.
         Notwithstanding such payment, the Shareholders shall remain responsible
         for paying any remaining Unassumed Liabilities. Payments under this
         Section 1.3 shall be deemed downward adjustments in the Purchase Price.

                  1.4. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. As described in Section 2.2(ii)
         below, the Company shall, immediately prior to the Closing, distribute
         to the Shareholders (among other things) the right to receive
         collections on all but the first $10,000

                                      -2-

         of the Company's accounts receivable then outstanding (collectively,
         the "Closing Date Receivables"). On the Closing Date, the Shareholders
         shall prepare and deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified by them to
         be accurate and complete, of all of the Closing Date Receivables.
         Following the Closing, the Purchaser shall have the exclusive (even as
         to the Shareholders) right to manage and oversee the collection of the
         Closing Date Receivables. On or before the 15th day of each month
         following each month in which there are any collections on Closing Date
         Receivables in excess of the first $10,000 thereof (which first $10,000
         of collections shall be retained by the Purchaser, without any recourse
         or accounting to the Shareholders), the Purchaser shall remit to the
         Shareholders the amount of such collections during the preceding month.
         The Purchaser shall have no duty to pursue collection of Closing Date
         Receivables by means greater than used on its collection of other
         accounts receivable, and in no event shall the Purchaser be required to
         institute suit or refer any account to a collection agency. At any time
         after the Closing, the Purchaser may, in its sole discretion, return
         the management and control over the Closing Date Receivables to the
         Shareholders, by giving written notice to them to such effect.

                  1.5. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
         items relating to the assets and liabilities of the Homes and to the
         Real Property (as defined in Section 3.6), including but not limited
         to, utilities, real estate and personal property taxes, shall be
         prorated as of the Closing Date, the Shareholders being charged and
         credited for all of same up to such date and the Purchaser being
         charged and credited for all of same on and after such date. If the
         actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of the Closing Date, the
         prorations shall be made on the basis of the best evidence then
         available, and thereafter, within thirty (30) days after actual figures
         are received, a cash settlement will be made between the Shareholders
         and the Purchaser.

                  1.6. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders jointly and
         severally agree to execute and deliver from time to time after the
         Closing, at the request of the Purchaser, and without further
         consideration, such additional instruments of conveyance and transfer,
         and to take such other action as the Purchaser may reasonably require
         more effectively to convey, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to
         the Purchaser and carry out the other transactions contemplated
         hereunder.

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The closing of the transactions
         contemplated under this Agreement (the "Closing") shall occur at the
         offices of Swinford & Sims, 40 East Pike Street,

                                      -3-

         Cynthiana, Kentucky 41031, at 9:00 a.m. on March 1, 1996, or at such
         other date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the
         parties, but in no event later than March 15, 1996. The date and time
         of the Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed
         to have occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing
         Date. At the Closing: the Shareholders shall deliver all certificates
         representing the Shares, duly enclosed or accompanied by duly executed
         stock powers, against payment by the Purchaser of the consideration
         therefor. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set
         forth, and all documents and instruments executed and delivered, and
         all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to have
         been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or
         delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
         incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the purchase and
         sale of the Shares, the following transactions shall take place at the
         Closing:

                           (i) the Company and each Shareholder shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other a separate Employment
                  Agreement to be dated the Closing Date and in substantially
                  the forms of Exhibits A-1 and A-2, respectively, hereto
                  (collectively, the "Employment Agreements"); and

                           (ii) effective immediately prior to the Closing, the
                  Company shall distribute to the Shareholders (x) all of the
                  Company's cash balances as of such time, (y) the right to
                  receive collections as to all but the first $10,000 of the
                  Closing Date Receivables, and (z) the personal items described
                  on Schedule 2.2 hereto.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHARE-HOLDERS. The
Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the
Purchaser that:

                  3.1. TITLE TO THE SHARES. The Shareholders have good and
         marketable title to the Shares, free and clear of any and all Liens,
         and the Shareholders have the absolute and unrestricted right, power,
         authority and capacity to sell the Shares to the Purchaser as provided
         in this Agreement. Upon delivery of the Shares to the Purchaser,
         against payment therefor as provided in Section 1.2, the Purchaser will
         receive from the Shareholders good and marketable title thereto, free
         and clear of any and all Liens.

                  3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corporation
         duly organized, validly existing and in good

                                      -4-

         standing under the laws of the State of Kentucky, and has all requisite
         corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
         Agreement and to carry on its business as now conducted. Neither the
         character or location of the assets owned by the Company nor the nature
         of the business transacted by it requires the Company to be qualified
         to do business as a foreign corporation in any other jurisdiction. The
         Shareholders have delivered to the Purchaser complete and correct
         copies of the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of the Company, both
         as in effect on the date hereof.

                  3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the
         Company consists of 2,000 shares of Common Stock, $1,000.00 par value
         per share, of which 800 shares are validly issued and outstanding,
         fully paid and nonassessable and not issued in violation of the
         preemptive rights of any person. There are 1,200 shares of Common Stock
         of the Company that are held by it in its treasury. The Company does
         not have any outstanding subscriptions, options or other agreements or
         commitments obligating it to issue shares of its capital stock. From
         the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Shareholders will not,
         and will not cause or permit the Company to, issue or enter into any
         subscriptions, options, agreements or other commitments in respect of
         the issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance of any shares of capital
         stock of the Company.

                  3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company has no subsidiaries or any
         investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
         other business enterprise.

                  3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Company has delivered to the
         Purchaser the unaudited (compiled) statements of assets, liabilities
         and equity-income tax basis of the Company at November 30, 1991, 1992,
         1993, 1994 and 1995 (such statement at November 30, 1995 being
         hereafter referred to as the "Company Balance Sheet") and the related
         unaudited (compiled) statements of revenues and expenses-income tax
         basis of the Company for the respective twelve-month periods of
         operations then ended, together with the compilation reports of Morris,
         Ingram & Brunker thereon. All such financial statements are true and
         correct, have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of
         the Company, and present fairly the financial positions of the Company
         at the dates indicated and the results of its operations for the
         periods then ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles consistently applied. The Homes collectively performed at
         least 144 adult funeral services for the twelve months ended December
         31, 1992, at least 139 adult funeral services for the twelve months
         ended December 31, 1993, at least 132 adult funeral services for the
         twelve

                                      -5-

         months ended December 31, 1994 and at least 138 adult funeral services
         for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995.

                  3.6. REAL PROPERTY.

                  (a) DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 3.6 sets forth a legal
         description of all real property in which the Company has any interest
         (collectively, the "Real Property"), and also briefly describes each
         building and major structure and improvement thereon. No person other
         than the Company has any ownership, leasehold or other interest of any
         kind in the Real Property. The Real Property is the only interest in
         real property required for the conduct of the business of the Homes as
         presently conducted. All of the buildings, structures and improvements
         located on the Real Property are in good operating condition, ordinary
         wear and tear excepted. None of such buildings, structures or
         improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now operated
         or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other administrative
         regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any provision of
         law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent their
         continued use for the purposes for which they are now being used. There
         is not pending nor, to the knowledge of either Shareholder, threatened
         any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or
         any portion thereof. The Company has good and marketable fee simple
         title to the Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than
         Permitted Liens described on Schedule 3.7.

                  (b) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. No toxic or hazardous wastes (as
         defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar
         state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as defined under the
         Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
         1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
         amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
         generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or from the Real
         Property, nor to the knowledge of either Shareholder have any such
         materials or wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed
         of on any real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property.
         The Real Property is not now, and to the best of the Shareholders'
         knowledge, will not be in the future as a result of its condition at or
         prior to Closing, subject to any reclamation, remediation or reporting
         requirements of any federal, state, local or other governmental body or
         agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property. The Real Property
         does not contain any asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls, urea,
         formaldehyde, lead based paint, radon gas or underground storage tanks,
         except for substances used in the ordinary course of the operations of
         the Homes that are properly used, stored and disposed of in accordance
         with applicable legal requirements.

                                      -6-

                  (c) FIRPTA. Neither the Company nor either Shareholder is a
         "foreign person" (as defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal
         Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations
         issued thereunder), and the Shareholders shall deliver at Closing a
         non-foreign affidavit in recordable form containing such information as
         shall be required by Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued
         thereunder.

                  (d) BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect
         to the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have
         been (and on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other
         claims for the same have been filed or asserted against any part of the
         Real Property.

                  (e) NO FLOOD HAZARDS. The Real Property is not located within
         an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
         Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental
         agency or body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

                  3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
         properties required in the conduct of the business of the Homes are
         owned by the Company. None of such assets, rights or properties is or
         will be subject to any lease or license. The Company is in actual
         possession and control of all properties owned by it, and has good and
         marketable title to all of its assets, rights and properties, including
         without limitation, all properties and assets reflected in the Company
         Balance Sheet (other than properties and assets reflected in such
         balance sheet that have been sold or otherwise disposed of in the
         ordinary course of business subsequent to the date of the Company
         Balance Sheet), free and clear of all Liens, except for (i) Liens to be
         discharged and released at or prior to Closing, as contemplated in
         Section 1.3, and (ii) Liens described on Schedule 3.7 (hereafter, the
         "Permitted Liens").

                  3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of the
         Company Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                           (i) any adverse change in the financial condition,
                  operations, properties or prospects of the Company or of
                  either Home;

                           (ii) any change in the authorized capital or
                  outstanding securities of the Company;

                           (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities
                  which the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to
                  issue, sell or deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed
                  to grant any options, warrants or other rights calling for the
                  issue, sale or delivery thereof;

                                      -7-

                           (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to
                  borrow any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become
                  subject to, any absolute or contingent obligation or
                  liability, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary
                  course of business;

                           (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
                  extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                           (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change
                  in any key personnel of the Company;

                           (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
                  agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of
                  the inventories or other assets or properties of the Company,
                  except in the ordinary course of business;

                           (viii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                  against the Company or any waiver of any rights of material
                  value to the Company;

                           (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                  entering into of any collective bargaining agreement, with
                  respect to employees of the Company;

                           (x) any claim or liability for any material damages
                  for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach
                  of contract against or affecting the Company; or

                           (xi) any other transaction or event entered into or
                  affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
                  business.

                  3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth
         in the Company Balance Sheet, the Company has no, and none of its
         assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities or obligations,
         other than unsecured trade accounts payable and accrued expenses
         arising in the ordinary course of the Company's business since the date
         of the Company Balance Sheet.

                  3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other
         taxes due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this
         Agreement have been paid or are adequately provided for in the Company
         Balance Sheet. The Company has filed all tax returns and reports
         required to be filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all such
         tax returns and reports are true, complete and correct. True and
         correct copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns filed
         by the Company for each of its last three taxable years

                                      -8-

         have been furnished to the Purchaser. The liabilities for taxes
         reflected in the Company Balance Sheet represent adequate provision for
         the payment of all accrued or unpaid or deferred federal, state, local
         and other taxes of the Company, for all periods ended on and prior to
         the date of the Company Balance Sheet. No assessments of deficiencies
         have been made against the Company which are presently pending or
         outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed which would
         constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax liability against the
         Company with respect to any prior taxable period which has not been
         audited by the Internal Revenue Service or which has not been closed by
         applicable statute. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers
         extending the statutory period of limitations applicable to any income
         tax return of the Company for any period. Prior to the Closing Date,
         the Company will not, and the Shareholders will not permit the Company
         to, cause or permit a change in any method of accounting for tax
         purposes during or applicable to the current tax year. Following the
         Closing, the Shareholders shall be fully responsible for accurately and
         completely preparing, signing and filing all tax returns and paying all
         taxes in respect of the Company's assets and operations prior to the
         Closing Date.

                  3.11. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories
         reflected on the Company Balance Sheet and all items placed in
         inventory since such date (i) are accounted for in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, (ii) are
         accounted for net of reserves which are sufficient to cover any losses
         due to obsolescence, shrinkage, or unmarketability, and (iii) are
         saleable or usable in the ordinary course of business of the Company at
         usual and customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns
         consistent with past practice. Prior to the Closing, the Shareholders
         shall deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified by them to be complete
         and correct, of all of the Company's inventory as of the Closing Date.
         All of the Closing Date Receivables will (i) represent bona fide claims
         for goods delivered or services rendered, and (ii) not be subject to
         any rights of offset or counterclaim.

                  3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and
         all other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other
         fixed assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good and
         operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                  3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 sets forth a
         complete description of:

                           (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to which
                  the Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all
                  indentures, trust agreements and other instru-

                                      -9-

                  ments relating to any issue of bonds, debentures, notes or
                  other evidences of indebtedness, of or creating any Lien on
                  any property of, the Company;

                           (ii) all collective bargaining agreements, employment
                  contracts, noncompetition agreements and other agreements
                  relating to the employment of any employees of the Company;

                           (iii) all joint venture agreements and all other
                  agreements involving the sharing of profits, to which Company
                  is a party or by which it is bound;

                           (iv) all (i) contracts or commitments for capital
                  expenditures for the Company involving obligations on its part
                  aggregating in excess of $5,000, (ii) leases under which
                  personal property is leased to or from the Company and which
                  are not cancelable by it without penalty upon notice of 30
                  days or less or pursuant to which rentals payable by or to the
                  Company exceed $5,000 per annum or $15,000 in the aggregate,
                  or (iii) contracts and agreements affecting the Company which
                  do not terminate or are not terminable by it upon notice of 30
                  days or less or which involves an obligation on its part in
                  excess of $5,000 per annum or $15,000 in the aggregate; and

                           (v) all other contracts and commitments of the
                  Company entered into outside the ordinary course of business.

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is
         valid and in full force and effect and neither the Company, nor, to the
         knowledge of either Shareholder, any of the other parties thereto, are
         in default thereunder. A true and correct copy of each document listed
         on Schedule 3.13 has been delivered to the Purchaser by the Company.

                  3.14. PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14
         accurately and completely lists (i) all preneed contracts of the
         Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof, including contracts for the
         sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts
         relating to the Homes, indicating the location of each and the balance
         thereof (including the location and nature of preneed contracts funded
         by annuities or through insurance). All preneed contracts required to
         be listed on Schedule 3.14 (x) have been entered into in the normal
         course of business at regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales
         promotion program, solely for use by the named customers and members of
         their families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen
         contracts which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject
         to the rules

                                      -10-

         and regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have
         been delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in
         full force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and
         neither the Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All
         funds received by the Company under preneed contracts have been
         deposited in the appropriate accounts and administered and reported in
         accordance with the terms thereof and as required by applicable laws
         and regulations. The aggregate market value of the preneed accounts,
         trusts or other deposits is equal to or greater than the aggregate
         preneed liability related to such accounts. The services heretofore
         provided by the Company have been rendered in a professional and
         competent manner consistent with prevailing professional standards,
         practices and customs.

                  3.15. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company does not own nor has it
         applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses,
         trademarks, trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses
         (collectively, "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule
         3.15. The Company owns or possesses (or at Closing will own or possess)
         valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such Intangible Rights as
         are necessary to the conduct of the business of the Homes as presently
         conducted. The Company is not charged with infringement of any
         Intangible Rights, nor does the Company know of any such infringement,
         whether or not claimed by any person.

                  3.16. INSURANCE. Schedule 3.16 lists and describes all
         policies of insurance held by the Company, including, without
         limitation, all insurance policies that are for the benefit of, or the
         proceeds of which are payable to, employees of the Company or their
         respective designees. Valid policies for such insurance, true and
         complete copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser, will be
         outstanding and duly in force at all times prior to the Closing. Such
         policies are in such amounts, and insure against such losses and risks,
         as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties.

                  3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 correctly and
         completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
         consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
         are all that are necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the
         business and operations of the Homes. All such items are in full force
         and effect.

                  3.18. LITIGATION. Except for the lawsuit described on Schedule
         3.18 (the "Ware Lawsuit"), there are no claims, actions, suits,
         proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of either
         Shareholder, threatened against or affecting the Company, or any of the
         assets, business or proper-

                                      -11-

         ties of the Company, at law or in equity or before or by any court or
         federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
         board, agency or instrumentality. The Company is not subject to any
         continuing court or administrative order, writ, injunction or decree,
         nor is the Company in default with respect to any order, writ,
         injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign, federal, state,
         municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, agency
         or instrumentality.

                  3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company and the Shareholders
         have complied with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes,
         rules, ordinances and regulations applicable to the Company, the
         operation of each Home, and the Company's assets, rights and properties
         (including without limitation all environmental protection and
         occupational safety and health rules, regulations and laws, and laws
         and regulations applicable to preneed contracts and trust accounts,
         including the so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                  3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 correctly and completely lists
         the names and annual or hourly rates of salary and other compensation
         of all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets
         forth the date of the last salary increase for each employee listed
         thereon, and the outstanding balances of all loans and advances, if
         any, made by the Company to any such employee or agent. At or
         immediately before the Closing, the Company shall furnish the Purchaser
         with a list of the vacation days or other time off to which the
         Company's employees are then eligible. At Closing, the Shareholders
         will cause the Company to pay or satisfy all vacation, holiday and
         other accrued benefits to employees of the Company which are then
         outstanding. There are not pending or threatened against the Company
         any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work stoppages, and
         there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are
         pending or have been conducted or made with or by any labor union or
         association with respect to any employees of the Company. The Company
         believes that the relations between the Company and its employees are
         good.

                  3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Schedule 3.21 lists all plans,
         contracts, commitments, programs and policies (including, without
         limitation, pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred
         compensation, severance, retirement, disability, medical (including
         retiree medical), life, dental and accidental insurance, vacation, sick
         leave, death benefit and other similar employee benefit plans and
         policies, whether written or oral) maintained by the Company providing
         benefits to any employee or former employee of the Company
         (collectively, the "Plans"). The Company has delivered to the Purchaser
         true and correct copies of all documents embodying

                                      -12-

         the Plans, and all determination letters from the Internal Revenue
         Service regarding Plans required to be qualified under the Code. Except
         as reflected on Schedule 3.21, all obligations of the Company under the
         Plans have been fully paid, fully funded or adequate accruals therefor
         have been made on the Balance Sheet. All necessary governmental
         approvals have been obtained for all Plans subject to the Employee
         Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and have been
         qualified under Section 401 of the Code, and each trust established for
         any Plan is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of
         the Code. With respect to any such Plan or any other "employee welfare
         plan" (as defined in ERISA) maintained by the Company, there has been
         no (i) "reportable event" as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, (ii)
         event described in Section 4062(e) or 4063(a) of ERISA, or (iii) in the
         case of any defined benefit plan, termination or partial termination.

                  3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Each Home has been
         operated since the date of the Company Balance Sheet in a manner
         separate from the personal and other business activities of the
         Shareholders and their respective affiliates, and neither the Company
         nor its assets are subject to any affiliated party commitments or
         transactions.

                  3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company
         are true, correct and complete in all material respects, have been
         maintained by the Company in accordance with good business practice and
         in accordance with all laws, regulations and other requirements
         applicable to the Company. The corporate records of the Company reflect
         a true record of all meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors
         and shareholders of the Company.

                  3.24. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 13.1, neither
         the Company nor either Shareholder is a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are no
         outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment of any broker's
         or finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution
         or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders have the
         full right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this
         Agreement and the Documents (as hereinafter defined) to which each
         Shareholder is a party, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
         hereby and thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and
         delivery by the Shareholders, the Documents will constitute, the legal,
         valid and binding obligations of each Shareholder enforceable against
         such Shareholder in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the
         execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement and the Documents
         to which the Shareholders are

                                      -13-

         parties, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
         or thereby, will: (i) result in a violation or breach of any term or
         provision of, constitute a default or acceleration under, require
         notice to or consent of any third party to, or result in the creation
         of any Lien by virtue of (x) the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of
         the Company or (y) any contract, agreement, lease, license or other
         commitment to which the Company or either Shareholder is a party or by
         which either of them or their respective assets or properties are
         bound; nor (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or
         decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body. For
         purposes of this Agreement, the term "Documents" shall mean, as to any
         party hereto, any and all agreements, certificates and other
         instruments expressly contemplated in this Agreement or any exhibit
         hereto to be executed or delivered by or on behalf of such party at or
         in connection with the Closing hereunder.

                  3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
         performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly authorized
         by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
         enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither
         the execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by the
         Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a
         default or accelerate the performance required under, the Articles of
         Incorporation or bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed
         of trust or other contract or agreement to which the Company is a party
         or by which it or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
         injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
         governmental body.

                  3.27. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Company and the Shareholders hereunder or in any Schedules or
         certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do
         not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein
         or necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
         therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not
         misleading.

                  3.28. ACQUISITION OF PARENT STOCK. The Parent Stock to be
         acquired by the Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement will be
         acquired by them for investment purposes only and not with the present
         intention or view to, or resale in connection with, any distribution
         thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
         The Shareholders understand that such Parent Stock is not and will not
         be registered under such Securities Act or any state securities or blue
         sky laws, and that neither Parent nor the Purchaser is under any
         obligation to register any such Parent Stock

                                      -14-

         under any such laws. The Shareholders further understand that
         transferability of such Parent Stock will be restricted in accordance
         with applicable state and federal securities laws, and that a
         restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on each certificate
         representing Parent Stock. The Shareholders prior to the Closing will
         have had full opportunity to receive such information and ask such
         questions of representatives of Parent concerning Parent, its
         subsidiaries and their business, operations, assets and prospects, and
         concerning an investment in the Parent Stock, as the Shareholders have
         deemed appropriate in order to make an informed investment decision
         with respect to the Parent Stock.

                  3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Agreement
         have been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
         contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
         signed for identification by the Shareholders.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company and the
Shareholders that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate
         power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
         and the Documents to which it is a party.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Documents to
         which it is a party have been duly authorized by its Board of
         Directors. This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as
         herein provided the Documents will be, valid and binding upon the
         Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with
         their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance
         by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Documents to which it is a
         party will conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term
         or provision of, nor constitute a default under, the Certificate of
         Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
         party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any order,
         writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
         governmental body.

                  4.3. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are no
         outstanding claims against it, for the payment

                                      -15-

         of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
         negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  4.4. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any certificates furnished to the
         Company and the Shareholders pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and
         will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
         state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
         necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or therein,
         in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING
CLOSING. The Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant with
the Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
         the Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in
         the ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written
         consent of the Purchaser, the Company will not, and neither Shareholder
         will not cause or allow the Company to:

                           (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or
                  terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                           (ii) amend or otherwise modify the Articles of
                  Incorporation or bylaws of the Company;

                           (iii) commit any act or permit the occurrence of any
                  event or the existence of any condition of the type described
                  in Section 3.8, other than as contemplated in Section 2.2(ii);

                           (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other
                  commitment of the type described in Section 3.13; or

                           (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in
                  key personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of
                  compensation of or declare or pay any bonuses to any employee
                  in excess of that listed on Schedule 3.20.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company and
         the Shareholders will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
         accountants and other representatives, full and free access to all of
         the properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of the
         Company so that the Purchaser may have full opportunity to make such
         investigation as it shall desire to make of the affairs of the Company.

                                      -16-

                  5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
         approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
         their part to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         neither the Company nor either Shareholder shall enter into any
         agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any
         offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any
         discussions with any potential buyers, investment bankers or finders,
         with respect to the possible sale or other disposition of all or any
         substantial portion of the assets and business of the Company any other
         sale of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of stock or
         otherwise), other than with the Purchaser.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Company and the Shareholders that:

                  6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use its best
         efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other persons
         which may be required to be obtained on its part to consummate the
         transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
         its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information
         obtained with respect to the Company from any representative, officer,
         director or employee of the Company, including their accountants or
         legal counsel, or from any books or records of any of them, in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
         transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither the
         Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or information or
         disclose the same to others, except as such data or information is
         published or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an
         applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is
         terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company
         all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the
         Company or its representatives in connection with the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement, and the Purchaser shall not retain any
         photocopies of such information.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,

                                      -17-

         misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties made by
         the Company and the Shareholders in Section 3 hereof; the
         representations and warranties made by the Company and the Shareholders
         herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of
         Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company and the
         Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
         conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with
         by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
         received a certificate, signed by the Shareholders and an executive
         officer of the Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
         this Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Swinford & Sims, counsel for
         the Company and the Shareholders, dated the Closing Date, to the effect
         that:

                           (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Kentucky, with full corporate authority to enter into
                  and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                           (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company
                  consists of 2,000 shares of Common Stock, $1,000.00 par value
                  per share, of which 800 shares are validly issued and
                  outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable and 1,200 shares
                  are held by the Company in its treasury;

                           (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due
                  inquiry, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or
                  other agreements or commitments obligating the Company to
                  issue any shares of its capital stock or securities
                  convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                           (iv) the Shareholders collectively are the record and
                  beneficial owners of the Shares, free and clear of any and all
                  Liens or claims of any other person, and the Shareholders have
                  full capacity to sell and transfer the Shares in accordance
                  with this Agreement; and upon such sale and transfer to the
                  Purchaser by the Shareholders, the Purchaser will acquire from
                  the Shareholders all of their rights in the Shares;

                           (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Company of this Agreement have been duly authorized by its
                  Board of Directors;

                           (vi) this Agreement has been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes

                                      -18-

                  the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
                  against it in accordance with its terms;

                           (vii) this Agreement and the Documents to which the
                  Shareholders are parties have been duly and validly executed
                  and delivered by them and constitute the valid and binding
                  obligations of the Shareholders enforceable against them in
                  accordance with their respective terms;

                           (viii) neither the execution, delivery or
                  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement or the Documents to which the Company and the
                  Shareholders are parties will (x) result in the breach of or
                  constitute a default under the Articles of Incorporation or
                  bylaws of the Company or any loan or credit agreement,
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement known to such counsel and to which the Company or
                  either Shareholder is a party or by which they or their
                  respective assets are bound, or (y) violate any order, writ,
                  injunction or decree known to such counsel of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body;

                           (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Company and the Shareholders of this Agreement and the
                  Documents to which they are parties; and

                           (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due
                  inquiry, there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
                  investigations pending or threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of its assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the Company and
         certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to
         Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any
         document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
         moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
         principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and
         the internal laws of the State of Kentucky.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders
         shall have obtained all consents and approvals

                                      -19-

         of other persons and governmental authorities to the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
         have occurred any loss or damage to any substantial portion of the
         assets and properties of the Company (regardless of whether such loss
         or damage was insured).

                  7.5. RESIGNATIONS AND RELEASES. The Purchaser shall have
         received such resignations of the officers and directors of the Company
         as shall have been requested by the Purchaser, as well as written
         releases, in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, under
         which the Shareholders waive and release all rights and claims against
         the Company other than those arising under Plans described in Schedule
         3.21 or under any of the Documents referred to in Section 2.2.

                  7.6. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
         instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
         related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for the
         Purchaser, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such
         certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
         documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                  7.7. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
         representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the
         financial information, books and records, and properties and assets of
         the Company and the Homes and shall have discovered no change in the
         business, assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of the
         Company or either Home which could, in the sole determination of the
         Purchaser, have an adverse effect on the value to the Purchaser of the
         business, assets, financial condition or prospects being acquired
         hereunder.

                  7.8. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Shareholders shall have
         executed and delivered their respective Employment Agreements, as
         described in Section 2.2.

                  7.9. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received
         from a financial institution acceptable to it a written commitment,
         containing such terms and conditions and otherwise in form and
         substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the extension of
         financing in order to provide the portion of the Purchase Price not
         furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from other
         sources, and such commitment shall have been funded in such amount
         contemporaneously with the Closing.

                                      -20-

                  7.10. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall
         have been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if
         deemed necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of the
         Homes and the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm
         selected by Purchaser, (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Homes
         by a person (who may be an employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected
         by the Purchaser and who is qualified and experienced in such matters
         in the funeral service industry, and (iii) a structural inspection of
         the Homes by an engineering firm selected by the Purchaser. The
         Shareholders agree to pay the costs and to take the action reasonably
         recommended by such firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in the
         aggregate. In any event, it shall be a condition to the Purchaser's
         obligations hereunder that the results of the reports of such firms or
         persons (together with any remedial action, if any, taken by the
         Shareholders, regardless of the cost, in response thereto) shall be
         satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                  7.11. TITLE INSURANCE. The Shareholders shall have obtained,
         at their expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the
         Purchaser in an agreed-upon amount, issued by a title company with
         offices in Harrison County, Kentucky area and reasonably acceptable to
         the Purchaser (the "Title Company"), insuring the ownership interest in
         the Real Property in the Purchaser (by transfer to it from the Company
         immediately following the Closing), subject only to the Permitted Liens
         and any standard printed exceptions included in a Kentucky standard
         form Policy of Title Insurance; provided, however, that such policy
         shall have deleted any exception regarding restrictions or be limited
         to restrictions that are Permitted Liens, any standard exception
         pertaining to discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be
         deleted except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for
         taxes shall be limited to subsequent years.

                  7.12. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
         expense of the Shareholders, an as-built survey prepared by a licensed
         surveyor approved by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company,
         with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply
         with any applicable standards under Kentucky law, be sufficient for
         Title Company to delete any survey exception contained in the owner's
         policy of title insurance referred to in Section 7.11, save and except
         for the phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and
         content acceptable to Purchaser.

                  7.13. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other than
         Permitted Liens) against any assets of the Company or any portion of
         the Real Property shall have executed and delivered written releases of
         such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the
         Purchaser and its lender.

                                      -21-

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE
SHAREHOLDERS. The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders under this
Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be
expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Company and the Shareholders shall not have discovered any material
         error, misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
         made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the representations and
         warranties made by the Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been
         made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
         correct; the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all
         agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
         complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the Company and the
         Shareholders shall have received a certificate, signed by an executive
         officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
         this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Company and the Shareholders an opinion of Snell &
         Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for Purchaser, to the effect
         that:

                           (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to
                  enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
                  and the Documents to which it is a party;

                           (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement and the Documents to which it is a
                  party have been duly authorized by its Board of Directors;

                           (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                  delivery as herein provided the Documents to which the
                  Purchaser is a party will be, valid and binding upon the
                  Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance
                  with their respective terms;

                           (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance
                  by the Purchaser of this Agreement or the Documents to which
                  it is a party will conflict with or result in a violation or
                  breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                  under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                  Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
                  mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement known
                  to such counsel and to which Purchaser is a party or by which
                  it or

                                      -22-

                  its property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body; and

                           (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement or the Documents to which it is a
                  party or the performance of its obligations hereunder or
                  thereunder.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
         officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Company at Closing.
         Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be limited by
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
         laws affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
         opinion may be limited to federal law, the General Corporation Law of
         the State of Delaware and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have obtained
         all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Company shall have executed and
         delivered to the Shareholders their respective Employment Agreements.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
         Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
         representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
         same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
         any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto,
         all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
         hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in
         connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall
         not terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
         thereafter.

                                      -23-

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders
         jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
         Purchaser and (following the Closing) the Company, and their respective
         successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses, damages,
         liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being
         herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively
         called "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or
         default in the performance by the Company or either Share-holder of any
         covenant or agreement of the Company or the Shareholders contained in
         this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 12 hereof), (ii)
         any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made
         by the Company or either Shareholder herein, in any Schedule delivered
         to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other
         instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company or the Shareholders
         pursuant hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the Company, whether
         absolute or contingent, known or unknown, that is not paid or
         discharged in full at Closing as contemplated under Section 1.3, and
         (iv) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands,
         judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees)
         incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
         to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholders and their respective
         heirs and assigns from and against any Losses which are caused by or
         arise out of (i) any breach or default in the performance by the
         Purchaser of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser contained in
         this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
         representation made by the Purchaser herein or in any certificate or
         other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant
         hereto, and (iii) any and all actions suits, proceedings, claims,
         demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
         fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
         party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
         represented, at his, her or its own expense, by advisory counsel
         selected by him, her or it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
         indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts in
         connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within ten
         business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
         described above, the indemnifying party

                                      -24-

         indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between such
         parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying
         party as provided herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the
         right to control the defense of such claim, provided that the
         indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in the
         defense thereof and be represented, at his, her or its own expense, by
         advisory counsel selected by him, her or it, and (ii) to approve any
         settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would be,
         affected thereby.

                  10.4. OFFSET. If either Shareholder becomes obligated to
         indemnify the Purchaser after the Closing Date pursuant to this
         Agreement (including Sections 10.1 and 10.5 hereof), at any time when
         any of the Deferred Purchase Price, any amount under Section 1.4 hereof
         or any of the Parent Stock or escrowed Purchase Price under Section
         10.5 remain outstanding, then the Purchaser may, at its option and
         without prejudice to any right of the Purchaser to proceed directly
         against either Shareholder, set-off the amount for which the
         Shareholders shall be so obligated for such indemnification or breach
         against the Deferred Purchase Price and the amounts so outstanding
         under Sections 1.4 and 10.5. The exercise of such right of set-off
         shall be evidenced by means of a written notice to such effect given by
         the Purchaser to the Shareholders, describing the basis for indemnity
         or recovery and set-off hereunder and the amount of the set-off.

                  10.5. WARE LAWSUIT. The Shareholders specifically and jointly
         and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and
         the Company from all Losses arising from, associated with or related to
         the Ware Lawsuit. The Shareholders represent that all legal defense
         costs for the Company's defense of the Ware Lawsuit have been fully
         covered by the insurance described on Schedule 3.16, the Shareholders
         have provided to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all
         correspondence from the insurance carrier to the Company with respect
         to the coverage of the Ware Lawsuit by such insurance, and the
         Shareholders agree, at their own expense, to do all things necessary to
         continue to maintain the insurance after the Closing to the extent
         necessary to ensure that the Ware Lawsuit continues to be covered
         thereby in the same manner as covered prior to the Closing. As
         additional security for the Shareholders' indemnification obligations
         under this Section 10.5, the Purchaser will on the Closing Date, as
         described in Section 1.2, deposit out of the Purchase Price all 150,000
         shares of Parent Stock and $50,000 in cash in an interest-bearing
         escrow account (the "Escrow") with a financial institution mutually
         designated by the parties pursuant to an escrow agreement to be entered
         into on the Closing Date among the Purchaser, the Shareholders and such
         institution in form and substance acceptable to them (the "Escrow
         Agreement").

                                      -25-

         Certificates representing the Parent Stock will be issued in the
         Shareholders' names on the Closing Date and then deposited into Escrow,
         together with stock powers duly executed in blank by the Shareholders.
         If, prior to final resolution of the Ware Lawsuit (in the manner
         hereafter described) the Parent Stock is converted into shares of
         Common Stock of Parent, such Common Stock shall continue to be held and
         maintained in Escrow in accordance with the Escrow Agreement. From time
         to time while the Escrow Agreement is in effect, the Purchaser may seek
         to recover from the Escrow for its Losses arising from the Ware
         Lawsuit, in accordance with the procedures established in the Escrow
         Agreement. At such time as the Ware Lawsuit has been finally or fully
         settled, or when the Ware Lawsuit has been reduced to final judgment
         and either all appeals thereof have been exhausted or no appeal has
         been taken after the time therefor has expired, then the parties agree
         to direct the Escrow Agent to disburse the funds and stock held in
         Escrow to the Purchaser, to the extent of its Losses relating thereto,
         and the balance to the Shareholders, as provided in the Escrow
         Agreement.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
         Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the
         Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
         satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders
                  and the Purchaser;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by the Company or either Shareholder in the observance or in
                  the due and timely performance by any of their covenants
                  herein contained, or if there shall have been a breach or
                  misrepresentation by the Company or either Shareholder of any
                  of their warranties and representations herein contained, or
                  if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by them at or before the Closing shall not have been
                  complied with or performed at the time required for such
                  compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Purchaser in writing;

                           (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be
                  made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the due

                                      -26-

                  and timely performance by the Purchaser of any of the
                  covenants of the Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall
                  have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
                  Purchaser of any of its warranties and representations herein
                  contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to be
                  complied with or performed by the Purchaser at or before the
                  Closing shall not have been complied with or performed at the
                  time required for such compliance or performance and such
                  noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                  waived by the Shareholders in writing; or

                           (d) either the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by March 15, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
         terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party
         shall have any liability to any other party hereunder. If this
         Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
         then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against
         any other party which has breached any of its representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  12. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                  12.1. NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a
         period commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years
         thereafter, neither Shareholder shall, except in rendering services for
         the Purchaser, directly or indirectly:

                           (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partnership, association or
                  agent or agency, anywhere within a fifty (50) mile radius of
                  either Home (the "Territory"), in the funeral, mortuary,
                  crematory, monument, or any related line of business
                  (collectively, the "Business");

                           (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in one
                  percent (1%) or more of the voting securities in any
                  corporation, partnership or other business entity which
                  conducts its operations, in whole or in part, in the Business
                  within the Territory;

                           (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other business entity that

                                      -27-

                  conducts its business, in whole or in part, in the Business
                  within the Territory; or

                           (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee
                  of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates to leave the employ
                  of the Purchaser or any such affiliate to accept employment
                  with such Shareholder or with any person, firm, association or
                  corporation with which such Shareholder may be or become
                  affiliated.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
         Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
         Business if he or she acts as a funeral director at any funeral
         establishment within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages in the
         sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for services to be
         performed within the Territory, or if a Shareholder promotes or
         finances any family member or affiliate to operate a Business or engage
         in any of the foregoing activities within the Territory.

                  12.2. REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be held
         invalid or unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or
         actions subject thereto or restricted thereby, or the period of time
         within which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court
         of competent jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions
         subject to and restricted thereby and the period of time during which
         such covenants are enforceable.

                  12.3. REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy at law
         for any actual or threatened breach of any of the foregoing covenants
         would be inadequate and that the Purchaser shall be entitled to
         specific performance hereof or injunctive relief or both, by temporary
         or permanent injunction or such other appropriate judicial remedy, writ
         or order as may be entered into by a court of competent jurisdiction in
         addition to any damages that the Purchaser may be legally entitled to
         recover together with reasonable expenses of litigation, including
         attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith, as may be approved by
         such court.

                  12.4. REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and
         warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such Shareholder
         understands that the foregoing restrictions are being made incident to
         and as a condition of consummation of the transactions contemplated
         hereby, and that such covenants are necessary in order to protect the
         business and goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such covenants are
         not oppressive to either Shareholder in any respect, and (iii) the
         consideration for such restrictions is included in the Purchase Price,
         which consideration each Shareholder acknowledges is fair and

                                      -28-

         adequate for the giving of the covenants herein and for which such
         Shareholder acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                  12.5. PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION. The parties agree to allocate
         $50,000 of the Purchase Price to the foregoing covenants for federal
         income tax purposes, pursuant to Section 1060(a) of the Code. Such
         allocation is not intended to be a measure of the amount or range of
         damages which the Purchaser may suffer or recover as a result of any
         breach of the foregoing covenants, and the Shareholders acknowledge
         that in case of any such breach, the Purchaser shall be entitled to
         seek in excess of such amount as it may otherwise be able to
         demonstrate itself justly entitled to.

                  13. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
         negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. If the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are
         consummated, the Company shall have no obligation for, nor shall it be
         charged with, any such expenses of the Shareholders. Without limiting
         the generality of the foregoing, all finders' and similar fees and
         expenses of Lee Brothers, sales representative for the Shareholders,
         shall be borne solely by the Shareholders, and in no event shall the
         Company or the Purchaser be charged or responsible therefor. All sales,
         transfer, stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed
         or charged in connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne
         by the Shareholders.

                  13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
         communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
         have been given if personally delivered or mailed, first class,
         registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                           (i)  if to the Company or either Shareholder, to:

                                Mr. and Mrs. James E. Drake
                                James E. Drake Funeral Home
                                114 N. Walnut
                                Cynthiana, Kentucky  41031

                                with a copy to:

                                Swinford & Sims
                                40 East Pike Street
                                Cynthiana, Kentucky  41031
                                Attention:  Mr. John Swinford

                                      -29-

                           (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.
                                1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                Houston, Texas  77056
                                Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne,
                                                   President

                                with a copy to:

                                Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                Houston, Texas  77002
                                Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

         or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to
         the other parties hereto.

                  13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties,
         provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign
         its rights hereunder without the consent of the Shareholders to a
         successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Company (whether by
         merger, sale of assets or otherwise).

                  13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
         13.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
         the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
         personal representatives.

                  13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
         paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
         instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                  13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
         Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
         constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede
         all prior understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and
         thereof (including, without limitation, the letter of intent between
         the Purchaser and the Company dated August 31, 1995).

                  13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
         enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
         State of Kentucky.

                                      -30-

                  13.9. CONSTRUCTION. As the context requires or permits:
         pronouns used herein shall include the masculine, the feminine and
         neuter; terms used in plural shall include the singular, and singular
         terms shall include the plural; "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" and
         "hereto" shall refer to this Agreement; and section and paragraph
         references, when not expressly referring to another agreement or
         document, shall mean sections or paragraphs in this Agreement.

                  13.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC.

                                 By: /s/ JAY D. DODDS
                                         Jay D. Dodds,
                                         Vice President of Operations


                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 JAMES E. DRAKE FUNERAL HOME, INC.



                                 By: /s/ JAMES E. DRAKE
                                         James E. Drake,
                                         President

                                 THE SHAREHOLDERS:

                                 /s/ JAMES E. DRAKE
                                     James E. Drake

                                 /s/ PATRICIA A. DRAKE
                                     Patricia A. Drake

                                      -31-

EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION

    A-1                           Employment Agreement (James E. Drake)
    A-2                           Employment Agreement (Patricia A. Drake)


SCHEDULE                          DESCRIPTION

  2.2                             Personal Items
  3.6                             Real Property
  3.7                             Permitted Liens
  3.12                            Fixed Assets
  3.13                            Contracts and Commitments
  3.14                            Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
  3.15                            Intangible Assets
  3.16                            Insurance
  3.17                            Licenses
  3.20                            Employees
  3.21                            Employee Benefit Plans



                                  Exhibit 10.3

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of April 10, 1996, between CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), and SCI TEXAS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Texas corporation (the "Company");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates (i) the two Blackburn
Shaw Funeral Homes located at 315 E. 5th Street in Amarillo, Potter County,
Texas and at 1505 Martin Street in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas (collectively,
the "Homes"), and (ii) the Memory Gardens of Amarillo Cemetery and Crematory
located at I-27 and McCormick Road in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas (the
"Cemetery"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Homes and the
Cemetery from the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions
hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                           1.1 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the
                  Homes and the Cemetery described below, as they shall exist at
                  the time of the Closing (collectively, the "Assets"),
                  excluding those described in Section 1.2:

                                    (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                    (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories,
                           monuments and other goods and inventories of the
                           Homes, and inventories of vaults, crypts, markers,
                           bases, monuments and other goods and inventories of
                           the Cemetery;

                                    (iii) the nine (9) motor vehicles described
                           on Schedule 3.7, and the other machinery, equipment,
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed
                           assets and property, plant and equipment of the Homes
                           and the Cemetery, including those described on
                           Schedule 3.7;

                                      (iv) fee simple title to the real property
                           and improvements on which the Homes and the Cemetery
                           are located as described on Schedule 3.5 (the "Real
                           Property");

<PAGE>

                                    (v) all cash balances in bank accounts,
                           certificates of deposit and other investments, but
                           only if such cash balances or certificates of deposit
                           are committed fund obligations under preneed
                           contracts and for perpetual care;

                                    (vi) the rights of the Company under
                           pre-need contracts and the other agreements, leases
                           and commitments described on Schedules 3.8 and 3.9;

                                    (vii) all rights owned or held by the
                           Company to the names "Blackburn Shaw Funeral Home"
                           and "Memory Gardens of Amarillo", and all derivatives
                           thereof and goodwill associated with the foregoing;

                                    (viii) all transferrable permits and
                           licenses, and all books, records, brochures and
                           literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                           industrial accident and other similar funds, and
                           prepaid items; and

                                    (ix) all other assets, rights and properties
                           owned or held by the Company at the time of Closing
                           and used in the operation of, or in connection with,
                           the business of the Homes and the Cemetery or located
                           thereon, excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the
                  Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against the
                  Real Property which are described on Schedule 3.5 as being
                  approved by the Purchaser (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                           1.2 RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and
                  sale contemplated hereby and are therefore not included in the
                  Assets:

                                      (i) all cash on hand or on deposit,
                           including bank account balances, certificates of
                           deposit and marketable securities, excluding,
                           however, account balances, certificates of deposit
                           and other investments described in Section 1.1(v);

                                     (ii) intercompany accounts and notes
                           receivable owed to the Company by its indirect parent
                           corporation, Service Corporation International, a
                           Texas corporation (the

                                      -2-

                           "Shareholder"), or any of its affiliates which do not
                           arise out of the sale of goods or services of the
                           Company;

                                    (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seals of the
                           Company, and any shares of the Company's capital
                           stock held in its treasury;

                                     (iv) the Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                      (v) all assets, rights and properties of
                           funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by
                           the Company, other than the Homes and the Cemetery.

                           1.3 PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the Assets
                  shall be $2,784,674, of which $2,300,000 shall be paid in cash
                  at Closing by wire transfer to such account as the Company
                  shall designate prior to Closing, and $484,674 shall be
                  represented by the Purchaser's unsecured promissory note
                  payable to the Company in such amount, dated the Closing Date,
                  bearing interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum
                  (compounded monthly), maturing June 30, 1999, with all
                  principal and interest due on or before maturity, such note to
                  otherwise be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
                  the parties.

                           1.4 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5 below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Company
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                      (i) liabilities under the preneed
                           contracts described in Section 3.9, under preneed
                           contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
                           business between the date of such schedule and the
                           Closing Date, and under at-need contracts for
                           services to be performed following Closing, provided
                           that the entire amount of consideration payable by
                           the customers under at-need contracts is payable
                           following Closing or an appropriate adjustment to
                           such effect shall be made at Closing between the
                           Company and the Purchaser; and

                                     (ii) obligations arising after Closing
                           under the agreements and leases and commitments
                           described on Schedule 3.8 hereto (the "Assumed
                           Contracts").

                                      -3-

                           The Company represents to the Purchaser that the
                  Cemetery's unfunded merchandise liability (defined as the
                  estimated wholesale cost of undelivered merchandise at the
                  time of Closing) is not more than $450,000 (the "Unfunded
                  Liability"). The Purchaser agrees as part of the Assumed
                  Liabilities, it will assume the Unfunded Liability. The
                  foregoing shall not apply to any other trust fund or account
                  required to be maintained for either Home or the Cemetery.

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or more contract
                  assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, pursuant to
                  which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.5 LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4 above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Company not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities, and, in particular, the Purchaser shall not
                  assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                    (i) any notes or accounts payable of any
                           kind, regardless of whether entered into in the
                           ordinary course of business;

                                     (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Homes or the Cemetery
                           prior to the Closing Date;

                                    (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against the
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                     (iv) the liabilities and obligations under
                           any warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Company
                           prior to Closing;

                                      (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage,

                                      -4-

                           claims of hazards to health, strict liability, toxic
                           torts, enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and
                           other similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to the
                           conduct of the business and operations of the Company
                           prior to Closing; or

                                    (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6 CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company being charged and
                  credited for all of same up to and on such date and the
                  Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same after
                  such date. Utility services will be transferred to the
                  Purchaser's name on or as soon as possible after the Closing
                  Date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of
                  the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of
                  the best evidence then available, and not thereafter adjusted.

                           1.7 INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8 DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall deem necessary
                  to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit. Simultaneously
                  with such deliveries, the Company shall take all requisite
                  steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession and operating
                  control of the Assets and all of the Company's on-site
                  business records, books and other data. In addition, at the
                  Closing, the Company and the Purchaser shall coordinate with
                  one another in taking all necessary or appropriate action to
                  cause the transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section
                  3.9 including, without limitation, the obtaining

                                      -5-

                  of governmental and third party consents and, if necessary,
                  the substitution of a successor trustee by the Purchaser or a
                  designee of the Purchaser.

                           1.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company shall from time
                  to time after the Closing, without further consideration,
                  execute and deliver such instruments of transfer, conveyance
                  and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant to
                  Section 1.7), and shall take such other action, as the
                  Purchaser may reasonably request to more effectively transfer,
                  convey and assign to and vest in the Purchaser, and to put the
                  Purchaser in actual possession and control of, each of the
                  Assets.

                           1.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. On the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser may (but shall not be required to) offer employment
                  to each employee of each Home and the Cemetery. Each such
                  employee so offered employment who accepts shall, effective as
                  of the Closing Date, cease to be an employee of the Company
                  and shall thereupon become an employee of the Purchaser. At
                  the Closing, the Company shall certify as to the amount of all
                  accrued vacation and holiday benefits of the employees of the
                  Company who became employees of the Purchaser, and such amount
                  shall represent a downward adjustment to the purchase price
                  for the Assets. In addition, the Company shall remain
                  responsible for all health benefits, workers compensation
                  claims, termination and severance benefits, and any withdrawal
                  liability and rights under pension or profit sharing plans of
                  such employees through the Closing, and in no event shall the
                  Purchaser have any liability or responsibility therefor.

                           1.11 SCHOOLER-GORDON. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Company and the Purchaser shall cooperate with one another in
                  settling upon a segregation of assets, rights and properties,
                  including preneed contracts, of the Homes, on the one hand,
                  and the Company's Schooler-Gordon Funeral Home, also located
                  in Amarillo, Texas ("Schooler-Gordon"), on the other. Those
                  assets, rights and properties so agreed to be allocated to the
                  Homes shall constitute a portion of the Assets under Section
                  1.1, and those assets, rights and properties agreed to be
                  allocated to Schooler-Gordon shall be retained by the Company
                  under Section 1.2. In no event, however, shall the name
                  "Schooler-Gordon" constitute a portion of the Assets. After
                  the Closing, any preneed customer having a contract so
                  allocated to the Homes who approaches Schooler-Gordon shall
                  (unless the customer specifically requests otherwise) be
                  referred by the Company to the Homes for service, and any
                  preneed customer having a contract so allocated to
                  Schooler-Gordon who approaches

                                      -6-

                  either Home shall (unless the customer specifically requests
                  otherwise) be referred by the Purchaser to Schooler-Gordon for
                  service.

                           1.12 MEMORIAL GUARDIAN PLAN RECEIVABLES. The parties
                  acknowledge that a portion of the accounts receivables to be
                  transferred to the Purchaser as described in Section 1.1(i)
                  are owed by Memorial Guardian Plan (collectively, "Guardian
                  Plan Receivables"). The Company represents that it has not
                  pursued, outside the ordinary course of business and
                  consistent with past practice, the collection of any of the
                  accounts receivable (including the Guardian Plan Receivables)
                  presented on the March 31, 1996 list(s) of accounts receivable
                  provided to the Purchaser, and the Company agrees that it will
                  not pursue its collection activities on such accounts
                  receivable between the date hereof and the Closing Date except
                  in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
                  practice.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650,
         Houston, Texas, at 9:00 a.m. on the tenth business day following the
         Purchaser's receipt of notice of the approval by the Federal Trade
         Commission referred to in Section 7.7, or at such other date, time or
         place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event
         later than April 30, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is herein
         called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to have occurred as of
         the close of business on the Closing Date. All action to be taken at
         the Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments
         executed and delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto,
         shall be considered to have been taken, delivered or made
         simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall be
         considered as complete until all action incident to the Closing has
         been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
         represents and warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, and
                  the Company has all requisite corporate power to enter into
                  and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

                           3.2 OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY. All of the issued and
                  outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are owned
                  indirectly by the Shareholder.

                                      -7-

                           3.3 CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The respective
                  revenues and adult funeral service call averages of each Home,
                  and the revenues of the Cemetery, in each case for the twelve
                  months ended December 31, 1993-95, are in all material
                  respects as follows:

                                               December 31,
                                    1993               1994              1995
                                    ----               ----              ----
5th Street Home
         Revenues                   $820,825          $917,076          $980,310
         Call Average               $  3,392          $  3,173          $  3,756
1505 Martin Street Home
         Revenues                   $386,833          $435,816          $344,446
         Call Average               $  3,423          $  3,962          $  4,052
Cemetery
         Revenues                   $344,550          $343,275          $514,916


                  The 5th Street Home performed at least 242 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at
                  least 289 adult funeral services during the twelve months
                  ended December 31, 1994, and at least 261 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1995. The
                  Home located at 1505 Martin Street in Amarillo, Texas
                  performed at least 113 adult funeral services during the
                  twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at least 110 adult
                  funeral services during the twelve months ended December 31,
                  1994, and at least 85 adult funeral services during the twelve
                  months ended December 31, 1995. The Cemetery performed at
                  least 186 interments during the twelve months ended December
                  31, 1993, at least 204 interments during the twelve months
                  ended December 31, 1994, and at least 223 interments during
                  the twelve months ended December 31, 1995. The Cemetery Real
                  Property consists of approximately 75 acres, of which
                  approximately 28 acres have been platted, developed and
                  dedicated for cemetery use. The Cemetery has approximately
                  5,700 unsold individual grave spaces, 65 unsold niches, 220
                  unsold mausoleum crypts and 820 unsold lawn crypts.

                           3.4 TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTY. The Company is
                  in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Homes and the Cemetery, and has good and
                  indefeasible title to all of the Assets to be sold and
                  conveyed to the Purchaser under this Agreement, free and clear
                  of any and all Liens other than the Permitted Encumbrances.
                  Without limiting the

                                      -8-

                  generality of the foregoing, Financing Statement No. 87-143969
                  filed with the Secretary of State of Texas on May 28, 1987
                  does not encumber any of the Assets.

                           3.5 REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of the Real Property, which
                  constitutes all real property interests that are currently
                  used in the operation of each Home and the Cemetery. Schedule
                  3.5 also describes all Liens of any kind against the Real
                  Property. There is not pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
                  threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of
                  the Real Property or any portion thereof. Since September 30,
                  1969 (other than the period May 23, 1990 through June 1, 1992,
                  hereafter the "Excluded Period"), as to the Homes, and August
                  30, 1991, as to the Cemetery (as applicable, the "Acquisition
                  Date"), no toxic or hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S.
                  Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar state or local
                  agency) or hazardous substances (as defined under the
                  Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability
                  Act of 1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and
                  Recovery Act, as amended, or any similar state or local
                  statute or regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped or
                  released onto or from any portion of the Real Property, except
                  for substances, such as formaldehyde, that are used in the
                  operation of the Real Property as funeral homes or otherwise
                  in the ordinary course of business and have been properly
                  used, stored and disposed of in accordance with applicable
                  legal requirements, and except for any of the foregoing which
                  would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material
                  adverse impact on the financial condition, operations,
                  properties or prospects of either Home or the Cemetery. To the
                  knowledge of the Company, the Real Property is not now subject
                  to any reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of
                  any federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency
                  having jurisdiction over the Real Property. To the knowledge
                  of officers of the Company, no portion of the Real Property
                  contains any underground storage tanks or PCBs.

                           3.6 ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since June 30,
                  1995, there has not been:

                                    (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of either Home or the Cemetery;

                                     (ii) any material damage, destruction or
                           losses against either Home or the Cemetery or any
                           waiver of any rights of material value to such Home
                           or the Cemetery;

                                       -9-

                                    (iii) any claim or liability for any
                           material damages for any actual or alleged negligence
                           or other tort or breach of contract against or
                           affecting either Home or the Cemetery; or

                                     (iv) any transaction or event entered into
                           or affecting either Home or the Cemetery other than
                           in the ordinary course of the business.

                           3.7 FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all motor
                  vehicles and other material items of equipment, fixtures and
                  other fixed assets owned by the Company which are used in the
                  operation of, or in connection with, the business of the Homes
                  and the Cemetery or located thereon. All such Assets are,
                  taken as a whole, in operating condition and reasonable
                  repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                           3.8 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.8 sets
                  forth a description of each Assumed Contract applicable to
                  each Home and the Cemetery. Each Assumed Contract is valid and
                  in full force and effect and neither the Company, nor, to the
                  knowledge of the Company, any of the other parties thereto,
                  are in default thereunder.

                           3.9 PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of December 31, 1995 (except as
                  otherwise noted therein), (i) all preneed contracts of the
                  Homes and the Cemetery unfulfilled as of the date thereof,
                  including contracts for the sale of funeral and cemetery
                  merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts relating
                  to the Homes and the Cemetery, whether for preneed contracts
                  or perpetual care, indicating the location of each and the
                  balance thereof. In addition, as soon as reasonably possible
                  (but in any event within 30 days) after the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a Schedule listing the
                  information described in such clauses (i) and (ii) as the
                  Closing Date. All funds received by the Company for the Homes
                  and the Cemetery under preneed contracts and for perpetual
                  care since the applicable Acquisition Date (excluding, in the
                  case of the Homes, the Excluded Period) will, by the time of
                  Closing (to the extent required by applicable law to have been
                  deposited by such time), have been deposited in the
                  appropriate accounts, except as otherwise provided in Section
                  1.4 with respect to the Unfunded Liability, all of which funds
                  and accounts have been administered and reported in accordance
                  with the terms thereof and as required by applicable laws and
                  regulations. After the Closing, the Company will make all
                  further necessary deposits as legally required for amounts
                  collected through the Closing Date

                                      -10-

                  on all preneed and perpetual care contracts sold through the
                  Closing Date. As to all such preneed accounts outstanding on
                  the Closing Date, (i) such accounts are covered by written
                  contracts signed or approved by the customer, (ii) the direct
                  costs to be incurred by the Purchaser in providing the
                  services and merchandise called for by any unwritten
                  agreements will not exceed trusted principal and interest
                  receivable with respect thereto or (iii) the obligations of
                  the Company thereunder are no more than to apply as a credit
                  the amount of trust balances, including interest, for any
                  particular account against the price for performing the
                  service and providing products on an at-need basis. The
                  services provided by the Company at each Home since the
                  applicable Acquisition Date (other than, in the case of the
                  Homes, the Excluded Period) have been rendered in a
                  professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing
                  professional standards, practices and customs.

                           3.10 INVENTORY; ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE. The inventories
                  of the Homes and the Cemetery on the Closing Date will be
                  reflected in its books of account at cost. At Closing the
                  accounts receivable to be included within the Assets will be
                  valid and legally enforceable obligations of the account
                  parties whose names are listed in the books and records of
                  each Home and the Cemetery, as applicable, legally (but not
                  necessarily financially) collectible in accordance with their
                  terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other
                  similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. At the
                  Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser a listing,
                  certified by it to be complete and correct, of all of the
                  inventory (as of a date that is within three business days
                  prior to Closing) and accounts receivable (as of a date which
                  is within 30 days prior to Closing) of each Home and the
                  Cemetery.

                           3.11 INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company has not received
                  notice that it is charged with infringement of any patent,
                  trademark, trade secret, license or other similar proprietary
                  rights of any other person in respect of the operation of the
                  business of the Homes and the Cemetery or the use or ownership
                  of the Assets.

                           3.12 LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. The Company possesses
                  all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents,
                  rights and privileges necessary or appropriate to the conduct
                  of the operations of each Home and the Cemetery, including
                  (without limitation) all permits necessary for compliance with
                  all applicable environmental laws, except for any such
                  license, franchise, permit, certificate, consent, right or
                  privilege

                                      -11-

                  the absence of which would not, individually or in the
                  aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of either Home or
                  the Cemetery or any substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.13 LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.7, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against or
                  affecting the Company (with respect to the operation of the
                  Homes and the Cemetery) or any of the Assets, at law or in
                  equity or before or by any court or federal, state, municipal
                  or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of
                  either Home or the Cemetery or any substantial portion of the
                  Assets. The Company is not subject to any continuing court or
                  administrative order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any
                  court or foreign, federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, in respect of the operation of the Homes and
                  the Cemetery or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each Home and the Cemetery
                  have been operated at all times since the applicable
                  Acquisition Dates (excluding, in the case of the Homes, the
                  Excluded Period) in compliance with all federal, state,
                  municipal and other statutes, rules, ordinances and
                  regulations applicable to such Home and the Cemetery, the
                  operation thereof and the Assets to be sold and conveyed to
                  the Purchaser hereunder, except for any such noncompliance
                  which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
                  material adverse effect on the financial condition, business,
                  operations or prospects of either Home or the Cemetery or any
                  substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.15 EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.15 hereto lists the name,
                  current annual salary rate and sum of all other direct
                  monetary compensation in addition to salary received during
                  the calendar year 1995 of each employee of the Homes and the
                  Cemetery. Other than as listed on Schedule 3.8, there are no
                  agreements relating to the employment of any such employee,
                  including any collective bargaining agreement.

                                      -12-

                           3.16 FINDERS. The Company is not a party to or in any
                  way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there
                  are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any
                  broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           3.17 AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                  authorized by all necessary corporate action required on its
                  part. This Agreement is legally binding and enforceable
                  against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the
                  execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by the
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the Company
                  or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.18 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Company hereunder or in any Schedules
                  or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, do
                  not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material
                  fact or, to the knowledge of the Company, omit to state a
                  material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
         Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that:

                           4.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly
                  qualified as a foreign corporation in the State of Texas.

                           4.2 AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict

                                      -13-

                  with or result in a violation or breach of any term or
                  provision of, nor constitute a default under, the Certificate
                  of Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                  decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body. At or prior to Closing, the Purchaser will have made all
                  necessary applications and obtained all necessary licenses and
                  permits, if any, which, together with the transfer of the
                  Company's transferrable licenses and permits described in
                  Section 1.1(viii), will be required in order to enable the
                  Purchaser to acquire the Assets hereunder and consummate the
                  Closing.

                           4.3 FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Company pursuant hereto or
                  thereto, do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
                  material fact or, to the Purchaser's knowledge, omit to state
                  a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY PENDING CLOSING. The Company
         covenants and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           5.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of each Home and
                  the Cemetery will be operated only in the ordinary course,
                  and, in particular, without the prior written consent of the
                  Purchaser, the Company will not cause or permit any of the
                  following actions to occur:

                                      (i) cancel or permit any insurance
                           applicable to the Assets or either Home or the
                           Cemetery to lapse or terminate, unless renewed or
                           replaced by like coverage;

                                     (ii) commit any act or permit the
                           occurrence of any event or the existence of any
                           condition of the type described in clause (iv) of
                           Section 3.6; in addition, if any of the other events

                                      -14-

                           described in Section 3.6 occurs, the Company will
                           promptly notify the Purchaser of the existence and
                           nature of such event;

                                    (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                     (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of
                           the fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7, except
                           for any items disposed of that are replaced by items
                           of equivalent quality; or

                                      (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of either Home or the
                           Cemetery.

                           5.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Company will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
                  accountants and other representatives, full and free access to
                  all of the on-site properties, books, contracts, commitments
                  and records of the Homes and the Cemetery so that the
                  Purchaser may have full opportunity to make such investigation
                  as it shall desire to make of the business, affairs and
                  properties of the Homes and the Cemetery, provided such
                  investigation is conducted so as not to unreasonably interfere
                  with the normal day-to-day operations of either Home or the
                  Cemetery.

                           5.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company will use its
                  best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of
                  other persons which may be required to be obtained on its part
                  and on the part of the Company to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement, including (without limitation)
                  the approval of the Federal Trade Commission described in
                  Section 7.7.

                           5.4 NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in
                  effect, the Company agrees that it shall not enter into any
                  agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage
                  any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise
                  hold any discussions with any potential buyers, investment
                  bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
                  disposition of all or any substantial portion of the assets
                  and business of either Home or the Cemetery, or any other sale
                  of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or
                  stock or otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided,
                  however, that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock
                  may occur with the Shareholder or one or more of its direct or
                  indirect wholly owned subsidiaries,

                                      -15-

                  provided that the successor entity joins in the execution of
                  this Agreement to expressly acknowledge the assumption of the
                  obligations hereunder of the applicable Company.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
         covenants with the Company that:

                           6.1 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.7.

                           6.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Company from
                  any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Company, including its accountants or legal counsel, or from
                  any books or records of them, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason,
                  all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
                  from the Company or its representatives in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned
                  to the Company.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
         of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                           7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Company in Section 3 hereof; the representations
                  and warranties made by the Company herein shall be deemed to
                  have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
                  shall then be true and correct; the Company shall have
                  performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
                  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
                  it at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
                  received a certificate,

                                      -16-

                  signed by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect
                  of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                  7.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of internal counsel for the
         Company, to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Company is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of its state of incorporation and has
                           all requisite corporate power to enter into and
                           perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Company and enforceable against it in
                           accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Company of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Company or under any material loan or credit
                           agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
                           other contract or agreement known to such counsel and
                           to which the Company is a party or by which it or its
                           property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Company or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for any consents which have already
                           been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Company and certificates
                  of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
                  Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
                  any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
                  creditors rights and by

                                      -17-

                  principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
                  law and the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                           7.3 NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of either Home
                  or the Cemetery (regardless of whether such loss or damage was
                  insured), the effect of which would have a material adverse
                  effect on the condition, business, operations or prospects of
                  such Home or the Cemetery.

                           7.4 APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE. The Purchaser shall
                  have received an environmental questionnaire (on forms
                  provided by the Purchaser and its lender) for each Home, the
                  Cemetery and the Real Property, completed and signed by the
                  Manager or other supervisory employee of each Home and the
                  Cemetery, and such questionnaire shall be satisfactory to
                  Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                           7.6 FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser represents
                  that it has received from Texas Commerce Bank National
                  Association a written commitment providing for the extension
                  of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  condition to Closing that such commitment shall have been
                  funded in such amount contemporaneously with the Closing,
                  provided that the Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations
                  under such commitment. The Company acknowledges that it is a
                  condition to the funding of such commitment that the
                  Shareholder shall have unconditionally guaranteed the
                  indebtedness to be advanced pursuant thereto.

                           7.7 FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
                  received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser and
                  the transactions described herein by the Federal Trade
                  Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's Decision and Order in
                  Service Corporation International, Commission Docket No.
                  C-3646. In addition, the Shareholder and the Company shall
                  have obtained all other necessary or appropriate consents and
                  approvals of other

                                      -18-

                  persons and governmental authorities to the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement.

                           7.8 TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Company's expense) for each parcel of Real Property in an
                  amount mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy
                  shall be issued by a title company with offices in each County
                  in which the Real Property is located and reasonably
                  acceptable to the Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a
                  "Title Company"), insuring that Purchaser is the owner of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in effect in
                  the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however, that such
                  policy shall be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
                  Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.9 SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
                  Company's expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall be sufficient for each Title Company to delete
                  the survey exception contained in the owner policy of title
                  insurance referred to in Section 7.8, save and except for the
                  phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and
                  content reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its lender.

                           7.10 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by: the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and Fort Myers Memorial
                  Gardens, Inc.; the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and SCI Funeral Services of
                  Florida, Inc. ("SCI-Florida") (relating to Oaklawn Memorial
                  Gardens & Mausoleum); and the Asset Purchase Agreement of even
                  date herewith between the Purchaser and SCI-Florida (relating
                  to Brevard (North) Funeral Home and Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral
                  Home) (all of the foregoing being hereinafter referred to as
                  the "Other Purchase Agreements"); all shall have been
                  consummated substantially contemporaneously with the Closing
                  under this Agreement (except to the extent that, in the case
                  of such Agreement relating to Oaklawn Memorial Gardens &

                                      -19-

                  Mausoleum, the closing thereunder is delayed pending approval
                  by the Florida Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services as
                  described therein).

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations
         of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Company in
         writing:

                           8.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Company shall not have discovered any material
                  error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein
                  shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time
                  of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Company shall have received a certificate, signed by an
                  executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Company an opinion of Snell &
                  Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser,
                  to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the State of Texas;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other

                                      -20-

                           contract or agreement known to such counsel and to
                           which Purchaser is a party or by which it or its
                           property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Company at Closing. Any opinion as to the
                  enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
                  affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
                  opinion may be limited to federal law, the internal laws of
                  the State of Texas and the General Corporation Law of the
                  State of Delaware.

                           8.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.7, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                           8.4 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by the Other Purchase Agreements shall have been
                  consummated substantially contemporaneously with the Closing
                  under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided in Section
                  7.10).

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1 NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in
                  this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                           9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which

                                      -21-

                  time they shall terminate (except as to claims which are then
                  pending by written notice delivered prior to the expiration of
                  such two-year period).

                  10.      INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PURCHASER AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
                  DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, COSTS OR EXPENSES (ANY ONE
                  SUCH ITEM BEING HEREIN CALLED A "LOSS" AND ALL SUCH ITEMS
                  BEING HEREIN COLLECTIVELY CALLED "LOSSES") WHICH ARE CAUSED BY
                  OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE PERFORMANCE
                  BY THE COMPANY OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF THE COMPANY
                  CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
                  INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE COMPANY
                  HEREIN, IN ANY SCHEDULE DELIVERED TO THE PURCHASER PURSUANT
                  HERETO OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT DELIVERED BY
                  OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM
                  MADE AGAINST THE PURCHASER IN RESPECT OF ANY LIABILITIES OR
                  OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY (WHETHER ABSOLUTE OR CONTINGENT,
                  KNOWN OR UNKNOWN) OTHER THAN THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES, AND (IV)
                  ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL
                  FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. THE PURCHASER
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPANY AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY LOSSES WHICH ARE
                  CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE
                  PERFORMANCE BY THE PURCHASER OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF
                  THE PURCHASER CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF
                  WARRANTY OR INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE
                  PURCHASER HEREIN OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT
                  DELIVERED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE PURCHASER PURSUANT HERETO,
                  (III) ANY CLAIM MADE AGAINST THE COMPANY IN RESPECT OF THE
                  ASSUMED LIABILITIES OR BASED ON ANY SET OF FACTS ARISING AFTER
                  THE CLOSING AND RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF EITHER HOME OR THE
                  CEMETERY, AND (IV) ANY AND ALL ACTIONS SUITS, PROCEEDINGS,
                  CLAIMS, DEMANDS, JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING
                  REASONABLE LEGAL FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.3 THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in

                                      -22-

                  the defense thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by
                  advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
                  settlement if the indemnifying party is, or will be, required
                  to pay any amounts in connection therewith. Notwithstanding
                  the foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of
                  the indemnified party's notice described above, the
                  indemnifying party indicates in writing to the indemnified
                  party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be
                  fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided
                  herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the right to
                  control the defense of such claim, provided that the
                  indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in
                  the defense thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by
                  advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
                  settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would
                  be, affected thereby.

                           10.4 BROOKS INDEMNITY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE
                  GENERALITY OF SECTION 10.1 ABOVE, THE COMPANY HEREBY AGREES TO
                  INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PURCHASER AND ITS SUCCESSORS
                  AND ASSIGNS FROM ALL LOSSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
                  ALL ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS'
                  FEES) ARISING OUT OF ANY CLAIM WHATSOEVER RELATED TO THE BILL
                  OF SALE DATED MAY 1, 1992 EXECUTED BETWEEN SCHOOLER-GORDON
                  FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., AS "SELLER," AND BROOKS FUNERAL
                  DIRECTORS OF CANYON, INC., AS "BUYER," INCLUDING THE
                  PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH THEREOF. SUCH
                  INDEMNITY SHALL INCLUDE BUT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO ANY CLAIMS
                  OF TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE AGAINST THE PURCHASER OR OTHER
                  SIMILAR CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE PURCHASER'S ACQUISITION OF THE
                  HOMES.

                  11.      TERMINATION.

                           11.1 BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company
                  agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
                  of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof and the
                  Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
                  satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual consent of the Company and
                           the Purchaser;

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by the Company in the observance or in
                           the due and timely performance by any of its
                           covenants

                                      -23-

                           herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                           material breach or misrepresentation by the Company
                           of any of its warranties and representations herein
                           contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
                           be complied with or performed by the Company at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Purchaser in writing, and any such default,
                           breach, or noncompliance shall continue uncured for a
                           period of ten (10) days after notice thereof is given
                           to the Company;

                                    (c) the Company if a material default shall
                           be made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the
                           due and timely performance by the Purchaser of any of
                           the covenants of the Purchaser herein contained, or
                           if there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any of its
                           warranties and representations herein contained, or
                           if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied
                           with or performed by the Purchaser at or before the
                           Closing shall not have been complied with or
                           performed at the time required for such compliance or
                           performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance
                           shall not have been expressly waived by the Company
                           in writing, and any such default, breach, or
                           noncompliance shall continue uncured for a period of
                           ten (10) days after notice thereof is given to the
                           Purchaser; or

                                    (d) the Company or the Purchaser, if for any
                           reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on or
                           before April 30, 1996.

                           11.3 LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
                  terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no
                  party shall have any liability to any other party hereunder.
                  If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of
                  Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement
                  shall not have any liability to any other party hereto,
                  provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination.

                                      -24-

                  12.      MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1 EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the
                  parties shall each pay their own expenses in connection with
                  the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this
                  Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein, and in no event shall any such expenses
                  of the Company constitute an Assumed Liability hereunder.

                           12.2 BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of the Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of the
                  Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Company in
                  the case of claims arising under any other liabilities of the
                  Company.

                           12.3 TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Company, other than motor
                  vehicle transfer taxes (for which the Purchaser assumes
                  responsibility).

                           12.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                   (i)  if to the Company, to:

                                        Service Corporation International
                                        1929 Allen Parkway
                                        Houston, Texas  77019
                                        Attn:  President

                                        with a copy to:

                                       General Counsel
                                       Service Corporation International
                                       1929 Allen Parkway
                                       Houston, Texas  77019

                                   (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                       CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                                       1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                       Houston, Texas  77056
                                       Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                      -25-

                                       with a copy to:

                                       Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                       1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                       Houston, Texas 77002
                                       Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any
                  party to the other parties hereto.

                           12.5 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all other parties
                  hereto, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Company to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser
                  (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise), provided
                  that the Purchaser shall not thereby be relieved of its
                  obligations hereunder.

                           12.6 SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors and assigns.

                           12.7 SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                           12.8 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by
                  an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof (including, without limitation, the
                  letter of intent between the Purchaser and the Shareholder
                  dated April 2, 1996).

                           12.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
                  counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
                  all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.


                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President


                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 SCI TEXAS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.


                                 By: CURT G. BRIGGS
                                     CURTIS G. BRIGGS, Vice President

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE                                 DESCRIPTION

  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.8                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
  3.15                                  Employees

                                      -28-

                                                                   Exhibit 10.14

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of April 10, 1996, between CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), and SCI
FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC., a Florida corporation (the "Company");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates (i) the Brevard (North)
Funeral Home located at 1450 Norwood Avenue in Titusville, Brevard County,
Florida (the "Brevard Home"), and (ii) the Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home
located at 1600 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida (the
"Harvey-Engelhardt Home"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Brevard Home and
the Harvey-Engelhardt Home (collectively, the "Homes") from the Company, on the
terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.


                           1.1 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the
                  Homes described below, as they shall exist at the time of the
                  Closing (collectively, the "Assets"), excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2:

                                    (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                    (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories,
                           monuments and other goods and inventories;

                                    (iii) the ten (10) motor vehicles described
                           on Schedule 3.7, and the other machinery, equipment,
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed
                           assets and property, plant and equipment of the
                           Homes, including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                                    (iv) fee simple title to the real property
                           and improvements on which the Brevard Home is located
                           as described on Schedule 3.5 (the "Brevard Real
                           Property") and the Company's leasehold interests in
                           the real property and improvements on which the
                           Harvey-Engelhardt Home is located as described on
                           Schedule 3.5 (the "Harvey-Engelhardt Real Property"),
                           under the Lease Agreement dated January 31, 1990 (the
                           "Harvey-Engelhardt Lease") between Cy J. Case,
                           Trustee (the "Landlord") and Stillbrooke Corporation
                           of South Florida, predecessor in interest to the
                           Company (the Brevard Real Property and the
                           Harvey-Engelhardt Real Property being hereafter
                           collectively referred to as the "Real Property");

                                    (v) all cash balances in bank accounts,
                           certificates of deposit and other investments, but
                           only if such cash balances or certificates of deposit
                           are committed fund obligations under preneed
                           contracts;

                                    (vi) the rights of the Company under
                           pre-need contracts and the other agreements, leases
                           and commitments described on Schedules 3.8 and 3.9;

                                    (vii) all rights owned or held by the
                           Company to the names "Brevard (North) Funeral Home"
                           and "Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home", and all
                           derivatives thereof and goodwill associated with the
                           foregoing;

                                    (viii) all transferrable permits and
                           licenses, and all books, records, brochures and
                           literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                           industrial accident and other similar funds, and
                           prepaid items;

                                    (ix) All right to receive condemnation
                           proceeds, if any, in connection with the proceeding
                           styled LEE COUNTY V. STILLBROOKE CORP., No. 94-8863
                           CA RWOP in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth
                           Judicial Circuit in Lee County, Florida (the
                           "Condemnation Proceeding"); and

                                    (x) all other assets, rights and properties
                           owned or held by the Company at the time of Closing
                           and used in the operation of, or in connection with,
                           the business of the Homes or located thereon,
                           excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the
                  Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against real
                  property described on Schedule 3.5 that are approved by the
                  Purchaser (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                           1.2 RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded

                                      -2-

                  from the purchase and sale contemplated hereby and are
                  therefore not included in the Assets:

                                      (i) all cash on hand or on deposit,
                           including bank account balances, certificates of
                           deposit and marketable securities, excluding,
                           however, account balances, certificates of deposit
                           and other investments described in Section 1.1(v);

                                     (ii) intercompany accounts and notes
                           receivable owed to the Company by its indirect
                           corporate parent, Service Corporation International,
                           a Texas corporation (the "Shareholder"), or any of
                           its affiliates which do not arise out of the sale of
                           goods or services of the Company;

                                    (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seals of the
                           Company, and any shares of the Company's capital
                           stock held in its treasury;

                                     (iv) the Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                      (v) all assets, rights and properties of
                           funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by
                           the Company, other than the Homes.

                           1.3 PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the Assets
                  shall be $3,284,119, of which $3,000,000 shall be paid in cash
                  at Closing by wire transfer to such account as the Company
                  shall designate prior to Closing, and $284,119 shall be
                  represented by the Purchaser's unsecured promissory note
                  payable to the Company in such amount, dated the Closing Date,
                  bearing interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum
                  (compounded monthly), maturing June 30, 1999, with all
                  principal and interest due on or before maturity, such note to
                  otherwise be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
                  the parties.

                           1.4 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5 below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Company
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                      (i) liabilities under the preneed
                           contracts described in Section 3.9, under preneed
                           contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
                           business between the date of such schedule and the

                                      -3-

                           Closing Date, and under at-need contracts for
                           services to be performed following Closing, provided
                           that the entire amount of consideration payable by
                           the customers under at-need contracts is payable
                           following Closing or an appropriate adjustment to
                           such effect shall be made at Closing between the
                           Company and the Purchaser; and

                                     (ii) obligations arising after Closing
                           under the agreements and leases and commitments
                           described on Schedule 3.8 hereto (the "Assumed
                           Contracts").

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or more contract
                  assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, pursuant to
                  which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.5 LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4 above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Company not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities, and, in particular, the Purchaser shall not
                  assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                    (i) any notes or accounts payable of any
                           kind, regardless of whether entered into in the
                           ordinary course of business;

                                    (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Homes prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                    (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against the
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                     (iv) the liabilities and obligations under
                           any warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Company
                           prior to Closing;

                                      -4-

                                      (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to the
                           conduct of the business and operations of the Company
                           prior to Closing; or

                                    (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6 CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company being charged and
                  credited for all of same up to and on such date and the
                  Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same after
                  such date. Utility services will be transferred to the
                  Purchaser's name on or as soon as possible after the Closing
                  Date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of
                  the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of
                  the best evidence then available, and not thereafter adjusted.

                           1.7 INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8 DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall deem necessary
                  to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit. Simultaneously
                  with such deliveries, the Company shall take all requisite
                  steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession and operating
                  control of the Assets and all of the Company's on-site
                  business records, books and other data. In addition, at the
                  Closing, the Company and the Purchaser shall coordinate with
                  one another in taking all necessary or appropriate action to

                                      -5-

                  cause the transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section
                  3.9 including, without limitation, the obtaining of
                  governmental and third party consents and, if necessary, the
                  substitution of a successor trustee by the Purchaser or a
                  designee of the Purchaser. Without limiting the generality of
                  the foregoing, the Company shall use its best efforts in
                  segregating all preneed accounts and trusted funds applicable
                  to the Homes which are part of the Sun Bank MGP Trust and the
                  NationsBank Insurance Investment and shall assist the
                  Purchaser in transferring the same to trusts established by or
                  through the Purchaser.

                           1.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company shall from time
                  to time after the Closing, without further consideration,
                  execute and deliver such instruments of transfer, conveyance
                  and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant to
                  Section 1.7), and shall take such other action, as the
                  Purchaser may reasonably request to more effectively transfer,
                  convey and assign to and vest in the Purchaser, and to put the
                  Purchaser in actual possession and control of, each of the
                  Assets.

                           1.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. On the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser may (but shall not be required to) offer employment
                  to each employee of each Home. Each such employee so offered
                  employment who accepts shall, effective as of the Closing
                  Date, cease to be an employee of the Company and shall
                  thereupon become an employee of the Purchaser. At the Closing,
                  the Company shall certify as to the amount of all accrued
                  vacation and holiday benefits as of the Closing Date of the
                  employees of the Company who become employees of the
                  Purchaser, and such amount shall represent a downward
                  adjustment to the purchase price for the Assets. In addition,
                  the Company shall remain responsible for all health benefits,
                  workers compensation claims, termination and severance
                  benefits, and any withdrawal liability and rights under
                  pension or profit sharing plans of such employees through the
                  Closing, and in no event shall the Purchaser have any
                  liability or responsibility therefor.

                           1.11 USE OF CREMATORY. The Company agrees that the
                  Harvey-Engelhardt Home may, for a period of three (3) years
                  following the Closing Date, use the Southeastern Crematory
                  located at 5500 Williamsburg in Punta Gorda, Florida (or any
                  successor location) at a charge of $47.00 per disposition,
                  provided that during such three-year period such charge to the
                  Purchaser shall be subject to increase commensurate with any
                  bona fide increase in internal cost-allocation charges by such
                  crematory to other funeral homes of the Company and its
                  affiliates.

                                      -6-

                  In case of any such increase, the Company shall provide the
                  Purchaser with the same advance notice thereof as the
                  Shareholder provides to such other funeral homes.

                           1.12 CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING. As provided in Section
                  1.1(ix), the Purchaser shall at the Closing acquire all right
                  to receive condemnation proceeds, if any, resulting from the
                  Condemnation Proceeding, and if prior to the Closing the
                  Company has theretofore received any such proceeds from the
                  condemning authority, the Company shall remit the same to the
                  Purchaser at the Closing. From and after the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser shall control the tenant's prosecution of the
                  Condemnation Proceeding and shall be responsible for all costs
                  and expenses, including professional fees, incurred in
                  connection therewith. The Company makes no warranty as to
                  whether any condemnation proceeds will be paid or the amount
                  thereof.

                           1.13 MEMORIAL GUARDIAN PLAN RECEIVABLES. The parties
                  acknowledge that a portion of the accounts receivables to be
                  transferred to the Purchaser as described in Section 1.1(i)
                  are owed by Memorial Guardian Plan (collectively, "Guardian
                  Plan Receivables"). The Company represents that it has not
                  pursued, outside the ordinary course of business and
                  consistent with past practice, the collection of any of the
                  accounts receivable (including the Guardian Plan Receivables)
                  presented on the March 31, 1996 list(s) of accounts receivable
                  provided to the Purchaser, and the Company agrees that it will
                  not pursue its collection activities on such accounts
                  receivable between the date hereof and the Closing Date except
                  in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
                  practice.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650,
         Houston, Texas, at 9:00 a.m. on the tenth business day following the
         Purchaser's receipt of notice of the approval by the Federal Trade
         Commission referred to in Section 7.7, or at such other date, time or
         place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event
         later than April 30, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is herein
         called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to have occurred as of
         the close of business on the Closing Date. All action to be taken at
         the Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments
         executed and delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto,
         shall be considered to have been taken, delivered or made
         simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall be
         considered as complete until all action incident to the Closing has
         been completed.

                                      -7-

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
         represents and warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, and
                  it has all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                  its obligations under this Agreement.

                           3.2 OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY. All of the issued and
                  outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are owned
                  indirectly by the Shareholder.

                           3.3 CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The respective
                  revenues and adult funeral service call averages of the Homes
                  for the twelve months ended December 31, 1993-95, are in all
                  material respects as follows:

                                                      December 31,
                                         1993            1994            1995
                                      ----------      ----------      ----------
Brevard Home
         Revenues ..............      $1,116,930      $1,186,314      $1,150,696
         Call Average ..........      $    2,207      $    2,260      $    2,243
Harvey-Engelhardt Home
         Revenues ..............      $  854,508      $  820,036      $  844,816
         Call Average ..........      $    2,059      $    1,855      $    1,680


                           The Brevard Home performed at least 506 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at
                  least 525 adult funeral services during the twelve months
                  ended December 31, 1994, and at least 513 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1995. The
                  Harvey-Engelhardt Home performed at least 415 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at
                  least 442 adult funeral services during the twelve months
                  ended December 31, 1994, and at least 503 adult funeral
                  services during the twelve months ended December 31, 1995.

                           3.4 TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTY. The Company is
                  in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Homes, and has good and indefeasible title to
                  all of the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the Purchaser
                  under this Agreement, free and clear of any and all Liens
                  other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

                                      -8-

                           3.5 REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of the Real Property, which
                  constitutes all interests in real property that are currently
                  used in the operation of each Home. Schedule 3.5 also
                  describes all Liens of any kind against the Real Property. The
                  Harvey-Engelhardt Lease is in full force and effect, the
                  Company is the current and valid "Tenant" thereunder, and
                  neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, the
                  Landlord is in default thereunder. The current base rent under
                  the Harvey-Engelhardt Lease, after giving effect to all
                  adjustments thereunder (including adjustments, if any, in
                  respect of the condemnation proceeding referred to in Section
                  1.12), is $8,336.30. There is not pending or, to the Company's
                  knowledge, threatened any proceeding for the taking or
                  condemnation of the Real Property or any portion thereof.
                  Since November 27, 1991, as to the Brevard Home, and December
                  1, 1990, as to the Harvey-Engelhardt Home (as applicable, the
                  "Acquisition Date"), no toxic or hazardous wastes (as defined
                  by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar
                  state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as defined
                  under the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and
                  Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or the Resource
                  Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or any similar
                  state or local statute or regulation) have been generated,
                  stored, dumped or released onto or from any portion of the
                  Real Property, except for substances, such as formaldehyde,
                  that are used in the operation of the Real Property as funeral
                  homes or otherwise in the ordinary course of business and have
                  been properly used, stored and disposed of in accordance with
                  applicable legal requirements, and except for any of the
                  foregoing which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
                  have a material adverse impact on the financial condition,
                  operations, properties or prospects of either Home. To the
                  knowledge of the Company, the Real Property is not now subject
                  to any reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of
                  any federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency
                  having jurisdiction over the Real Property. To the knowledge
                  of officers of the Company, no portion of the Real Property
                  contains any underground storage tanks (except for two
                  underground storage tanks at the Harvey-Engelhardt Home that
                  are abandoned and no longer in use) or PCBs.

                           3.6 ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since June 30,
                  1995, there has not been:

                                    (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of either Home;

                                      -9-

                                    (ii) any material damage, destruction or
                           losses against either Home or any waiver of any
                           rights of material value to such Home;

                                    (iii) any claim or liability for any
                           material damages for any actual or alleged negligence
                           or other tort or breach of contract against or
                           affecting either Home; or

                                    (iv) any transaction or event entered into
                           or affecting either Home other than in the ordinary
                           course of the business.

                           3.7 FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all motor
                  vehicles and other material items of equipment, fixtures and
                  other fixed assets owned by the Company which are used in the
                  operation of, or in connection with, the business of the Homes
                  or located thereon. All such Assets are, taken as a whole, in
                  operating condition and reasonable repair, ordinary wear and
                  tear excepted.

                           3.8 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.8 sets
                  forth a description of each Assumed Contract applicable to
                  each Home. Each Assumed Contract is valid and in full force
                  and effect and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge of
                  the Company, any of the other parties thereto, is in default
                  thereunder.

                           3.9 PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of February 28, 1996 (except as
                  otherwise noted therein), (i) all preneed contracts of the
                  Homes unfulfilled as of the date thereof, including contracts
                  for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all
                  trust accounts relating to the Homes, indicating the location
                  of each and the balance thereof. In addition, as soon as
                  reasonably possible (but in any event within 30 days) after
                  the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a
                  Schedule listing the information described in such clauses (i)
                  and (ii) as the Closing Date. All funds received by the
                  Company for the Homes under preneed contracts since the
                  applicable Acquisition Date will, by the time of Closing (to
                  the extent required by applicable law to have been deposited
                  by such time), have been deposited in the appropriate
                  accounts, all of which funds and accounts have been
                  administered and reported in accordance with the terms thereof
                  and as required by applicable laws and regulations. After the
                  Closing, the Company will make all necessary deposits as
                  legally required for amounts collected through the Closing
                  Date on all preneed contracts sold through the Closing Date.
                  As to all such preneed accounts outstanding on the Clos-

                                      -10-

                  ing Date, (i) such accounts are covered by written contracts
                  signed or approved by the customer, (ii) the direct costs to
                  be incurred by the Purchaser in providing the services and
                  merchandise called for by any unwritten agreements will not
                  exceed trusted principal and interest receivable with respect
                  thereto or (iii) the obligations of the Company thereunder are
                  no more than to apply as a credit the amount of trust
                  balances, including interest, for any particular account
                  against the price for performing the service and providing
                  products on an at-need basis. The services provided by the
                  Company at each Home since the applicable Acquisition Date
                  have been rendered in a professional and competent manner
                  consistent with prevailing professional standards, practices
                  and customs. All preneed contracts of the Harvey-Engelhardt
                  Home have been properly segregated from these for other
                  funeral homes of the Company and its affiliates; no contract
                  described on Schedule 3.9 is for goods or services to be
                  provided by any such other funeral home, and at Closing there
                  will be no contract providing for goods or services to be
                  furnished by the Harvey-Engelhardt Home that will not be on
                  the Closing Date list referred to above.

                           3.10 INVENTORY; ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE. The inventories
                  of the Homes on the Closing Date will be reflected in its
                  books of account at cost. At Closing the accounts receivable
                  to be included within the Assets will be valid and legally
                  enforceable obligations of the account parties whose names are
                  listed in the books and records of each Home, as applicable,
                  legally (but not necessarily financially) collectible in
                  accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
                  creditors' rights generally. At the Closing, the Company will
                  deliver to the Purchaser a listing, certified by it to be
                  complete and correct, of all of each Home's inventory (as of a
                  date that is within three business days prior to Closing) and
                  accounts receivable (as of a date which is within 30 days
                  prior to Closing).

                           3.11 INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company has not received
                  notice that it is charged with infringement of any patent,
                  trademark, trade secret, license or other similar proprietary
                  rights of any other person in respect of the operation of the
                  business of the Homes or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.12 LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. The Company possesses
                  all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents,
                  rights and privileges necessary or appropriate to the conduct
                  of the operations of each Home, including

                                      -11-

                  (without limitation) all permits necessary for compliance with
                  all applicable environmental laws, except for any such
                  license, franchise, permit, certificate, consent, right or
                  privilege the absence of which would not, individually or in
                  the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of either Home or
                  any substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.13 LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.7, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against or
                  affecting the Company (with respect to the operation of the
                  Homes) or any of the Assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of
                  either Home or any substantial portion of the Assets. The
                  Company is not subject to any continuing court or
                  administrative order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any
                  court or foreign, federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, in respect of the operation of the Homes or
                  the use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each Home has been
                  operated at all times since the applicable Acquisition Date in
                  compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other
                  statutes, rules, ordinances and regulations applicable to such
                  Home, the operation thereof and the Assets to be sold and
                  conveyed to the Purchaser hereunder, except for any such
                  noncompliance which would not, individually or in the
                  aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of either Home or
                  any substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.15 EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.15 hereto lists the name,
                  current annual salary rate and sum of all other direct
                  monetary compensation in addition to salary received during
                  the calendar year 1995 of each employee of the Homes. Other
                  than as listed on Schedule 3.8, there are no agreements
                  relating to the employment of any such employee, including any
                  collective bargaining agreement.

                                      -12-

                           3.16 FINDERS. The Company is not a party to or in any
                  way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there
                  are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any
                  broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           3.17 AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                  authorized by all necessary corporate action required on its
                  part. This Agreement is legally binding and enforceable
                  against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the
                  execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by the
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the Company
                  or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.18 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Company hereunder or in any Schedules
                  or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, do
                  not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material
                  fact or, to the knowledge of the Company, omit to state a
                  material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
         Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that:

                           4.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly
                  qualified as a foreign corporation in the State of Florida.

                           4.2 AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                  violation or breach of any term

                                      -13-

                  or provision of, nor constitute a default under, the
                  Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser or
                  under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                  or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  property is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                  decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body. At or prior to Closing, the Purchaser will have made all
                  necessary applications and obtained all necessary licenses and
                  permits, if any, which, together with the transfer of the
                  Company's transferrable licenses and permits described in
                  Section 1.1(viii), will be required in order to enable the
                  Purchaser to acquire the Assets hereunder and consummate the
                  Closing.

                           4.3 FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Company pursuant hereto or
                  thereto, do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
                  material fact or, to the Purchaser's knowledge, omit to state
                  a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY PENDING CLOSING. The Company
         covenants and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           5.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of each Home will
                  be operated only in the ordinary course, and, in particular,
                  without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the
                  Company will not cause or permit any of the following actions
                  to occur:

                                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance
                           applicable to the Assets or either Home to lapse or
                           terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like
                           coverage;

                                    (ii) commit any act or permit the occurrence
                           of any event or the existence of any condition of the
                           type described in clause (iv) of Section 3.6; in
                           addition, if any of the other events described in
                           Section 3.6 occurs, the Company will

                                      -14-

                           promptly notify the Purchaser of the existence and
                           nature of such event;

                                    (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                    (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of the
                           fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7, except for
                           any items disposed of that are replaced by items of
                           equivalent quality; or

                                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of either Home.

                           5.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Company will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
                  accountants and other representatives, full and free access to
                  all of the on-site properties, books, contracts, commitments
                  and records of the Homes so that the Purchaser may have full
                  opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to
                  make of the business, affairs and properties of the Homes,
                  provided such investigation is conducted so as not to
                  unreasonably interfere with the normal day-to-day operations
                  of either Home.

                           5.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company will use its
                  best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of
                  other persons which may be required to be obtained on its part
                  and on the part of the Company to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement, including (without limitation)
                  the approval of the Federal Trade Commission described in
                  Section 7.7.

                           5.4 NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in
                  effect, the Company agrees that it shall not enter into any
                  agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage
                  any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise
                  hold any discussions with any potential buyers, investment
                  bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
                  disposition of all or any substantial portion of the assets
                  and business of either Home or any other sale of the Company
                  (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or
                  otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided, however,
                  that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock may occur
                  with the Shareholder or one or more of its direct or indirect
                  wholly owned subsidiaries, provided that the successor entity
                  joins in the execution of this Agreement to expressly
                  acknowledge the assumption of the obligations hereunder of the
                  applicable Company.

                                      -15-

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
         covenants with the Company that:

                           6.1 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.7.

                           6.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Company from
                  any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Company, including its accountants or legal counsel, or from
                  any books or records of them, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason,
                  all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
                  from the Company or its representatives in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned
                  to the Company.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
         of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                           7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Company in Section 3 hereof; the representations
                  and warranties made by the Company herein shall be deemed to
                  have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
                  shall then be true and correct; the Company shall have
                  performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
                  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
                  it at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
                  received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the
                  Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
                  Section 7.1.

                                      -16-

                           7.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused
                  to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of internal
                  counsel for the Company, to the effect that:

                                    (i) the Company is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of its state of incorporation and has
                           all requisite corporate power to enter into and
                           perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Company and enforceable against it in
                           accordance with its terms;

                                    (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Company of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Company or under any material loan or credit
                           agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
                           other contract or agreement known to such counsel and
                           to which the Company is a party or by which it or its
                           property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of
                           or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Company or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for any consents which have already
                           been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Company and certificates
                  of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
                  Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
                  any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
                  creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may
                  be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State
                  of Texas.

                                      -17-

                           7.3 NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of either Home
                  (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured), the
                  effect of which would have a material adverse effect on the
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of such Home.

                           7.4 APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE. The Purchaser shall
                  have received an environmental questionnaire (on forms
                  provided by the Purchaser and its lender) for each Home and
                  the Real Property, completed and signed by the Manager or
                  other supervisory employee of each Home, and such
                  questionnaire shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole
                  discretion.

                           7.6 FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser represents
                  that it has received from Texas Commerce Bank National
                  Association a written commitment providing for the extension
                  of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  condition to Closing that such commitment shall have been
                  funded in such amount contemporaneously with the Closing,
                  provided that the Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations
                  under such commitment. The Company acknowledges that it is a
                  condition to the funding of such commitment that the
                  Shareholder shall have unconditionally guaranteed the
                  indebtedness to be advanced pursuant thereto.

                           7.7 FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
                  received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser and
                  the transactions described herein by the Federal Trade
                  Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's Decision and Order in
                  Service Corporation International, Commission Docket No.
                  C-3646. In addition, the Shareholder and the Company shall
                  have obtained all other necessary or appropriate consents and
                  approvals of other persons and governmental authorities to the
                  transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                                      -18-

                           7.8 TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Company's expense) for each parcel of Real Property in an
                  amount mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy
                  shall be issued by a title company with offices in each County
                  in which the Real Property is located and reasonably
                  acceptable to the Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a
                  "Title Company"), insuring that Purchaser is the owner of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in effect in
                  the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however, that such
                  policy shall be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
                  Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.9 SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
                  Company's expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall be sufficient for each Title Company to delete
                  the survey exception contained in the owner policy of title
                  insurance referred to in Section 7.8, save and except for the
                  phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and
                  content reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its lender.

                           7.10 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by: the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and Fort Myers Memorial
                  Gardens, Inc.; the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and the Company (relating to
                  Oaklawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum); and the Asset Purchase
                  Agreement of even date herewith between the Purchaser and SCI
                  Texas Funeral Services, Inc. (all of the foregoing being
                  hereinafter referred to as the "Other Purchase Agreements");
                  all shall have been consummated substantially
                  contemporaneously with the Closing under this Agreement
                  (except to the extent that, in the case of such Agreement
                  relating to Oaklawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, the closing
                  thereunder is delayed pending approval by the Florida Board of
                  Funeral and Cemetery Services as described therein).

                                      -19-

                           7.11 HARVEY-ENGELHARDT LEASE. The Landlord shall have
                  consented to the assignment of the Harvey-Engelhardt Lease to
                  the Purchaser.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations
         of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
         conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Company in
         writing:

                           8.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Company shall not have discovered any material
                  error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein
                  shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time
                  of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Company shall have received a certificate, signed by an
                  executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Company an opinion of Snell &
                  Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser,
                  to the effect that:

                                    (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the State of Florida;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with its terms;

                                    (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other

                                      -20-

                           contract or agreement known to such counsel and to
                           which Purchaser is a party or by which it or its
                           property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Company at Closing. Any opinion as to the
                  enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
                  affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
                  opinion may be limited to federal law, the internal laws of
                  the State of Texas and the General Corporation Law of the
                  State of Delaware.

                           8.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.7, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                           8.4 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by the Other Purchase Agreements shall have been
                  consummated substantially contemporaneously with the Closing
                  under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided in Section
                  7.10).

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1 NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in
                  this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                           9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which

                                      -21-

                  time they shall terminate (except as to claims which are then
                  pending by written notice delivered prior to the expiration of
                  such two-year period).

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PURCHASER AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
                  DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, COSTS OR EXPENSES (ANY ONE
                  SUCH ITEM BEING HEREIN CALLED A "LOSS" AND ALL SUCH ITEMS
                  BEING HEREIN COLLECTIVELY CALLED "LOSSES") WHICH ARE CAUSED BY
                  OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE PERFORMANCE
                  BY THE COMPANY OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF THE COMPANY
                  CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
                  INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE COMPANY
                  HEREIN, IN ANY SCHEDULE DELIVERED TO THE PURCHASER PURSUANT
                  HERETO OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT DELIVERED BY
                  OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM
                  MADE AGAINST THE PURCHASER IN RESPECT OF ANY LIABILITIES OR
                  OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY (WHETHER ABSOLUTE OR CONTINGENT,
                  KNOWN OR UNKNOWN) OTHER THAN THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES, AND (IV)
                  ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL
                  FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. THE PURCHASER
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPANY AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY LOSSES WHICH ARE
                  CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE
                  PERFORMANCE BY THE PURCHASER OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF
                  THE PURCHASER CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF
                  WARRANTY OR INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE
                  PURCHASER HEREIN OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT
                  DELIVERED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE PURCHASER PURSUANT HERETO,
                  (III) ANY CLAIM MADE AGAINST THE COMPANY IN RESPECT OF THE
                  ASSUMED LIABILITIES OR BASED ON ANY SET OF FACTS ARISING AFTER
                  THE CLOSING AND RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF EITHER HOME, AND
                  (IV) ANY AND ALL ACTIONS SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL
                  FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.3 THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at its own ex-

                                      -22-

                  pense, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve
                  any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or will be,
                  required to pay any amounts in connection therewith.
                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within ten business days
                  after delivery of the indemnified party's notice described
                  above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
                  indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims
                  shall be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as
                  provided herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the
                  right to control the defense of such claim, provided that the
                  indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in
                  the defense thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by
                  advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
                  settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would
                  be, affected thereby.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                           11.1 BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company
                  agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
                  of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof and the
                  Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
                  satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual consent of the Company and
                           the Purchaser;

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by the Company in the observance or in
                           the due and timely performance by any of its
                           covenants herein contained, or if there shall have
                           been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
                           Company of any of its warranties and representations
                           herein contained, or if the conditions of this
                           Agreement to be complied with or performed by the
                           Company at or before the Closing shall not have been
                           complied with or performed at the time required for
                           such compliance or performance and such noncompliance
                           or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                           waived by the Purchaser in writing, and any such
                           default, breach or noncompliance shall continue
                           uncured for a period of ten (10) days after notice
                           thereof is given to the Company;

                                    (c) the Company if a material default shall
                           be made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the
                           due and timely performance by the Purchaser of

                                      -23-

                           any of the covenants of the Purchaser herein
                           contained, or if there shall have been a material
                           breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                           of its warranties and representations herein
                           contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
                           be complied with or performed by the Purchaser at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Company in writing, and any such default,
                           breach or noncompliance shall continue uncured for a
                           period of ten (10) days after notice thereof is given
                           to the Purchaser; or

                                    (d) the Company or the Purchaser, if for any
                           reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on or
                           before April 30, 1996.

                           11.3 LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
                  terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no
                  party shall have any liability to any other party hereunder.
                  If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of
                  Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement
                  shall not have any liability to any other party hereto,
                  provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination.

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1 EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the
                  parties shall each pay their own expenses in connection with
                  the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this
                  Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein, and in no event shall any such expenses
                  of the Company constitute an Assumed Liability hereunder.

                           12.2 BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of the Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of the
                  Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Company in
                  the case of claims arising under any other liabilities of the
                  Company.

                                      -24-

                           12.3 TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Company, other than motor
                  vehicle transfer taxes (for which the Purchaser assumes
                  responsibility).

                           12.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                    (i) if to the Company, to:

                                        Service Corporation International
                                        1929 Allen Parkway
                                        Houston, Texas  77019
                                        Attn:  President

                                        with a copy to:

                                        General Counsel
                                        Service Corporation International
                                        1929 Allen Parkway
                                        Houston, Texas  77019

                                    (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                         CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                                         1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                         Houston, Texas  77056
                                         Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                         with a copy to:

                                         Snell & Smith, A Professional
                                             Corporation
                                         1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                         Houston, Texas 77002
                                         Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any
party to the other parties hereto.

                           12.5 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all other parties
                  hereto, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Company to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser
                  (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise), provided
                  that the Purchaser shall not thereby be relieved of its
                  obligations hereunder.

                                      -25-

                           12.6 SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors and assigns.

                           12.7 SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                           12.8 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by
                  an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof (including, without limitation, the
                  letter of intent between the Purchaser and the Shareholder
                  dated April 2, 1996).

                           12.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
                  counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
                  all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -26-

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.

                                 By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                         Mark W. Duffey,
                                         Executive Vice President

                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 SCI FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC.

                                 By:/s/ JOAN B. GOFF
                                        Joan B. Goff,
                                        Secretary

                                      -27-

SCHEDULE                                DESCRIPTION

  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.8                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
  3.15                                  Employees

                                      -28-


                                 Exhibit 10.15

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of April 10, 1996, between CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), and FORT MYERS
MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC., a Florida corporation (the "Company");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Metz Funeral Home
located at 1306 LaFayette in Cape Coral, Lee County, Florida (the "Home"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Home from the
Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                           1.1 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the Home
                  described below, as they shall exist at the time of the
                  Closing (collectively, the "Assets"), excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2:

                                    (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                    (ii) inventories of caskets, accessories,
                           monuments and other goods and inventories;

                                     (iii) the one (1) motor vehicle described
                           on Schedule 3.7, and the other machinery, equipment,
                           furniture, fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed
                           assets and property, plant and equipment of the Home,
                           including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                                    (iv) fee simple title to the real property
                           and improvements described on Schedule 3.5 (the "Real
                           Property");

                                       (v) all cash balances in bank accounts,
                           certificates of deposit and other investments, but
                           only if such cash balances or certificates of deposit
                           are committed fund obligations under preneed
                           contracts;

<PAGE>
                                      (vi) the rights of the Company under
                           pre-need contracts and the other agreements, leases
                           and commitments described on Schedules 3.8 and 3.9;

                                     (vii) all rights owned or held by the
                           Company to the name "Metz Funeral Home", and all
                           derivatives thereof and goodwill associated with the
                           foregoing;

                                    (viii) all transferrable permits and
                           licenses, and all books, records, brochures and
                           literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                           industrial accident and other similar funds, and
                           prepaid items; and

                                      (ix) all other assets, rights and
                           properties owned or held by the Company at the time
                           of Closing and used in the operation of, or in
                           connection with, the business of the Home or located
                           thereon, excluding those described in Section 1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the
                  Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against the
                  Real Property which are described on Schedule 3.5 as being
                  approved by the Purchaser (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                           1.2 RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  the following properties, assets, rights and interests (the
                  "Retained Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and
                  sale contemplated hereby and are therefore not included in the
                  Assets:

                                    (i) all cash on hand or on deposit,
                           including bank account balances, certificates of
                           deposit and marketable securities, excluding,
                           however, account balances, certificates of deposit
                           and other investments described in Section 1.1(v);

                                    (ii) intercompany accounts and notes
                           receivable owed to the Company by its indirect
                           corporate parent, Service Corporation International,
                           a Texas corporation (the "Shareholder"), or any of
                           its affiliates which do not arise out of the sale of
                           goods or services of the Company;

                                    (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seals

                                       -2-

                           of the Company, and any shares of the Company's
                           capital stock held in its treasury;

                                     (iv) the Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                      (v) all assets, rights and properties of
                           funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by
                           the Company, other than the Home.

                           1.3 PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the Assets
                  shall be $800,000, all of which shall be paid in cash at
                  Closing by wire transfer to such account as the Company shall
                  designate prior to Closing.

                           1.4 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon
                  the sale and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section
                  1.5 below, assume and agree to pay or discharge only the
                  following liabilities and obligations of the Company
                  (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                      (i) liabilities under the preneed
                           contracts described in Section 3.9, under preneed
                           contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
                           business between the date of such schedule and the
                           Closing Date, and under at-need contracts for
                           services to be performed following Closing, provided
                           that the entire amount of consideration payable by
                           the customers under at-need contracts is payable
                           following Closing or an appropriate adjustment to
                           such effect shall be made at Closing between the
                           Company and the Purchaser; and

                                     (ii) obligations arising after Closing
                           under the agreements and leases and commitments
                           described on Schedule 3.8 hereto (the "Assumed
                           Contracts").

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or more contract
                  assignments), dated the Closing Date and reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, pursuant to
                  which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

                                      -3-

                           1.5 LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4 above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Company not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities, and, in particular, the Purchaser shall not
                  assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                    (i) any notes or accounts payable of any
                           kind, regardless of whether entered into in the
                           ordinary course of business;

                                     (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Home prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                    (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against the
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                     (iv) the liabilities and obligations under
                           any warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Company
                           prior to Closing;

                                      (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to the
                           conduct of the business and operations of the Company
                           prior to Closing; or

                                    (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6 CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company being charged and
                  credited for all of same up to and on such date and the
                  Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same after
                  such date. Utility services will be transferred to the
                  Purchaser's name on or as soon as possible after the Closing
                  Date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of

                                      -4-

                  the Closing Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of
                  the best evidence then available, and not thereafter adjusted.

                           1.7 INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8 DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall deem necessary
                  to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit. Simultaneously
                  with such deliveries, the Company shall take all requisite
                  steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession and operating
                  control of the Assets and all of the Company's on-site
                  business records, books and other data. In addition, at the
                  Closing, the Company and the Purchaser shall coordinate with
                  one another in taking all necessary or appropriate action to
                  cause the transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section
                  3.9 including, without limitation, the obtaining of
                  governmental and third party consents and, if necessary, the
                  substitution of a successor trustee by the Purchaser or a
                  designee of the Purchaser. Without limiting the generality of
                  the foregoing, the Company shall use its best efforts in
                  segregating all preneed accounts and trusted funds applicable
                  to the Home which are part of the Sun Bank MGP Trust and the
                  NationsBank Insurance Investment and shall assist the
                  Purchaser in transferring the same to trusts established by or
                  through the Purchaser.

                           1.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company shall from time
                  to time after the Closing, without further consideration,
                  execute and deliver such instruments of transfer, conveyance
                  and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant to
                  Section 1.7), and shall take such other action, as the
                  Purchaser may reasonably request to more effectively transfer,
                  convey and assign to and vest in the Purchaser, and to put the
                  Purchaser in actual possession and control of, each of the
                  Assets.

                                      -5-

                           1.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. On the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser may (but shall not be required to) offer employment
                  to each employee of the Home. Each such employee so offered
                  employment who accepts shall, effective as of the Closing
                  Date, cease to be an employee of the Company and shall
                  thereupon become an employee of the Purchaser. At the Closing,
                  the Company shall certify as to the amount of all accrued
                  vacation and holiday benefits as of the Closing Date of the
                  employees of the Company who became employees of the
                  Purchaser, and such amount shall represent a downward
                  adjustment to the purchase price for the Assets. In addition,
                  the Company shall remain responsible for all health benefits,
                  workers compensation claims, termination and severance
                  benefits, and any withdrawal liability and rights under
                  pension or profit sharing plans of such employees through the
                  Closing, and in no event shall the Purchaser have any
                  liability or responsibility therefor.

                           1.11 USE OF CREMATORY. The Company agrees that the
                  Purchaser may, for a period of three (3) years following the
                  Closing Date, use the Southeastern Crematory located at 5500
                  Williamsburg in Punta Gorda, Florida (or any successor
                  location) at a charge of $47.00 per disposition, provided that
                  during such three-year period such charge to the Purchaser
                  shall be subject to increase commensurate with any bona fide
                  increase in internal cost-allocation charges by such crematory
                  to other funeral homes of the Company and its affiliates. In
                  case of any such increase, the Company shall provide the
                  Purchaser with the same advance notice thereof as the
                  Shareholder provides to such other funeral homes.

                           1.12 MEMORIAL GUARDIAN PLAN RECEIVABLES. The parties
                  acknowledge that a portion of the accounts receivables to be
                  transferred to the Purchaser as described in Section 1.1(i)
                  are owed by Memorial Guardian Plan (collectively, "Guardian
                  Plan Receivables"). The Company represents that it has not
                  pursued, outside the ordinary course of business and
                  consistent with past practice, the collection of any of the
                  accounts receivable (including the Guardian Plan Receivables)
                  presented on the March 31, 1996 list(s) of accounts receivable
                  provided to the Purchaser, and the Company agrees that it will
                  not pursue its collection activities on such accounts
                  receivable between the date hereof and the Closing Date except
                  in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
                  practice.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650, Houston,
Texas, at 9:00 a.m. on the tenth business

                                      -6-

day following the Purchaser's receipt of notice of the approval by the Federal
Trade Commission referred to in Section 7.7, or at such other date, time or
place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event later than
April 30, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing
Date", and shall be deemed to have occurred as of the close of business on the
Closing Date. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set forth,
and all documents and instruments executed and delivered, and all payments made
with respect thereto, shall be considered to have been taken, delivered or made
simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or payment shall be considered as
complete until all action incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, and
                  it has all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                  its obligations under this Agreement.

                           3.2 OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY. All of the issued and
                  outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are owned
                  indirectly by the Shareholder.

                           3.3 CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Home performed
                  at least 229 adult funeral services during the twelve months
                  ended December 31, 1993, at least 251 adult funeral services
                  during the twelve months ended December 31, 1994, and at least
                  163 adult funeral services during the eight months ended
                  August 31, 1995.

                           3.4 TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTY. The Company is
                  in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Home, and has good and indefeasible title to
                  all of the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the Purchaser
                  under this Agreement, free and clear of any and all Liens
                  other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

                           3.5 REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of the Real Property, which
                  constitutes all interests in real property that are currently
                  used in the operation of the Home. Schedule 3.5 also describes
                  all Liens of any kind against the Real Property. There is not
                  pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened any
                  proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property
                  or any portion thereof.

                                      -7-

                  Since October 11, 1995 (the "Acquisition Date"), no toxic or
                  hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental
                  Protection Agency, or any similar state or local agency) or
                  hazardous substances (as defined under the Comprehensive
                  Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
                  as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
                  amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation)
                  have been generated, stored, dumped or released onto or from
                  any portion of the Real Property, except for substances, such
                  as formaldehyde, that are used in the operation of the Real
                  Property as a funeral home or otherwise in the ordinary course
                  of business and have been properly used, stored and disposed
                  of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and
                  except for any of the foregoing which would not, individually
                  or in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the
                  financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of
                  the Home. To the knowledge of the Company, the Real Property
                  is not now subject to any reclamation, remediation or
                  reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other
                  governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real
                  Property. To the knowledge of officers of the Company, no
                  portion of the Real Property contains any underground storage
                  tanks or PCBs.

                           3.6 ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since August 31,
                  1995, there has not been:

                                    (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of the Home;

                                    (ii) any material damage, destruction or
                           losses against the Home or any waiver of any rights
                           of material value to the Home;

                                    (iii) any claim or liability for any
                           material damages for any actual or alleged negligence
                           or other tort or breach of contract against or
                           affecting the Home; or

                                     (iv) any transaction or event entered into
                           or affecting the Home other than in the ordinary
                           course of the business.

                           3.7 FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all motor
                  vehicles and other material items of equipment, fixtures and
                  other fixed assets owned by the Company which are used in the
                  operation of, or in connection with, the business of the Home
                  or located thereon. All such Assets are, taken as a whole, in
                  operating condition and reasonable repair, ordinary wear and
                  tear excepted.

                                      -8-

                           3.8 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.8 sets
                  forth a description of each Assumed Contract applicable to the
                  Home. Each Assumed Contract is valid and in full force and
                  effect and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge of the
                  Company, any of the other parties thereto, is in default
                  thereunder.

                           3.9 PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of December 31, 1995 (except as
                  otherwise noted therein), (i) all preneed contracts of the
                  Home unfulfilled as of the date thereof, including contracts
                  for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all
                  trust accounts relating to the Home, indicating the location
                  of each and the balance thereof. In addition, as soon as
                  reasonably possible (but in any event within 30 days) after
                  the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a
                  Schedule listing the information described in such clauses (i)
                  and (ii) as the Closing Date. All funds received by the
                  Company for the Home under preneed contracts since the
                  Acquisition Date will, by the time of Closing (to the extent
                  required by applicable law to have been deposited by such
                  time), have been deposited in the appropriate accounts, all of
                  which funds and accounts have been administered and reported
                  in accordance with the terms thereof and as required by
                  applicable laws and regulations. After the Closing, the
                  Company will make all necessary deposits as legally required
                  for amounts collected through the Closing on all preneed
                  contracts sold through the Closing Date. As to all such
                  preneed accounts outstanding on the Closing Date, (i) such
                  accounts are covered by written contracts signed or approved
                  by the customer, (ii) the direct costs to be incurred by the
                  Purchaser in providing the services and merchandise called for
                  by any unwritten agreements will not exceed trusted principal
                  and interest receivable with respect thereto or (iii) the
                  obligations of the Company thereunder are no more than to
                  apply as a credit the amount of trust balances, including
                  interest, for any particular account against the price for
                  performing the service and providing products on an at-need
                  basis. The services provided by the Company at the Home since
                  the Acquisition Date have been rendered in a professional and
                  competent manner consistent with prevailing professional
                  standards, practices and customs. All preneed contracts of the
                  Home have been properly segregated from these for other
                  funeral homes of the Company and its affiliates; no contract
                  described on Schedule 3.9 is for goods or services to be
                  provided by any such other funeral home, and at Closing there
                  will be no contract providing for goods or services to be
                  furnished by the Home that will not be on the Closing Date
                  list referred to above.

                                      -9-

                           3.10 INVENTORY; ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE. The inventories
                  of the Home on the Closing Date will be reflected in its books
                  of account at cost. At Closing the accounts receivable to be
                  included within the Assets will be valid and legally
                  enforceable obligations of the account parties whose names are
                  listed in the books and records of the Home, legally (but not
                  necessarily financially) collectible in accordance with their
                  terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other
                  similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. At the
                  Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser a listing,
                  certified by it to be complete and correct, of all of the
                  Home's inventory (as of a date within three business days
                  prior to Closing) and accounts receivable (as of a date that
                  is within 30 days prior to Closing).

                           3.11 INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company has not received
                  notice that it is charged with infringement of any patent,
                  trademark, trade secret, license or other similar proprietary
                  rights of any other person in respect of the operation of the
                  business of the Home or the use or ownership of the Assets.

                           3.12 LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. To the Company's
                  knowledge, the Company possesses all licenses, franchises,
                  permits, certificates, consents, rights and privileges
                  necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the operations of
                  the Home, including (without limitation) all permits necessary
                  for compliance with all applicable environmental laws, except
                  for any such license, franchise, permit, certificate, consent,
                  right or privilege the absence of which would not,
                  individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
                  effect on the financial condition, business, operations or
                  prospects of the Home or any substantial portion of the
                  Assets.

                           3.13 LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.7, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against or
                  affecting the Company (with respect to the operation of the
                  Home) or any of the Assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of the
                  Home or any substantial portion of the Assets. The Company is
                  not subject to any continuing court or administrative order,

                                      -10-

                  writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign,
                  federal, state, municipal or other governmental department,
                  commission, board, agency or instrumentality, in respect of
                  the operation of the Home or the use or ownership of the
                  Assets.

                           3.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Home has been operated
                  at all times since the Acquisition Date in compliance with all
                  federal, state, municipal and other statutes, rules,
                  ordinances and regulations applicable to the Home, the
                  operation thereof and the Assets to be sold and conveyed to
                  the Purchaser hereunder, except for any such noncompliance
                  which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
                  material adverse effect on the financial condition, business,
                  operations or prospects of the Home or any substantial portion
                  of the Assets.

                           3.15 EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.15 hereto lists the name,
                  current annual salary rate and sum of all other direct
                  monetary compensation in addition to salary received during
                  the calendar year 1995 of each employee of the Home. Other
                  than as listed on Schedule 3.8, there are no agreements
                  relating to the employment of any such employee, including any
                  collective bargaining agreement.

                           3.16 FINDERS. The Company is not a party to or in any
                  way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there
                  are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any
                  broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           3.17 AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                  authorized by all necessary corporate action required on its
                  part. This Agreement is legally binding and enforceable
                  against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the
                  execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by the
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the Company
                  or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.18 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Company hereunder or in any Schedules
                  or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, do
                  not and will not contain any untrue statement

                                      -11-

                  of a material fact or, to the knowledge of the Company, omit
                  to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
                  therein or necessary to make the representations or warranties
                  herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they
                  are made, not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that:

                           4.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly
                  qualified as a foreign corporation in the State of Florida.

                           4.2 AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                  violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                  constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage,
                  deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
                  party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body. At or prior to Closing, the
                  Purchaser will have made all necessary applications and
                  obtained all necessary licenses and permits, if any, which,
                  together with the transfer of the Company's transferrable
                  licenses and permits described in Section 1.1(viii), will be
                  required in order to enable the Purchaser to acquire the
                  Assets hereunder and consummate the Closing.

                           4.3 FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Company pursuant hereto or
                  thereto, do not and will not contain any untrue statement

                                      -12-

                  of a material fact or, to the Purchaser's knowledge, omit to
                  state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein
                  or necessary to make the representations or warranties herein
                  or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
                  made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY PENDING CLOSING. The Company
covenants and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           5.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of the Home will
                  be operated only in the ordinary course, and, in particular,
                  without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the
                  Company will not cause or permit any of the following actions
                  to occur:

                                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance
                           applicable to the Assets or the Home to lapse or
                           terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like
                           coverage;

                                     (ii) commit any act or permit the
                           occurrence of any event or the existence of any
                           condition of the type described in clause (iv) of
                           Section 3.6; in addition, if any of the other events
                           described in Section 3.6 occurs, the Company will
                           promptly notify the Purchaser of the existence and
                           nature of such event;

                                    (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                     (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of
                           the fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7, except
                           for any items disposed of that are replaced by items
                           of equivalent quality; or

                                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of the Home.

                           5.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Company will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
                  accountants and other representatives, full and free access to
                  all of the on-site properties, books, contracts, commitments
                  and records of the Home so that the Purchaser may have full
                  opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to
                  make of the business, affairs and properties of the Home,
                  provided such investigation is conducted so as not to
                  unreasonably interfere with the normal day-to-day operations
                  of the Home.

                                      -13-

                           5.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company will use its
                  best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of
                  other persons which may be required to be obtained on its part
                  and on the part of the Company to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement, including (without limitation)
                  the approval of the Federal Trade Commission described in
                  Section 7.7.

                           5.4 NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in
                  effect, the Company agrees that it shall not enter into any
                  agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage
                  any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise
                  hold any discussions with any potential buyers, investment
                  bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
                  disposition of all or any substantial portion of the assets
                  and business of the Home or any other sale of the Company
                  (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or
                  otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided, however,
                  that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock may occur
                  with the Shareholder or one or more of its direct or indirect
                  wholly owned subsidiaries, provided that the successor entity
                  joins in the execution of this Agreement to expressly
                  acknowledge the assumption of the obligations hereunder of the
                  applicable Company.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Company that:

                           6.1 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.7.

                           6.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Company from
                  any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Company, including its accountants or legal counsel, or from
                  any books or records of them, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed.

                                      -14-

                  If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, all written
                  data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the
                  Company or its representatives in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned
                  to the Company.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                           7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Company in Section 3 hereof; the representations
                  and warranties made by the Company herein shall be deemed to
                  have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
                  shall then be true and correct; the Company shall have
                  performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
                  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
                  it at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
                  received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the
                  Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
                  Section 7.1.

                           7.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused
                  to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of internal
                  counsel for the Company, to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Company is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of its state of incorporation and has
                           all requisite corporate power to enter into and
                           perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Company has been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Company and enforceable against them in
                           accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Company of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Company or under any material loan or credit
                           agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
                           other contract or agreement known to such counsel

                                      -15-

                           and to which the Company is a party or by which it or
                           its property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Company or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for any consents which have already
                           been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Company and certificates
                  of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
                  Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
                  any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
                  creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may
                  be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State
                  of Texas.

                           7.3 NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of the Home
                  (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured), the
                  effect of which would have a material adverse effect on the
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of the Home.

                           7.4 APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE. The Purchaser shall
                  have received an environmental questionnaire (on forms
                  provided by the Purchaser and its lender) for the Home and the
                  Real Property, completed and signed by the Manager or other
                  supervisory employee of the Home, and such questionnaire shall
                  be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                           7.6 FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser represents
                  that it has received from Texas Commerce Bank National

                                      -16-

                  Association a written commitment providing for the extension
                  of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  condition to Closing that such commitment shall have been
                  funded in such amount contemporaneously with the Closing,
                  provided that the Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations
                  under such commitment. The Company acknowledges that it is a
                  condition to the funding of such commitment that the
                  Shareholder shall have unconditionally guaranteed the
                  indebtedness to be advanced pursuant thereto.

                           7.7 FTC AND OTHER APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have
                  received written notice of the approval of the Purchaser and
                  the transactions described herein by the Federal Trade
                  Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's Decision and Order in
                  Service Corporation International, Commission Docket No.
                  C-3646. In addition, the Shareholder and the Company shall
                  have obtained all other necessary or appropriate consents and
                  approvals of other persons and governmental authorities to the
                  transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                           7.8 TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Company's expense) for each parcel of Real Property in an
                  amount mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy
                  shall be issued by a title company with offices in each County
                  in which the Real Property is located and reasonably
                  acceptable to the Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a
                  "Title Company"), insuring that Purchaser is the owner of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in effect in
                  the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however, that such
                  policy shall be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
                  Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.9 SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
                  Company's expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall be sufficient for each Title

                                      -17-

                  Company to delete the survey exception contained in the owner
                  policy of title insurance referred to in Section 7.8, save and
                  except for the phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in
                  form and content reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and its
                  lender.

                           7.10 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by: the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and SCI Funeral Services of
                  Florida, Inc. ("SCI-Florida") (relating to Oaklawn Memorial
                  Gardens & Mausoleum); the Asset Purchase Agreement of even
                  date herewith between the Purchaser and SCI-Florida (relating
                  to Brevard (North) and Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Homes); and
                  the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date herewith between the
                  Purchaser and SCI Texas Funeral Services, Inc. (all of the
                  foregoing being hereinafter referred to as the "Other Purchase
                  Agreements"); all shall have been consummated substantially
                  contemporaneously with the Closing under this Agreement
                  (except to the extent that, in the case of such Agreement
                  relating to Oaklawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, the closing
                  thereunder is delayed pending approval by the Florida Board of
                  Funeral and Cemetery Services as described therein).

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations
of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                           8.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Company shall not have discovered any material
                  error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein
                  shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time
                  of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Company shall have received a certificate, signed by an
                  executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Company an opinion of Snell &
                  Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser,
                  to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing

                                      -18-

                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the State of Florida;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                           or agreement known to such counsel and to which
                           Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property
                           is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Company at Closing. Any opinion as to the
                  enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
                  affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
                  opinion may be limited to federal law, the internal laws of
                  the State of Texas and the General Corporation Law of the
                  State of Delaware.

                           8.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.7, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                                      -19-

                           8.4 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by the Other Purchase Agreements shall have been
                  consummated substantially contemporaneously with the Closing
                  under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided in Section
                  7.10).

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1 NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in
                  this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                           9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which time they shall
                  terminate (except as to claims which are then pending by
                  written notice delivered prior to the expiration of such
                  two-year period).

                  10.      INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PURCHASER AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
                  DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, COSTS OR EXPENSES (ANY ONE
                  SUCH ITEM BEING HEREIN CALLED A "LOSS" AND ALL SUCH ITEMS
                  BEING HEREIN COLLECTIVELY CALLED "LOSSES") WHICH ARE CAUSED BY
                  OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE PERFORMANCE
                  BY THE COMPANY OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF THE COMPANY
                  CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
                  INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE COMPANY
                  HEREIN, IN ANY SCHEDULE DELIVERED TO THE PURCHASER PURSUANT
                  HERETO OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT DELIVERED BY
                  OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM
                  MADE AGAINST THE PURCHASER IN RESPECT OF ANY LIABILITIES OR
                  OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY (WHETHER ABSOLUTE OR CONTINGENT,
                  KNOWN OR UNKNOWN) OTHER THAN THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES, AND (IV)
                  ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL
                  FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. THE PURCHASER
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPANY AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST

                                      -20-

                  ANY LOSSES WHICH ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH
                  OR DEFAULT IN THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PURCHASER OF ANY COVENANT
                  OR AGREEMENT OF THE PURCHASER CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT,
                  (II) ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS
                  REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE PURCHASER HEREIN OR IN ANY
                  CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT DELIVERED BY OR ON BEHALF OF
                  THE PURCHASER PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM MADE AGAINST
                  THE COMPANY IN RESPECT OF THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES OR BASED ON
                  ANY SET OF FACTS ARISING AFTER THE CLOSING AND RELATED TO THE
                  OPERATION OF THE HOME, AND (IV) ANY AND ALL ACTIONS SUITS,
                  PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES
                  (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE
                  FOREGOING.

                           10.3 THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
                  selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
                  indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts
                  in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
                  within ten business days after delivery of the indemnified
                  party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
                  indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between
                  such parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by
                  the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
                  indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
                  of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have
                  the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
                  represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected
                  by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified
                  party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  11.      TERMINATION.

                           11.1 BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company
                  agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
                  of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof and the
                  Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
                  satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual consent of the Company and
                           the Purchaser;

                                      -21-

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by the Company in the observance or in
                           the due and timely performance by any of its
                           covenants herein contained, or if there shall have
                           been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
                           Company of any of its warranties and representations
                           herein contained, or if the conditions of this
                           Agreement to be complied with or performed by the
                           Company at or before the Closing shall not have been
                           complied with or performed at the time required for
                           such compliance or performance and such noncompliance
                           or nonperformance shall not have been expressly
                           waived by the Purchaser in writing, and any such
                           default, breach or noncompliance shall continue
                           uncured for a period of ten (10) days after notice
                           thereof is given to the Company;

                                    (c) the Company if a material default shall
                           be made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the
                           due and timely performance by the Purchaser of any of
                           the covenants of the Purchaser herein contained, or
                           if there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any of its
                           warranties and representations herein contained, or
                           if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied
                           with or performed by the Purchaser at or before the
                           Closing shall not have been complied with or
                           performed at the time required for such compliance or
                           performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance
                           shall not have been expressly waived by the Company
                           in writing, and any such default, breach or
                           noncompliance shall continue uncured for a period of
                           ten (10) days after notice thereof is given to the
                           Purchaser; or

                                    (d) the Company or the Purchaser, if for any
                           reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on or
                           before April 30, 1996.

                           11.3 LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
                  terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no
                  party shall have any liability to any other party hereunder.
                  If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of
                  Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement
                  shall not have any liability to any other party hereto,
                  provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination.

                                      -22-

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1 EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the
                  parties shall each pay their own expenses in connection with
                  the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this
                  Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein, and in no event shall any such expenses
                  of the Company constitute an Assumed Liability hereunder.

                           12.2 BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of the Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of the
                  Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Company in
                  the case of claims arising under any other liabilities of the
                  Company.

                           12.3 TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Company, other than motor
                  vehicle transfer taxes (for which the Purchaser assumes
                  responsibility).

                           12.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                   (i) if to the Company, to:

                                       Service Corporation International
                                       1929 Allen Parkway
                                       Houston, Texas  77019
                                       Attn:  President

                                       with a copy to:

                                       General Counsel
                                       Service Corporation International
                                       1929 Allen Parkway
                                       Houston, Texas  77019

                                  (ii) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                       CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                                       1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                       Houston, Texas  77056
                                       Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                      -23-

                                       with a copy to:

                                       Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                       1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                       Houston, Texas 77002
                                       Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any
                  party to the other parties hereto.

                           12.5 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all other parties
                  hereto, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Company to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser
                  (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise), provided
                  that the Purchaser shall not thereby be relieved of its
                  obligations hereunder.

                           12.6 SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors and assigns.

                           12.7 SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                           12.8 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by
                  an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof (including, without limitation, the
                  letter of intent between the Purchaser and the Shareholder
                  dated April 2, 1996).

                           12.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
                  counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
                  all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -24-

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.


                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President


                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 FORT MYERS MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC.


                                 By: JOAN B. GOFF
                                     JOAN B. GOFF, Secretary

         SCI FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC., a Florida corporation, hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the performance by the Company of its
obligations under this Agreement.

                                 SCI FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC.


                                 By: JOAN B. GOFF
                                     JOAN B. GOFF, Secretary

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE                                DESCRIPTION

  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.8                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
  3.15                                  Employees

                                      -26-

                                 Exhibit 10.16

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of April 10, 1996, between CFS
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), and SCI
FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC., a Florida corporation (the "Company");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Oaklawn Memorial
Gardens & Mausoleum Cemetery located at 2116 Garden Street in Titusville,
Brevard County, Florida (the "Cemetery"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser acquire
substantially all of the assets, rights and properties of the Cemetery from the
Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
<PAGE>

                  1.       PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.


                           1.1 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to the provisions of
                  this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell and the Purchaser
                  agrees to purchase, at the Closing referred to in Section 2.1,
                  all of the properties, assets, rights and business of the
                  Cemetery described below, as they shall exist at the time of
                  the Closing (collectively, the "Assets"), excluding those
                  described in Section 1.2:

                                    (i) accounts and notes receivable;

                                    (ii) inventories of vaults, crypts, markers,
                           bases, monuments and other goods and inventories;

                                    (iii) machinery, equipment, furniture,
                           fixtures, supplies, tools and other fixed assets and
                           property, plant and equipment of the Cemetery,
                           including those described on Schedule 3.7;

                                    (iv) fee simple title to the real property
                           and improvements described on Schedule 3.5 (the "Real
                           Property");

                                    (v) all cash balances in bank accounts,
                           certificates of deposit and other investments, but
                           only if such cash balances or certificates of deposit
                           are committed fund obligations under preneed
                           contracts and for perpetual care;

                                    (vi) the rights of the Company under
                           pre-need contracts and the other agreements, leases
                           and commitments described on Schedules 3.8 and 3.9;

                                      -1-

                                    (vii) all rights owned or held by the
                           Company to the name "Oaklawn Memorial Gardens &
                           Mausoleum", and all derivatives thereof and goodwill
                           associated with the foregoing;

                                    (viii) all transferrable permits and
                           licenses, and all books, records, brochures and
                           literature, rights in unemployment compensation,
                           industrial accident and other similar funds, and
                           prepaid items; and

                                      (ix) all other assets, rights and
                           properties owned or held by the Company at the time
                           of Closing and used in the operation of, or in
                           connection with, the business of the Cemetery or
                           located thereon, excluding those described in Section
                           1.2.

                  At the Closing, the Company shall convey to the Purchaser the
                  Assets free and clear of any and all liens, security
                  interests, pledges, encumbrances, or title restrictions of any
                  kind (collectively, "Liens"), other than Liens against the
                  Real Property which are described on Schedule 3.5 as being
                  approved by the Purchaser (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

                  1.2 RETAINED ASSETS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
         following properties, assets, rights and interests (the "Retained
         Assets") are hereby excluded from the purchase and sale contemplated
         hereby and are therefore not included in the Assets:

                                    (i) all cash on hand or on deposit,
                           including bank account balances, certificates of
                           deposit and marketable securities, excluding,
                           however, account balances, certificates of deposit
                           and other investments described in Section 1.1(v);

                                     (ii) intercompany accounts and notes
                           receivable owed to the Company by its indirect
                           corporate parent, Service Corporation International,
                           a Texas corporation (the "Shareholder"), or any of
                           its affiliates which do not arise out of the sale of
                           goods or services of the Company;

                                    (iii) the corporate records, minutes of
                           proceedings, stock records and corporate seals of the
                           Company, and any shares of the Company's capital
                           stock held in its treasury;

                                      -2-

                                     (iv) the Company's share of any prepaid
                           federal or state income taxes and any rights to or
                           claims for federal or state income tax refunds; and

                                      (v) all assets, rights and properties of
                           funeral homes and cemeteries owned and operated by
                           the Company, other than the Cemetery.

                  1.3 PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price for the Assets shall be
         $2,000,000, all of which shall be paid in cash at Closing by wire
         transfer to such account as the Company shall designate prior to
         Closing.

                  1.4 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. The Purchaser, upon the sale
         and purchase of the Assets, shall, subject to Section 1.5 below, assume
         and agree to pay or discharge only the following liabilities and
         obligations of the Company (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                      (i) liabilities under the preneed
                           contracts described in Section 3.9, under preneed
                           contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
                           business between the date of such schedule and the
                           Closing Date, and under at-need contracts for
                           services to be performed following Closing, provided
                           that the entire amount of consideration payable by
                           the customers under at-need contracts is payable
                           following Closing or an appropriate adjustment to
                           such effect shall be made at Closing between the
                           Company and the Purchaser; and

                                     (ii) obligations arising after Closing
                           under the agreements and leases and commitments
                           described on Schedule 3.8 hereto (the "Assumed
                           Contracts").

                           In addition, the Purchaser shall be responsible for
                  replacing the existing Florida Preconstruction Property Sales
                  Bond and the Florida Merchandise Bond, insofar as the same
                  relate to the Cemetery, to the extent required under Florida
                  law. The Company shall provide information relating to such
                  existing Bonds and shall assist the Purchaser in obtaining new
                  Bonds, without out-of-pocket expense to the Company.

                           The assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed
                  Liabilities shall not enlarge any rights or remedies of any
                  third parties under any contracts or arrangements with the
                  Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from
                  contesting in good faith any of the Assumed Liabilities. At
                  Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company an
                  instrument (which may be combined with one or

                                      -3-

                  more contract assignments), dated the Closing Date and
                  reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company,
                  pursuant to which the Purchaser will assume the Assumed
                  Liabilities.

                           1.5 LIMITATIONS ON ASSUMPTION. Notwithstanding
                  Section 1.4 above, the Purchaser will not assume and does not
                  agree to pay or discharge any obligations or liabilities of
                  the Company not specifically included in the Assumed
                  Liabilities, and, in particular, the Purchaser shall not
                  assume or agree to pay or discharge any of the following:

                                    (i) any notes or accounts payable of any
                           kind, regardless of whether entered into in the
                           ordinary course of business;

                                     (ii) any federal, state or local tax of any
                           type, whether arising by reason of the sale of the
                           Assets or by operation of the Cemetery prior to the
                           Closing Date;

                                    (iii) any losses, costs, damages or expense
                           based upon or arising from any claims, litigation,
                           legal proceedings or other actions against the
                           Company based upon any set of facts occurring prior
                           to the Closing;

                                     (iv) the liabilities and obligations under
                           any warranties to customers with respect to goods or
                           products sold or services provided by the Company
                           prior to Closing;

                                      (v) all personal injury, product liability
                           claims, claims of environmental damage, claims of
                           hazards to health, strict liability, toxic torts,
                           enforcement proceedings, cleanup orders and other
                           similar actions or claims instituted by private
                           parties or governmental agencies, with respect to the
                           conduct of the business and operations of the Company
                           prior to Closing; or

                                    (vi) any other liability or obligation not
                           specifically included within the Assumed Liabilities.

                           1.6 CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily
                  proratable items, including without limitation, real estate
                  and personal property taxes, rents under leases and utility
                  bills, and payments under the Assumed Contracts shall be
                  prorated as of the Closing Date, the Company being charged and
                  credited for all of same up to

                                      -4-

                  and on such date and the Purchaser being charged and credited
                  for all of same after such date. Utility services will be
                  transferred to the Purchaser's name on or as soon as possible
                  after the Closing Date. If the actual amounts to be prorated
                  are not known as of the Closing Date, the prorations shall be
                  made on the basis of the best evidence then available, and not
                  thereafter adjusted.

                           1.7 INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. At the Closing, the
                  Company shall deliver to the Purchaser such instruments of
                  transfer, assignment and conveyance, including (without
                  limitation) bills of sale, contract assignments and
                  assignments of motor vehicle registrations, transferring title
                  to the Assets to the Purchaser as may reasonably be requested
                  by the Purchaser. Such instruments shall be reasonably
                  satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and shall
                  vest in the Purchaser good and indefeasible title to all the
                  Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than the Permitted
                  Encumbrances.

                           1.8 DELIVERY OF RECORDS, CONTRACTS AND TRUST FUNDS.
                  At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser all
                  of the Assumed Contracts, with such assignments thereof and
                  consents to assignment as the Purchaser shall deem necessary
                  to assure the Purchaser of their full benefit. Simultaneously
                  with such deliveries, the Company shall take all requisite
                  steps to put the Purchaser in actual possession and operating
                  control of the Assets and all of the Company's on-site
                  business records, books and other data. In addition, at the
                  Closing, the Company and the Purchaser shall coordinate with
                  one another in taking all necessary or appropriate action to
                  cause the transfer of the trust funds referred to in Section
                  3.9 including, without limitation, the obtaining of
                  governmental and third party consents and, if necessary, the
                  substitution of a successor trustee by the Purchaser or a
                  designee of the Purchaser. Without limiting the generality of
                  the foregoing, the Company shall use its best efforts in
                  segregating all preneed accounts and trusted funds applicable
                  to the Cemetery which are part of the Sun Bank MGP Trust and
                  the NationsBank Insurance Investment and shall assist the
                  Purchaser in transferring the same to trusts established by or
                  through the Purchaser.

                           1.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company shall from time
                  to time after the Closing, without further consideration,
                  execute and deliver such instruments of transfer, conveyance
                  and assignment (in addition to those delivered pursuant to
                  Section 1.7), and shall take such other action, as the
                  Purchaser may reasonably request to

                                      -5-

                  more effectively transfer, convey and assign to and vest in
                  the Purchaser, and to put the Purchaser in actual possession
                  and control of, each of the Assets.

                           1.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. On the Closing Date, the
                  Purchaser may (but shall not be required to) offer employment
                  to each employee of the Cemetery. Each such employee so
                  offered employment who accepts shall, effective as of the
                  Closing Date, cease to be an employee of the Company and shall
                  thereupon become an employee of the Purchaser. At the Closing,
                  the Company shall certify as to the amount of all accrued
                  vacation and holiday benefits as of the Closing Date of the
                  employees of the Company who became employees of the
                  Purchaser, and such amount shall represent a downward
                  adjustment to the purchase price for the Assets. In addition,
                  the Company shall remain responsible for all health benefits,
                  workers compensation claims, termination and severance
                  benefits, and any withdrawal liability and rights under
                  pension or profit sharing plans of such employees through the
                  Closing, and in no event shall the Purchaser have any
                  liability or responsibility therefor.

                  2. THE CLOSING. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650,
         Houston, Texas, at 9:00 a.m. on the tenth business day following the
         later to occur of the Purchaser's receipt of notice of the approval by
         the Federal Trade Commission, or its receipt of notice of approval from
         the Florida Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services, each as referred to
         in Section 7.7, or at such other date, time or place as may be mutually
         agreed upon by the parties, but in no event later than June 30, 1996.
         The date and time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing Date",
         and shall be deemed to have occurred as of the close of business on the
         Closing Date. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set
         forth, and all documents and instruments executed and delivered, and
         all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to have
         been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or
         delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
         incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
         represents and warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                           3.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, and
                  it has all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                  its obligations under this Agreement.

                                      -6-

                           3.2 OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY. All of the issued and
                  outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are owned
                  indirectly by the Shareholder.

                           3.3 CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The revenues of
                  the Cemetery for the twelve months ended December 31, 1993-95,
                  are in all material respects as follows:

                                                December 31,
                                        1993          1994          1995
                                        ----          ----          ----

                  Revenues            $893,398      $1,064,319    $1,037,672

                  The Cemetery performed at least 212 interments during the
                  twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at least 217 interments
                  during the twelve months ended December 31, 1994, and at least
                  215 interments during the twelve months ended December 31,
                  1995. The Real Property consists of approximately 38 acres, of
                  which approximately 25 acres have been platted, developed and
                  dedicated for cemetery use. The Cemetery has approximately
                  3,000 unsold individual grave spaces, 230 unsold niches, 270
                  unsold mausoleum crypts and 135 unsold lawn crypts.

                           3.4 TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTY. The Company is
                  in actual possession and control of all properties owned or
                  leased by it which are presently used in the conduct of the
                  business of the Cemetery, and has good and indefeasible title
                  to all of the Assets to be sold and conveyed to the Purchaser
                  under this Agreement, free and clear of any and all Liens
                  other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

                           3.5 REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.5 hereto sets forth a
                  description of each parcel of the Real Property, which
                  constitutes all real property interests that are currently
                  used in the operation of the Cemetery. Schedule 3.5 also
                  describes all Liens of any kind against the Real Property.
                  There is not pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
                  threatened any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of
                  the Real Property or any portion thereof. Since November 27,
                  1991 (the "Acquisition Date"), no toxic or hazardous wastes
                  (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or
                  any similar state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as
                  defined under the Comprehensive Environment Response,
                  Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or the
                  Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or any
                  similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
                  generated, stored, dumped or released onto or from any portion
                  of the Real Property, except for substances, such as

                                      -7-

                  formaldehyde, that are used in the operation of the Real
                  Property as a funeral home or otherwise in the ordinary course
                  of business and have been properly used, stored and disposed
                  of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and
                  except for any of the foregoing which would not, individually
                  or in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the
                  financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of
                  the Cemetery. To the knowledge of the Company, the Real
                  Property is not now subject to any reclamation, remediation or
                  reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other
                  governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real
                  Property. To the knowledge of officers of the Company, no
                  portion of the Real Property contains any underground storage
                  tanks or PCBs.

                           3.6 ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since June 30,
                  1995, there has not been:

                                    (i) any material adverse change in the
                           financial condition, operations, properties or
                           prospects of the Cemetery;

                                    (ii) any material damage, destruction or
                           losses against the Cemetery or any waiver of any
                           rights of material value to the Cemetery;

                                    (iii) any claim or liability for any
                           material damages for any actual or alleged negligence
                           or other tort or breach of contract against or
                           affecting the Cemetery; or

                                     (iv) any transaction or event entered into
                           or affecting the Cemetery other than in the ordinary
                           course of the business.

                           3.7 FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.7 hereto lists all motor
                  vehicles and other material items of equipment, fixtures and
                  other fixed assets owned by the Company which are used in the
                  operation of, or in connection with, the business of the
                  Cemetery or located thereon. All such Assets are, taken as a
                  whole, in operating condition and reasonable repair, ordinary
                  wear and tear excepted.

                           3.8 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.8 sets
                  forth a description of each Assumed Contract applicable to the
                  Cemetery. Each Assumed Contract is valid and in full force and
                  effect and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge of the
                  Company, any of the other parties thereto, is in default
                  thereunder.

                                      -8-

                           3.9 PRE-NEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule
                  3.9 attached hereto lists, as of February 28, 1996 (except as
                  otherwise noted therein), (i) all preneed contracts of the
                  Cemetery unfulfilled as of the date thereof, including
                  contracts for the sale of cemetery merchandise and services,
                  and (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Cemetery, whether
                  for preneed contracts or perpetual care, indicating the
                  location of each and the balance thereof. In addition, as soon
                  as reasonably possible (but in any event within 30 days),
                  after the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser
                  a Schedule listing the information described in such clauses
                  (i) and (ii) as the Closing Date. All funds received by the
                  Company for the Cemetery under preneed contracts and for
                  perpetual care since the Acquisition Date will, by the time of
                  Closing (to the extent required by applicable law to have been
                  deposited by such time), have been deposited in the
                  appropriate accounts or covered by appropriate bonds, all of
                  which funds, bonds and accounts have been administered and
                  reported in accordance with the terms thereof and as required
                  by applicable laws and regulations. After the Closing, the
                  Company will make all necessary deposits as legally required
                  for amounts collected through the Closing on all preneed and
                  perpetual care contracts sold through the Closing Date. As to
                  all such preneed accounts outstanding on the Closing Date, (i)
                  such accounts are covered by written contracts signed or
                  approved by the customer, (ii) the direct costs to be incurred
                  by the Purchaser in providing the services and merchandise
                  called for by any unwritten agreements will not exceed trusted
                  principal and interest receivable with respect thereto or
                  (iii) the obligations of the Company thereunder are no more
                  than to apply as a credit the amount of trust balances,
                  including interest, for any particular account against the
                  price for performing the service and providing products on an
                  at-need basis. The services provided by the Company at the
                  Cemetery since the Acquisition Date have been rendered in a
                  professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing
                  professional standards, practices and customs.

                           3.10 INVENTORY; ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE. The inventories
                  of the Cemetery on the Closing Date will be reflected in its
                  books of account at cost. At Closing the accounts receivable
                  to be included within the Assets will be valid and legally
                  enforceable obligations of the account parties whose names are
                  listed in the books and records of the Cemetery, legally (but
                  not necessarily financially) collectible in accordance with
                  their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
                  other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. At
                  the Closing, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser a
                  listing,

                                     -9-

                  certified by it to be complete and correct, of all of the
                  Cemetery's inventory (as of a date within three business days
                  prior to Closing) and accounts receivable (as of a date that
                  is within 30 days prior to Closing).

                           3.11 INTANGIBLE RIGHTS. The Company has not received
                  notice that it is charged with infringement of any patent,
                  trademark, trade secret, license or other similar proprietary
                  rights of any other person in respect of the operation of the
                  business of the Cemetery or the use or ownership of the
                  Assets.

                           3.12 LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. The Company possesses
                  all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents,
                  rights and privileges necessary or appropriate to the conduct
                  of the operations of the Cemetery, including (without
                  limitation) all permits necessary for compliance with all
                  applicable environmental laws, except for any such license,
                  franchise, permit, certificate, consent, right or privilege
                  the absence of which would not, individually or in the
                  aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of the Cemetery
                  or any substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.13 LITIGATION. Other than the proceedings pending
                  before the Federal Trade Commission which are the subject of
                  the agreed consent order referred to in Section 7.7, there are
                  no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
                  pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against or
                  affecting the Company (with respect to the operation of the
                  Cemetery) or any of the Assets, at law or in equity or before
                  or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality, except for any such claim, action, suit,
                  proceeding or investigation which would not, individually or
                  in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
                  financial condition, business, operations or prospects of the
                  Cemetery or any substantial portion of the Assets. The Company
                  is not subject to any continuing court or administrative
                  order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or
                  foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental
                  department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality, in
                  respect of the operation of the Cemetery or the use or
                  ownership of the Assets.

                           3.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Cemetery has been
                  operated at all times since the Acquisition Date in compliance
                  with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes, rules,
                  ordinances and regulations applicable to the Cemetery, the
                  operation thereof and the Assets to be

                                      -10-

                  sold and conveyed to the Purchaser hereunder, except for any
                  such noncompliance which would not, individually or in the
                  aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of the Cemetery
                  or any substantial portion of the Assets.

                           3.15 EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.15 hereto lists the name,
                  current annual salary rate and sum of all other direct
                  monetary compensation in addition to salary received during
                  the calendar year 1995 of each employee of the Cemetery. Other
                  than as listed on Schedule 3.8, there are no agreements
                  relating to the employment of any such employee, including any
                  collective bargaining agreement.

                           3.16 FINDERS. The Company is not a party to or in any
                  way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there
                  are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any
                  broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           3.17 AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                  authorized by all necessary corporate action required on its
                  part. This Agreement is legally binding and enforceable
                  against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the
                  execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by the
                  Company will result in a violation or breach of, nor
                  constitute a default or accelerate the performance required
                  under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the Company
                  or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
                  properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
                  or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
                  body.

                           3.18 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Company hereunder or in any Schedules
                  or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, do
                  not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material
                  fact or, to the knowledge of the Company, omit to state a
                  material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that:

                                      -11-

                           4.1 ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
                  corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                  standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                  requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
                  obligations under this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly
                  qualified as a foreign corporation in the State of Florida.

                           4.2 AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser
                  has been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
                  Agreement is valid and binding upon the Purchaser and
                  enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its
                  terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or result in a
                  violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor
                  constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation
                  or bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage,
                  deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a
                  party or by which it or its property is bound, or violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative
                  agency or governmental body. At or prior to Closing, the
                  Purchaser will have made all necessary applications and
                  obtained all necessary licenses and permits, if any, which,
                  together with the transfer of the Company's transferrable
                  licenses and permits described in Section 1.1(viii), will be
                  required in order to enable the Purchaser to acquire the
                  Assets hereunder and consummate the Closing.

                           4.3 FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in
                  any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
                  there are no outstanding claims against it, for the payment of
                  any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
                  negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                           4.4 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any
                  certificates furnished to the Company pursuant hereto or
                  thereto, do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
                  material fact or, to the Purchaser's knowledge, omit to state
                  a material fact required to be stated herein or therein or
                  necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or
                  therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
                  not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY PENDING CLOSING. The Company
covenants and agrees with the Purchaser that:

                                      -12-

                           5.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this
                  Agreement to the Closing Date, the business of the Cemetery
                  will be operated only in the ordinary course, and, in
                  particular, without the prior written consent of the
                  Purchaser, the Company will not cause or permit any of the
                  following actions to occur:

                                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance
                           applicable to the Assets or the Cemetery to lapse or
                           terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like
                           coverage;

                                     (ii) commit any act or permit the
                           occurrence of any event or the existence of any
                           condition of the type described in clause (iv) of
                           Section 3.6; in addition, if any of the other events
                           described in Section 3.6 occurs, the Company will
                           promptly notify the Purchaser of the existence and
                           nature of such event;

                                    (iii) alter, amend, cancel or modify in any
                           respect any of the Assumed Contracts or the standard
                           form of, and terms and conditions applicable to,
                           preneed contracts;

                                     (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any of
                           the fixed assets described on Schedule 3.7, except
                           for any items disposed of that are replaced by items
                           of equivalent quality; or

                                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other
                           change in key personnel of the Cemetery.

                           5.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the
                  Company will give to the Purchaser and its counsel,
                  accountants and other representatives, full and free access to
                  all of the on-site properties, books, contracts, commitments
                  and records of the Cemetery so that the Purchaser may have
                  full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire
                  to make of the business, affairs and properties of the
                  Cemetery, provided such investigation is conducted so as not
                  to unreasonably interfere with the normal day-to-day
                  operations of the Cemetery.

                           5.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company will use its
                  best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of
                  other persons which may be required to be obtained on its part
                  and on the part of the Company to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement, including (without limitation)
                  the approval of the Federal Trade Commission described in
                  Section 7.7.

                                      -13-

                           5.4 NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in
                  effect, the Company agrees that it shall not enter into any
                  agreements or commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage
                  any offers, proposals or expressions of interest, or otherwise
                  hold any discussions with any potential buyers, investment
                  bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
                  disposition of all or any substantial portion of the assets
                  and business of the Cemetery or any other sale of the Company
                  (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or
                  otherwise), other than with the Purchaser; provided, however,
                  that any such merger, consolidation or sale of stock may occur
                  with the Shareholder or one or more of its direct or indirect
                  wholly owned subsidiaries, provided that the successor entity
                  joins in the execution of this Agreement to expressly
                  acknowledge the assumption of the obligations hereunder of the
                  applicable Company.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Company that:

                           6.1 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use
                  its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
                  approvals of other persons which may be required to be
                  obtained on its part to consummate the transactions
                  contemplated in this Agreement (including, without limitation,
                  the approval of the Florida Board of Funeral and Cemetery
                  Services described in Section 7.7). In addition, the Purchaser
                  agrees to furnish information regarding itself as may be
                  reasonably required in connection with obtaining the approval
                  of the Federal Trade Commission described in Section 7.7.

                           6.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the
                  Purchaser and its representatives will hold in confidence any
                  data and information obtained with respect to the Company from
                  any representative, officer, director or employee of the
                  Company, including its accountants or legal counsel, or from
                  any books or records of them, in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the
                  transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither
                  the Purchaser nor its representatives shall use such data or
                  information or disclose the same to others, except as such
                  data or information is published or is a matter of public
                  knowledge or is required by an applicable law or regulation to
                  be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason,
                  all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
                  from the Company or its representatives in connection with the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be returned
                  to the Company.

                                      -14-

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                           7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error,
                  misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties
                  made by the Company in Section 3 hereof; the representations
                  and warranties made by the Company herein shall be deemed to
                  have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
                  shall then be true and correct; the Company shall have
                  performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
                  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
                  it at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
                  received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the
                  Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
                  Section 7.1.

                           7.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused
                  to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of internal
                  counsel for the Company, to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Company is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of its state of incorporation and has
                           all requisite corporate power to enter into and
                           perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Company have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Company and enforceable against it in
                           accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Company of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of the
                           Company or under any material loan or credit
                           agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
                           other contract or agreement known to such counsel and
                           to which the Company is a party or by which it or its
                           property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                           injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
                           court, administrative agency or governmental body;
                           and

                                      -15-

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Company or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for any consents which have already
                           been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Company and certificates
                  of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
                  Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of
                  any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
                  creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may
                  be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State
                  of Texas.

                           7.3 NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there
                  shall not have occurred any loss or damage to a substantial
                  portion of the physical assets and properties of the Cemetery
                  (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured), the
                  effect of which would have a material adverse effect on the
                  condition, business, operations or prospects of the Cemetery.

                           7.4 APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
                  instruments and documents required to carry out the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement or incidental
                  thereto and all other related legal matters shall have been
                  approved by counsel for the Purchaser, and such counsel shall
                  have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
                  proceedings and other instruments and documents as they shall
                  have reasonably requested.

                           7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE. The Purchaser shall
                  have received an environmental questionnaire (on forms
                  provided by the Purchaser and its lender) for each Home and
                  the Real Property, completed and signed by the Manager or
                  other supervisory employee of each Home, and such
                  questionnaire shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole
                  discretion.

                           7.6 FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser represents
                  that it has received from Texas Commerce Bank National
                  Association a written commitment providing for the extension
                  of financing in order to provide the portion of the
                  consideration for the Assets not furnished by the Purchaser or
                  obtained by the Purchaser from other sources. It shall be a
                  condition to Closing that such commitment shall have been
                  funded in such amount

                                      -16-

                  contemporaneously with the Closing, provided that the
                  Purchaser agrees to perform its obligations under such
                  commitment. The Company acknowledges that it is a condition to
                  the funding of such commitment that the Shareholder shall have
                  unconditionally guaranteed the indebtedness to be advanced
                  pursuant thereto.

                           7.7 FTC, FLORIDA BOARD AND OTHER APPROVALS. The
                  Purchaser shall have received written notice of the approval
                  of the Purchaser and the transactions described herein by the
                  Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") under the FTC's Decision
                  and Order in Service Corporation International, Commission
                  Docket No. C-3646. The Purchaser shall also have received
                  written notice of the approval of its application to acquire
                  control of the Cemetery from the Florida Board of Funeral and
                  Cemetery Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes '497.007(2).
                  In addition, the Shareholder and the Company shall have
                  obtained all other necessary or appropriate consents and
                  approvals of other persons and governmental authorities to the
                  transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                           7.8 TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have
                  received an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance (at the
                  Company's expense) for each parcel of Real Property in an
                  amount mutually determined by the parties. Each such policy
                  shall be issued by a title company with offices in each County
                  in which the Real Property is located and reasonably
                  acceptable to the Purchaser (each hereafter referred to as a
                  "Title Company"), insuring that Purchaser is the owner of each
                  parcel of the Real Property subject only to the Permitted
                  Encumbrances, and the standard printed exceptions included in
                  a standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in effect in
                  the applicable jurisdiction; provided, however, that such
                  policy shall be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
                  Encumbrances, the standard exception pertaining to
                  discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
                  except for "shortages in area", the exception for rights of
                  parties in possession shall be deleted, and the standard
                  exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
                  Closing occurs, and subsequent years and subsequent
                  assessments for prior years due to change in land usage or
                  ownership.

                           7.9 SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
                  Company's expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed
                  surveyor approved by Purchaser and acceptable to each Title
                  Company, with respect to each parcel of Real Property, which
                  survey shall be sufficient for each Title Company to delete
                  the survey exception contained in the owner policy of title
                  insurance referred to in Section

                                      -17-

                  7.8, save and except for the phrase "shortages in area", and
                  otherwise be in form and content reasonably acceptable to
                  Purchaser and its lender.

                           7.10 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by: the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and Fort Myers Memorial
                  Gardens, Inc.; the Asset Purchase Agreement of even date
                  herewith between the Purchaser and the Company (relating to
                  Brevard (North) and Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Homes); and the
                  Asset Purchase Agreement of even date herewith between the
                  Purchaser and SCI Texas Funeral Services, Inc. (all of the
                  foregoing being hereinafter referred to as the "Other Purchase
                  Agreements"); all shall have been consummated either prior to
                  or substantially contemporaneously with the Closing under this
                  Agreement.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations
of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Company in writing:

                           8.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
                  PERFORMED. The Company shall not have discovered any material
                  error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
                  warranties made by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the
                  representations and warranties made by the Purchaser herein
                  shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time
                  of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
                  shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
                  conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
                  complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
                  Company shall have received a certificate, signed by an
                  executive officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the
                  foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                           8.2 OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have
                  caused to be delivered to the Company an opinion of Snell &
                  Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser,
                  to the effect that:

                                      (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly
                           organized, validly existing and in good standing
                           under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
                           requisite corporate power to enter into and perform
                           its obligations under this Agreement; and the
                           Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
                           in the State of Florida;

                                      -18-

                                    (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
                           of this Agreement by the Purchaser have been duly
                           authorized by its Board of Directors;

                                    (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding
                           upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the
                           Purchaser in accordance with its terms;

                                     (iv) neither the execution, delivery or
                           performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement will
                           conflict with or result in a violation or breach of
                           any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                           under, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of
                           the Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement,
                           indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract
                           or agreement known to such counsel and to which
                           Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property
                           is bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
                           decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                           administrative agency or governmental body; and

                                      (v) no authorization, approval or consent
                           of or declaration or filing with any governmental
                           authority or regulatory body, federal, state or
                           local, is necessary or required in connection with
                           the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
                           Purchaser or the performance of its obligations
                           hereunder, except for such consents which have
                           already been obtained.

                  Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance
                  upon certificates of officers of the Purchaser and
                  certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be
                  provided to the Company at Closing. Any opinion as to the
                  enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
                  affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
                  opinion may be limited to federal law, the internal laws of
                  the State of Texas and the General Corporation Law of the
                  State of Delaware.

                           8.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The consents and
                  approvals referred to in Section 7.7, including the approval
                  of the FTC, shall have been obtained.

                           8.4 OTHER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The transactions
                  contemplated by the Other Purchase Agreements shall have been
                  consummated either prior to or substantially contemporaneously
                  with the Closing under this Agreement.

                                      -19-

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           9.1 NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in
                  this Agreement or any Schedule hereto shall be deemed
                  representations and warranties of the party executing or
                  delivering the same.

                           9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                  Regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on
                  behalf of any party hereto, all covenants, agreements,
                  representations and warranties made hereunder or in any
                  Schedule hereto shall not terminate, but shall survive the
                  Closing and continue in effect thereafter for a period of two
                  (2) years following the Closing, at which time they shall
                  terminate (except as to claims which are then pending by
                  written notice delivered prior to the expiration of such
                  two-year period).

                  10.      INDEMNIFICATION.

                           10.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PURCHASER AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
                  DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, COSTS OR EXPENSES (ANY ONE
                  SUCH ITEM BEING HEREIN CALLED A "LOSS" AND ALL SUCH ITEMS
                  BEING HEREIN COLLECTIVELY CALLED "LOSSES") WHICH ARE CAUSED BY
                  OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE PERFORMANCE
                  BY THE COMPANY OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF THE COMPANY
                  CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
                  INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE COMPANY
                  HEREIN, IN ANY SCHEDULE DELIVERED TO THE PURCHASER PURSUANT
                  HERETO OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT DELIVERED BY
                  OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM
                  MADE AGAINST THE PURCHASER IN RESPECT OF ANY LIABILITIES OR
                  OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY (WHETHER ABSOLUTE OR CONTINGENT,
                  KNOWN OR UNKNOWN) OTHER THAN THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES, AND (IV)
                  ANY AND ALL ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
                  JUDGMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL
                  FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. THE PURCHASER
                  AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COMPANY AND ITS
                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY LOSSES WHICH ARE
                  CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF (I) ANY BREACH OR DEFAULT IN THE
                  PERFORMANCE BY THE PURCHASER OF ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT OF
                  THE PURCHASER CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, (II) ANY BREACH OF
                  WARRANTY OR INACCURATE OR ERRONEOUS REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE
                  PURCHASER HEREIN OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT
                  DELIVERED BY OR ON

                                      -20-

                  BEHALF OF THE PURCHASER PURSUANT HERETO, (III) ANY CLAIM MADE
                  AGAINST THE COMPANY IN RESPECT OF THE ASSUMED LIABILITIES OR
                  BASED ON ANY SET OF FACTS ARISING AFTER THE CLOSING AND
                  RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE CEMETERY, AND (IV) ANY AND ALL
                  ACTIONS SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, JUDGMENTS, COSTS
                  AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE LEGAL FEES) INCIDENT TO ANY
                  OF THE FOREGOING.

                           10.3 THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts
                  a claim against an indemnified party hereunder that, if
                  successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
                  against an indemnifying party hereunder, the indemnifying
                  party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall
                  have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and
                  be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
                  selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
                  indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts
                  in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
                  within ten business days after delivery of the indemnified
                  party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
                  indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between
                  such parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by
                  the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
                  indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense
                  of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have
                  the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
                  represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected
                  by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified
                  party's interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  11.      TERMINATION.

                           11.1 BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company
                  agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
                  of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof and the
                  Purchaser agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the
                  satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                           11.2 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated
                  prior to Closing by:

                                    (a) the mutual consent of the Company and
                           the Purchaser;

                                    (b) the Purchaser if a material default
                           shall be made by the Company in the observance or in
                           the due and timely performance by any of its
                           covenants herein contained, or if there shall have
                           been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
                           Company

                                      -21-

                           of any of its warranties and representations herein
                           contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
                           be complied with or performed by the Company at or
                           before the Closing shall not have been complied with
                           or performed at the time required for such compliance
                           or performance and such noncompliance or
                           nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
                           by the Purchaser in writing, and any such default,
                           breach or noncompliance shall continue uncured for a
                           period of ten (10) days after such notice thereof is
                           given to the Company;

                                    (c) the Company if a material default shall
                           be made by the Purchaser in the observance or in the
                           due and timely performance by the Purchaser of any of
                           the covenants of the Purchaser herein contained, or
                           if there shall have been a material breach or
                           misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any of its
                           warranties and representations herein contained, or
                           if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied
                           with or performed by the Purchaser at or before the
                           Closing shall not have been complied with or
                           performed at the time required for such compliance or
                           performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance
                           shall not have been expressly waived by the Company
                           in writing, and any such default, breach or
                           noncompliance shall continue uncured for a period of
                           ten (10) days after notice thereof is given to the
                           Purchaser; or

                                    (d) the Company or the Purchaser, if for any
                           reason the Closing shall have failed to occur on or
                           before April 30, 1996, unless the only reason for
                           such failure is the failure to obtain final approval
                           for the Purchaser's acquisition of the Cemetery under
                           Florida law, in which case such date shall be
                           extended to June 30, 1996.

                           11.3 LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
                  terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no
                  party shall have any liability to any other party hereunder.
                  If this Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of
                  Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement
                  shall not have any liability to any other party hereto,
                  provided the terminating party has not breached any
                  representation or warranty or failed to comply with any of its
                  covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
                  not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party
                  against any other party which has breached any of its
                  representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
                  termination.

                                      -22-

                  12. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           12.1 EXPENSES. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the
                  parties shall each pay their own expenses in connection with
                  the negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this
                  Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein, and in no event shall any such expenses
                  of the Company constitute an Assumed Liability hereunder.

                           12.2 BULK SALES LAWS. The transactions contemplated
                  by this Agreement shall be consummated without compliance with
                  the bulk sales laws of any state. If by reason of any
                  applicable bulk sales law any claims are asserted by creditors
                  of the Company, such claims shall be the responsibility of the
                  Purchaser in the case of claims arising under any of the
                  Assumed Liabilities, or the responsibility of the Company in
                  the case of claims arising under any other liabilities of the
                  Company.

                           12.3 TAXES. Any sales or transfer taxes which may be
                  payable in connection with the sale of the Assets under this
                  Agreement shall be paid by the Company.

                           12.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and
                  other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
                  be deemed to have been given if personally delivered or
                  mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage
                  prepaid, as follows:

                                    (i)if to the Company, to:

                                       Service Corporation International
                                       1929 Allen Parkway
                                       Houston, Texas  77019
                                       Attn:  President

                                       with a copy to:

                                       General Counsel
                                       Service Corporation International
                                       1929 Allen Parkway
                                       Houston, Texas  77019

                                    (ii)  if to the Purchaser, to:

                                       CFS Funeral Services, Inc.
                                       1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                       Houston, Texas  77056
                                       Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                      -23-

                                       with a copy to:

                                       Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                       1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                       Houston, Texas 77002
                                       Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

                  or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any
                  party to the other parties hereto.

                           12.5 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned
                  by any party hereto without the consent of all other parties
                  hereto, provided, however, that following the Closing the
                  Purchaser may assign its rights hereunder without the consent
                  of the Company to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser
                  (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise), provided
                  that the Purchaser shall not thereby be relieved of its
                  obligations hereunder.

                           12.6 SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of
                  Section 12.5, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
                  to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
                  successors and assigns.

                           12.7 SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
                  paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference
                  purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or
                  interpretation of this Agreement.

                           12.8 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by
                  an instrument in writing executed by both parties hereto.

                           12.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the
                  Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
                  constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
                  supersede all prior understandings with respect to the subject
                  matter hereof and thereof (including, without limitation, the
                  letter of intent between the Purchaser and the Shareholder
                  dated April 2, 1996).

                           12.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be
                  construed and enforced under and in accordance with and
                  governed by the law of the State of Texas.

                           12.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
                  counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
                  all of which shall constitute the same instrument.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered in Houston, Texas as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CFS FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.


                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President

                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 SCI FUNERAL SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC.


                                 By: JOAN B. GOFF
                                     JOAN B. GOFF, Secretary
<PAGE>
                                      -25-

SCHEDULE                                DESCRIPTION

  3.5                                   Real Property
  3.7                                   Fixed Assets
  3.8                                   Assumed Contracts
  3.9                                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
  3.15                                  Employees



                                 Exhibit 10.17

                   STOCK AND REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 29, 1996, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), DWAYNE R.
SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), DWAYNE R. SPENCE
and PATRICIA F. SPENCE, residents of Fairfield County, Ohio (the "Spences"), and
JAMES H. SHERIDAN, a resident of Fairfield County, Ohio ("Sheridan") (Sheridan
and Dwayne R. Spence being hereafter referred to together as the "Shareholders",
and the Spences and Sheridan are together referred to as the "Sellers");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the Dwayne R. Spence
Funeral Homes located in Canal Winchester and Pickerington, Ohio (collectively,
the "Homes"); and

                  WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists
of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), all of which
shares (the "Shares") are issued, outstanding and held and owned of record by
the Shareholders as shown on Schedule I hereto; and

                  WHEREAS, the Spences own fee simple title to all of the real
property and improvements on which the Home in Canal Winchester, Ohio is located
(the "Canal Winchester Tract"), and the Shareholders, through S & S Management
Company, an Ohio general partnership of which they are the sole partners
("S&S"), own fee simple title to all of the real property and improvements on
which the Home in Pickerington, Ohio is located (the "Pickerington Tract") (the
Canal Winchester Tract and the Pickerington Tract are collectively referred to
herein as the "Real Property"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser purchase the
Shares and the Pickerington Tract from the Shareholders and the Canal Winchester
Tract from the Spences, all upon the terms and conditions and for the
consideration herein set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARES AND THE REAL PROPERTY.


                  1.1. TRANSFER OF THE SHARES. The Shareholders jointly and
         severally agree to sell the Shares to the Purchaser, free and clear of
         all security interests, pledges, liens, mortgages, title restrictions,
         charges, encumbrances or rights of any other person (collectively,
         "Liens"). The Purchaser, agrees to purchase and accept the Shares from
         each of the Shareholders.
<PAGE>
                  1.2. TRANSFER OF THE REAL PROPERTY. The Spences jointly and
         severally agree to sell fee simple title to the Canal Winchester Tract
         to the Purchaser, free and clear of all Liens other than "Permitted
         Encumbrances" (herein so called) described on Schedule 3.6, and the
         Purchaser agrees to purchase and accept the Canal Winchester Tract from
         the Spences. The Shareholders (through S&S) jointly and severally agree
         to sell fee simple title to the Pickerington Tract to the Purchaser,
         free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances described
         on Schedule 3.6, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase and accept the
         Pickerington Tract from the Shareholders.

                  1.3. CONSIDERATION. The purchase price for the Canal
         Winchester Tract shall be $750,000.00, all of which shall be payable in
         cash at the Closing by wire transfer to such account or accounts as the
         Spences shall designate in writing prior to the Closing. The purchase
         price for the Pickerington Tract shall be $450,000.00, all of which
         shall be payable in cash at the Closing by wire transfer to such
         account or accounts as the Shareholders shall designate in writing
         prior to the Closing. The purchase price for the Shares shall be
         $2,477,407.83. Of the purchase price for the Shares:

                             (i) An amount sufficient to discharge indebtedness
                  of the Company as determined by the Purchaser pursuant to
                  Section 1.4 below, shall be paid to the holders of such
                  indebtedness.

                            (ii) The sum of $910,500.00 shall be payable by the
                  issuance and delivery to the Shareholders of 910,500 shares of
                  Series D Preferred Stock, $.01 par value ("Series D Preferred
                  Stock"), of Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., a Delaware
                  corporation ("Carriage"). Of the Series D Preferred Stock to
                  be issued to the Shareholders as aforesaid, 720,000 shares
                  shall be issued to Dwayne R. Spence and 190,500 shares shall
                  be issued to Sheridan. In addition, at the Closing, Carriage
                  shall issue and deliver to C. Jeffrey Spence ("Jeffrey") an
                  additional 90,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, not as
                  purchase price but as partial consideration for his execution
                  and delivery of and performance under his Non-Competition
                  Agreement referred to in Section 2.2(i). The shares of Series
                  D Preferred Stock to be so issued to the Shareholders and
                  Jeffrey as provided above (collectively, the "Series D
                  Shares") shall have the terms and provisions described in
                  Section 1.5 below.

                           (iii) The sum of $662,407.83 (the "Deferred Purchase
                  Price") shall be payable over a period of ten years following
                  the Closing as hereafter provided. The Deferred Purchase Price
                  shall bear interest at a rate of

                                      -2-

                  six percent (6%) per annum. The Deferred Purchase Price shall
                  be payable in ten equal annual installments of principal and
                  interest, each in the amount of $90,000, the first of which
                  shall be payable on or before the first anniversary of the
                  Closing Date, and continuing annually thereafter on or before
                  the second through tenth anniversaries of the Closing Date.
                  The Deferred Purchase Price shall be payable to the
                  Shareholders in accordance with their respective holdings of
                  the Shares as shown on Schedule I hereto. Any installment of
                  Deferred Purchase Price not paid within 30 days after the date
                  due shall commence to accrue interest on the overdue amount at
                  the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum. The Deferred Purchase
                  Price shall be subject to offset as provided in Section 10.4.

                            (iv) The excess of such purchase price over such
                  amounts determined under the foregoing clauses (i) through
                  (iii) shall be paid to the Shareholders in cash at Closing, by
                  wire transfer to such account or accounts as the Shareholders
                  shall designate in writing prior to the Closing.

                  The purchase price for the Shares shall be subject to
         adjustment as provided in Section 1.4 below.

                  1.4. ADJUSTMENT TO CONSIDERATION. At or prior to Closing, the
         Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a written statement,
         certified by them to be accurate and complete, setting forth a
         description, and the outstanding balance as of the Closing, of all
         liabilities and obligations of the Company, including (but not limited
         to) indebtedness for borrowed money, indebtedness secured by Liens
         against any assets or properties of the Company or any of the Real
         Property, accounts and trade payable, accrued liabilities, federal,
         state and local taxes, any liabilities under suits, claims, judgments
         or orders then pending or any other liability or obligation of the
         Company attributable to the operation of the Company's business prior
         to Closing (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), excluding
         obligations under preneed contracts for which the full amount has been
         deposited in trust as required under applicable law. At Closing, the
         Purchaser shall pay out of the purchase price for the Shares such
         portion as shall be required to pay and discharge those Unassumed
         Liabilities secured by Liens against any assets or properties of the
         Company, any other indebtedness of the Company for borrowed money, and
         any other Unassumed Liabilities as mutually determined by the parties,
         either directly to such creditors or otherwise in a manner mutually
         determined by the parties such as to assure that the assets and
         properties of the Company and the Real Property are free and clear of
         any Liens (other than Permitted

                                      -3-

         Encumbrances) and all such Unassumed Liabilities are paid or satisfied
         in full. Any Unassumed Liabilities remaining unpaid after the Closing
         shall be subject to indemnification under Section 10.1.

                  1.5. SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK. The terms and provisions of the
         Series D Preferred Stock shall be as provided in the Certificate of
         Designation, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series D
         Preferred Stock, a copy of which has been provided to the Shareholders
         (the "Series D Designation"), to the extent applicable to the Series D
         Shares and subject to this Section 1.5. The "Dividend Rate" (as defined
         in the Series D Designation) applicable to the Series D Shares to be
         issued at the Closing as provided herein shall be $.06 per annum,
         payable quarter-annually, and the "Initial Conversion Base Price" (as
         defined in the Series D Designation) of the Series D Shares shall be
         $9.00 per share. Carriage's obligations under the terms of the Series D
         Designation to distribute assets on a preferential basis to the holders
         of the Series D Shares in connection with the dissolution, liquidation
         or winding up of the affairs of the Purchaser, to redeem the Series D
         Shares on December 31, 2001 at $1.00 per Series D Share, and to pay
         quarterly dividends in respect of the Series D Shares as therein
         provided, shall, at all times while the Series D Shares are
         outstanding, be secured by an irrevocable standby letter of credit
         (together, with any and all renewals and replacements, the "Letter of
         Credit") to be issued by Provident Services, Inc. ("Provident"), for
         the account of Carriage, in favor of Dwayne R. Spence, as agent for the
         Shareholders and Jeffrey, as beneficiaries (all of whom, in their
         capacities as such, including their successors and permitted assigns,
         are hereafter referred to as "Beneficiaries"), in an amount equal to
         the aggregate redemption price for the Series D Shares then outstanding
         plus the aggregate amount of dividends to accrue thereon for the two
         successive quarter-annual dividend periods. The initial Letter of
         Credit shall be in the amount of $1,030,515.00, shall be dated the
         Closing Date and shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A
         attached hereto. The initial Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date
         of no earlier than one year from its date of issue and shall provide
         that, if within 15 days prior to its expiry date, it is not renewed,
         replaced or extended for an additional period of at least one year (but
         in no event for any period extending past January 31, 2002) in the
         amount calculated above, the Shareholders shall be entitled to draw
         thereon as therein provided. Any replacement Letter of Credit may be
         issued by Provident or by another financial institution having combined
         capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $100 million. It
         shall be a condition to any conversion of the Series D Shares into
         Common Stock of Carriage pursuant to the Series D Designation that the
         holders thereof have surrendered the Letter of Credit (x)

                                      -4-

         without replacement or renewal, if all of such Series D Shares have
         been fully converted, or (y) if less than all of such Series D Shares
         have been so converted, in exchange for and receipt of a replacement
         Letter of Credit in the amount of the aggregate redemption price of the
         Series D Shares remaining outstanding after such conversion plus
         dividends to accrue thereon for the two successive quarter-annual
         dividend periods thereafter. The Letter of Credit shall be
         transferrable only in connection with any transfer of the Series D
         Shares and the transferee's acknowledgment of the obligations of the
         Beneficiaries under this Agreement, but the Letter of Credit shall not
         be divisible into separate letters of credit. Dwayne R. Spence shall at
         all times act as agent for all Beneficiaries under the Letter of Credit
         until his death, resignation or removal in such capacity by unanimous
         consent of all of the other Beneficiaries for breach of fiduciary duty,
         in which case a majority in interest of the remaining Beneficiaries
         shall designate in writing to Carriage a successor agent among them to
         take his place. Carriage may conclusively rely upon the actions taken
         by Dwayne R. Spence or any successor agent for the Beneficiaries in all
         dealings in respect of the Letter of Credit and the Beneficiaries'
         rights and interests thereunder.

                  1.6. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable
         items relating to the assets and liabilities of the Homes and to the
         Real Property, including but not limited to, utilities, real estate and
         personal property taxes, and the right to receive refunds or rebates of
         premiums in respect of real estate, automobile and malpractice
         insurance maintained by the Company through the Closing, shall be
         prorated as of the Closing Date, the Sellers being charged and credited
         for all of same up to such date and the Purchaser being charged and
         credited for all of same on and after such date. If the actual amounts
         to be prorated are not known as of the Closing Date, the prorations
         shall be made on the basis of the best evidence then available, and
         thereafter, within thirty (30) days after actual figures are received,
         a cash settlement will be made between the Sellers and the Purchaser,
         if the net adjustment exceeds $200.00.

                  1.7. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Sellers agree to execute and
         deliver from time to time after the Closing, at the reasonable request
         of the Purchaser, and without further consideration, such additional
         instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action
         as the Purchaser may reasonably require more effectively to convey,
         assign, transfer and deliver the Shares and good and marketable title
         to the Real Property to the Purchaser.

                                      -5-

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing shall occur at the offices of
         Sitterley and Vandervoort, 123 South Broad Street, Suite 211,
         Lancaster, Ohio 43130, at 9:00 a.m. on March 29, 1996, or at such other
         date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but
         in no event later than March 29, 1996. The date and time of the Closing
         is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be deemed to have
         occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing Date. At the
         Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver all certificates representing
         their respective Shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by duly executed
         stock powers, and the Sellers shall each execute and deliver one or
         more general warranty deeds conveying fee simple title to the Real
         Property to the Purchaser, all against receipt of the consideration
         therefor. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set
         forth, and all documents and instruments executed and delivered, and
         all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to have
         been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or
         delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
         incident to the Closing has been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the purchase and
         sale of the Shares and the Real Property, the following transactions
         shall take place at the Closing:

                             (i) the Purchaser and Jeffrey shall each execute
                  and deliver to the other a Non-Competition Agreement to be
                  dated the Closing Date in substantially the form of Exhibit B
                  hereto (the "Non-Competition Agreement");

                            (ii) the Company, on the one hand, and each of
                  Dwayne R. Spence, Sheridan and Jeffrey, on the other, shall
                  each execute and deliver to the other an Employment Agreement
                  to be dated the Closing Date and in substantially the forms of
                  Exhibits C-1, C-2 and C-3, respectively, hereto (collectively,
                  the "Employment Agreements");

                           (iii) the Purchaser and the Shareholders shall each
                  execute and deliver to the other a First Refusal Agreement to
                  be dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form of
                  Exhibit D hereto (the "First Refusal Agreement"); and

                            (iv) effective immediately prior to the Closing, the
                  Company shall distribute to the Shareholders (x) all of the
                  Company's accounts receivable as of the Closing Date ("Closing
                  Date Receivables"), and (y) all of

                                      -6-

                  the Company's cash balances in bank accounts, certificates of
                  deposits or marketable securities as of the Closing Date,
                  other than any such cash or other investments that are used or
                  applied to fund preneed trust accounts or funds of the
                  Company.

                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS. The Sellers
jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser
that:

                  3.1. TITLE TO THE SHARES. The Shareholders have good and
         marketable title to the Shares as shown on Schedule I, free and clear
         of any and all Liens, and the Shareholders have the absolute and
         unrestricted right, power, authority and capacity to sell the Shares to
         the Purchaser as provided in this Agreement. Upon delivery of the
         Shares to the Purchaser, against payment therefor as provided in
         Section 1.3, the Purchaser will receive from the Shareholders good and
         marketable title thereto, free and clear from all Liens.

                  3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corporation
         duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
         the State of Ohio, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
         and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to carry on its
         business as now conducted. The Shareholders have delivered to the
         Purchaser complete and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation
         and Code of Regulations of the Company, both as in effect on the date
         hereof.

                  3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the
         Company consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, all of
         which shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and
         nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of
         any person. No shares of the Company are held by it as treasury stock.
         The Company does not have any outstanding subscriptions, options or
         other agreements or commitments obligating it to issue shares of its
         capital stock. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the
         Shareholders will not, and will not cause or permit the Company to,
         issue or enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or other
         commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance
         of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company has no subsidiaries or any
         investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
         other business enterprise.

                  3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholders have delivered to
         the Purchaser (i) the unaudited Balance Sheet of the Company at June
         30, 1995 (the "Company Balance Sheet") and

                                      -7-

         the related unaudited Profit and Loss Statement of the Company for the
         six-month period of operations then ended, and (ii) the unaudited
         (compiled) Balance Sheets of the Company at December 31, 1993 and 1994
         and the related unaudited (compiled) Profit and Loss Statements of the
         Company for the respective twelve-month periods of operations then
         ended, together with the notes thereto and compilation reports of
         Federated Funeral Directors of America thereon. All such financial
         statements are true and correct, have been prepared in accordance with
         the books and records of the Company, and present fairly the financial
         positions of the Company at the dates indicated and the results of its
         operations for the periods then ended in accordance with the Standards
         of Generally Accepted Tax Accounting Principles consistently applied
         (the "Standards"). The Homes collectively performed at least 197 adult
         funeral services for the twelve months ended December 31, 1993, at
         least 225 adult funeral services for the twelve months ended December
         31, 1994, and at least 223 adult funeral services for the twelve months
         ended December 31, 1995.

                  3.6. REAL PROPERTY. (a) Schedule 3.6 attached hereto sets
         forth a legal description of all parcels included within the Real
         Property, and also briefly describes each building and major structure
         and improvement thereon. The Spences have good and marketable fee
         simple title to the Canal Winchester Tract, and the Shareholders
         (through S&S) have good and marketable fee simple title to the
         Pickerington Tract, in each case free and clear of any and all Liens,
         other than (i) Liens to be fully released at or prior to Closing, and
         (ii) title restrictions described in Schedule 3.6 as constituting
         "Permitted Encumbrances" (the "Permitted Encumbrances"). No person
         other than the Sellers and the Company have any ownership, leasehold or
         other interest of any kind in the Real Property. The Real Property is
         the only interest in real property used in the conduct of the business
         of the Homes as presently conducted. All of the buildings, structures
         and improvements located on the Real Property are in good operating
         condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such buildings,
         structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as
         now operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other
         administrative regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any
         provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent
         their continued use for the purposes for which they are now being used.
         There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of any Seller, threatened
         any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or
         any portion thereof.

                  (b) No toxic or hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S.
         Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar state or local agency)
         or hazardous substances (as defined under the

                                      -8-

         Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
         1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
         amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
         generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or from the Real
         Property, nor to the knowledge of any Seller, have any such materials
         or wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on any
         real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. The Real
         Property is not now, and will not be in the future as a result of its
         condition at or prior to Closing (based upon the state of the law on
         the date of this Agreement), subject to any reclamation, remediation or
         reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other
         governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property.
         The Real Property does not contain any asbestos, polychlorinated
         byphenyls, urea, formaldehyde, lead based paint, radon gas or
         underground storage tanks, except for substances used in the ordinary
         course of the operation of the Homes that are properly used, stored and
         disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

                  (c) None of the Real Property is located within an area that
         has been designated by the Federal Insurance Administration, the Army
         Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental agency or body as being
         subject to special flooding hazards.

                  (d) No Seller is a "foreign person" (as defined in Section
         1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
         "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder), and the Sellers shall
         deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in recordable form
         containing such information as shall be required by Internal Revenue
         Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder.

                  (e) All bills and other payments due with respect to the
         ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been
         (or on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for
         the same have been filed or asserted against any part of the Real
         Property.

                  3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
         properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes (other
         than the Real Property) are owned by the Company. None of such assets,
         rights or properties is subject to any lease or license. The Company is
         in actual possession and control of all properties owned by it, and has
         good and marketable title to all of its assets, rights and properties,
         including without limitation, all properties and assets reflected in
         the Company Balance Sheet (other than properties and assets reflected
         in such balance sheet that have been sold or otherwise disposed of in
         the ordinary course of business

                                      -9-

         subsequent to the date of the Company Balance Sheet), free and clear of
         all Liens, except for Liens to be discharged and released at or prior
         to Closing as contemplated in Section 1.4.

                  3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of the
         Company Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                           (i) any adverse change in the financial condition,
                  operations, properties or prospects of the Company or either
                  Home;

                           (ii) any change in the authorized capital or
                  outstanding securities of the Company;

                            (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities
                  which the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to
                  issue, sell or deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed
                  to grant any options, warrants or other rights calling for the
                  issue, sale or delivery thereof;

                             (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to
                  borrow any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become
                  subject to, any absolute or contingent obligation or
                  liability, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary
                  course of business;

                           (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
                  extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                           (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change
                  in any key personnel of the Company;

                            (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
                  agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of
                  the inventories or other assets or properties of the Company,
                  except in the ordinary course of business;

                           (viii) any material damage, destruction or losses
                  against the Company or any waiver any rights of material value
                  to the Company;

                             (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the
                  entering into of any collective bargaining agreement, with
                  respect to employees of the Company;

                              (x) any claim or liability for any material
                  damages for any actual or alleged negligence or other tort or
                  breach of contract against or affecting the Company;

                                      -10-

                             (xi) any new competitor that has, to the
                  Shareholders' knowledge, built, commenced to build or
                  announced intentions to build a funeral home or mortuary in
                  direct competition with either Home; or

                            (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or
                  affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
                  business.

                  3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth
         in the Company Balance Sheet, the Company has no, and none of its
         assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities or obligations of
         any kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts payable and
         accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of the Company's
         business since the date of the Company Balance Sheet.

                  3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other
         taxes due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this
         Agreement have been paid or are adequately provided for in the
         Company's books and records. The Company has filed all tax returns and
         reports required to be filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all
         such tax returns and reports are true, complete and correct. True and
         correct copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns filed
         by the Company for each of its last three taxable years have been
         furnished to the Purchaser. No assessments of deficiencies have been
         made against the Company which are presently pending or outstanding. No
         state of facts exists or has existed which would constitute grounds for
         the assessment of any tax liability against the Company with respect to
         any prior taxable period which has not been audited by the Internal
         Revenue Service or which has not been closed by applicable statute.
         There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory
         period of limitations applicable to any income tax return of the
         Company for any period. The Shareholders shall be fully responsible for
         all taxes of the Company accrued through the Closing and for
         completing, filing and handling (or for reimbursing the Purchaser for
         its out-of-pocket cost in completing, filing and handling, based solely
         on information furnished by the Shareholders) all tax returns and
         reports in respect in of all periods through Closing, including
         responding to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding such
         taxes, returns and reports.

                  3.11. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories
         reflected on the Company Balance Sheet and all items placed in
         inventory since the date thereof are (i) accounted for in accordance
         with the Standards, (ii) accounted for net of reserves which are
         sufficient to cover any losses due to obsolescence, shrinkage, or
         unmarketability, and (iii)

                                      -11-

         saleable or usable in the ordinary course of business of the Company at
         usual and customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns
         consistent with past practice. All of the note and accounts receivables
         of the Company will, on the Closing Date (i) represent bona fide claims
         for goods delivered or services rendered, and (ii) not be subject to
         any rights of offset or counterclaim. At the Closing, the Share-holders
         shall provide to the Purchaser a list, certified by them to be true and
         complete, of all of the Company's inventory and all of the Company's
         notes and accounts receivable, in each case as of the Closing Date.

                  3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and
         all other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other
         fixed assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good and
         operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The
         Purchaser acknowledges that there is located in the Homes six water
         color paintings that belong personally to Dwayne R. Spence, and the
         Purchaser agrees that such paintings may continue to be displayed at
         the Homes for so long after the Closing as Mr. Spence wishes.

                  3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 hereto sets
         forth a complete description of:

                             (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to
                  which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all
                  notes or other evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements
                  creating any Lien on any property of, the Company;

                           (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition
                  agreements and other agreements relating to the employment of
                  any employees of the Company;

                           (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the
                  Company which do not terminate or are not terminable by the
                  Company upon notice of 30 days or less or which involves an
                  obligation on its part in excess of $1,000 per annum or $5,000
                  in the aggregate; and

                            (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the
                  Company entered into outside the ordinary course of business.

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is
         valid and in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to
         the knowledge of the Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto,
         are in default thereunder. The Shareholders have furnished to the
         Purchaser a true and correct copy of each document listed on Schedule
         3.13.

                                      -12-

                  3.14. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14
         hereto accurately and completely lists (i) all preneed contracts of the
         Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof, including contracts for the
         sale of funeral merchandise and services, and (ii) all trust accounts
         relating to the Homes, indicating the location of each and the balance
         thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed on Schedule 3.14
         (x) have been entered into in the normal course of business at regular
         retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion program, solely for use
         by the named customers and members of their families on terms not more
         favorable than shown on the specimen contracts which have been
         delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules and
         regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have been
         delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full
         force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither
         the Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds
         received by the Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in
         the appropriate accounts and administered and reported in accordance
         with the terms thereof and as required by applicable laws and
         regulations. The aggregate market value of the preneed accounts, trusts
         or other deposits is equal to or greater than the aggregate preneed
         liability related to such accounts. The services heretofore provided by
         the Company have been rendered in a professional and competent manner
         consistent with prevailing professional standards, practices and
         customs.

                  3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC. The Company does not own nor has it
         applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses,
         trademarks, trademark applications or trademark licenses (collectively,
         "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule 3.15. The Company
         owns or possesses valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such
         Intangible Rights as are necessary to the conduct of the business of
         the Homes as presently conducted. The Company is not charged with
         infringement of any Intangible Rights of any other person, nor does the
         Company know of any such infringement, whether or not claimed by any
         person.

                  3.16. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of
         insurance in such amounts, and which insure against such losses and
         risks, as are generally maintained for comparable businesses and
         properties. Valid policies for such insurance will be outstanding and
         duly in force at all times prior to the Closing.

                  3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly
         and completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
         consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
         are all that are necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the
         business and operations of

                                      -13-

         the Company and the Homes. All such items are in full force and effect.

                  3.18. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions, suits,
         proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of either
         Shareholder, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the
         assets or properties of the Company, at law or in equity or before or
         by any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental
         department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality. The Company
         is not subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
         injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
         order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign,
         federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
         board, agency or instrumentality.

                  3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
         compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes,
         rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the Company, the
         operation of the Homes and the Company's assets, rights and properties
         (including without limitation all environmental protection and
         occupations safety and health rules, regulations and laws, and laws and
         regulations applicable to preneed contracts and trust accounts,
         including the so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                  3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely
         lists the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other
         compensation of all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule
         3.20 also sets forth the date of the last salary increase for each
         employee listed thereon, the outstanding balances of all loans and
         advances, if any, made by the Company to any employee or agent of the
         Company, and the number of vacation days or other time off to which
         each such employee is presently eligible to take. At Closing, the
         Shareholders will cause the Company to pay or satisfy all vacation,
         holiday and other accrued benefits to employees of the Homes which are
         then outstanding. Following the Closing, the Purchaser agrees that it
         will give each such employee credit for years of service with the Homes
         for purposes of determining seniority under the Purchaser's employee
         benefit plans. There are not pending or threatened against the Company
         any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work stoppages, and
         there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are
         pending or have been conducted or made with or by any labor union or
         association with respect to any employees of the Company. Neither
         Shareholder is aware of the existence of any serious health condition
         of any key management personnel of either Home that might impair any
         such person's ability to carry on his or her normal duties into the
         foreseeable future after the Closing. The Company believes

                                      -14-

         that the relations between the Company and its employees are good.

                  3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Schedule 3.21 describes all
         plans, contracts, commitments, programs and policies (including,
         without limitation, pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred
         compensation, severance, retirement, disability, medical, life, dental
         and accidental insurance, vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other
         similar employee benefit plans and policies) maintained by the Company
         providing benefits to any employees or former employee of the Company
         (collectively, the "Plans"). The Shareholders have delivered to the
         Purchaser true and correct copies of all documents embodying the Plans,
         and all determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service
         regarding Plans required to be qualified under the Code. All
         obligations of the Company under the Plans have been fully paid and
         fully funded. All necessary governmental approvals have been obtained
         for all Plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
         1974 ("ERISA") and have been qualified under Section 401 of the Code,
         and each trust established for any Plan is exempt from federal income
         taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code. With respect to any such
         Plan or any other "employee welfare plan" (as defined in ERISA)
         maintained by the Company, there has been no (i) "reportable event" as
         defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, or (ii) event described in Section
         4062(e) or 4036(a) of ERISA.

                  3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Each Home has been
         operated and is being operated in a manner separate from the personal
         and other business activities of the Sellers and their affiliates, and
         neither the Company nor its assets are subject to any affiliated party
         commitments or transactions.

                  3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company
         are true, correct and complete in all material respects, have been
         maintained by the Company in accordance with good business practice and
         in accordance with all laws, regulations and other requirements
         applicable to the Company. The corporate records of the Company reflect
         a true record of all meetings and proceedings of the Board of Directors
         and the shareholders of the Company.

                  3.24. FINDERS. Neither the Company nor any Seller is a party
         to or in any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and
         there are no outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment of
         any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
         negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SELLERS. Each Seller has the full
         right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform

                                      -15-

         this Agreement and the other documents to be executed by such Seller as
         provided in this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions
         contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon
         execution and delivery by each Seller, each of such other documents
         will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the
         Sellers enforceable against them in accordance with their respective
         terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of this
         Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, by any Seller will: (i)
         result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of, constitute
         a default or acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any
         third party to, or result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of (x)
         the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or
         (y) any contract, agreement, lease, license or other commitment to
         which the Company or any Seller is a party or by which the Company or
         such Seller or his, her or its respective assets or properties are
         bound; nor (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or
         decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized
         by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
         enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. Neither
         the execution, delivery nor performance by the Company of this
         Agreement will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a
         default or accelerate the performance required under, the Articles of
         Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or any indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which the
         Company is a party or by which it or its properties are bound, or
         violate any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
         administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.27. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Company and the Sellers hereunder or in any Schedules or
         certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do
         not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or therein
         necessary to make the representations or warranties herein or therein,
         in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

                  3.28. ACQUISITION OF SERIES D SHARES. The Series D Shares to
         be acquired by the Shareholders hereunder will be acquired by them for
         investment purposes only and not with the present intention or view to,
         or resale in connection with, any distribution thereof within the
         meaning of the Securities

                                      -16-

         Act of 1933, as amended. Each Shareholder understands that the Series D
         Shares will not be registered under such Securities Act or any state
         securities or blue sky laws, and except as provided in the Series D
         Designation neither Carriage nor the Purchaser is under any obligation
         to register any Series D Shares under any such laws. The Shareholders
         further understand that transferability of the Series D Shares will be
         restricted in accordance with applicable state and federal securities
         laws, and that a restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on
         each certificate representing Series D Shares. The Shareholders prior
         to the Closing will have had full opportunity to receive such
         information and ask such questions of representatives of Carriage
         concerning Carriage, its subsidiaries and their business, operations,
         assets and prospects, and concerning an investment in the Series D
         Shares, as the Shareholders will have deemed appropriate in order to
         make an informed investment decision with respect to the Series D
         Shares.

                  3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Agreement
         have been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
         contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
         signed for identification by the Sellers.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company and the Sellers
that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate
         power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
         and the other documents to which it is a party.

                  4.2. AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery and
         performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the documents
         contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered by it have
         been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is, and
         upon their execution and delivery as herein provided such other
         documents will be, valid and binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable
         against the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms.
         Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser of this
         Agreement, or any such other document will conflict with or result in a
         violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a
         default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
         Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other
         contract or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its
         property is

                                      -17-

         bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
         administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4.3. SECURITIES LAWS. Assuming that the representations and
         warranties of the Shareholders in Section 3.28 are true, Carriage's
         issuance of the Series D Shares to the Shareholders will be exempt from
         the registration and/or qualification requirements of all federal and
         state securities or blue sky laws applicable to the issuance or sale of
         the Series D Shares.

                  4.4. FINDERS. The Purchaser is not a party to or in any way
         obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there are not
         outstanding claims against it, for the payment of any broker's or
         finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or
         performance of this Agreement.

                  4.5. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties made
         by the Purchaser hereunder, or in any certificates furnished to the
         Sellers pursuant hereto do not and will not contain any untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
         to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make the representations
         or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which
         they are made, not misleading.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SELLERS PENDING CLOSING.
The Company and the Sellers jointly and severally covenant and agree with the
Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
         the Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in
         the ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written
         consent of the Purchaser, the Company will not, and the Sellers will
         not cause or allow the Company to:

                           (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or
                  terminate, unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                           (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Articles of
                  Incorporation or Code of Regulations;

                           (iii) take any action described in Section 3.8;

                           (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other
                  commitment of the type described in Section 3.13;

                           (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in
                  key personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of
                  compensation of or declare or pay any bonuses to

                                      -18-

                  any employee in excess of that listed on Schedule 3.20; or

                           (vi) take any other action which would cause any of
                  the representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof
                  not to be true and correct in all material respects on and as
                  of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if the
                  same had been made on and as of the Closing Date.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will
         give to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
         representatives, full and free access to all of the properties, books,
         contracts, commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser
         may have full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire
         to make of the affairs of the Company. If in the process of such
         investigation an executive officer of the Purchaser becomes actually
         aware that any representation or warranty under Section 3 is untrue,
         the Purchaser shall use its best efforts to inform the Shareholders
         thereof so that the same may be resolved prior to the Closing.

                  5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Sellers will
         use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals
         of other persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
         consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
         neither the Company nor any Seller shall enter into any agreements or
         commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or
         expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any
         potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the
         possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
         the assets and business of the Company or any other sale of the Company
         (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or otherwise) or any
         portion of the Real Property, other than with the Purchaser.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser
covenants with the Company and the Sellers that:

                  6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser will use its best
         efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other persons
         which may be required to be obtained on its part to consummate the
         transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
         its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information
         obtained with respect to the Company from

                                      -19-

         any representative, officer, director or employee of the Company,
         including their accountants or legal counsel, or from any books or
         records of any of them, in connection with the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement, except that the Purchaser may disclose
         such information to its outside attorneys and accountants and to its
         lender, provided that the Purchaser shall remain responsible to the
         Company for any unauthorized disclosure thereof by such attorneys,
         accountants or lender. If the transactions contemplated hereby are not
         consummated, neither the Purchaser nor its representatives shall
         disclose such data or information to others, except as such data or
         information is published or is a matter of public knowledge or is
         required by an applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this
         Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to
         the Company all written data and information obtained by the Purchaser
         from the Company or its representatives in connection with the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The obligations
of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error, misstatement or
         omission in the representations and warranties made by the Sellers in
         Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
         Sellers herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the
         time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company and the
         Sellers shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
         conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with
         by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have
         received a certificate, signed by the Sellers and an executive officer
         of the Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this
         Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Company shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Sitterley and Vandervoort,
         counsel for the Company and the Sellers, dated the Closing Date, to the
         effect that:

                              (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Ohio, with full corporate authority to enter into and
                  perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                             (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company
                  consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, no par

                                  -20-

                  value, all of which shares are validly issued and outstanding
                  and fully paid and nonassessable;

                            (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due
                  inquiry, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or
                  other agreements or commitments obligating the Company to
                  issue any shares of its capital stock or securities
                  convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                             (iv) the Shareholders are the record and beneficial
                  owners of the Shares as shown on Schedule I hereto, free and
                  clear of any and all Liens, and the Shareholders have full
                  capacity to sell and transfer the Shares in accordance with
                  this Agreement; and upon such sale and transfer to the
                  Purchaser by the Shareholders, the Purchaser will acquire from
                  the Shareholders all of their rights in the Shares;

                           (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Company of this Agreement has been duly authorized by its
                  Board of Directors;

                             (vi) this Agreement has been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the
                  valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
                  against it in accordance with its terms;

                            (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be
                  executed and delivered hereunder (as shall be specified in
                  such opinion) by the Sellers and Jeffrey have been duly and
                  validly executed and delivered by the Sellers and Jeffrey, and
                  this Agreement and such other documents constitute the valid
                  and binding obligations of the Sellers and Jeffrey enforceable
                  against them in accordance with their respective terms;

                           (viii) neither the execution, delivery or
                  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement or any of such other documents will (x) result in
                  the breach of or constitute a default under the Articles of
                  Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or any
                  loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust
                  or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and to
                  which either the Company or any Seller is a party or by which
                  they or their respective assets are bound, or (y) violate any
                  order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel of any
                  court, administrative agency or governmental body;

                             (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary

                                      -21-

                  or required in connection with the execution and delivery by
                  the Company and the Sellers of this Agreement or any of such
                  other documents; and

                              (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due
                  inquiry, there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
                  investigations pending or threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of its assets, at law or in equity or before or
                  by any court or federal, state, municipal or other
                  governmental department, commission, board, agency or
                  instrumentality.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of the Sellers and officers of the Company and
         certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to
         the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any
         document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
         moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
         principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and
         the internal laws of the State of Ohio.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Sellers shall
         have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
         governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
         have occurred any loss or damage to the Real Property or the physical
         assets and properties of the Company (regardless of whether such loss
         or damage was insured), the effect of which would have a material
         adverse effect on the condition, business, operations or prospects of
         the Company or either Home.

                  7.5. RESIGNATIONS AND RELEASES. The Purchaser shall have
         received such resignations of the officers and directors of the Company
         as shall have been requested by the Purchaser, as well as written
         releases, in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, under
         which the Shareholders and their spouses waive and release all rights
         and claims against the Company save and except only those obligations
         arising under this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto.

                  7.6. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
         instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other
         related legal matters shall have been approved by counsel for the
         Purchaser, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such
         certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
         documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                                      -22-

                  7.7. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
         representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the
         financial information, books and records, and properties and assets of
         the Company, the Homes and the Real Property, and shall have discovered
         no change in the business, assets, operations, financial condition or
         prospects of the Company, the Homes or the Real Property which could,
         in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a material adverse
         effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business, assets, financial
         condition or prospects of the Company, the Homes or the Real Property.

                  7.8. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Jeffrey shall have executed and
         delivered to the Purchaser the Non-Competition Agreement, the
         Shareholders and Jeffrey shall have executed and delivered to the
         Company their respective Employment Agreements and the Shareholders
         shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser the First Refusal
         Agreement.

                  7.9. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall
         have been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if
         deemed necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of each
         Home and the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected
         by Purchaser, (ii) a health and safety inspection of each Home by a
         person (who may be an employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by
         the Purchaser and who is qualified and experienced in such matters in
         the funeral service industry, and (iii) a structural inspection of each
         Home by an engineering firm selected by the Purchaser. The Sellers
         agree to pay the costs and to take the action reasonably recommended by
         such firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in the aggregate. In any
         event, it shall be a condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder
         that the results of the reports of such firms or persons (together with
         any remedial action, if any, taken by Sellers, regardless of the cost,
         in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole
         discretion.

                  7.10. TITLE INSURANCE. The Purchaser shall have received, at
         its expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the
         Purchaser in the amount of the purchase price for the Real Property
         under Section 1.3, issued by a title company with offices in Fairfield
         County, Ohio mutually designated by the parties (the "Title Company"),
         insuring that the Purchaser is the owner of each parcel of the Real
         Property subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances, and any standard
         printed exceptions included in an Ohio standard form Owner Policy of
         Title Insurance. Such policy shall have deleted any exception regarding
         restrictions or be limited to restrictions that are Permitted
         Encumbrances, any standard exception pertaining to discrepancies,
         conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted except for "shortages
         in area", and any

                                      -23-

         standard exception for taxes shall be limited to the year in which the
         Closing occurs.

                  7.11. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at its
         expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed surveyor approved
         by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to
         each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with any
         applicable standards under Ohio law, be sufficient for the Title
         Company to delete any survey exception contained in the title insurance
         policy referred to in Section 7.10, save and except for the phrase
         "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to
         Purchaser.

                  7.12. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received
         from Provident or another financial institution acceptable to it a
         written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and otherwise
         in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
         extension of financing in order to provide the portion of the purchase
         price not furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from
         other sources, and such commitment shall have been funded in such
         amount contemporaneously with the Closing.

                  7.13. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other than
         Permitted Encumbrances) against any assets of the Company or any
         portion of the Real Property shall have executed and delivered written
         releases of such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable
         to the Purchaser and its lender.

                  7.14. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Shareholders shall
         have identified to the Purchaser such other key management personnel of
         the Homes, and the Purchaser shall have entered into mutually
         satisfactory arrangements regarding the continued employment of such
         personnel at the Homes following the Closing.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS. The obligations
of the Sellers under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Sellers in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
         The Sellers shall not have discovered any material error, misstatement
         or omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser
         in Section 4 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
         Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of
         the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser
         shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions
         required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or
         prior to the Closing; and the Sellers shall

                                      -24-

         have received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the
         Purchaser, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section
         8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
         delivered to the Sellers an opinion of Snell & Smith, A Professional
         Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser, to the effect that:

                             (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to
                  enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
                  and the other documents contemplated herein to be executed and
                  delivered by the Purchaser (as shall be specified in such
                  opinion);

                            (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement and such other documents have been
                  duly authorized by its Board of Directors;

                           (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and
                  delivery as herein provided such other documents will be,
                  valid and binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable against
                  the Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms;

                            (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance
                  by the Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other
                  documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
                  breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default
                  under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
                  Purchaser or under any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
                  mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement known
                  to such counsel and to which the Purchaser is a party or by
                  which it or its property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
                  injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any court,
                  administrative agency or governmental body;

                             (v) assuming the accuracy of the Shareholders'
                  representations in Section 3.28 hereof, the offer and sale of
                  the Series D Shares by Carriage to the Shareholders is exempt
                  from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
                  1933, as amended, and the securities law of the State of Ohio;
                  and

                            (vi) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement or any of such other

                                      -25-

                  documents, or the performance of its obligations hereunder or
                  thereunder.

         Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
         certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
         officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Company at Closing.
         Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be limited by
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
         laws affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such
         opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the
         State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have obtained
         all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
         authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Purchaser shall have executed
         and delivered to Jeffrey the Non-Competition Agreement, Carriage shall
         have issued to Jeffrey the Series D Shares contemplated thereby, and
         the Company shall have executed and delivered to the Shareholders and
         Jeffrey their respective Employment Agreements.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
         Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
         representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
         same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
         any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto,
         all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
         hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in
         connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall
         not terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in effect
         thereafter.

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLERS. The Sellers jointly and
         severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and
         (following the Closing) the Company, and their respective successors
         and assigns, from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities,
         obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being herein called a
         "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively called "Losses")
         which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the

                                      -26-

         performance by the Company or the Sellers of any covenant or agreement
         of the Company or the Sellers contained in this Agreement, (ii) any
         breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by
         the Company or the Sellers herein, in any Schedule delivered to the
         Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Company or the Sellers pursuant
         hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the Company, whether absolute
         or contingent, known or unknown, to the extent not paid or discharged
         at Closing as provided in Section 1.4 and (iv) any and all actions,
         suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses
         (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing. To
         the extent that the Purchaser or the Company receives payment in
         respect of an indemnified Loss from any insurance maintained by the
         Company prior to the Closing or by the Shareholders (and at their cost)
         at any time, the Purchaser or the Company (as the case may be) may not
         also recover from the Shareholders for the Loss on which such payment
         has been received (except to the extent not covered by insurance).

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
         to indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers and their heirs and assigns
         from and against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any
         breach or default in the performance by the Purchaser of any covenant
         or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, (ii) any
         breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by
         the Purchaser herein or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto, and (iii)
         any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments,
         costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of
         the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
         against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
         party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
         indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"),
         the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and
         shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
         represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it,
         and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or
         will be, required to pay any amounts in connection therewith, which
         approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding
         the foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of the
         indemnified party's notice described above, the indemnifying party
         indicates in writing to the indemnified party that, as between such
         parties, such claims shall be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying
         party as provided herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the
         right to control the defense of such

                                      -27-

         claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have the right (i) to
         participate in the defense thereof and be represented, at its own
         expenses, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
         settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would be,
         affected thereby.

                  10.4. OFFSET. If any Seller becomes obligated to indemnify the
         Purchaser after the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement, at any
         time when any Deferred Purchase Price remains payable under Section
         1.3, then the Purchaser may, at its option and without prejudice to any
         right of the Purchaser to proceed directly against any Seller, set-off
         the amount for which the Sellers shall be so obligated against the
         Deferred Purchase Price. The exercise of such right of set-off shall be
         evidenced by means of a written notice to such effect given by the
         Purchaser to the Sellers, describing the basis for indemnity and
         set-off hereunder and the amount of the set-off.

                  10.5. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. Notwithstanding the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 10, (i) the Purchaser shall not seek
         indemnification from the Sellers under clauses (i) or (ii) of Section
         10.1 (or clause (iv) thereof, insofar as the same relates to said
         clauses (i) or (ii)), until such time as the total of all Losses is at
         least $5,000.00, at which time the Purchaser shall be entitled to
         indemnification for all Losses, including the first $5,000.00, and (ii)
         the Purchaser shall not assert any claim for indemnification (other
         than arising in respect of Section 12.2) after the fifth anniversary of
         the Closing Date, provided that the foregoing shall not affect any
         claims for indemnification that theretofore have been asserted and are
         then pending, which shall continue in effect until such claims are
         finally resolved.

                  11.      TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
         Sellers agree to use their best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
         of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the Purchaser
         agrees to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the
         conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
         Closing by:

                           (a) the mutual written consent of the Sellers and the
                  Purchaser;

                           (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by the Company or any Seller in the observance or in the due
                  and timely performance by any of their covenants

                                      -28-

                  herein contained, or if there shall have been a breach or
                  misrepresentation by any Seller of any of their warranties and
                  representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
                  Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Sellers at
                  or before the Closing shall not have been complied with or
                  performed at the time required for such compliance or
                  performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not
                  have been expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                           (c) the Sellers if a material default shall be made
                  by the Purchaser in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of the
                  Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have bene complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Sellers in writing; or

                           (d) either the Sellers or the Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by March 29, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
         terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party
         shall have any liability to any other parties hereunder. If this
         Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
         then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
         liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party has
         not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply with
         any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall
         not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against
         any other party which has breached any of its representations,
         warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  12. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

                  12.1. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. As described in Section
         2.2(iv), the Company shall, immediately prior to the Closing,
         distribute to the Shareholders the Closing Date Receivables. On the
         Closing Date, the Shareholders shall prepare and deliver to the
         Purchaser a list, certified by them to be accurate and complete, of all
         of the Closing Date Receivables. Following the Closing, the Purchaser
         shall have the exclusive (even as to the Shareholders) right to manage
         and oversee the collection of the Closing Date Receivables.

                                      -29-

         On or before the 15th day of each month following each month in which
         there are any collections on Closing Date Receivables, the Purchaser
         shall remit to the Shareholders the amount of such collections during
         the preceding month. The Purchaser shall have no duty to pursue
         collection of Closing Date Receivables by means greater than used on
         its collection of other accounts receivable, and in no event shall the
         Purchaser be required to institute suit or refer any account to a
         collection agency. At any time after the Closing, the Purchaser may, in
         its sole discretion, return the management and control over the Closing
         Date Receivables to the Shareholders, by giving written notice to them
         to such effect.

                  12.2.    RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                  (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a period
         commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years thereafter,
         neither Shareholder shall, except in rendering services for the
         Purchaser, directly or indirectly:

                             (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partnership, association or
                  agent or agency, anywhere within a fifty (50) mile radius of
                  either Home (the "Territory"), in the funeral, mortuary,
                  crematory, monument, or any related line of business
                  (collectively, the "Business");

                            (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in one
                  percent (1%) or more of the voting securities in any
                  corporation, partnership or other business entity which
                  conducts its operations, in whole or in part, in the Business
                  within the Territory;

                           (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other business entity that conducts its
                  business, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory; or

                            (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee
                  of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates to leave the employ
                  of the Purchaser or any such affiliate to accept employment
                  with such Shareholder or with any person, firm, association or
                  corporation with which such Shareholder may be or become
                  affiliated.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
         Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
         Business if he acts as a funeral director at any funeral establishment
         within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages in the sale or marketing
         of preneed funeral contracts for services to be performed within the
         Territory, or if a

                                      -30-

         Shareholder promotes or finances any family member or affiliate to
         operate a Business or engage in any of the foregoing activities within
         the Territory.

                  (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be held invalid
         or unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or actions
         subject thereto or restricted thereby, or the period of time within
         which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court of
         competent jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions
         subject to and restricted thereby and the period of time during which
         such covenants are enforceable.

                  (c) REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy at law
         for any actual or threatened breach of any of the foregoing covenants
         would be inadequate and that the Purchaser shall be entitled to
         specific performance hereof or injunctive relief or both, by temporary
         or permanent injunction or such other appropriate judicial remedy, writ
         or order as may be entered into by a court of competent jurisdiction in
         addition to any damages that the Purchaser may be legally entitled to
         recover together with reasonable expenses of litigation, including
         attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith, as may be approved by
         such court.

                  (d) REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and warrants
         to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such Shareholder understands
         that the foregoing restrictions are being made incident to and as a
         condition of consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and
         that such covenants are necessary in order to protect the business and
         goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such covenants are not oppressive
         to either Shareholder in any respect, and (iii) the consideration for
         such restrictions is included in the purchase price for the Shares,
         which consideration each Shareholder acknowledges is fair and adequate
         for the giving of the covenants herein and for which such Shareholder
         acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                  (e) INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS. The foregoing covenants shall
         represent several, but not joint, obligations, of the Shareholders. A
         breach by one Shareholder of any of such covenants shall not, by
         itself, constitute a breach thereof by the other Shareholder.

                  (f) PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION. The parties agree to allocate
         $50,000 of the purchase price for the Shares to the foregoing covenants
         for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section 1060(a) of the
         Code. Such allocation is not intended to be a measure of the amount or
         range of damages which the Purchaser may suffer or recover as a result
         of any breach of the foregoing covenants, and the Shareholders

                                      -31-

         acknowledge that in case of any such breach, the Purchaser shall be
         entitled to seek in excess of such amount as it may otherwise be able
         to demonstrate itself justly entitled to.

                  12.3. 401(K) PLAN. As described on Schedule 3.21, the Company
         has maintained the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the
         "401(k) Plan") for the benefit of its employees. The Shareholders,
         following the Closing, shall take all necessary steps to terminate the
         401(k) Plan under ERISA and the Code. The Shareholders, jointly and
         severally, shall be responsible for and shall indemnify the Purchaser
         and the Company for, (i) all legal, actuarial, trustee and other filing
         fees, costs and expenses and administrative costs in connection with
         the termination of the 401(k) Plan and the distribution of its assets
         to plan beneficiaries, (ii) any liability or other amounts owed to
         401(k) Plan beneficiaries in excess of the assets in the 401(k) Plan
         available therefor, and (iii) all fines, penalties and other
         assessments of the Internal Revenue Service of the Pension Benefit
         Guaranty Corporation for any failure of the 401(k) Plan to have fully
         complied (and after the Closing Date to continue to comply) with all
         applicable laws, rules and regulations.

                  13.      MISCELLANEOUS.

                  13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
         parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
         negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. If the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are
         consummated, the Company shall have no obligation for, nor shall it be
         charged with, any such expenses of the Sellers. All sales, transfer,
         stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged
         in connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne by the
         Sellers.

                  13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
         communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
         have been given when personally delivered or three business days
         following the date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail,
         postage prepaid, as follows:

                            (i)     if to the Company or any Seller, to:

                                    Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Inc.
                                    650 W. Waterloo Street
                                    Canal Winchester, Ohio  43110
                                    Attention:  Mr. Dwayne R. Spence

                                      -32-

                                    with a copy to:

                                    Sitterley and Vandervoort
                                    123 South Broad Street, Suite 211
                                    Lancaster, Ohio  43130
                                    Attention:  Mr. William J. Sitterley

                           (ii)     if to the Purchaser, to:

                                    Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc.
                                    1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                    Houston, Texas  77056
                                    Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                    with a copy to:

                                    Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                    1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                                    Houston, Texas  77002
                                    Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

         or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to
         the other parties hereto.

                  13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
         party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties,
         provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may assign
         its rights hereunder without the consent of any Seller to a
         successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Company (whether by
         merger, sale of assets or otherwise), without, however, releasing the
         assigning party of its continuing liability hereunder.

                  13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
         13.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
         the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
         personal representatives.

                  13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
         paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
         and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
         instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

                  13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
         Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein
         constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede
         all prior understandings with respect to

                                      -33-

         the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without limitation,
         the letter of intent dated December 21, 1995).

                  13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
         enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
         State of Ohio.

                  13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which shall constitute the same instrument.
<PAGE>
                                      -34-

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL HOLDINGS, INC.



                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President

                                 THE COMPANY:

                                 DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC.



                                 By: DWAYNE R. SPENCE
                                     DWAYNE R. SPENCE, President

                                 THE SELLERS:



                                 DWAYNE R. SPENCE
                                 DWAYNE R. SPENCE,
                                 Individually  and as General Partner of S&S
                                 MANAGEMENT COMPANY



                                 PATRICIA F. SPENCE
                                 PATRICIA F. SPENCE



                                 JAMES H. SHERIDAN
                                 JAMES H.  SHERIDAN,
                                 Individually  and as  General  Partner of
                                 S&S MANAGEMENT COMPANY

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION

  A   Letter of Credit
    B                             Non-Competition Agreement
    C-1                           Employment Agreement
                                  (Dwayne R. Spence)
    C-2                           Employment Agreement
                                  (James H. Sheridan)
    C-3                           Employment Agreement
                                  (Jeffrey Spence)
  D First Refusal Agreement


SCHEDULE                          DESCRIPTION

I                                 Stock Ownership
3.6 Real Property
3.12                              Fixed Assets
3.13                              Contracts and Commitments
3.14                              Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
3.15                              Trademarks, Etc.
3.17                              Licenses
3.20                              Employees
3.21                              Employee Benefit Plans



                                 Exhibit 10.18

                                MERGER AGREEMENT


                  THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 22, 1996, among CARRIAGE
FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), CARRIAGE
FUNERAL SERVICES OF IDAHO, INC., an Idaho corporation (the "Acquisition
Subsidiary"), MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME, INC., a Washington corporation ("MFHI"),
COEUR D'ALENE, MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC., an Idaho corporation ("CDMGI"), LEWIS
CLARK MEMORIAL PARK, INC., an Idaho corporation ("LCMPI") (MFHI, CDMGI and LCMPI
are sometimes herein collectively called the "Companies" and individually
referred to as a "Company"), ROBERT D. LARRABEE and I. RENEE LARRABEE, residents
of Asotin County, Washington (the "Larrabees"), and LARRABEE LAND COMPANY, INC.,
an Idaho corporation ("LLC") (the Larrabees and LLC are sometimes together
referred to herein as the "Shareholders");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

                  WHEREAS, MFHI owns and operates the Merchant Funeral Home
located at 1000 7th Street in Clarkston, Asotin County, Washington (the
"Merchant Home"), the Richardson-Brown Funeral Home located at 750 Columbia
Street in Pomeroy, Garfield County, Washington (the "Richardson-Brown Home") and
the Mountain View Funeral Home located at 7th and Cedar in Lewiston, Nez Perce
County, Idaho (the "Mountain View Home"); CDMGI owns and operates the Coeur
d'Alene Memorial Chapel (the "Coeur d'Alene Home") and the Coeur d'Alene
Memorial Gardens Cemetery (the "Coeur d'Alene Cemetery"), both located at 7315
No Government Way in Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County, Idaho; and LCMPI owns and
operates the Lewis Clark Memorial Park Cemetery located at 7th and Cedar in
Lewiston, Nez Perce County, Idaho (the "Lewis Clark Cemetery") (the Merchant
Home, the Richardson-Brown Home, the Mountain View Home and the Coeur d'Alene
Home are collectively referred to herein as the "Homes", and the Coeur d'Alene
Cemetery and the Lewis Clark Cemetery are collectively referred to herein as the
"Cemeteries"); and

                  WHEREAS, the Larrabees own all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of each of MFHI and CDMGI, and LLC owns all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of LCMPI; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties desire that LCMPI, MFHI and CDMGI merge
with and into the Acquisition Subsidiary in a statutory merger (the "Merger") to
be consummated under the laws of the States of Idaho and Washington and the Plan
of Merger among the Companies and the Acquisition Subsidiary attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "Plan of Merger"), under which the Acquisition Subsidiary shall
be the surviving corporation; NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
<PAGE>
                  1. REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.

                  1.1. THE MERGER. Simultaneously with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the Plan of Merger shall be executed and delivered
by the Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Companies. Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan of Merger, at
the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in the Plan of Merger), the
Companies shall be merged with and into the Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance
with the laws of the States of Idaho and Washington and the Plan of Merger. The
corporation surviving the Merger is sometimes herein referred to as the
"Surviving Corporation."

                  1.2. SS.368 REORGANIZATION. It is the intention of the parties
that the Merger constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in
accordance with Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Code. The parties agree to file all
of their respective tax returns and reports in a manner consistent with such
intention, and to not take any filing position in a manner inconsistent with
such intention unless compelled to do so by court order or administrative
decree. Each party agrees to furnish such information and take such action as
may be reasonably requested of the other party in connection with the foregoing
(which action shall not include any change in the commercial terms of the Merger
and the other transactions incident thereto). In no event, however, shall the
Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation be required to incur any out-of-pocket
expenses in defending such position or providing such information or taking such
action, nor shall the foregoing constitute a warranty or guaranty that the
Merger will in fact constitute such a reorganization.

                  1.3. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT; WAIVER OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Each
Shareholder, in its, his or her capacity as a shareholder of each Company (as
applicable), and the Purchaser, in its capacity as a shareholder of the
Acquisition Subsidiary, hereby (i) consent to the Merger pursuant to Idaho Code
ss.30-1-73 and Washington Revised Code ss.23B.11.030, as applicable, and (ii)
irrevocably and unconditionally waive all dissenters' and other similar rights
with respect to the Pre-closing Merger and the Merger under and pursuant to
Idaho Code ss.30-1-80 and Washington Revised Code ss.23B.13.020, as applicable.

                  1.4. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders agree to execute and
deliver from time to time after the Effective Time of the Merger, at the
reasonable request of the Purchaser, and without further consideration, such
additional instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action
as the Purchaser may reasonably require to more effectively carry out the terms
and provisions of the Merger and the other transaction contemplated by this
Agreement.

                  2. THE CLOSING.

                  2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing of the Merger (the "Closing")
shall occur at the offices of Jack Curtin, 2517 17th Street, Suite C, Lewiston,
Idaho 83501, at 9:00 a.m. on March 22, 1996, or at such other date, time or
place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in no event later than
March 31, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing
Date". At the Closing, the Shareholders shall surrender for cancellation
pursuant to the Merger all certificates representing their respective shares of
capital stock of each Company against receipt from the Purchaser of the Merger
Consideration (as defined in the Plan of Merger). All action to be taken at the
Closing as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to
have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or
delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action incident to
the Closing has been completed.

                  2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the Merger, at the
Closing the following transactions shall occur:

                  (i)Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this
         Agreement, the Acquisition Subsidiary, as purchaser, and the
         Shareholders and Larrabee Investments, L.L.C., an Idaho limited
         liability company, as sellers (the "Real Property Sellers"), are
         entering into a Real Property Purchase Agreement of even date herewith
         (the "Real Property Purchase Agreement") providing for (among other
         things) the purchase and sale of all of the real property on which the
         Merchant Home is situated, a portion of the real property on which the
         Mountain View Home/Lewis Clark Cemetery and the Coeur d'Alene
         Home/Coeur d'Alene Cemetery are situated. The closing of the
         transactions under the Real Property Purchase Agreement shall occur on
         the Closing Date substantially simultaneously with the Effective Time
         of the Merger hereunder.

                  (ii)The Acquisition Subsidiary and Lisa Larrabee ("Lisa")
         shall each execute and deliver to the other a Non-Competition Agreement
         to be dated the Closing Date

                                       -3-

and in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto (the "Non-Competition
Agreement").

                  (iii)The Acquisition Subsidiary, on the one hand, and each of
         Robert D. Larrabee ("Robert") and Lisa, on the other, shall each
         execute and deliver a separate Employment Agreement to be dated the
         Closing Date and in substantially the forms of Exhibits C-1 and C-2
         hereto, respectively (collectively, the "Employment Agreements").

                  (iv)The Acquisition Subsidiary shall establish its Carriage
         Partners Program for Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington in
         substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto (the "Program"), and Robert
         shall become a Participant in the Program in accordance with the terms
         thereof.


                  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The
Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the
Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary that:

                  3.1. TITLE TO SHARES. The Larrabees are currently the owners
and holders, beneficially and of record, of all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of each of MFHI and CDMGI, and the Larrabees have good
and marketable title to all of such issued and outstanding shares, free and
clear of any and all liens, encumbrances, pledges, security interests, mortgages
or claims of any other person (collectively, the "Liens"). LLC is currently the
owner and holder, beneficially and of record, of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of LCMPI, the LLC has good and marketable
title thereto, free and clear of all Liens.

                  3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. Each Company is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
respective state of incorporation as shown in the recitals, and each has all
requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
Agreement and to carry on its business as now conducted. The Shareholders have
delivered to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of the respective
Articles of Incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of its
incorporation, and Bylaws, certified by its Secretary, of each Company, all as
in effect on the date hereof.

                  3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of (i) MFHI
consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, $100.00 par value, of which 500 shares
are issued and outstanding and held by the Larrabees, (ii) CDMGI consists of
100,000 shares of

                                      -4-

Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding
and held by the Larrabees, and (iii) LCMPI consists of 10,000 shares of Common
Stock, no par value, of which one hundred fifty (150) shares are issued and
outstanding and held by LLC. All such issued and outstanding shares are validly
issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and not issued in violation
of the preemptive rights of any person. No such shares of capital stock are held
by any Company as treasury stock. No Company has any outstanding subscriptions,
options or other agreements or commitments obligating it to issue shares of its
capital stock. There are no shareholders, buy-sell, voting or other similar
agreements or commitments affecting the voting or transferability of any such
shares. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Shareholders will
not, and will not cause or permit any Company to, issue or enter into any
subscriptions, options, agreements or other commitments in respect of the
issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of such
Company.

                  3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. No Company has any subsidiaries or any
investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or other
business enterprise.

                  3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholders have delivered to
the Purchaser the (i) unaudited Profit and Loss Statements of MFHI for the
respective twelve-month periods of operations ended June 30, 1993-95, (ii) the
unaudited balance sheet and general ledger of CDMGI at and for the period ended
November 30, 1995, and (iii) the unaudited Profit and Loss Statements of LCMPI
for the respective twelve-month periods of operations ended June 30, 1993-95.
All such financial statements are true and correct, have been prepared in
accordance with the books and records of each respective Company, and present
fairly the financial positions of each respective Company at the dates indicated
and the results of their respective operations for the periods then ended in
accordance with the federal income tax basis of accounting applied on a
consistent basis. The Homes collectively performed the number of adult funeral
services for each of the twelve-month periods indicated below:


                                       TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                 -----------------------------------------------
  HOME                           1993                 1994                  1995
  ----                           ----                 ----                  ----
Merchant                         192                  213                    167
Richardson-Brown                 35                    32                    45
Mountain View                    80                    89                    107
Coeur d'Alene*                   82                    86                    93
 *December 31

                                      -5-

The Coeur d'Alene Cemetery consists of approximately 19.38 acres, of which
approximately 12 acres have been developed, platted and dedicated for cemetery
use, having at least 1,738 unsold individual grave spaces and 204 unsold niches.
The Lewis Clark Cemetery consists of approximately 22.5 acres, of which
approximately 5 acres have been developed, platted and dedicated for cemetery
use, having at least 1,099 unsold individual grave spaces, 60 unsold niches, 33
unsold mausoleum crypts, 0 unsold lawn crypts and 2,318 D/D spaces. Each
Cemetery performed at least the number of interments for each of the
twelve-month periods indicated below:

                                    TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                ------------------------------------------------
CEMETERY                        1993                  1994                  1995
- --------                        ----                  ----                  ----
Coeur d'Alene                    106                  126                    129
Lewis Clark                      153                  187                    181


                  3.6. REAL PROPERTY. (a) Schedule 3.6 attached hereto sets
forth a legal description of all parcels of real property on which each Home and
each Cemetery is located or used in its business (the "Real Property") and also
briefly describes each building and major structure and improvement thereon. No
person other than the Real Property Purchasers has any ownership, leasehold or
other interest of any kind in the Real Property. The Real Property collectively
constitute all of the interests in real property used in the conduct of the
business of the Homes and the Cemeteries as presently conducted. To the
knowledge of the Shareholders, all of the buildings, structures and improvements
located on the Real Property are in good operating condition, ordinary wear and
tear excepted. To the Shareholders' knowledge, none of such buildings,
structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now
operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other administrative
regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any provision of law, the
effect of which would interfere with or prevent their continued use for the
purposes for which they are now being used. There is not pending nor, to the
knowledge of any Shareholder, threatened any proceeding for the taking or
condemnation of the Real Property or any portion thereof.

                  (b) To the Shareholders' knowledge, no toxic or hazardous
wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or any similar
state or local agency) or

                                      -6-

hazardous substances (as defined under the Comprehensive Environment Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, as amended, or any similar state or local statute or
regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or
from the Real Property, nor to the knowledge of the Shareholders, have any such
materials or wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on
any real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. To the knowledge
of the Shareholders, the Real Property is not now, and will not be in the future
as a result of its condition at or prior to Closing, subject to any reclamation,
remediation or reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other
governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property. To the
knowledge of the Shareholders, the Real Property does not contain any asbestos,
polychlorinated byphenyls, urea, formaldehyde, lead based paint, radon gas or
underground storage tanks, except (i) for substances used in the ordinary course
of the operation of the Homes and the Cemeteries that are properly used, stored
and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and (ii) as
described on Schedule 3.6(b).

         (c) To the Shareholders' knowledge, none of the Real Property is
located within an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental agency or
body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

         (d) All bills and other payments due with respect to the ownership,
operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been (and on the Closing
Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for the same have been filed or
asserted against any part of the Real Property.

                  3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes and the
Cemeteries are owned by the Companies, other than the real property on which the
Homes and the Cemeteries are situated, which are leased to the Companies under
valid leases which are currently in effect. Except as aforesaid, none of such
assets, rights or properties is subject to any lease or license. Each Company is
in actual possession and control of all properties owned by it, and has good and
marketable title to all of its assets, rights and properties, including without
limitation, all properties and assets reflected in the financial statements
described in Section 3.5, free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens to be
discharged and released at or prior to Closing.

                  3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since June 30, 1995, there
has not been:

                  (i) any adverse change in the financial condition, operations,
         business, properties or prospects of any Company or of any Home or
         either Cemetery;

                  (ii) any change in the authorized capital or outstanding
         securities of any Company;

                  (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other securities which any
         Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to issue, sell or
         deliver, nor has any Company granted or agreed to grant any options,
         warrants or other rights calling for the issue, sale or delivery
         thereof;

                  (iv) any borrowing or agreement by any Company to borrow any
         funds, nor has any Company incurred, or become subject to, any absolute
         or contingent obligation or liability, except trade payables incurred
         in the ordinary course of business;

                  (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
         extraordinary compensation to any employee of any Company;

                  (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change in any
         key personnel of any Company;

                  (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or agreement
         to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of the inventories or
         other assets or properties of any Company, except in the ordinary
         course of business;

                  (viii) any damage, destruction or losses against any Company
         or any waiver any rights of material value to any Company;

                  (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the entering into
         of any collective bargaining agreement, with respect to employees of
         any Company;

                  (x) any claim or liability for any material damages for any
         actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach of contract
         against or affecting any Company;

                  (xi) any new competitor that has, to the Shareholders'
         knowledge, built, commenced to build or

                                      -8-

         announced intentions to build a funeral home, mortuary or cemetery in
         direct competition with any Home or either Cemetery; or

                  (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or affecting
         any Company other than in the ordinary course of the business.

                  3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth
in the financial statements described in Section 3.5, no Company has any, and
none of their respective assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities or
obligations of any kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts payable
and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of each Company's business
since the date of such financial statements.

                  3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other
taxes due and payable by any Company on or before the date of this Agreement
have been paid or are adequately provided for in such Company's books and
records. Each Company has filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed
by it with all taxing authorities, other than the federal income tax return of
CDMGI for the period ended December 31, 1994 (which shall be filed on or before
April 15, 1996 and, in any event, shall be governed by section 12.1), and all
such tas returns and reports are true, complete and correct. True and correct
copies of the federal, state and local income tax returns filed by the Companies
for each of their last three taxable years have been furnished to the Purchaser.
No assessments of deficiencies have been made against any Company which are
presently pending or outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed which
would constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax liability against any
Company with respect to any prior taxable period which has not been audited by
the Internal Revenue Service or which has not been closed by applicable statute.
There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitations applicable to any income tax return of any Company for any period.

                  3.11. INVENTORY. The inventories reflected in the financial
statements described in Section 3.5, and all items placed in inventory since the
date thereof, are (i) accounted for in accordance with the federal income tax
basis of accounting applied on a consistent basis, and (ii) saleable or usable
in the ordinary course of business of each Company at usual and customary
prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns consistent with past practice.
At the Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a list,
certified

                                      -9-

by the Shareholders to be complete and correct, of all of the inventory of each
Company as of the Closing Date.

                  3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and
all other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other fixed
assets owned by the Companies. To the Shareholders' knowledge, all such items
are in good and operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                  3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 hereto sets
forth a complete description of:

                  (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to which any
         Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all notes or other
         evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements creating any Lien on any
         property of, any Company;

                  (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
         other agreements relating to the employment of any employees of any
         Company;

                  (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting any Company which
         do not terminate or are not terminable by such Company upon notice of
         30 days or less or which involve an obligation on its part in excess of
         $1,000 per annum or $5,000 in the aggregate; and

                  (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the Companies
         entered into outside the ordinary course of business (other than this
         Agreement).

                  Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is
valid and in full force and effect, and neither the Company which is a party
thereto, nor, to the knowledge of the Shareholders, any of the other parties
thereto, are in default thereunder. The Shareholders have furnished to the
Purchaser a true and correct copy of each document listed on Schedule 3.13.

                  3.14. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14
hereto accurately and completely lists, as of the date of this Agreement (i) all
preneed contracts of the Companies unfulfilled as of the date hereof, including
contracts for the sale of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services, and
(ii) all trust accounts relating to the Homes and the Cemeteries, whether for
preneed obligations or perpetual care, indicating the location of each and the
balance thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed on Schedule 3.14
(x)

                                      -10-

have been entered into in the normal course of business at regular retail
prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion program, solely for use by the named
customers and members of their families on terms not more favorable than shown
on the specimen contracts which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are
subject to the rules and regulations of the applicable Company as now in force
(copies of which have been delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date
hereof are in full force and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers,
and no Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by
the Companies under preneed contracts or for perpetual care have been deposited
in the appropriate accounts and administered and reported in accordance with the
terms thereof and as required by applicable laws and regulations. The aggregate
market value of the preneed accounts, trusts or other deposits is equal to or
greater than the aggregate preneed liability related to such accounts, except to
the extent described in section 12.5. The services heretofore provided by each
Company have been rendered in a professional and competent manner consistent
with prevailing professional standards, practices and customs.

                  3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC.. No Company owns or has applied for any
patents, patent applications, patent licenses, trademarks, trademark
applications or trademark or trademark licenses (collectively, "Intangible
Rights"), except as described on Schedule 3.15. Each Company owns or possesses
valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such Intangible Rights as are
necessary to the conduct of the business of the Homes and the Cemeteries as
presently conducted. No Company is charged with infringement of any Intangible
Rights of any other person, nor does any Shareholder know of any such
infringement, whether or not claimed by any person.

                  3.16. INSURANCE. Each Company maintains such policies of
insurance in such amounts, and which insure against such losses and risks, as
are generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties. Valid
policies for such insurance will be outstanding and duly in force at all times
prior to the Closing.

                  3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly
and completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, consents,
rights and privileges issued to or held by each Company, which are all that are
necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Homes and the Cemeteries as
presently operated. All such items are in full force and effect.

                                      -11-

                  3.18. LITIGATION. As of the close of business on the day
immediately preceding the Closing Date, there shall be no claims, actions,
suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of any
Shareholder, threatened against or affecting any Company or any of the assets or
properties of any Company, at law or in equity or before or by any court or
federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
agency or instrumentality. No Company is subject to any continuing court or
administrative order, writ, injunction or decree, nor is any Company in default
with respect to any order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or
foreign, federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
board, agency or instrumentality.

                  3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each Company has complied and is
in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, municipal and
other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to such Company,
the operation of the Homes and the Cemeteries, and such Company's assets, rights
and properties (including without limitation all environmental protection and
occupations safety and health rules, regulations and laws, and laws and
regulations applicable to preneed contracts and trust accounts, including the
so-called "FTC Funeral Rule").

                  3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely
lists the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other compensation of
all the employees and agents of each Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets forth the
date of the last salary increase for each employee listed thereon, the
outstanding balances of all loans and advances, if any, made by any Company to
any employee or agent thereof, and the number of vacation days or other time off
to which each such employee is then eligible to take. At Closing, the
Shareholders will cause each Company to pay or satisfy all vacation, holiday and
other accrued benefits to employees of the Homes and the Cemeteries which are
then outstanding. There are not pending or, to the knowledge of any Shareholder,
threatened against any Company any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted
work stoppages, and there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals
that are pending or have been conducted or made with or by any labor union or
association with respect to any employees of any Company. No Shareholder is
aware of the existence of any serious health condition of any key management
personnel of any Home or either Cemetery that might impair any such person's
ability to carry on his or her normal duties into the foreseeable future after
the Closing. The Shareholders believe that the relations between each Company
and its employees are good.

                                      -12-

                  3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Schedule 3.21 describes all
plans, contracts, commitments, programs and policies (including, without
limitation, pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation,
severance, retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental
insurance, vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other similar employee
benefit plans and policies) maintained by any Company providing benefits to any
employees or former employee of any Company (collectively, the "Plans"). The
Shareholders have delivered to the Purchaser true and correct copies of all
documents embodying the Plans, and all determination letters from the Internal
Revenue Service regarding Plans required to be qualified under the Code. All
obligations of the Companies under the Plans have been fully paid and fully
funded. All necessary governmental approvals have been obtained for all Plans
subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and
have been qualified under Section 401 of the Code, and each trust established
for any Plan is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the
Code. With respect to any such Plan or any other "employee welfare plan" (as
defined in ERISA) maintained by the Companies, there has been no (i) "reportable
event" as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, or (ii) event described in Section
4062(e) or 4036(a) of ERISA.

                  3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Each Company, the Homes
and the Cemeteries have been operated and are being operated in a manner
separate from the personal and other business activities of the Shareholders and
their affiliates, and no Company nor any of their respective assets are subject
to any affiliated party commitments or transactions.

                  3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the
Companies are true, correct and complete each have been maintained by them in
accordance with good business practice and in accordance with all laws,
regulations and other requirements applicable to each Company. The corporate
records of each Company reflect a true record of all meetings and proceedings of
the Board of Directors and the shareholders of such Company.

                  3.24. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 13.1, no Company
nor any Shareholder is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or
other agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against any of them, for
the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. Each Shareholder has the
full right, capacity and authority to enter

                                      -13-

into and perform this Agreement and the other documents to be executed by such
Shareholder as provided in this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and performance by LLC
of this Agreement have been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This
Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by each Shareholder, each
of such other documents will constitute, the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Shareholders enforceable against them in accordance with
their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of this
Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will: (i) result in a violation or
breach of any term or provision of, constitute a default or acceleration under,
require notice to or consent of any third party to, or result in the creation of
any Lien by virtue of (x) the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of any Company
or LLC, or (y) any contract, agreement, lease, license or other commitment to
which any Company or any Shareholder is a party or by which such Company or such
Shareholder or his, her or its respective assets or properties are bound; nor
(ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANIES. The execution, delivery and
performance by the Companies of this Agreement have been duly authorized by
their respective Boards of Directors. This Agreement is legally binding and
enforceable against each Company in accordance with its terms. Neither the
execution, delivery nor performance by the Companies of this Agreement will
result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a default or accelerate the
performance required under, the respective Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
of any Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
agreement to which any Company is a party or by which it or its properties are
bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
administrative agency or governmental body.

                  3.27. ACQUISITION OF SERIES D SHARES. The Series D Shares (as
defined in the Plan of Merger) to be acquired by the Larrabees pursuant to the
Merger will be acquired by them for investment purposes only and not with the
present intention or view to, or resale in connection with, any distribution
thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The
Larrabees understand that such Series D Shares will not be registered under such
Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky laws, that transferability of
such Series D Shares will be restricted in accordance with applicable state and
federal securities laws, and that a

                                      -15-

restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on each certificate
representing such Series D Shares. Prior to the Closing, the Larrabees will have
had full opportunity to receive such information and ask such questions of
representatives of the Purchaser concerning the Purchaser, its subsidiaries and
their business, operations, assets and prospects, and concerning an investment
in the Series D Shares, as they will then have deemed appropriate in order to
make an informed investment decision with respect to the Series D Shares.

                  3.28. FULL DISCLOSURE. The Shareholders are not aware, and
after the exercise of reasonable diligence should not be aware, that the
representations and warranties made by the Shareholders hereunder or in any
Schedules or certificates furnished to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated herein or therein necessary to make the representations or
warranties herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
made, not misleading.

                  3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Section 3
have been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been signed for
identification by the Shareholders.

                  4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION Subsidiary. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Shareholders that:

                  4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Idaho, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other documents to
which it is a party. The Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has
all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under
this Agreement and the other documents to which it is a party, including the
issuance and delivery of the Series D Shares to the Larrabees as provided in the
Plan of Merger. The Purchaser has delivered to the Shareholders complete and
correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Purchaser
and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Acquisition Subsidiary, both
as in effect on the date hereof.

                                      -15-

                  4.2. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and the documents
contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered by them have been
duly authorized by their respective Boards of Directors. This Agreement is, and
upon their execution and delivery as herein provided such other documents will
be, valid and binding upon the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary and
enforceable against each of them in accordance with their respective terms.
Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser or the
Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any such other document will
conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of,
nor constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of
the Purchaser or the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Acquisition
Subsidiary, or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
agreement to which the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by
which they or their respective properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

                  4.3. FINDERS. Neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition
Subsidiary is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against either of them, for the
payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                  5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PENDING
CLOSING. The Companies and the Shareholders covenant and agree with the
Purchaser that:

                  5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agreement to
the Closing Date, the business of each Company will be operated only in the
ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written consent of the
Purchaser, no Company will, and the Shareholders will not cause or allow any
Company to:

                  (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or terminate,
         unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                  (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Articles of Incorporation
         or Bylaws;

                  (iii) take any action described in Section 3.8;

                  (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other commitment of
         the type described in Section 3.13;

                                      -17-

                  (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key
         personnel of any Company, or increase the rate of compensation of or
         declare or pay any bonuses to any employee in excess of that listed on
         Schedule 3.20; or

                  (vi) take any other action which would cause any of the
         representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof not to be true
         and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with
         the same force and effect as if the same had been made on and as of the
         Closing Date.

                  5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, each Company
will give to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
representatives, full and free access to all of the properties, books,
contracts, commitments and records of such Company so that the Purchaser may
have full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to make of
the affairs of the Companies, the Homes and the Cemeteries.

                  5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Companies and the
Shareholders will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
no Company nor any Shareholder shall enter into any agreements or commitments,
or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or expressions of
interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any potential buyers,
investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible sale or other
disposition of all or any substantial portion of the assets and business of any
Company or any other sale of any Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale
or stock or otherwise), other than with the Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary as contemplated in this Agreement.

                  5.5. COMPANY LIABILITIES. At or prior to the Closing, the
Shareholders shall cause to be paid and discharged in full all liabilities and
obligations of the Companies, including (but not limited to) indebtedness for
borrowed money, indebtedness secured by Liens against any assets or properties
of any Company, accounts and trade payable, accrued liabilities, federal, state
and local taxes, any liabilities under suits, claims, judgments or orders then
pending or any other liability or obligation of any Company attributable to the
operation of the its business prior to Closing (collectively, "Unassumed

                                      -17-

Liabilities"), excluding obligations under preneed contracts for which the full
amount has been deposited in trust as required under applicable law (and
unfunded preneed liabilities as described in Section 12.5). Any Unassumed
Liabilities remaining unpaid after the Closing shall be subject to
indemnification under Section 10.1.

                  6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY
PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally covenant with the Shareholders that:

                  6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and
approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                  6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
its representatives will hold in confidence any data and information obtained
with respect to the Companies from any representative, officer, director or
employee of the Companies, including their accountants or legal counsel, or from
any books or records of any of them, in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except that the Purchaser may disclose such
information to its outside attorneys and accountants and to its lender, provided
that the Purchaser shall remain responsible to the Companies for any
unauthorized disclosure thereof by such attorneys, accountants or lender. If the
transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, neither the Purchaser nor
its representatives shall disclose such data or information to others, except as
such data or information is published or is a matter of public knowledge or is
required by an applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement
is terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Companies all
written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the Companies or its
representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

                  7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The obligations of the Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions,
any of which may be expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing:

                  7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
The Purchaser shall not have discovered any error, misstatement or omission in
the representations and warranties made by the Shareholders in Section 3 hereof;
the representations

                                      -18-

and warranties made by the Shareholders herein shall be deemed to have been made
again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the
Companies and the Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all
agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a
certificate, signed by the Shareholders and an executive officer of each
Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                  7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholders shall have caused to
be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Jack Curtin, counsel for the
Companies and the Shareholders, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

                  (i) Each Company is a corporation duly organized, validly
         existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its
         incorporation (as specified in such opinion), with full corporate
         authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this
         Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

                  (ii) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
         of each Company are fully paid and nonassessable;

                  (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due inquiry,
         there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or other agreements or
         commitments obligating any Company to issue any shares of its capital
         stock or securities convertible into shares of its capital stock;

                  (iv) the Shareholders are the record and beneficial owners of
         all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each
         Company, free and clear of any and all Liens, and the Shareholders have
         full capacity to enter into and perform their obligations in accordance
         with this Agreement;

                  (v) the execution, delivery and performance by each Company of
         this Agreement has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary
         corporate action required on the part of such Company;

                  (vi) this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly and
         validly executed and delivered by each Company; and this Agreement and
         the Plan of Merger constitute the valid and binding obligation of each
         Company enforceable against them in accordance with its terms;

                                      -19-

                  (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be executed
         and delivered hereunder by the shareholders (as shall be specified in
         such opinion) have been duly and validly executed and delivered by the
         Shareholders, and this Agreement and such other documents constitute
         the valid and binding obligations of the Shareholders enforceable
         against them in accordance with their respective terms;

                  (viii) neither the execution, delivery or consummation of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any
         of such other documents will (x) result in the breach of or constitute
         a default under the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of any Company
         or LLC, or any loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of
         trust or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and to which
         either any Company or any Shareholder is a party or by which they or
         their respective assets are bound, or (y) violate any order, writ,
         injunction or decree known to such counsel of any court, administrative
         agency or governmental body;

                  (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
         or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body, federal,
         state or local, is ncessary or required in connection with the
         execution and delivery by the Companies and the Shareholders of this
         Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any of such other documents; and

                  (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due inquiry, there
         are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or
         threatened against or affecting any Company or any of its assets, at
         law or in equity or before or by any court or federal, state, municipal
         or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or
         instrumentality.

Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon certificates
of the Shareholders and officers of LCMPI and certificates of public officials,
copies of which shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to
the enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by
principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and the
internal laws of the State of Idaho.

                  7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Companies and the
Shareholders shall have obtained all consents and approvals of

                                      -20-

other persons and governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

                  7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not
have occurred any loss or damage to the physical assets and properties of the
Companies or the real property or improvements on which the Homes and the
Cemeteries are situated (regardless of whether such loss or damage was insured),
the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on the condition,
business, operations or prospects of the Companies, any Home or either Cemetery.

                  7.5. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings,
instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or incidental thereto and all other related legal matters shall
be subject to the approval of counsel for the Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such certified
copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and documents as they
shall have requested.

                  7.6. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its
representatives shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the financial
information, books and records, and properties and assets of the Companies, the
Homes and the Cemeteries, and shall have discovered no change in the business,
assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of any Company, any Home or
any Cemetery which could, in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a
material adverse effect on the value to the purchaser of the business, assets,
financial condition or prospects of the Companies, the Homes or the Cemeteries.

                  7.7. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. All conditions precedent to the
Acquisition Subsidiary's obligations to closing under the Real Property Purchase
Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived by it, and such closing shall have
occurred substantially simultaneously with the Closing under this Agreement;
Lisa shall have executed and delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary the
Non-Competition Agreement and her Employment Agreement; and Robert shall have
executed and delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary his Employment Agreement
and a plan adoption agreement as provided for under the Program.

                  7.8. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall
have been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed
necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of the Homes and the
Cemeteries, including the real property on which they are situated, by an
environmental consulting firm selected by Purchaser, (ii) a health

                                      -21-

and safety inspection of the Homes and the Cemeteries by a person (who may be an
employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by the Purchaser and who is
qualified and experienced in such matters in the funeral service and cemetery
industries, and (iii) a structural inspection of the Homes and all structures
located at the Cemeteries by an engineering firm selected by the Purchaser. The
Shareholders agree to take the action (and pay any costs in connection
therewith) as may be reasonably recommended by such firms and/or persons, up to
$15,000 in the aggregate. In any event, it shall be a condition to the
Purchaser's obligations hereunder that the results of the reports of such firms
or persons (together with any remedial action, if any, taken by Shareholders,
regardless of the cost, in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser
in its sole discretion.

                  7.9. TITLE INSURANCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
received, at the Shareholders' expense, one or more Owners Policies of Title
Insurance (with respect to the Real Property) to be issued to the Surviving
Corporation in agreed-upon amounts, by one or more title companies with offices
mutually designated by the parties (collectively, the "Title Company"), insuring
the Surviving Corporation's fee interests in each parcel of Real Property
subject only to any standard printed exceptions included in a Washington or
Idaho (as applicable) standard form Policy of Title Insurance. Such policies
shall have deleted any exception regarding restrictions, any standard exception
pertaining to discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for taxes shall be
limited to the year in which the Closing occurs.

                  7.10. SURVEY. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall have received,
at its own expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed surveyor approved
by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to each
parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with any applicable standards
under Washington or Idaho (as applicable) law, be sufficient for the Title
Company to delete any survey exception contained in the title insurance policy
referred to in Section 7.9, save and except for the phrase "shortages in area",
and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to Purchaser.

                  7.11. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received
from Provident Services, Inc. ("Provident") or another financial institution
acceptable to it a written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and
otherwise in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
extension of financing in order to provide the portion of the Merger
Consideration (as defined in the Plan of Merger)

                                      -22-

not furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from other sources,
and such commitment shall have been funded in such amount contemporaneously with
the Closing.

                  7.12. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens against any
assets of any Company shall have executed and delivered written releases of such
Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the Purchaser and
Provident. If there will remain after the Closing any Liens securing borrowed
money indebtedness against any of the Leased Real Property, then the holders of
such Liens, the Acquisition Subsidiary and Provident shall have entered into a
subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreement in form and substance
acceptable to them.

                  7.13. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Shareholders shall
have identified to the Purchaser such other personnel of the Homes and the
Cemeteries (in addition to Robert and Lisa) as may be key to the continued
effective management and operation of the Homes and the Cemeteries after the
Closing, and the Purchaser shall have entered into mutually satisfactory
arrangements regarding the continued employment of such personnel at the Homes
and the Cemeteries following the Closing.

                  8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND THE
SHAREHOLDERS. The obligations of the Companies and the Shareholders under this
Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be
expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
The Shareholders shall not have discovered any material error, misstatement or
omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser and the
Acquisition Subsidiary in Section 4 hereof; the representations and warranties
made by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary herein shall be deemed to
have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true and
correct; the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary shall have performed and
complied with all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Closing; and the
Shareholders shall have received a certificate, signed by an executive officer
of each of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect of the
foregoing provisions of this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
delivered to the Shareholders an opinion of Snell &

                                      -23-

Smith, A Professional Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary, to the effect that:

                  (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly
         existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
         and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and perform its
         obligations under this Agreement and the other documents contemplated
         herein to be executed and delivered by the Purchaser (as shall be
         specified in such opinion); and the Acquisition Subsidiary is a
         corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
         the laws of the State of Idaho, and has all requisite corporate power
         to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
         other documents contemplated herein to be executed and delivered by the
         Acquisition Subsidiary (as shall be specified in such opinion);

                  (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser
         and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and such other
         documents have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary
         corporate action required on their part;

                  (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and delivery as
         herein provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon
         the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, enforceable against the
         Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance with their
         respective terms;

                  (iv) neither the execution, delivery or performance by the
         Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of
         such other documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
         breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default under, the
         Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser, the Articles
         of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Acquisition Subsidiary or under any
         loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other
         contract or agreement known to such counsel and to which the Purchaser
         or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by which they or their
         respective properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction
         or decree known to such counsel and of any court, administrative agency
         or governmental body; and 8.1.14.1. no authorization, approval or
         consent of or declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
         regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary

                                      -24-

         or required in connection with the execution and delivery By the
         Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of
         such other documents, or the performance of its obligations hereunder
         or thereunder.

Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon certificates
of officers of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, and on certificates
of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the f Shareholders at
Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting creditors rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be
limited to federal law, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and
the internal laws of the State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
Subsidiary shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. All conditions precedent to the
obligations of the Real Property Sellers to closing under the Real Property
Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived by them, and such closing
shall have occurred substantially simultaneously with the Closing under this
Agreement; the Acquisition Subsidiary shall have executed and delivered the
Non-Competition Agreement and Lisa's Employment Agreement to Lisa, and shall
have executed and delivered to Robert his Employment Agreement; and the
Acquisition Subsidiary shall have established the Program and executed and
delivered to Robert his plan adoption agreement thereunder.

                  9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed representations and
warranties of the party executing or delivering the same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto, all
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made hereunder or pursuant
hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby shall not terminate but shall survive the
Closing and continue in effect thereafter.

                                      -25-

                  10. INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders
jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and
(following the Effective Time of the Merger) the Surviving Corporation, and
their respective successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses,
damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being
herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively called
"Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
performance by any Company or any Shareholder of any covenant or agreement of
the Companies or the Shareholders contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach
of warranty or representation made by any Shareholder herein, in any Schedule
delivered to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other
instrument delivered by or on behalf of any Company or any Shareholder pursuant
hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability (as defined in Section 5.5) of any Company
of any kind or nature, whether absolute or contingent, known or unknown, to the
extent not paid or discharged prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, and
(iv) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs
and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser and the
Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
harmless the Shareholders and their heirs and assigns from and against any
Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the
performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of any covenant or
agreement of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary contained in this
Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or representation made by the Purchaser
or the Acquisition Subsidiary herein or in any certificate or other instrument
delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary
pursuant hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims,
demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees)
incident to any of the foregoing.


                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified party")
that, if successful, might result in a claim for indemnification against another
party hereunder ("indemnifying party"), the indemnifying party shall be given
prompt written notice thereof and shall have the right (i) to participate in the
defense thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnifying

                                      -26-

party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts in connection therewith, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if within ten business days after delivery of the indemnified party's
notice described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be fully
indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided herein, then the
indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense of such claim,
provided that the indemnified party shall have the right (i) to participate in
the defense thereof and be represented, at its own expenses, by advisory counsel
selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified party's
interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  10.4. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. The Purchaser agrees that (i) any
claim under Section 10.1(ii), insofar as the same relates to the representations
and warranties of the Shareholders under Section 3 (other than Sections 3.1
through 3.4, 3.7 and 3.24 through 3.27 and 3.29) must be asserted, if at all, on
or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date, and (ii) the Purchaser
shall not be entitled to indemnification under Section 10.1(i) and (ii) (or
clause (iv), insofar as the same relates to clauses (i) and (ii)), until such
time as the aggregate amount of all such claims of the Purchaser equal or exceed
$5,000.00, but when such threshold has been so met, the Purchaser shall be
entitled to the entirety of its claim(s), including the first $5,000.00.

                  11. TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Companies and
the Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the satisfaction
of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the Purchaser and the
Acquisition Subsidiary agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
Closing by:

                  (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders and the
         Purchaser;

                  (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made by any
         Company or any Shareholder in the observance or in the due and timely
         performance by any of their covenants herein contained, or if there
         shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by any Company
         or any Shareholder of any of their warranties and representations

                                      -27-

         herein contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied
         with or performed by any Company or any Shareholder at or before the
         Closing shall not have been complied with or performed at the time
         required for such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
         nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the Purchaser in
         writing;

                  (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be made by
         the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary in the observance or in the
         due and timely performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
         Subsidiary of any of their covenants herein contained, or if there
         shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser
         or the Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their warranties and
         representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
         Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Purchaser and the
         Acquisition Subsidiary at or before the Closing shall not have been
         complied with or performed at the time required for such compliance or
         performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have
         been expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing; or

                  (d) either the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if the Closing
         has not occurred by March 31, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party shall have
any liability to any other parties hereunder. If this Agreement is terminated
under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating
this Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party hereto, provided
the terminating party has not breached any representation or warranty or failed
to comply with any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such termination
shall not prejudice the rights and remedies of the terminating party against any
other party which has breached any of its representations, warranties or
covenants herein prior to such termination.

                  12. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

                  12.1. POST-CLOSING TAX MATTERS. The Shareholders shall be
fully responsible for all taxes of each Company accrued through the Closing and
for completing, filing and handling all tax returns and reports in respect in of
all periods through Closing, including responding to any inquiries, examinations
or audits regarding such taxes, returns and reports. In particular, the
Purchaser will arrange through its outside

                                      -28-

accounting firm for the preparation of short-period federal income tax return
for each Company's current year through the Closing Date (after which time the
Surviving Corporation will be included as part of the consolidated group of
which the Purchaser is the parent corporation), based upon information furnished
by the Shareholders (and for which the Shareholders shall be solely
responsible), and the Shareholders shall pay or reimburse the Purchaser for all
federal income taxes in respect thereof and the reasonable cost of tax
preparation by such outside accounting firm.

                  12.2. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                  (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a period
         commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years thereafter, no
         Shareholder shall directly or indirectly:

                           (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partnership, association or
                  agent or agency, anywhere within a fifty (50) mile radius of
                  any Home or either Cemetery (the "Territory"), in the funeral,
                  mortuary, crematory, cemetery, monument, or any related line
                  of business (collectively, the "Business");

                           (ii)own or hold any beneficial interest in one
                  percent (1%) or more of the voting securities in any
                  corporation, partnership or other business entity which
                  conducts its operations, in whole or in part, in the Business
                  within the Territory;

                           (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other business entity that conducts its
                  business, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory; or

                           (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee
                  of the Purchaser or any of its affiliates within the Territory
                  to leave the employ of the Purchaser or any such affiliate to
                  accept employment with such Shareholder or with any person,
                  firm, association or corporation with which such Shareholder
                  may be or become affiliated, if such employment is within the
                  Business.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
         Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
         Business if he or she acts as a funeral director at any funeral
         establishment within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages in the
         sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for services to be
         performed within the Territory, or if a Shareholder promotes or
         finances any family member or affiliate to operate a Business or engage
         in any of the foregoing activities within the Territory.

                           (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be
                  held invalid or unenforceable because of the scope of the
                  territory or actions subject thereto or restricted thereby, or
                  the period of time within which such covenants are operative;
                  but any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction may
                  define the maximum territory and actions subject to and
                  restricted thereby and the period of time during which such
                  covenants are enforceable.

                           (c) REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy
                  at law for any actual or threatened breach of any of the
                  foregoing covenants would be inadequate and that the Purchaser
                  shall be entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive
                  relief or both, by temporary or permanent injunction or such
                  other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order as may be
                  entered into by a court of competent jurisdiction in addition
                  to any damages that the Purchaser may be legally entitled to
                  recover together with reasonable expenses of litigation,
                  including attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith, as
                  may be approved by such court.

                           (d) REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and
                  warrants to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such
                  Shareholder understands that the foregoing restrictions are
                  being made incident to and as a condition of the Merger, and
                  that such covenants are necessary in order to protect the
                  business and goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such
                  covenants are not oppressive to any Shareholder in any
                  respect, and (iii) the consideration for such restrictions is
                  included in the Merger Consideration, which consideration each
                  Shareholder acknowledges is fair and adequate for the giving
                  of the covenants herein and for which such Shareholder
                  acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                           (e) MERGER CONSIDERATION ALLOCATION. The parties
                  agree to allocate $50,000 of the Merger Consideration to the
                  foregoing covenants for federal income tax purposes,

                                      -30-

                  pursuant to Section 1060(a) of the Code. Such allocation is
                  not intended to be a measure of the amount or range of damages
                  which the Purchaser may suffer or recover as a result of any
                  breach of the foregoing covenants, and the Shareholders
                  acknowledge that in case of any such breach, the Purchaser
                  shall be entitled to seek in excess of such amount as it may
                  otherwise be able to demonstrate itself justly entitled to.

                  12.3. BOARD POSITION. At such time as the Purchaser becomes a
"reporting company" within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and has a class of its equity securities traded on a national
securities exchange or over-the-counter and reported on NASDAQ, then the
Purchaser shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause Robert to be
elected to the Purchaser's Board of Directors, subject to further action of the
Purchaser's shareholders and applicable legal requirements and restrictions.

                  12.4. PROFIT SHARING PLAN. As described on Schedule 3.21, MFHI
has maintained the Merchant Funeral Home, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the "Profit
Sharing Plan") for the benefit of its employees. The Shareholders, following the
Closing, shall take all necessary steps to terminate the Profit Sharing Plan
under ERISA and the Code. The Shareholders, jointly and severally, shall be
responsible for and shall indemnify the Purchaser and the Surviving Corporation
for, (i) all legal, actuarial, trustee and other filing fees, costs and expenses
and administrative costs in connection with the termination of the Profit
Sharing Plan and the distribution of its assets to plan beneficiaries, (ii) any
liability or other amounts owed to Profit Sharing Plan beneficiaries in excess
of the assets in the Profit Sharing Plan available therefor, and (iii) all
fines, penalties and other assessments of the Internal Revenue Service of the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for any failure of the Pension Plan to have
fully complied (and after the Closing Date to continue to comply) with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations.

                  12.5. CDMGI/LCMPI PRENEED ACCOUNTS. The Purchaser acknowledges
that no funds have been set aside, deposited or held in trust with respect to
the cemetery preneed accounts of (i) the Coeur d'Alene Cemetery that were
entered into prior to December 31, 1985 and (ii) the Lewis Clark Cemetery that
were entered into on or before December 31, 1985. Obligations of the Companies
under such preneed accounts of the Coeur dAlene Cemetery in an amount
(calculated as hereinafter specified) not to exceed $100,000, and under preneed
accounts of Lewis Clark Cemetery in an amount which, as of the Closing Date, is

                                      -31-

determined in accordance with the Purchaser's generally recognized industry
accounting practices, to represent an aggregate liability of no more than
$500,000, shall not constitute "Unassumed Liabilities" under section 5.5 but
rather shall remain liabilities of the Surviving Corporation. The foregoing
shall not apply to, and the Shareholders shall indemnify the Purchaser and the
Surviving Corporation in respect of, unfunded preneed liabilities of Coeur
d'Alene Cemetery which is determined above, exceeds $100,000 and of Lewis Clark
Cemetery which, as determined above, exceeds $500,000, provided that the
Purchaser asserts any claim under this section 12.5 on or before the second
anniversary of the Closing Date.

                  12.6 LLC'S ACQUISITION OF SERIES D SHARES. Pursuant to the
Plan of Merger, LLC will be acquiring Series D Shares as calculated thereunder.
The terms applicable to the Series D Shares provide, among other things, for
certain restrictions on transferability thereof, including a right of first
refusal. The Larrabees agree not to sell or otherwise dispose of their interests
in LLC (while it holds Series D Shares) in such a way that the ultimate
beneficial owner would not be a permitted holder as if the Series D Shares by
were transferred directly to each person. A transfer of Series D Shares by LLC
to the Larrabees shall be specifically permitted.

                  13. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the negotiation,
preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein. If the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are consummated, no Company shall have no
obligation for, nor shall any Company be charged with, any such expenses of the
Shareholders. All finder's or similar fees and expenses of Thomas, Pierce &
Company shall be borne exclusively by the Shareholders. All sales, transfer,
stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged in
connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne by the Shareholders.

                  13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
given when personally delivered or three business days following the date,
mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                                      -32-

                  (i) if to any Company or any Shareholder, to:

                                    Mr. Robert D. Larrabee
                                    1000 7th Street
                                    Clarkston, Washington  99403

                                    with a copy to:

                                    Mr. Jack Curtin
                                    P.O. Box 677
                                    Lewiston, Idaho  83501

                  (ii)if to the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary, to:

                                    Carriage Funeral Services, Inc.
                                    1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                    Houston, Texas  77056
                                    Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                                    with a copy to:

                                    Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                                    1000 Louisiana
                                    Suite 3650
                                    Houston, Texas 77002
                                    Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to the other
parties hereto.

                  13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties; provided,
however, that following the Closing the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation
may assign its rights hereunder without the consent of the Shareholders to a
successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation, as the case
may be (whether by merger, sale of assets or otherwise).

                  13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
13.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal
representatives.

                  13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                                      -33-

                  13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

                  13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
Schedules, certificates and other documents referred to herein, constitute the
entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior understandings
with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without
limitation, the letter of intent dated January 31, 1996).

                  13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of
Idaho.

                  13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
constitute the same instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                 THE PURCHASER:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES, INC.


                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President


                                 THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY:

                                 CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES
                                 OF IDAHO, INC.


                                 By: MARK W. DUFFEY
                                     MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                     Executive Vice President


                                 THE COMPANIES:

                                 MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME, INC.


                                  By: ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                      ROBERT D. LARRABEE, President


                                  COEUR D'ALENE, MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC.


                                  By:     ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                          ROBERT D. LARRABEE, President

                                   (Signatures Continued on Next Page)

                                  LEWIS CLARK MEMORIAL PARK, INC.



                                  By:ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                     ROBERT D. LARRABEE, President



                                  THE SHAREHOLDERS:



                                  ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                  ROBERT D. LARRABEE



                                  I. RENEE LARRABEE
                                  I. RENEE LARRABEE


                                  LARRABEE LAND COMPANY, INC.


                                  By: ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                      ROBERT D. LARRABEE, President



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.19

                       REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

            THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 22, 1996, among CARRIAGE FUNERAL
SERVICES OF IDAHO, INC., an Idaho corporation (the "Purchaser"), LARRABEE
INVESTMENTS, L.L.C., an Idaho limited liability company ("Larrabee
Investments"), LARRABEE LAND COMPANY, INC., an Idaho corporation ("LLC"), and
ROBERT D. LARRABEE and I. RENEE LARRABEE, residents of Asotin County, Washington
(together, the "Larrabees") (Larrabee Investments, LLC and the Larrabees being
collectively called the "Sellers");

                             W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, the Sellers individually or collectively own fee simple
title to all of the parcels of real property and improve ments located in Asotin
and Garfield Counties, Washington and Nez Perce and Kootenai Counties, Idaho,
all as more particularly described on Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the "Real
Property"); and also own title to the motor vehicles and equipment listed in
Exhibit C hereto (the "Equipment"); and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Purchaser purchase the Real
Property and Equipment from the Sellers, all upon the terms and conditions and
for the consideration herein set forth;

            NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

            1.   SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE REAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT.

            1.1. TRANSFER OF THE REAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. The Sellers
      jointly and severally agree to sell fee simple title to the respective
      Real Property owned by them and good and marketable title to the Equipment
      to the Purchaser, free and clear of all liens, mortgages, security
      interests, title restrictions, reservations, easements, encumbrances or
      claims of any other person (collectively, "Liens"), other than (in the
      case of Real Property) Liens described on Exhibit B (collectively,
      "Permitted Encumbrances"), and the Purchaser agrees to purchase and accept
      the Real Property from the Sellers.

            1.2. CONSIDERATION. The aggegate consideration for the Real Property
      and the Equipment shall be $3,746,000 (the "Purchase Price"). Of the
      Purchase Price, (i) the sum of $600,000 (the "Deferred Purchase Price")
      shall be payable over a period of ten years as hereafter provided, (i) the
      sum of $246,000 shall be represented by the Purchaser's promissory note in
      such amount payable to the Larrabees, which note shall not bear interest,
      shall be payable in 120 monthly principal installments of $800. each and
      one final installment of $150,000 upon its maturity and shall be secured
      by a first lien deed of trust against the Real Property in Garfield
      County, Washington, such note and deed of trust to be in form and
      substance acceptable to the parties, and (ii) the excess of the Purchase
      Price over such amount shall be paid to the Sellers in cash at Closing, by
      wire transfer to such account or accounts as the Sellers shall designate
      in writing prior to the Closing. The Deferred Purchase Price shall be
      payable in ten equal installments of $60,000 each, the first of which
      shall be payable on or before the first anniversary of the Closing Date,
      and continuing annually thereafter on or before the second through tenth
      anniversaries of the Closing Date. No interest shall accrue or be payable
      in respect of any portion of the Deferred Purchase Price. Solely for
      federal income tax purposes, the Deferred Purchase Price and the
      promissory note referred to above shall be deemed to include an imputed
      rate of interest of six percent (6%) per annum. The Purchase Price shall
      be paid as specified in Exhibit E hereto.

            1.3. CERTAIN PRORATIONS. All normal and customarily proratable items
      relating to the Real Property, including but not limited to, utilities and
      real property taxes, shall be prorated as of the Closing Date, the Sellers
      being charged and credited for all of same up to such date and the
      Purchaser being charged and credited for all of same on and after such
      date. If the actual amounts to be prorated are not known as of the Closing
      Date, the prorations shall be made on the basis of the best evidence then
      available, and thereafter, within thirty (30) days after actual figures
      are received, a cash settlement will be made between the Sellers and the
      Purchaser.

            1.4. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Sellers agree to execute and deliver
      from time to time after the Closing, at the reasonable request of the
      Purchaser, and without further consideration, such additional instruments
      of conveyance and transfer, and to take such other action as the Purchaser
      may reasonably require more effectively to convey, assign, transfer and
      deliver good and marketable title to the Real Property to the Purchaser.

            2.   THE CLOSING. The purchase and sale of the Real Property and the
      Equipment (the "Closing") shall occur at the offices of Jack Curtin, 2517
      17th Street, Suite C, Lewiston, Idaho 83501, at 9:00 a.m. on March 22,
      1996, or at such other date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon
      by the parties, but in no event later than March 31, 1996. The date and
      time of the Closing is herein called the "Closing Date", and shall be
      deemed to have occurred as of the commencement of business on the Closing
      Date. At the Closing, the Sellers shall execute and deliver one or more
      general warranty deeds conveying fee simple title to the Real Property and
      one or more bills of sale and certificate transfers transferring title to
      the Equipment, to the Purchaser, against receipt from the Purchaser of the
      Purchase Price. All action to be taken at the Closing as hereinafter set
      forth, and all documents and instruments executed and delivered, and all
      payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered to have been
      taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action or delivery or
      payment shall be considered as complete until all action incident to the
      Closing has been completed.

              3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS. The Sellers
jointly and severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Purchaser
that:

            3.1. DESCRIPTION. Exhibit A attached hereto sets forth a legal
      description of all parcels included within the Real Property, and also
      briefly describes each building and major structure and improvement
      thereon; Exhibit C hereto describes all of the Equipment. The Sellers have
      good and marketable fee simple title to the tracts of Real Property owned
      by them as shown on Exhibit A, free and clear of any and all Liens, other
      than (i) Liens to be fully released at or prior to Closing, and (ii)
      Permitted Encumbrances. No person other than the Sellers and Merchant
      Funeral Home, Inc., a Washington corporation ("MFHI"), Coeur d'Alene,
      Memorial Gardens, Inc., an Idaho corporation ("CDMGI"), and Lewis Clark
      Memorial Park, Inc., an Idaho corporation ("LCMPI"), has any ownership,
      leasehold or other interest of any kind in the Real Property. To the
      Sellers' knowledge, all of the buildings, structures and improvements
      located on the Real Property are in good operating condition, ordinary
      wear and tear excepted. To the Sellers' knowledge, none of such buildings,
      structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now
      operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other
      administrative regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any
      provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent
      their continued use for the purposes for which they are now being used.
      There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of the Sellers, threatened any
      proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any
      portion thereof.

            3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. To the Sellers' knowledge, no toxic or
      hazardous wastes (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
      or any similar state or local agency) or hazardous substances (as defined
      under the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability
      Act of 1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
      amended, or any similar state or local statute or regulation) have been
      generated, stored, dumped, located or released onto or from the Real
      Property, nor to the knowledge of the Sellers, have any such materials or
      wastes been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on any real
      property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. To the Sellers'
      knowledge, the Real Property is not now, and will not be in the future as
      a result of its condition at or prior to Closing, subject to any
      reclamation, remediation or reporting requirements of any federal, state,
      local or other governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the
      Real Property. To the Sellers' knowledge, the Real Property does not
      contain any asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls, urea, formaldehyde, lead
      based paint, radon gas or underground storage tanks, except (i) for
      substances used in the ordinary course of the operations of the funeral
      homes and cemeteries located thereon that are properly used, stored and
      disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements, and (ii) as
      described on Exhibit D hereto.

            3.3. NO FLOOD HAZARDS. To the Sellers' knowledge, the Real Property
      is not located within an area that has been designated by the Federal
      Insurance Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other
      governmental agency or body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

            3.4. NON-FOREIGN STATUS. No Seller is a "foreign person" (as defined
      in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
      (the "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder), and the Sellers
      shall deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in recordable form
      containing such information as shall be required by Internal Revenue Code
      Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder.

            3.5. BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect to
      the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been
      (and on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for
      the same have been filed or asserted against any part of the Real
      Property.

            3.6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Sellers have complied and are in
      compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, municipal and
      other statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the Real
      Property and the Equipment.

            3.7. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 12.1, no Seller is a
      party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other agreement,
      and there are no outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment
      of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
      negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

            3.8. AUTHORITY OF THE SELLERS. Each Seller has the full right,
      capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, and to
      consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery
      and performance by LLC of this Agreement have been duly authorized by its
      Board of Directors and by Larrabee Investments by its members. This
      Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
      Sellers enforceable against them in accordance with its terms. Neither the
      execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement, nor the
      consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will: (i) result in
      a violation or breach of any term or provision of, constitute a default or
      acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any third party to, or
      result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of, the Articles of
      Organization or Regulations of Larrabee Investments, the Articles of
      Incorporation or Bylaws of LLC or any contract, agreement, lease, license
      or other commitment to which any Seller is a party or by which any such
      Seller or its, his or her respective assets or properties are bound; nor
      (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any
      court, administrative agency or governmental body.

            3.9 NATURE OF REPRESENTATIONS. The representations made by the
      Sellers in this Section 3 shall apply (as applicable) only as to the Real
      Property or Equipment being sold by such Seller hereunder.

                     4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The
      Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with the Sellers that:

                     4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Purchaser is a
            corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
            under the laws of the State of Idaho, and has all requisite
            corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
            Agreement.

                     4.2.  AUTHORITY OF THE PURCHASER. The execution, delivery
            and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly
            authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement is valid and
            binding upon the Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser
            in accordance with its terms.  Neither the execution, delivery
            or performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement, nor the
            consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will conflict
            with or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of,
            nor constitute a default under, the Articles of Incorporation or
            Bylaws of the Purchaser or under any indenture, mortgage, deed of
            trust or other contract or agreement to which it is a party or by
            which it or its property is bound, or violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
            governmental body.

                     4.3.  FINDERS.  The Purchaser is not a party to or in
            any way obligated under any contract or other agreement,
            and there are not outstanding claims against it, for the
            payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the
            origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

                     5.    COVENANTS OF THE SELLERS PENDING CLOSING.  The
      Sellers jointly and severally covenant and agree with the
      Purchaser that:

                     5.1.  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers will use their
            best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of other
            persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
            consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                     5.2.  NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in
            effect, no Seller shall enter into any agreements or commitments, or
            initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or expressions
            of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any potential
            buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the possible
            sale or other disposition of all or any portion of the Real
            Property, other than with the Purchaser.

                     6.    COVENANT OF THE PURCHASER PENDING CLOSING.  The
      Purchaser covenants with the Sellers that the Purchaser will
      use its best efforts to obtain the necessary consents and approvals of
      other persons which may be required to be obtained on its part to
      consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

                     7.    CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER. The
      obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to the
      following conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by it in
      writing:

                     7.1.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS
            PERFORMED. The Purchaser shall not have discovered any material
            error, misstatement or omission in the representations and
            warranties made by the Sellers in Section 3 hereof; the
            representations and warranties made by the Sellers herein shall be
            deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing and
            shall then be true and correct; the Sellers shall have performed and
            complied with all agreements and conditions required by this
            Agreement to be performed or complied with by them at or prior to
            the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a certificate,
            signed by the Larrabees, an authorized officer of LLC, and a member
            of Larrabee Investments, to the effect of the foregoing provisions
            of this Section 7.1.

                     7.2.  OPINION OF COUNSEL.  The Sellers shall have
            caused to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Jack Curtin,
            counsel for the Sellers, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

                          (i)   Larrabee Investments is a limited liability
                  company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
                  under the laws of the State of Idaho, and has all requisite
                  authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this
                  Agreement; and LLC is a corporation duly organized, validly
                  existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
                  Idaho, and has all requisite authority to enter into and
                  perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                          (ii)  this Agreement has been duly and validly
                  executed and delivered by the Sellers, and this Agreement
                  constitutes the valid and binding obligations of the Sellers
                  enforceable against them in accordance with its terms; neither
                  the execution, delivery or consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement will (x) result in the breach
                  of or constitute a default under the Articles of Incorporation
                  or Bylaws of LLC, the Articles of Organization or Regulations
                  of Larrabee Investments, or any loan or credit agreement,
                  indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
                  agreement known to such counsel and to which any Seller is a
                  party or by which they or their respective assets are bound,
                  or (y) violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to
                  such counsel of any court, administrative agency or
                  governmental body; and

                          (iii) no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Sellers of this Agreement.

            Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
            certificates of the Sellers and certificates of public officials,
            copies of which shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing.  Any
            opinion as to the enforceability of any document may

                     7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Sellers shall have
            obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and
            governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement.

                     7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall
            not have occurred any loss or damage to any material portion of the
            Real Property.

                     7.5. TITLE INSURANCE. The Sellers shall have obtained, at
            their expense, one or more Owner's Policies of Title Insurance
            issued to the Purchaser in agreed-upon amounts, issued by one or
            more title companies mutually designated by the parties
            (collectively, the "Title Company"), insuring that the Purchaser is
            the owner of each parcel of the Real Property subject only to the
            Permitted Encumbrances, and any standard printed exceptions included
            in the standard form Owner Policy of Title Insurance in Washington
            and Idaho (as applicable). Such policies shall have deleted any
            exception regarding restrictions or be limited to restrictions that
            are Permitted Encumbrances, any standard exception pertaining to
            discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted
            except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for taxes
            shall be limited to the year in which the Closing occurs.

                     7.6. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at its own
            expense, an ALTA/ASCM survey prepared by a licensed surveyor
            approved by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with
            respect to each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply
            with any applicable standards under Idaho or Washington law (as
            applicable), be sufficient for the Title Company to delete any
            survey exception contained in the title insurance policies referred
            to in Section 7.5, save and except for the phrase "shortages in
            area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to Purchaser.

                     7.7. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens (other than
            Permitted Encumbrances) against any portion of the Real Property and
            any of the Equipment shall have executed and delivered written
            releases of such Liens, all in recordable form and otherwise
            acceptable to the Purchaser and its lender.

                     7.8. CONSUMMATION OF MERGER. The merger of MFHI and CDMGI
            into LCMPI, and the related merger of the Purchaser into LCMPI (as
            the survivor of the earlier merger), pursuant to the Merger
            Agreement of even date herewith, and the related Plans of Merger
            attached as exhibits thereto (collectively, the "Merger Agreement")
            among the Purchaser, Carriage Funeral Services, Inc., MFHI, CDMGI,
            LCMPI, the Larrabees and Larrabee Land Company, Inc., shall have
            been consummated in accordance with the terms thereof.

                     7.9 OPTION AGREEMENT. The Purchaser and the Larrabees shall
            have entered into an Option Agreement, mutually satisfactory in form
            and substance to such parties, under which the Larrabees grant to
            the Purchaser an option to purchase and acquire the approximately
            five-acre tract of land adjacent to the portion of the Real Property
            in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho that has been identified by the parties, on
            such terms as such parties shall determine.

            7.10 EXCHANGE AGREEMENT. The Purchaser and the Larrabees shall have
      entered into a Property Exchange Agreement mutually satisfactory in form
      and substance to such parties, under which the Larrabees agree to sell a
      one-acre tract of land adjacent to the portion of the Real Property in
      Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on such terms as the parties may mutually determine.

                  8.   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS. The obligations
      of the Sellers under this Agreement shall be subject to the following
      conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the Sellers in
      writing:

                  8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED.
            The Sellers shall not have discovered any material error,
            misstatement or omission in the representations and warranties made
            by the Purchaser in Section 4 hereof; the representations and
            warranties made by the Purchaser herein shall be deemed to have been
            made again at and as of the time of Closing and shall then be true
            and correct; the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with
            all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
            performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing; and the
            Sellers shall have received a certificate, signed by an executive
            officer of the Purchaser, to the effect of the foregoing provisions
            of this Section 8.1.

                  8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
            delivered to the Sellers an opinion of Snell & Smith, A Professional
            Corporation, counsel for the Purchaser, to the effect that:

                           (i)   the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
                  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
                  State of Idaho, and has all requisite corporate power to enter
                  into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

                           (ii)  the execution, delivery and performance by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement have been duly authorized by its
                  Board of Directors;

                           (iii) this Agreement is valid and binding upon the
                  Purchaser and enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance
                  with its terms;

                           (iv)  neither the execution, delivery or performance
                  by the Purchaser of this Agreement will conflict with or
                  result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of,
                  nor constitute a default under, the Articles of Incorporation
                  or Bylaws of the Purchaser or under any loan or credit
                  agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other
                  contract or agreement known to such counsel and to which the
                  Purchaser is a party or by which it or its property is bound,
                  or violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such
                  counsel and of any court, administrative agency or
                  governmental body; and

                           (v)   no authorization, approval or consent of or
                  declaration or filing with any governmental authority or
                  regulatory body, federal, state or local, is necessary or
                  required in connection with the execution and delivery by the
                  Purchaser of this Agreement, or the performance of its
                  obligations hereunder.

            Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
            certificates of officers of the Purchaser and certificates of public
            officials, copies of which shall be provided to the Sellers at
            Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document may be
            limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
            other similar laws affecting creditors rights and by principles of
            equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal
            laws of the State of Texas.

                  8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser shall have obtained
            all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
            authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The mergers described in Section
            7.8 hereof shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms
            of the Merger Agreement.

                  9.   NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
            Agreement or any Exhibit hereto shall be deemed representations and
            warranties of the party executing and delivering the same.

                  9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regardless of
            any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party
            hereto, all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties
            made hereunder or pursuant hereto or any Exhibit hereto or in
            connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
            shall not terminate but shall survive the Closing and continue in
            effect thereafter.

                  10.  INDEMNIFICATION.

                  10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLERS. The Sellers jointly and
            severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and its
            successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses,
            damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such
            item being herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein
            collectively called "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of
            (i) any breach or default in the performance by the Sellers of any
            covenant or agreement of the Sellers contained in this Agreement,
            (ii) any breach of warranty or representation made by the Sellers
            herein, in any Exhibit attached hereto or in any certificate or
            other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Sellers pursuant
            hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims,
            demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
            fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser agrees
            to indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers and their heirs,
            successors and assigns from and against any Losses which are caused
            by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the performance by
            the Purchaser of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser
            contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or
            representation made by the Purchaser herein or in any certificate or
            other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant
            hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims,
            demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
            fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

                  10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
            against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
            party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for
            indemnification against another party hereunder ("indemnifying
            party"), the indemnifying party shall be given prompt written notice
            thereof and shall have the right (i) to participate in the defense
            thereof and be represented, at its own expense, by advisory counsel
            selected by it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the
            indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay any amounts in
            connection therewith, which approval shall not be unreasonably
            withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within ten
            business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
            described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
            indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall
            be fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided
            herein, then the indemnifying party shall have the right to control
            the defense of such claim, provided that the indemnified party shall
            have the right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be
            represented, at its own expenses, by advisory counsel selected by
            it, and (ii) to approve any settlement if the indemnified party's
            interests are, or would be, affected thereby.

                  10.4. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. The Purchaser agrees that (i) any
            claim under Section 10.1(ii), insofar as the same relates to the
            representations and warranties of the Sellers under Section 3 (other
            than the second sentence of Section 3.1 and Sections 3.7 and 3.8)
            must be asserted, if at all, on or before the second anniversary of
            the Closing Date, and (ii) the Purchaser shall not be entitled to
            indemnification under Section 10.1 until such time as the aggregate
            amount of all such claims of the Purchaser equal or exceed
            $5,000.00, but when such threshold has been so met, the Purchaser
            shall be entitled to the entirety of its claim(s), including the
            first $5,000.00.

                  10.5. OFFSET. If any Seller becomes obligated to indemnify the
            Purchaser after the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement or
            pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Merger Agreement, at any time when
            any of the Deferred Purchase Price remains outstanding, then the
            Purchaser may, at its option and without prejudice to any right of
            the Purchaser to proceed directly against any Seller, set-off the
            amount for which the Sellers shall be so obligated for such
            indemnification or breach against the Deferred Purchase Price. The
            exercise of such right of set-off shall be evidenced by means of a
            written notice to such effect given by the Purchaser to the Sellers,
            describing the basis for indemnity or recovery and set-off hereunder
            and the amount of the set-off. If the Sellers object to any such
            exercise of set-off by the Purchaser by delivering written notice of
            objection to the Purchaser within ten (10) business days after
            receipt of the Purchaser's offset notice, the Purchaser shall
            deposit the amount in dispute in escrow with a financial institution
            in Spokane, Washington, where the funds shall remain pending final
            resolution of such dispute.

                  10.6 COUR D'ALENE PROPERTY. The parties acknowledge that the
            ALTA/ACSM survey for the Real Property in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
            reveals that the Larrabees may not have title to a triangular strip
            of land along the southern boundary of such property (reference Note
            2 on such survey) and that the parties have intended to be includeds
            in the purchase and sale hereunder (the "Subject Tract"). The
            Larrabees represent that no grave spaces are located within the
            Subject Tract and agree that they shall use their best efforts to
            either cure the title defect shown in such survey so that title to
            the subject Tract is vested in the Purchaser, or shall purchase the
            Subject Tract from the owner(s) thereof and convey the same to the
            Purchaser without cost to the Purchaser, in either case in the same
            manner as the other Real Property hereunder.

                  11.  TERMINATION.

                  11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Sellers agree to
            use their best efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the
            conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the Purchaser agrees
            to use its best efforts to bring about the satisfaction of the
            conditions specified in Section 8 hereof.

                  11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to
            Closing by:

                        (a) the  mutual  written  consent of the Sellers and the
                  Purchaser;

                        (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made
                  by any Seller in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by any of the covenants of the Sellers herein
                  contained, or if there shall have been a material breach or
                  misrepresentation by any Seller of any of the warranties and
                  representations of the Sellers herein contained, or if the
                  conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or performed
                  by any Seller at or before the Closing shall not have been
                  complied with or performed at the time required for such
                  compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Purchaser in writing;

                        (c) the Sellers if a material default shall be made by
                  the Purchaser in the observance or in the due and timely
                  performance by the Purchaser of any of the covenants of the
                  Purchaser herein contained, or if there shall have been a
                  material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser of any
                  of its warranties and representations herein contained, or if
                  the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or
                  performed by the Purchaser at or before the Closing shall not
                  have been complied with or performed at the time required for
                  such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or
                  nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived by the
                  Sellers in writing; or

                        (d) either  the  Sellers  or  the  Purchaser, if the
                  Closing has not occurred by March 31, 1996.

                  11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is
            terminated under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party
            shall have any liability to any other parties hereunder. If this
            Agreement is terminated under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2,
            then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement shall not have any
            liability to any other party hereto, provided the terminating party
            has not breached any representation or warranty or failed to comply
            with any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) such
            termination shall not prejudice the rights and remedies of the
            terminating party against any other party which has breached any of
            its representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such
            termination.

                  12.   MISCELLANEOUS.

                  12.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
            parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the
            negotiation, preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the
            consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. All finder's
            or similar fees and expenses of Thomas, Pierce & Company shall be
            borne exclusively by the Sellers. All sales, transfer, stamp or
            other similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged in
            connection with the transactions hereunder shall be borne by the
            Sellers.

                  12.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
            communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
            have been given when personally delivered or three business days
            following the date, mailed, first class, registered or certified
            mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

                        (i)   if to the Sellers, to:

                              Mr. Robert D. Larrabee
                              1000 7th Street
                              Clarkston, Washington  99403

                              with a copy to:

                              Mr. Jack Curtin
                              P.O. Box 677
                              Lewiston, Idaho  83501

                        (ii)  if to the Purchaser, to:

                              Carriage  Funeral  Services  of Idaho,
      Inc.
                              1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                              Houston, Texas  77056
                              Attention:  Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                              with a copy to:

                              Snell &  Smith, A Professional Corporation
                              1000 Louisiana
                              Suite 3650
                              Houston, Texas  77002
                              Attention:  Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

            or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party
            to the other parties hereto.

                  12.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
            party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties,
            provided, however, that following the Closing the Purchaser may
            assign its rights hereunder without the consent of the Sellers to a
            successor-in-interest to the Purchaser (whether by merger, sale of
            assets or otherwise).

                  12.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section
            12.3, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
            of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns,
            heirs and personal representatives.

                  12.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and
            paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
            and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
            Agreement.

                  12.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an
            instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

                  12.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits,
            certificates and other documents referred to herein constitute the
            entire agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior
            understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof
            (including, without limitation, the letter of intent dated January
            31, 1996).

                  12.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
            enforced under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the
            State of Idaho.

                  12.9. SS.1031 EXCHANGE. The Purchaser acknowledges that the
            Sellers are intending for the transactions under this Agreement, in
            conjunction with certain other transactions involving the Sellers
            and third party accommodation parties, qualify for treatment under
            Section 1031 of the Code. The Purchaser agrees to cooperate with the
            Sellers in connection therewith, provided the same shall not alter
            the respective rights or responsibilities of the parties hereunder,
            nor shall the same require the Purchaser to incur any expense or
            liability in connection therewith.

                  12.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
            counterparts, each of which shall be deemean original, but all of
            which shall constitute the instrument.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and
delivered as of the date first above written.

                                    THE PURCHASER:

                                    CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES
                                    OF IDAHO, INC.


                                    By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                            MARK W. DUFFEY,
                                            Executive Vice President

                                    THE SELLERS:

                                    LARRABEE INVESTMENTS L.L.C.

                                    By: /s/ ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                            ROBERT D. LARRABEE,
                                            Member

                                    LARRABEE LAND COMPANY, INC.

                                    By: /s/ ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                            ROBERT D. LARRABEE,
                                            President

                                        /s/ ROBERT D. LARRABEE
                                            ROBERT D. LARRABEE

                                        /s/ I. RENEE LARRABEE
                                            I. RENEE LARRABEE

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A - Description of Real Property
Exhibit B - Permitted Encumbrances
Exhibit C - Description of Exhibits
Exhibit D - Environmental Matters
Exhibit E - Purchase Price Allocation


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20
                                MERGER AGREEMENT

            THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of July 3, 1996, among CARRIAGE SERVICES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), CSI FUNERAL SERVICES OF
CONNECTICUT, INC., a Connecticut corporation (the "Acquisition Subsidiary"), C.
FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME, INCORPORATED, a Connecticut corporation (the
"Company"), and RONALD F. DUHAIME, EMILIE P. DUHAIME and CHRISTOPHER J. DUHAIME,
residents of Hartford County, Connecticut (together, the "Shareholders");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the C. Funk & Son Funeral
Home located at 35 Bellevue Avenue in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut (the
"Home"), and the Shareholders collectively own all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of the Company; and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Acquisition Subsidiary merge
with and into the Company in a statutory merger (the "Merger") to be consummated
under the laws of the State of Connecticut and upon the terms and conditions and
for the consideration herein set forth and in the Plan of Merger among the
Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company in the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto (the "Plan of Merger");

            NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:


            1.   REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.

            1.1. THE MERGER. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of
      this Agreement, the Plan of Merger shall be exe cuted and delivered by the
      Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company. Subject to the
      terms and condi tions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan of
      Merger, at the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in the Plan of
      Merger), the Acquisition Subsidiary shall be merged with and into the
      Company in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut and the
      Plan of Merger. The corporation surviving the Merger is sometimes herein
      referred to as the "Surviving Corporation."

            1.2. SS.368 REORGANIZATION. It is the intention of the parties that
      the Merger constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
      368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
      "Code"), in accordance with Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code. The parties
      agree to file all of their respective tax returns and reports in a manner
      consistent with such intention, and to not take any filing position in a
      manner inconsistent with such intention unless compelled to do so by court
      order or administrative decree. Each party agrees to furnish such
      information and take such

                                       -1-

      action as may be reasonably requested of the other party in connection
      with the foregoing (which action shall not include any change in the
      commercial terms of the Merger and the other transactions incident
      thereto). In no event, however, shall the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation be required to incur any out-of-pocket expenses in defending
      such position or providing such information or taking such action, nor
      shall the foregoing constitute a warranty or guaranty that the Merger will
      in fact constitute such a reorganization.

            1.3. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT; WAIVER OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. The
      Shareholders, in their capacities as shareholders of the Company, and the
      Purchaser, in its capacity as a shareholder of the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      hereby (i) consent to the Merger pursuant to Section 33-366 of the
      Connecticut General Statutes, as amended (the "Connecticut Statutes"), and
      (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally waive all dissenters' and other
      similar rights with respect to the Merger under and pursuant to Sections
      33-373 and 33-374, of the Connecticut Statutes.

            1.4. POST-CLOSING TAX MATTERS. The Shareholders shall be fully
      responsible for all federal, state and local taxes (including, but not
      limited to, income taxes) of the Company accrued through the Closing and
      for completing, filing and handling all tax returns and reports in respect
      in of all periods through Closing and consummation of the Merger,
      including responding to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding
      such taxes, returns and reports. Without limiting the generality of the
      foregoing, the Purchaser will arrange through its outside accounting firm
      for the preparation of short-period federal income tax return for the
      Company's current year through the Closing Date (after which time the
      Surviving Corporation will be included as part of the consolidated group
      of which the Purchaser is the parent corporation), based upon information
      furnished by the Shareholders (and for which the Shareholders shall be
      solely responsible), and the Shareholders shall pay or reimburse the
      Purchaser for all federal income taxes in respect thereof and the
      reasonable cost of tax preparation by such outside accounting firm.

            1.5. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders agree to exe cute and
      deliver from time to time after the Effective Time of the Merger, at the
      reasonable request of the Purchaser, and without further consideration,
      such additional instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such
      other action as the Purchaser may reasonably require to more effectively
      carry out the terms and provisions of the Merger and the other trans
      action contemplated by this Agreement.

                                       -2-

            2.   THE CLOSING.

            2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall
      occur at the offices of Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire, 271 Farmington Avenue,
      Bristol, Connecticut on July 3, 1996, or at such other date, time or place
      as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties. The date and time of the
      Closing is herein called the "Closing Date". At the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall surrender for cancellation pursuant to the Merger all
      certificates representing their respective shares of capital stock of the
      Company, against receipt from the Purchaser of the Merger Consideration
      (as defined in the Plan of Merger). All action to be taken at the Closing
      as hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
      delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered
      to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action
      or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
      incident to the Closing has been completed.

            2.2. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. In addition to the Merger, at the Closing
      the following transactions shall occur:

                    (i) The Acquisition Subsidiary, on the one hand, and each of
            the Shareholders, on the other, shall each execute and deliver the
            other a separate Employment Agreement to be dated the Closing Date
            and in substantially the forms of Exhibits B-1, B-2 and B-3 hereto,
            respectively (collectively, the "Employment Agreements");

                   (ii) The Acquisition Subsidiary shall establish the Carriage
            Partners Program for Connecticut to be dated the Closing Date and in
            substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Carriage
            Partners Program"), and the Acquisition Subsidiary and Ronald F.
            Duhaime shall each execute and deliver to the other a plan
            participation agreement evidencing his participation thereunder; and

                  (iii) Immediately prior to the Closing and consum mation of
            the Merger, the Company shall distribute to the Shareholders,
            without recourse or warranty against the Company, the assets
            [including bank stock] described on Schedule 2.2 hereto (the
            "Distributed Property").

            3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.
The Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and
agree with the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary that:

            3.1.  TITLE TO SHARES.  The Shareholders are the owners
      and holders, beneficially and of record, of all of the issued

                                       -3-

      and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, and the
      Shareholders have good and marketable title to all of such issued and
      outstanding shares, free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances,
      pledges, security interests, mortgages or claims of any other person
      (collectively, the "Liens").

            3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corpo ration duly
      organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
      State of Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
      and perform its obli gations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger
      and to carry on its business as now conducted. The Shareholders have
      delivered to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of the Certificate
      of Incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of Connecticut, and
      the Bylaws, certified by its Secretary, of the Company, all as in effect
      on the date hereof.

            3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company
      consists of 100 shares of Common Stock, without par value, of which 100
      shares are issued and outstanding and held by the Shareholders. All such
      issued and outstanding shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully
      paid and nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive
      rights of any person. No such shares of capital stock are held by the
      Company as treasury stock. The Company does not have any outstanding
      subscriptions, options or other agreements or commitments obligating it to
      issue shares of its capital stock. There are no shareholders, buy-sell,
      voting or other similar agreements or commitments affecting the voting or
      transferability of any such shares. From the date hereof through the
      Closing Date, the Shareholders will not, and will not cause or permit the
      Company to, issue or enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or
      other commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or
      encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

            3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company does not have any subsidiaries or
      any investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
      other business enterprise.

            3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholders have delivered to the
      Purchaser the unaudited balance sheets of the Company at September 30,
      1995] (the "Company Balance Sheet"), and the related unaudited statement
      of income and expenses of the Company for the twelve-month period of
      operations then ended. All such financial statements are true and correct,
      have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of the
      Company, and present fairly the financial positions of the Company at the
      date indicated and the results of its operations for the period then ended
      in accordance with United States federal income tax accounting principles,
      consistently

                                       -4-

      applied. The Home performed 253 adult funeral services for the
      twelve-month period ended December 31, 1993, 258 adult funeral services
      for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1994, and 266 adult funeral
      services for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1995.

            3.6. REAL PROPERTY.

            (a) DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 3.6 sets forth a legal
      description of all parcels of real property in which the Company has any
      interest or which is used in its business (herein referred to as the "Real
      Property"), and also briefly describes each building and major structure
      and improvement thereon. No person other than the Company has any
      ownership, leasehold or other interest of any kind in the Real Property.
      The Real Property is the only interest in real property required for the
      conduct of the business of the Home as presently conducted. All of the
      buildings, structures and im provements located on the Real Property are
      in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such
      buildings, structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance
      thereof as now operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or
      other administrative regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or
      any provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent
      their con tinued use for the purposes for which they are now being used.
      There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened
      any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any
      portion thereof. The Company has good and marketable fee simple title to
      all of the Real Property used in the business of the Home, free and clear
      of all Liens, other than easements and other similar title exceptions
      described on Schedule 3.6 ("Permitted Liens").

            (b) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. No "Hazardous Substances" (defined
      herein to mean any substance which is regulated by or listed under any
      federal, state or local law, statute, rule or regulation pertaining to the
      environment or the protection of human health and welfare, including the
      Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
      1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
      amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, or any similar
      state or local statute or regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped,
      located or released onto or from the Real Property, nor to the knowledge
      of the Shareholders have any Hazardous Substances been generated, stored,
      dumped, located or disposed of on any real property contiguous or adjacent
      to the Real Property. The Real Property is not now, and to the best of the
      Shareholders' knowledge, will not be in the future as a result of its
      condition at or prior to Closing, subject to any reclamation, remediation
      or reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other

                                       -5-

      governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property.
      Neither the Company nor any Shareholder has received notice or knows of
      any claim, request for information, enforcement action or other proceeding
      related to the off-site disposal of Hazardous Substances generated by the
      Company. Except as described on Schedule 3.6, to the best of knowledge of
      the Shareholders, the Real Property does not con tain any asbestos,
      polychlorinated byphenyls, urea, formal dehyde, lead based paint, radon
      gas or underground storage tanks, except for substances used in the
      ordinary course of the operations of the Home that are properly used,
      stored and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

            (c) FIRPTA. Neither the Company nor any Shareholder is a "foreign
      person" (as defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Code, and the regulations
      issued thereunder), and the Shareholders shall deliver at Closing a
      non-foreign affidavit in recordable form containing such information as
      shall be required by Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued
      thereunder.

            (d) BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect to the
      ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been (and
      on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for the
      same have been filed or asserted against any part of the Real Property.

            (e) NO FLOOD HAZARDS. No portion of the Real Property is located
      within an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
      Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental
      agency or body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

            3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
      properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Home are owned
      by the Company. None of such assets, rights or properties is subject to
      any lease or license. The Company is in actual possession and control of
      all properties owned by it, and has good and marketable title to all of
      its assets, rights and properties, including without limitation, all
      properties and assets reflected in the Company Balance Sheet, free and
      clear of all Liens, except for (i) Liens to be discharged and released at
      or prior to Closing, and (ii) Permitted Liens against Real Property.

            3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of the Company
      Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                     (i) any adverse change in the financial condi tion,
            operations, business, properties or prospects of the Company or of
            the Home;

                                       -6-

                     (ii) any change in the authorized capital or outstanding
            securities of the Company;

                     (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other secu rities which
            the Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to issue, sell or
            deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed to grant any options,
            warrants or other rights calling for the issue, sale or delivery
            thereof;

                     (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to borrow
            any funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become subject to, any
            absolute or contingent obligation or liability, except trade
            payables incurred in the ordinary course of business;

                     (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
            extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                     (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change in
            any key personnel of the Company;

                     (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
            agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of the
            inventories or other assets or properties of the Company, except in
            the ordinary course of business;

                     (viii) any damage, destruction or losses against the
            Company or any waiver of any rights of material value to the
            Company;

                     (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the entering
            into of any collective bargaining agreement, with respect to
            employees of the Company;

                     (x) any claim or liability for any material damages for any
            actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach of contract
            against or affecting the Company;

                     (xi) any new competitor that has, to the knowledge of the
            Shareholders, built, commenced to build or announced intentions to
            build a funeral home or mortuary in direct competition with the
            Home; or

                     (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or
            affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
            business.

            3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth in the
      Company Balance Sheet, the Company does not have

                                       -7-

      any, and none of its assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities
      or obligations of any kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts
      payable and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of the
      Company's business since the date of the Company Balance Sheet.

            3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other taxes
      due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this Agreement
      have been paid or are adequately provided for in the Company's books and
      records. The Company has filed all tax returns and reports required to be
      filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all such tax returns and
      reports are true, complete and correct. True and correct copies of the
      federal, state and local income tax returns filed by the Company for each
      of its last three taxable years have been furnished to the Purchaser. No
      assessments of deficiencies have been made against the Company which are
      presently pending or outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed
      which would constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax liability
      against the Company with respect to any prior taxable period which has not
      been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or which has not been closed
      by applicable statute. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers
      extending the statutory period of limitations applica ble to any income
      tax return of the Company for any period.

            3.11. INVENTORY. The inventories reflected in the Company Balance
      Sheet, and all items placed in inventory since the date thereof, are (i)
      accounted for in accordance with United States federal income tax
      accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and (ii) saleable or
      usable in the ordinary course of business of the Company at usual and
      customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns consistent with
      past practice. At the Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver to the
      Purchaser a list, certified by the Shareholders to be complete and
      correct, of all of the inventory of the Company.

            3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and all
      other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other fixed
      assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good and operating
      condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

            3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 hereto sets forth a
      complete description of:

                    (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to which the
            Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all notes or other
            evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements creating any Lien on any
            property of, the Company;

                                       -8-

                   (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
            other agreements relating to the employ ment of any employees of the
            Company;

                  (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the Company which
            do not terminate or are not terminable by the Company upon notice of
            30 days or less or which involve an obligation on its part in excess
            of $1,000 per annum or $5,000 in the aggregate; and

                   (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the Company
            entered into outside the ordinary course of busi ness.

            Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is valid and
      in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge
      of the Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto, are in default
      thereunder. The Shareholders have furnished to the Purchaser a true and
      cor rect copy of each document listed on Schedule 3.13.

            3.14. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14 hereto
      accurately and completely lists, as of the date of this Agreement (i) all
      preneed contracts of the Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof,
      including contracts for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and
      (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Home, indicating the location of
      each and the balance thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed
      on Schedule 3.14 (x) have been entered into in the normal course of
      business at regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion
      program, solely for use by the named customers and members of their
      families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen contracts
      which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules
      and regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have been
      delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full force
      and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither the
      Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by
      the Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in the appropriate
      accounts and administered and reported in accordance with the terms
      thereof and as required by applicable laws and regulations. The aggregate
      market value of the preneed accounts, trusts or other deposits is equal to
      or greater than the aggregate preneed liability related to such accounts.
      The services heretofore provided by the Company have been rendered in a
      professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing professional
      standards, practices and customs.

            3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC. The Company does not own and it has not
      applied for any patents, patent applications,

                                       -9-

      patent licenses, trademarks, trademark applications or trademark or
      trademark licenses (collectively, "Intangible Rights"), except as
      described on Schedule 3.15. The Company owns or possesses valid rights or
      adequate licenses for all of such Intangible Rights as are necessary to
      the conduct of the business of the Home as presently conducted. The
      Company is not charged with infringement of any Intangible Rights of any
      other person, nor does any Shareholder know of any such infringement,
      whether or not claimed by any person.

            3.16. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of insurance in
      such amounts, and which insure against such losses and risks, as are
      generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties. Valid
      policies for such insurance will be outstanding and duly in force at all
      times prior to the Closing.

            3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly and
      completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
      consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
      are all that are necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Home as
      presently operated. All such items are in full force and effect.

            3.18. LITIGATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, there are no
      claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
      knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against or affecting the Company
      or any of the assets or properties of the Company, at law or in equity or
      before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental
      department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality. The Company is
      not subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
      injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
      order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign, federal,
      state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
      agency or instrumentality.

            3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
      compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes, rules,
      ordinances, and regulations applicable to the Company, the operation of
      the Home, and the Company's assets, rights and properties (including
      without limitation all environmental protection and occupations safety and
      health rules, regulations and laws, and laws and regulations applicable to
      preneed contracts and trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral
      Rule").

            3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely lists
      the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other compensation of
      all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets forth
      the date of the

                                      -10-

      last salary increase for each employee listed thereon, the outstanding
      balances of all loans and advances, if any, made by the Company to any
      employee or agent thereof, and the number of vacation days or other time
      off to which each such employee is then eligible to take. There are not
      pending or, to the knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against the
      Company any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work stoppages,
      and there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are
      pending or have been conducted or made with or by any labor union or
      association with respect to any employees of the Company. No Shareholder
      is aware of the existence of any serious health condition of any key
      manage ment personnel of the Home that might impair any such person's
      ability to carry on his or her normal duties into the foresee able future
      after the Closing. The Shareholders believe that the relations between the
      Company and its employees are good.

            3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. There are no plans, contracts,
      commitments, programs and policies (including, without limitation,
      pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation, severance,
      retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental insurance,
      vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other similar employee benefit
      plans and policies) maintained by the Company providing benefits to any
      employee or former employee of the Company, other than sick leave,
      vacation and group hospitalization benefits that are described on Schedule
      3.21, all of which are maintained in accordance with applicable legal
      requirements. True and com plete copies of all such benefit plans
      described on Schedule 3.21, have been provided to the Purchaser.

            3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. The Company and the Home have
      been operated and are being operated in a manner separate from the
      personal and other business activities of the Shareholders and their
      affiliates, and neither the Company nor any of its assets are subject to
      any affiliated party commitments or transactions.

            3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company are
      true, correct and complete each have been maintained by it in accordance
      with good business practice and in accordance with all laws, regulations
      and other require ments applicable to the Company. The corporate records
      of the Company reflect a true record of all meetings and proceedings of
      the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Company.

            3.24. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 13.1, neither the
      Company nor any Shareholder is a party to or in any way obligated under
      any contract or other agreement, and there are no outstanding claims
      against any of them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in
      connection with the

                                      -11-

      origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

            3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Share holders have the full
      right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and
      the other documents to be executed by the Shareholders as provided in this
      Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
      thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by
      the Shareholders, each of such other documents will constitute, the legal,
      valid and binding obligations of the Shareholders enforceable against them
      in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
      nor performance of this Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the
      consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will: (i)
      result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of, constitute a
      default or acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any third
      party to, or result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of (x) the
      Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or (y) any contract,
      agreement, lease, license or other commit ment to which the Company or any
      Shareholder is a party or by which the Company or such Shareholder or its,
      his or her respective assets or properties are bound; nor (ii) violate any
      statute or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
      administrative agency or governmental body.

            3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
      performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have
      been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement and the
      Plan of Merger are legally binding and enforceable against the Company in
      accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
      nor performance by the Company of this Agreement or the Plan of Merger
      will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a default or
      accelerate the performance required under, the Certificate of
      Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of
      trust or other contract or agreement to which the Company is a party or by
      which it or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
      injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
      body.

            3.27. ACQUISITION OF PARENT SHARES. The Parent Shares (as defined in
      the Plan of Merger) to be acquired by the Shareholders pursuant to the
      Merger will be acquired by them for investment purposes only and not with
      the present intention or view to, or resale in connection with, any dis
      tribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
      amended. The Shareholders understand that such Parent Shares will not be
      registered under such Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky
      laws, that transferability of such Parent Shares will be restricted in
      accordance with

                                      -12-

      applicable state and federal securities laws, and that a restrictive
      legend to such effect will be inscribed on each certificate representing
      such Parent Shares. Prior to the Closing, the Shareholders will have had
      full opportunity to receive such information and ask such questions of
      represen tatives of the Purchaser concerning the Purchaser, its
      subsidiaries and their business, operations, assets and pros pects, and
      concerning an investment in the Parent Shares, as the Shareholders will
      then have deemed appropriate in order to make an informed investment
      decision with respect to the Parent Shares.

            3.28. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and war ranties made by
      the Shareholders hereunder or in any Schedules or certificates furnished
      to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain
      any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
      required to be stated herein or therein necessary to make the representa
      tions or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circum stances in
      which they are made, not misleading.

            3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Section 3 have
      been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
      contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
      signed for identification by the Shareholders.

            4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Shareholders that:

            4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary is a
      corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
      the laws of the State of Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate
      power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the
      Plan of Merger and the other documents to which it is a party. The
      Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
      standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite
      corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
      Agreement and the Plan of Merger, including the issuance and delivery of
      the Parent Shares to the Shareholders as provided in the Plan of Merger.
      The Purchaser has delivered to the Shareholders complete and correct
      copies of the respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws of the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, all as in effect on the date
      hereof.

            4.2.  AUTHORITY.  The execution, delivery and performance
      by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agree
      ment and the documents contemplated in this Agreement to be

                                      -13-

      executed and delivered by them have been duly authorized by their
      respective Boards of Directors. This Agreement is, and upon their
      execution and delivery as herein provided such other documents will be,
      valid and binding upon the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary and
      enforceable against each of them in accordance with their respective
      terms. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser or
      the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any such other document
      will conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or
      provision of, nor constitute a default under, the respective Certificates
      of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      or under any inden ture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
      agreement to which the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party
      or by which they or their respective properties are bound, or violate any
      order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
      governmental body.

            4.3. FINDERS. Neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition Subsidiary
      is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
      agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against either of them, for
      the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
      negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

            5.   COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PEND ING CLOSING.
The Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant and agree with
the Purchaser that:

            5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agree ment to the
      Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in the
      ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written consent of
      the Purchaser, the Company will not, and no Shareholder will cause or
      allow the Company to:

                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or terminate,
            unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                    (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Certificate of
            Incorporation or Bylaws;

                    (iii) take any action described in Section 3.8 (except as
            contemplated in Section 2.2(iii));

                    (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other commitment
            of the type described in Section 3.13;

                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key
            personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of compensation of or
            declare or pay any bonuses to

                                      -14-

            any employee in excess of that listed on Schedule 3.20;
            or

                    (vi) take any other action which would cause any of the
            representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof not to be
            true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing
            Date with the same force and effect as if the same had been made on
            and as of the Closing Date.

            5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will give
      to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other representatives,
      full and free access to all of the properties, books, contracts,
      commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser may have full
      opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to make of the
      affairs of the Company and the Home.

            5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders will
      use their best efforts to obtain the neces sary consents and approvals of
      other persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
      consummate the trans actions contemplated by this Agreement.

            5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
      neither the Company nor any Shareholder shall enter into any agreements or
      commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or
      expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any
      potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the
      possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
      the assets and business of the Company or any other sale of the Company
      (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or otherwise), other than
      with the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary as contemplated in this
      Agreement.

            5.5. COMPANY LIABILITIES. At or prior to the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall cause to be paid and discharged in full all liabilities
      and obligations of the Company, for indebtedness for borrowed money,
      indebtedness secured by Liens against any assets or properties of the
      Company, accrued liabilities, federal, state and local taxes, any
      liabilities under suits, claims, judgments or orders then pending or any
      other liability or obligation of the Company (other than accounts and
      trade payables) attributable to the operation of the its business prior to
      Closing (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), EXCLUDING (i) obligations
      under preneed contracts for which the full amount has been deposited in
      trust as required under applicable law and (ii) indebtedness as described
      on Schedule 5.5 and (iii) accounts and trade payables (collectively, the
      "Assumed Debt"). At the Closing, the Shareholders shall deliver to the
      Purchaser certificates

                                      -15-

      of the holders of the Assumed Debt, certifying as to the amount, expressed
      in dollars, of all principal, interest and other charges (including
      prepayment penalties or premiums) required to pay and discharge the
      Assumed Debt in full and release all Liens securing the same, and such
      amount shall constitute a downward adjustment in the Merger Consideration
      pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Merger. Any Unassumed Liabilities
      remaining unpaid after the Closing shall be paid pursuant to Section 12.1
      or if funds are insufficient shall then be subject to indemnification
      under Section 10.1. Property taxes, utility bills and other normal
      proratable items shall be prorated as of the Closing Date, the
      Shareholders being charged for the same through the Closing and the
      Surviving Corporation being responsible for such charges thereafter. The
      Purchaser agrees that to the extent there exist at the Closing any fully
      earned cash rebates or refunds due from vendors which have not then been
      paid, the Surviving Corporation, pursuant to Section 12.1, will pay to the
      Shareholders any such cash rebates or refunds which are received after the
      Closing.

            6.   COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY
PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally covenant with the Shareholders that:

            6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents
      and approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
      their part to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

            6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and its
      representatives will hold in confidence any data and information obtained
      with respect to the Company from any representative, officer, director or
      employee of the Company, including their accountants or legal counsel, or
      from any books or records of any of them, in connection with the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that the Purchaser may
      disclose such information to its outside attorneys and accountants and to
      its lender, provided that the Purchaser shall remain responsible to the
      Company for any unauthorized disclosure thereof by such attorneys,
      accountants or lender. If the transactions contemplated hereby are not
      consummated, neither the Purchaser nor its representatives shall disclose
      such data or information to others, except as such data or information is
      published or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an
      applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is
      terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company all
      written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the Company or
      its

                                      -16-

      representatives in connection with the transactions contem
      plated by this Agreement.

            7.   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION
SUBSIDIARY. The obligations of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary
under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which
may be expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing:

            7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Purchaser shall not have discovered any material error, misstatement or
      omission in the representa tions and warranties made by the Shareholders
      in Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
      Shareholders herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of
      the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company and
      the Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a
      certificate, signed by each Shareholder and an executive officer of the
      Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

            7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholders shall have caused to be
      delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire,
      counsel for the Company and the Shareholders, dated the Closing Date, to
      the effect that:

                     (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Connecticut, with full corporate authority to enter into and perform
            its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

                    (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
            100 shares of Common Stock, without par value, of which 100 shares
            are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable;

                   (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due inquiry,
            there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or other agreements
            or commitments obligating the Company to issue any shares of its
            capital stock or securities convertible into shares of its capital
            stock;

                    (iv) the Shareholders are the record and bene ficial owners
            of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
            Company, free and clear of any and all Liens, and the Shareholders
            have full capacity to enter into and perform their obligations in
            accordance with this Agreement;

                                      -17-

                     (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company
            of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly authorized
            and approved by all necessary corporate action required on the part
            of the Company;

                    (vi) this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly
            and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and this
            Agreement and the Plan of Merger con stitute the valid and binding
            obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be executed
            and delivered hereunder by the Shareholders (as shall be specified
            in such opinion) have been duly and validly executed and delivered
            by the Shareholders, and this Agreement and such other documents
            constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Shareholders
            enforceable against them in accordance with their respective terms;

                  (viii) neither the execution, delivery or consum mation of the
            transactions contemplated by this Agree ment, the Plan of Merger or
            any of such other documents will (x) result in the breach of or
            constitute a default under the Certificate of Incorporation or
            Bylaws of the Company or any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
            mort gage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement known to
            such counsel and to which either the Company or any Shareholder is a
            party or by which they or their respec tive assets are bound, or (y)
            violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel
            of any court, administrative agency or governmental body;

                    (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Company and the Shareholders of
            this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any of such other documents;
            and

                     (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due inquiry,
            there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
            pending or threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its
            assets, at law or in equity or before or by any court or federal,
            state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
            board, agency or instrumentality.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the Company and
      certificates of public officials, copies of which

                                      -18-

      shall be provided to the Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the
      enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights
      and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal law
      and the internal laws of the State of Connecticut.

            7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders shall
      have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
      authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not have
      occurred any loss or damage to the physical assets and properties of the
      Company, including (without limitation) any of the Real Property or any
      improvements located thereon (regardless of whether such loss or damage
      was insured), the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on
      the condition, business, operations or prospects of the Company or the
      Home.

            7.5. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings, instruments and
      documents required to carry out the trans actions contemplated by this
      Agreement or incidental thereto and all other related legal matters shall
      be subject to the approval of counsel for the Purchaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary, and such counsel shall have been furnished with
      such certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
      documents as they shall have requested.

            7.6. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its representatives
      shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the financial
      information, books and records, and proper ties and assets of the Company
      and the Home, and shall have discovered no change in the business, assets,
      operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company or the Home
      which could, in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a material
      adverse effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business, assets,
      financial condition or prospects of the Company or the Home.

            7.7. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Each Shareholder shall have executed and
      delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary his or her respective Employment
      Agreement, and Ronald F. Duhaime shall have executed and delivered his
      plan adoption agreement under the Carriage Partners Program.

            7.8. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall have
      been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed
      necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of the Home and
      the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected by
      Purchaser (or, in

                                      -19-

      lieu thereof, in the sole discretion of the Purchaser, environmental
      questionnaires completed and signed by the manager of each the Home, on
      forms provided by the Acquisition Subsidiary and approved by its lender),
      (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Home by a person (who may be an
      employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by the Purchaser and who is
      qualified and experienced in such matters in the funeral service industry,
      and (iii) a structural inspection of the Home by an engineering firm
      selected by the Purchaser. The Shareholders agree to take the action (and
      pay any costs in taking such action) as may be reasonably recommended by
      such firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in the aggregate. In any event,
      it shall be a condition to the Purchaser's obligations hereunder that the
      results of the reports of such firms or persons (together with any
      remedial action, if any, taken by Shareholders, regardless of the cost, in
      response thereto) shall be satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole
      discretion.

            7.9. TITLE INSURANCE. The Shareholders shall have pro vided, at
      their expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the
      Surviving Corporation in an agreed-upon amount, issued by a title company
      with offices in Hartford County, Connecticut and reasonably acceptable to
      the Surviving Corporation (the "Title Company"), insuring the Surviving
      Corporation's interest in the Real Property, subject only to the Permitted
      Liens and any standard printed exceptions included in a Connecticut
      standard form Policy of Title Insurance; provided, however, that such
      policy shall have deleted any exception regarding restrictions or be
      limited to restrictions that are Permitted Liens, any standard exception
      pertaining to discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be
      deleted except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for
      taxes shall be limited to subsequent years.

            7.10. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
      Shareholder's expense, a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor approved
      by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to each
      parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with any applicable
      standards under Connecticut law, be sufficient for Title Company to delete
      any survey exception contained in the owner's policy of title insurance
      referred to in Section 7.9, save and except for the phrase "shortages in
      area", and otherwise be in form and content acceptable to Purchaser.

            7.11. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received from
      Provident Services, Inc. or another financial institution acceptable to it
      a written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and otherwise
      in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
      extension of

                                      -20-

      financing and other financial accommodations in order to provide the
      portion of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the Plan of Merger)
      that is not furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the Purchaser from
      other sources, and such commitment shall have been funded in such amount
      contemporaneously with the Closing.

            7.12. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens against any assets of
      the Company, including any of the Real Property (other than Permitted
      Liens) shall have executed and delivered written releases of such Liens,
      all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the Purchaser and its
      lender.

            7.13. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Share holders shall have
      identified to the Purchaser such other personnel of the Home (in addition
      to the Shareholders) as may be key to the continued effective management
      and operation of the Home after the Closing, and the Purchaser shall have
      entered into mutually satisfactory arrangements regarding the continued
      employment of such personnel at the Home following the Closing.

            7.14. OTHER CONNECTICUT TRANSACTION. The transaction contemplated by
      the Merger Agreement of even date herewith among the Purchaser, CFS
      Funeral Services of Connecticut, Inc., O'Brien Funeral Home, Incorporated
      and Thomas P. O'Brien, shall have been consummated prior to or
      contemporaneously with the Closing under this Agreement.

            8.   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS.
The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders under this Agreement shall
be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by
the Shareholders in writing:

            8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Shareholders shall not have discovered any ma terial error, misstatement
      or omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser
      and the Acquisition Subsidiary in Section 4 hereof; the representations
      and warranties made by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary herein
      shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing
      and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Shareholders shall have received
      a certificate, signed by an executive officer of each of the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
      this Section 8.1.

                                      -21-

            8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
      delivered to the Shareholders an opinion of counsel for the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect that:

                    (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organ ized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and
            perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized,
            validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and
            perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other documents
            contemplated herein to be executed and delivered by the Acquisition
            Subsidiary (as shall be specified in such opinion);

                   (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and such other
            documents have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary
            corporate action required on their part;

                  (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and delivery as
            herein provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, enforceable against
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (iv) neither the execution, delivery or per formance by the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of
            such other documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
            breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default under,
            the respective Certificates of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary, or under any loan or credit
            agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
            agreement known to such counsel and to which the Purchaser or the
            Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by which they or their
            respective properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any court,
            administrative agency or governmental body; and

                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of this

                                      -22-

            Agreement or any of such other documents, or the per formance of its
            obligations hereunder or thereunder.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of officers of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      and on certificates of public offi cials, copies of which shall be
      provided to the Shareholders at Closing. Any opinion as to the
      enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorgani zation, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors
      rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
      law, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the internal
      laws of the State of Texas.

            8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons
      and governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement.

            8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
      executed and delivered to the Shareholders their respective Employment
      Agreements; and shall have established the Carriage Partners Program and
      executed and delivered to Ronald F. Duhaime his plan adoption agreement
      thereunder.

            9.   NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

            9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
      Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
      representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
      same.

            9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regard less of any
      investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto, all
      covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made hereunder or
      pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in connection with
      the trans actions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not terminate but
      shall survive the Closing and continue in effect thereafter.

            10.   INDEMNIFICATION.

            10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders jointly
      and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and
      (following the Effective Time of the Merger) the Surviving Corporation,
      and their respective successors and assigns, from and against any and all
      losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such
      item being herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein
      collectively called "Losses") which are caused by

                                      -23-

      or arise out of (i) any breach or default in the performance by the
      Company or any Shareholder of any covenant or agreement of the Company or
      the Shareholders contained in this Agree ment, (ii) any breach of warranty
      or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the Shareholders herein,
      in any Schedule delivered to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any
      certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company
      or any Shareholder pursuant hereto, (iii) any Unassumed Liability of the
      Company of any kind or nature, whether absolute or contingent, known or
      unknown, to the extent not paid or discharged prior to the Effective Time
      of the Merger as provided in Section 5.5, and (iv) any and all actions,
      suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses
      (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

            10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Pur chaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
      harmless the Shareholders and their respective heirs and assigns from and
      against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or
      default in the performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary
      of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser or the Acquisition
      Subsidiary contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or
      inaccurate or erroneous represen tation made by the Purchaser or the
      Acquisition Subsidiary herein or in any certificate or other instrument
      delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary
      pursuant hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits, pro ceedings,
      claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses (in cluding reasonable
      legal fees) incident to any of the forego ing.

            10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
      against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
      party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
      against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"), the indemnifying
      party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall have the
      right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at
      its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve
      any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay
      any amounts in connec tion therewith, which approval shall not be
      unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within
      ten business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
      described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
      indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be
      fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided herein, then
      the indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense of such
      claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have the

                                      -24-

      right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at
      its own expenses, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve
      any settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would be,
      affected thereby.

            10.4. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. The payment of any claims for Losses
      pursuant hereto shall not relieve any Shareholder of personal
      responsibility for indemnification under Section 10.1. The Purchaser
      agrees, however, that (i) the aggregate amount of Losses which the
      Purchaser and the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to recover from
      the Shareholders under Section 10.1 shall be limited to the Merger
      Considera tion, and (ii) no claim shall be asserted in respect of clause
      (ii) of Section 10.1 (or clause iv), insofar as the same relates to said
      clause (ii)) after (x) expiration of the applicable state or federal
      statute of limitations, in the case of claims arising under Sections 3.1
      to 3.3, 3.10 and 3.24 to 3.28, or (y) June 30, 1998, in all other cases.

            11.   TERMINATION.

            11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
      Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
      satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary agree to use their best efforts
      to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8
      hereof.

            11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to Closing
      by:

                  (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders and the
            Purchaser;

                  (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made by the
            Company or any Shareholder in the observance or in the due and
            timely performance by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
            there shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
            Company or any Shareholder of any of their warranties and represen
            tations herein contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
            be complied with or performed by the Company or any Shareholder at
            or before the Closing shall not have been complied with or performed
            at the time required for such compliance or performance and such
            noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
            by the Purchaser in writing;

                  (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be made by
            the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary in the observance or in
            the due and timely performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of any of

                                      -25-

            their covenants herein contained, or if there shall have been a
            material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser or the
            Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their warranties and
            representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
            Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Purchaser and the
            Acquisition Subsidiary at or before the Closing shall not have been
            complied with or performed at the time required for such compli ance
            or performance and such noncompliance or nonper formance shall not
            have been expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing; or

                  (d) either the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if the Closing
            has not occurred by July 3, 1996.

            11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party shall have any
      liability to any other parties here under. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so
      terminating this Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party
      hereto, provided the terminating party has not breached any representation
      or warranty or failed to comply with any of its covenants in this
      Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall not prejudice the rights and
      remedies of the terminating party against any other party which has
      breached any of its representations, warranties or covenants herein prior
      to such termination.

            12.   POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

            12.1. CLOSING DATE CASH AND RECEIVABLES. At the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall provide to the Purchaser a listing (certified by them
      to be complete and accurate) of the Closing Date Cash and Receivables in
      order to identify them on Schedule 12.1. The Purchaser shall have the
      exclusive right and control over the collection of Closing Date
      Receivables. Six months after the Closing, the Purchaser shall remit such
      collections (less Assumed Debt of the Company not paid at Closing pursuant
      to Section 5.5 hereof, if any, which are paid by the Company subsequent to
      the Closing. The form of payment shall be in Series D Preferred Stock in
      accordance with each Shareholder's respective interest shown on Annex A to
      the Plan of Merger. The Purchaser shall have no duty to pursue collection
      of Closing Date Receivables by means greater than used on its collection
      of other accounts receivable, and in no event shall the Purchaser be
      required to institute suit or refer any account to a collection agency. At
      any time after the Closing, the Purchaser may at any time, by written
      notice to the Shareholders, return the right and control over collection
      of Closing Date Receivables to the Shareholders, in which case the
      Purchaser shall be thereafter relieved of all

                                      -26-

      further responsibility hereunder other than in respect of collections
      received prior to the giving of such notice.

            12.2. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                  (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a period
            commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years thereafter,
            no Shareholder shall, directly or indirectly:

                          (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partner ship, association or
                  agent or agency, in the following towns and/or cities:
                  Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Southington, Wolcott,
                  Plymouth, Harwinton, Burlington and Farmington, (the
                  "Territory"), in the funeral, mortuary, crematory, monument,
                  or any related line of business (collec tively, the
                  "Business");

                         (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in one percent
                  (1%) or more of the voting securi ties in any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity which conducts its
                  operations, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory;

                        (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity that conducts its
                  business, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory; or

                         (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee of
                  the Purchaser or any of its affiliates (including the
                  Surviving Corporation) to leave the employ of the Purchaser or
                  any such affiliate to accept employment with such Share holder
                  or with any person, firm, association or corporation with
                  which such Shareholder may be or become affiliated.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
            Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
            Business if he or she acts as a funeral director at any funeral
            establishment within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages in the
            sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for services to be
            performed within the Territory, or if a Shareholder promotes or
            finances any family member or affiliate to operate a Business or
            engage in any of the foregoing activities within the Territory.

                                      -27-

                  (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be held invalid
            or unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or actions
            subject thereto or restricted there by, or the period of time within
            which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court of
            competent jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions
            subject to and restricted thereby and the period of time during
            which such covenants are enforceable.

                  (c) REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy at law
            for any actual or threatened breach of any of the foregoing
            covenants would be inadequate and that the Purchaser shall be
            entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive relief or
            both, by temporary or permanent injunction or such other appropriate
            judicial remedy, writ or order as may be entered into by a court of
            competent jurisdiction in addition to any damages that the Purchaser
            may be legally entitled to recover together with reasonable expenses
            of litigation, including attor neys' fees incurred in connection
            therewith, as may be approved by such court.

                  (d) REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and warrants
            to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such Shareholder
            understands that the foregoing restric tions are being made incident
            to and as a condition of consummation of the Merger, and that such
            covenants are necessary in order to protect the business and
            goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such covenants are not
            oppressive to such Shareholder in any respect, and (iii) the
            consideration for such restrictions is included in the Merger
            Consideration, which consideration such Shareholder acknowledges is
            fair and adequate for the giving of the covenants herein and for
            which such Shareholder acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                  (e) MERGER CONSIDERATION ALLOCATION. The parties agree to
            allocate $50,000 of the Merger Consideration to the foregoing
            covenants for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section
            1060(a) of the Code. Such allocation is not intended to be a measure
            of the amount or range of damages which the Purchaser or any
            affiliate may suffer or recover as a result of any breach of the
            foregoing covenants, and each Shareholder acknowledges that in case
            of any such breach, the Purchaser shall be entitled to seek in
            excess of such amount as it may otherwise be able to demonstrate
            itself justly entitled to.

            12.3. LETTER OF CREDIT. Pursuant to the Plan of Merger, the
      Purchaser will cause to be issued and delivered to Ronald F. Duhaime
      ("Duhaime"), as agent for all Shareholders who accept Parent Shares as a
      portion of the Merger

                                      -28-

      Consideration, the Letter of Credit (as defined in the Plan of Merger). As
      provided in the Plan of Merger, the Letter of Credit terminates upon
      consummation of an Initial Public Offering (as defined in each Parent
      Stock Designation, referred to in the Plan of Merger). Duhaime agrees to
      return to the Purchaser the original of the Letter of Credit (including
      any renewals or reissues thereof) upon receipt of written certification
      from the Purchaser that an Initial Public Offering has been consummated,
      and the other Shareholders who accept such Parent Shares hereby authorize
      such return.

            12.4. CONVERSION OF PRENEED TRUSTS. The Acquisition Subsidiary
      agrees that it will not convert the preneed trusts and accounts of the
      Home in existence at the Effective Time of the Merger into
      insurance-funded products as permitted under Connecticut law without the
      prior written consent of Ronald F. Duhaime, which consent will not be
      unreasonably withheld or delayed. The foregoing shall not apply to any new
      accounts or preneed contracts written or entered into on or after the
      Closing Date.

            12.5. EMPLOYEE MATTERS. At or prior to the Closing, the Shareholders
      will cause the Company to pay or satisfy any accrued benefits to employees
      of the Homes which are then outstanding, or, at the election of the
      Shareholders, may be included in the Assumed Debt as set forth on Schedule
      5.5 (which would then be deducted from the Merger Consideration) the
      difference between any accrued and untaken vacation that any such
      employees are entitled to as of Closing minus any vacation time such
      employees are entitled to receive for the remainder of the current fiscal
      year under the Purchaser's employee benefit policy. The Purchaser agrees
      that, for purposes of its vacation and other leave policies, it will
      recognize the original start date with the Home of each person who becomes
      an employee of the Surviving Corporation as a result of the Merger. The
      Purchaser also agrees that the starting rate or salary of each such
      employee of the Home who so becomes employed by the Surviving Corporation
      will include compensation for any additional health insurance or similar
      benefits formerly provided by the Company which are not included in
      employee benefits provided by the Purchaser and its subsidiaries.

            12.6. COMPLIMENTARY FUNERAL SERVICE. The Surviving Corporation will
      assume the Company's obligation to provide, without charge, a funeral
      service for Ms. Delvina Coggins and Blanche Cormier, as outlined in the
      contracts with such persons attached as Schedule 12.6. [provide details].

            12.7. IMPROVEMENTS TO HOME. The Surviving Corporation will commit
      following the Closing up to $15,000 in

                                      -29-

      capital improvements to the Home to place siding on three sides of the
      Home, according to current plans for such improvements.

            12.8. As described on Schedule 3.21, the Company has maintained the
      C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan") for the
      benefit of its employees. Neither the Purchaser, the Acquisition
      Subsidiary, nor the Surviving Corporation intends to continue the Plan as
      an active Plan after the Closing. The Shareholder(s) shall amend the Plan
      at or prior to Closing to freeze the Plan's operations as of the date of
      the Closing. The Shareholder's represent and warrant that all
      contributions required to be made under the Plan have been made prior to
      closing. The Shareholder(s) shall terminate and/or assist in terminating
      (as applicable) the Plan as soon as it can be terminated in a reasonable
      and prudent manner. The Shareholders shall be solely responsible for, and
      shall bear all costs associated with, the Plan until it is terminated,
      including but not limited to the cost of freezing the Plan, administering
      and evaluating the Plan until it is terminated, preparing and filing the
      Plan's annual tax return (Form 5500), including the cost of any audits
      required in connection therewith, and terminating the Plan. The
      Shareholder(s) shall reimburse the Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      or the Surviving Corporation, as applicable, for any such costs it may
      have to pay. Additionally, the Shareholder(s) shall continue after the
      Closing to be solely responsible for and shall indemnify the Purchaser
      pursuant to Section 10 hereof for any claim or action in any way relating
      to the Plan or its operation, past, present or future, including but not
      limited to (i) the past or present investments of the Plan, (ii) the past
      and continued maintenance and compliance of the Plan with all legal
      requirements applicable to the Plan, including but not limited to
      compliance with the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction
      requirements applicable to the Plan, (iii) the freezing of the Plan, (iv)
      the termination of the Plan within a reasonable time period following the
      Closing, and (v) the ultimate distributions to the Plan Participants.

            13.   MISCELLANEOUS.

            13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
      parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the negotiation,
      preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the consummation of the
      transactions contem plated herein. If the transactions contemplated by
      this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are consummated, the Company shall
      have no obligation for, nor shall the Company be charged with, any such
      expenses of the Shareholders. Without limiting the generality of the
      foregoing, all finders' and similar fees and expenses of Thomas Pierce &
      Co., sales representative for

                                      -30-

      the Shareholders, shall be borne solely by the Shareholders, and in no
      event shall the Company or the Purchaser be charged or responsible
      therefor. All sales, transfer, stamp or other similar taxes, if any, which
      may be assessed or charged in connection with the transactions hereunder
      shall be borne by the Shareholders.

            13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
      communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
      been given when personally delivered or three business days following the
      date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
      as follows:

                   (i)  if to the Company or any Shareholder, to:

                        C. Funk & Son Funeral Home, Incorporated
                        35 Bellevue Avenue
                        Bristol, Connecticut 06010
                        Attention: Mr. Ronald F. Duhaime

                        with a copy to:

                        Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire
                        271 Farmington Avenue
                        Bristol, Connecticut 06010
                        Attention: Mr. Stephen O. Allaire

                  (ii)  if to the Purchaser or the Acquisition
                        Subsidiary, to:

                        Carriage Services, Inc.
                        1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                        Houston, Texas  77056
                        Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                        with a copy to:

                        Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                        1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                        Houston, Texas 77002
                        Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

      or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to the
      other parties hereto.

            13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party
      hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties; provided,
      however, that following the Closing the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation may assign its rights hereunder without the consent of any
      Shareholder to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Surviving

                                      -31-

      Corporation, as the case may be (whether by merger, sale of assets or
      otherwise).

            13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.3,
      this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
      parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
      personal representatives.

            13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and paragraph
      headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
      affect the meaning or interpreta tion of this Agreement.

            13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument
      in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

            13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits, Schedules,
      certificates and other documents referred to herein, constitute the entire
      agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior understandings
      with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without
      limitation, the letter of intent dated May 10, 1996).

            13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be con strued and enforced
      under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of
      Connecticut.

            13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
      each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
      constitute the same instrument.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of
the date first above written.

                                      -32-

                                    THE PURCHASER:

                                    CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.


                                    By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                            Mark W. Duffey,
                                            Executive Vice President

                                    THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY:

                                    CSI FUNERAL SERVICES
                                    OF CONNECTICUT, INC.


                                    By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                            Mark W. Duffey,
                                            Executive Vice President

                                    THE COMPANY:

                                    C. FUNK & SON FUNERAL HOME,
                                    INCORPORATED


                                    By: /s/ RONALD F. DUHAIME
                                            Ronald F. Duhaime, President

                                    THE SHAREHOLDERS:


                                    /s/ RONALD F. DUHAIME
                                        Ronald F. Duhaime


                                    /s/ EMILIE P. DUHAIME
                                        Emilie P. Duhaime


                                    /s/ CHRISTOPHER J. DUHAIME
                                        Christopher J. Duhaime

                                      -33-

EXHIBIT                DESCRIPTION
- -------                -----------
    A                  Plan of Merger
    B-1                Employment Agreement (Ronald F. Duhaime)
    B-2                Employment Agreement (Emilie P. Duhaime)
    B-3                Employment Agreement (Christopher J. Duhaime)
    C                  Carriage Partners Program

SCHEDULE               DESCRIPTION
- --------               -----------
2.2                    Distributed Property
3.6                    Real Property
3.12                   Fixed Assets
3.13                   Contracts and Commitments
3.14                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
3.15                   Intangible Rights
3.17                   Licenses
3.18                   Litigation
3.20                   Employees
3.21                   Employee Benefit Plans
5.5                    Assumed Debt
12.1                   List of Closing Date Cash and Accounts
                       Receivable
12.6                   Contracts for Services for Delvina Coggins and
                       Blanche Cormier

                                      -34-


                                                                    EXHIBT 10.21
                                MERGER AGREEMENT

            THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of July 3, 1996, among CARRIAGE SERVICES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), CFS FUNERAL SERVICES OF
CONNECTICUT, INC., a Connecticut corporation (the "Acquisition Subsidiary"),
O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INCORPORATED, a Connecticut corporation (the "Company"),
and THOMAS P. O'BRIEN, a resident of Hartford County, Connecticut (the
"Shareholder");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the O'Brien Funeral Home
located at 24 Lincoln Avenue in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut (the
"O'Brien Home"), and the Plainville Memorial Funeral Home located at 106 West
Main Street & 7-9 Canal Street in Plainville, Hartford County, Connecticut (the
"Plainville Home") (the O'Brien Home and the Plainville Home being hereafter
collectively referred to as the "Homes"), except for the real estate on which
the Plainville Home is situated, and the Shareholder owns all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company; and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Acquisition Subsidiary merge
with and into the Company in a statutory merger (the "Merger") to be consummated
under the laws of the State of Connecticut and upon the terms and conditions and
for the consideration herein set forth and in the Plan of Merger among the
Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company in the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto (the "Plan of Merger");

            NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:


      1.    REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.

            1.1. THE MERGER. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of
      this Agreement, the Plan of Merger shall be exe cuted and delivered by the
      Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company. Subject to the
      terms and condi tions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan of
      Merger, at the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in the Plan of
      Merger), the Acquisition Subsidiary shall be merged with and into the
      Company in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut and the
      Plan of Merger. The corporation surviving the Merger is sometimes herein
      referred to as the "Surviving Corporation."

            1.2.  SS.368 REORGANIZATION.  It is the intention of the
      parties that the Merger constitute a "reorganization" within
      the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue
      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in accordance with
      Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code.  The parties agree to file
      all of their respective tax returns and reports in a manner

                                       -1-

      consistent with such intention, and to not take any filing position in a
      manner inconsistent with such intention unless compelled to do so by court
      order or administrative decree. Each party agrees to furnish such
      information and take such action as may be reasonably requested of the
      other party in connection with the foregoing (which action shall not
      include any change in the commercial terms of the Merger and the other
      transactions incident thereto). In no event, however, shall the Purchaser
      or the Surviving Corporation be required to incur any out-of-pocket
      expenses in defending such position or providing such information or
      taking such action, nor shall the foregoing constitute a warranty or
      guaranty that the Merger will in fact constitute such a reorganization.

            1.3. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT; WAIVER OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. The
      Shareholder, in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company, and the
      Purchaser, in its capacity as a shareholder of the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      hereby (i) consent to the Merger pursuant to Section 33-366 of the
      Connecticut General Statutes, as amended (the "Connecticut Statutes"), and
      (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally waive all dissenters' and other
      similar rights with respect to the Merger under and pursuant to Sections
      33-373 and 33-374, of the Connecticut Statutes.

            1.4. POST-CLOSING TAX MATTERS. The Shareholder shall be fully
      responsible for all federal, state and local taxes (including, but not
      limited to, income taxes) of the Company accrued through the Closing and
      for completing, filing and handling all tax returns and reports in respect
      of all periods through Closing and consummation of the Merger, including
      responding to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding such taxes,
      returns and reports. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
      Purchaser will arrange through its outside accounting firm for the
      preparation of a short-period federal income tax return for the Company's
      current year through the Closing Date (after which time the Surviving
      Corporation will be included as part of the consolidated group of which
      the Purchaser is the parent corporation), based upon information furnished
      by the Shareholder (and for which the Shareholder shall be solely
      responsible), and the Shareholder shall pay or reimburse the Purchaser for
      all federal income taxes in respect thereof and the reasonable cost of tax
      preparation by such outside accounting firm.

            1.5. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholder agrees to exe cute and
      deliver from time to time after the Effective Time of the Merger, at the
      reasonable request of the Purchaser, and without further consideration,
      such additional instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such
      other action as the Purchaser may reasonably require to more effectively
      carry out

                                       -2-

      the terms and provisions of the Merger and the other trans
      actions contemplated by this Agreement.

            2.    THE CLOSING.

            2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall
      occur at the offices of Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire, 271 Farmington Avenue,
      Bristol, Connecticut on July 3, 1996, or at such other date, time or place
      as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties. The date and time of the
      Closing is herein called the "Closing Date". At the Closing, the
      Shareholder shall surrender for cancellation pursuant to the Merger all
      certificates representing his shares of capital stock of the Company,
      against receipt from the Purchaser of the Merger Consideration (as defined
      in the Plan of Merger). All action to be taken at the Closing as
      hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
      delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered
      to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action
      or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
      incident to the Closing has been completed.

            2.2.  RELATED TRANSACTIONS.  In addition to the Merger, at
      the Closing the following transactions shall occur:

                    (i) The Acquisition Subsidiary, on the one hand, and each of
            the Shareholder, Robert Lavoie, Mark Seleman and Peter Grady, on the
            other, shall each execute and deliver the other a separate
            Employment Agreement to be dated the Closing Date and in
            substantially the forms of Exhibits B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4 hereto,
            respectively (collectively, the "Employment Agreements");

                   (ii) The Acquisition Subsidiary shall establish the Carriage
            Partners Program for Connecticut to be dated the Closing Date and in
            substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Carriage
            Partners Program"), and the Acquisition Subsidiary and the
            Shareholder shall each execute and deliver to the other a plan
            participation agreement evidencing the Shareholder's participation
            thereunder;

                  (iii) Immediately prior to the Closing and consum mation of
            the Merger, the Company shall distribute to the Shareholder, without
            recourse or warranty against the Company, the assets described on
            Schedule 2.2 hereto (the "Distributed Property"); and

                   (iv) The Acquisition Subsidiary, as tenant, and the
            Shareholder, Robert Lavoie and Donna Papazian (collectively,
            "Lessor"), as landlord, shall have

                                       -3-

            executed and delivered to each other a fully paid-up Lease Agreement
            covering the Real Property on which the Plainville Home is situated,
            to be dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form of
            Exhibit D hereto (the "Lease Agreement"). In addition, Lessor shall
            execute and deliver to the Acquisition Subsidiary a restrictive
            covenant, running with the land, in recordable form and acceptable
            in form and substance to the Purchaser, to the effect that the
            property covered by the Lease Agreement may not be operated as a
            funeral home or other similar business except by the Acquisition
            Subsidiary or its affiliates, successors and assigns.

            3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDER.
The Shareholder represents and warrants to and agrees with the
Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary that:

            3.1. TITLE TO SHARES. The Shareholder is the sole owner and holder,
      beneficially and of record, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of
      capital stock of the Company, and the Shareholder has good and marketable
      title to all of such issued and outstanding shares, free and clear of any
      and all liens, encumbrances, pledges, security interests, mortgages or
      claims of any other person (collectively, the "Liens").

            3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corpo ration duly
      organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
      State of Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into
      and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger
      and to carry on its business as now conducted. The Shareholder has
      delivered to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of the Certificate
      of Incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of Connecticut, and
      the Bylaws, certified by its Secretary, of the Company, all as in effect
      on the date hereof.

            3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company
      consists of 3,000 shares of Common Stock, $10.00 par value, of which 2,273
      shares are issued and outstanding and held by the Shareholder and 727
      shares are held by the Company as Treasury shares. All such issued and
      outstanding shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and
      nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any
      person. The Company does not have any outstanding subscriptions, options
      or other agreements or commitments obligating it to issue shares of its
      capital stock. There are no shareholders, buy-sell, voting or other
      similar agreements or commitments affecting the voting or transferability
      of any such shares. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the
      Shareholder will not, and will not cause or permit the Company to, issue
      or enter into any

                                       -4-

      subscriptions, options, agreements or other commitments in respect of the
      issuance, transfer, sale or encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of
      the Company.

            3.4. NO SUBSIDIARIES. The Company does not have any subsidiaries or
      any investment or ownership interest in any corporation, joint venture or
      other business enterprise.

            3.5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Shareholder has deliv ered to the
      Purchaser the unaudited balance sheets of the Company at [December 31,
      1995] (the "Company Balance Sheet"), and the related unaudited statement
      of income and expenses of the Company for the [twelve]-month period of
      operations then ended. All such financial statements are true and correct,
      have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of the
      Company, and present fairly the financial positions of the Company at the
      date indicated and the results of its opera tions for the period then
      ended in accordance with United States federal income tax accounting
      principles, consistently applied. The Homes collectively performed the
      number of adult funeral services for each of the twelve-month periods as
      described below:

                              Twelve Months Ended December 31,

HOME                          1993            1994            1995
- ----                          ----            ----            ----

O'Brien                       165             174             186
Plainville                    15              18              24

            3.6. REAL PROPERTY.

            (a) DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 3.6 sets forth a legal
      description of all parcels of real property in which the Company has any
      interest or which is used in its business (herein referred to as the "Real
      Property"), and also briefly describes each building and major structure
      and improvement thereon. No person other than the Company or (in the case
      of the Plainville Home only) Lessor has any ownership, leasehold or other
      interest of any kind in the Real Property. The Real Property is the only
      interest in real property required for the conduct of the business of the
      Homes as presently conduct ed. All of the buildings, structures and
      improvements located on the Real Property are in good operating condition,
      ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such buildings, structures or
      improvements, or the operation or maintenance thereof as now operated or
      maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or other administrative
      regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or any provision of law,
      the effect of which would interfere with or prevent their continued use
      for the purposes for which they are now being used. There is not pending
      nor, to the knowledge of the Shareholder, threatened any proceeding

                                       -5-

      for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any portion
      thereof. The Company has good and marketable fee simple title to all of
      the Real Property used in the business of the O'Brien Home and Lessor has
      good and marketable title to all of the Real Property covered by the Lease
      Agreement, in each case free and clear of all Liens, other than easements
      and other similar title exceptions described on Schedule 3.6 ("Permitted
      Liens").

            (b) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. No "Hazardous Substances" (defined
      herein to mean any substance which is regulated by or listed under any
      federal, state or local law, statute, rule or regulation pertaining to the
      environment or the protection of human health and welfare, including the
      Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
      1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
      amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, or any similar
      state or local statute or regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped,
      located or released onto or from the Real Property, nor to the knowledge
      of the Shareholder have any Hazardous Substances been generated, stored,
      dumped, located or disposed of on any real property contiguous or adjacent
      to the Real Property. The Real Property is not now, and to the best of the
      Shareholder's knowledge, will not be in the future as a result of its
      condition at or prior to Closing, subject to any reclamation, remediation
      or reporting requirements of any federal, state, local or other
      governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Real Property.
      Neither the Company nor the Shareholder has received notice or knows of
      any claim, request for information, enforcement action or other proceeding
      related to the off-site disposal of Hazardous Substances generated by the
      Company. Except as described on Schedule 3.6, to the best of the knowledge
      of the Shareholder, the Real Property does not contain any asbestos,
      polychlorinated byphenyls, urea, formal dehyde, lead based paint, radon
      gas or underground storage tanks, except for substances used in the
      ordinary course of the operations of the Homes that are properly used,
      stored and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

            (c) FIRPTA. Neither the Company nor the Shareholder is a "foreign
      person" (as defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Code, and the regulations
      issued thereunder), and the Shareholder shall deliver at Closing a
      non-foreign affidavit in recordable form containing such information as
      shall be required by Code Section 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued
      thereunder.

            (d) BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect to the
      ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been (and
      on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for the
      same have been

                                       -6-

      filed or asserted against any part of the Real Property.

            (e) NO FLOOD HAZARDS. No portion of the Real Property is located
      within an area that has been designated by the Federal Insurance
      Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers, or any other governmental
      agency or body as being subject to special flooding hazards.

            3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
      properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes (except as
      otherwise described in Section 3.6) are owned by the Company. None of such
      assets, rights or properties is subject to any lease or license. The
      Company is in actual possession and control of all properties owned by it,
      and has good and marketable title to all of its assets, rights and
      properties, including without limitation, all properties and assets
      reflected in the Company Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens,
      except for (i) Liens to be discharged and released at or prior to Closing,
      and (ii) Permitted Liens against Real Property.

            3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of the Company
      Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                   (i) any adverse change in the financial condi tion,
            operations, business, properties or prospects of the Company or of
            either Home;

                   (ii) any change in the authorized capital or outstanding
            securities of the Company;

                   (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other secu rities which the
            Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to issue, sell or
            deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed to grant any options,
            warrants or other rights calling for the issue, sale or delivery
            thereof;

                    (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to borrow any
            funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become subject to, any
            absolute or contingent obligation or liability, except trade
            payables incurred in the ordinary course of business;

                   (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
            extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                   (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change in any
            key personnel of the Company;

                   (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
            agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose

                                       -7-

            of, any of the inventories or other assets or properties
            of the Company, except in the ordinary course of
            business;

                   (viii) any damage, destruction or losses against the Company
            or any waiver of any rights of material value to the Company;

                   (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the entering into
            of any collective bargaining agreement, with respect to employees of
            the Company;

                   (x) any claim or liability for any material damages for any
            actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach of contract
            against or affecting the Company;

                    (xi) any new competitor that has, to the knowledge of the
            Shareholder, built, commenced to build or announced intentions to
            build a funeral home or mortuary in direct competition with either
            Home; or

                   (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or
            affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
            business.

            3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth in the
      Company Balance Sheet, the Company does not have any, and none of its
      assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities or obligations of any
      kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts payable and accrued
      expenses arising in the ordinary course of the Company's business since
      the date of the Company Balance Sheet.

            3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other taxes
      due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this Agreement
      have been paid or are adequately provided for in the Company's books and
      records. The Company has filed all tax returns and reports required to be
      filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all such tax returns and
      reports are true, complete and correct. True and correct copies of the
      federal, state and local income tax returns filed by the Company for each
      of its last three taxable years have been furnished to the Purchaser. No
      assessments of deficiencies have been made against the Company which are
      presently pending or outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed
      which would constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax liability
      against the Company with respect to any prior taxable period which has not
      been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or which has not been closed
      by applicable statute. There are no outstanding agreements or

                                       -8-

      waivers extending the statutory period of limitations applica ble to any
      income tax return of the Company for any period.

            3.11. INVENTORY. The inventories reflected in the Company Balance
      Sheet, and all items placed in inventory since the date thereof, are (i)
      accounted for in accordance with United States federal income tax
      accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and (ii) saleable or
      usable in the ordinary course of business of the Company at usual and
      customary prices, subject to normal returns and markdowns consistent with
      past practice. At the Closing, the Shareholder shall deliver to the
      Purchaser a list, certified by the Shareholder to be complete and correct,
      of all of the inventory of the Company.

            3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and all
      other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other fixed
      assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good and operating
      condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

            3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 hereto sets forth a
      complete description of:

                    (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to which the
            Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all notes or other
            evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements creating any Lien on any
            property of, the Company;

                    (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
            other agreements relating to the employ ment of any employees of the
            Company;

                    (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the Company
            which do not terminate or are not terminable by the Company upon
            notice of 30 days or less or which involve an obligation on its part
            in excess of $1,000 per annum or $5,000 in the aggregate; and

                    (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the Company
            entered into outside the ordinary course of busi ness.

            Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is valid and
      in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge
      of the Shareholder, any of the other parties thereto, are in default
      thereunder. The Shareholder has furnished to the Purchaser a true and
      correct copy of each document listed on Schedule 3.13.

                                       -9-

            3.14. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14 hereto
      accurately and completely lists, as of the date of this Agreement (i) all
      preneed contracts of the Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof,
      including contracts for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and
      (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Homes, indicating the location of
      each and the balance thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed
      on Schedule 3.14 (x) have been entered into in the normal course of
      business at regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion
      program, solely for use by the named customers and members of their
      families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen contracts
      which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules
      and regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have been
      delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full force
      and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither the
      Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by
      the Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in the appropriate
      accounts and administered and reported in accordance with the terms
      thereof and as required by applicable laws and regulations. The aggregate
      market value of the preneed accounts, trusts or other deposits is equal to
      or greater than the aggregate preneed liability related to such accounts.
      The services heretofore provided by the Company have been rendered in a
      professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing professional
      standards, practices and customs.

            3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC. The Company does not own and it has not
      applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses, trademarks,
      trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses (collectively,
      "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule 3.15. The Company
      owns or possesses valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such
      Intangible Rights as are necessary to the conduct of the business of the
      Homes as presently conducted. The Company is not charged with infringement
      of any Intangible Rights of any other person, nor does the Shareholder
      know of any such infringement, whether or not claimed by any person.

            3.16. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of insurance in
      such amounts, and which insure against such losses and risks, as are
      generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties. Valid
      policies for such insurance will be outstanding and duly in force at all
      times prior to the Closing.

            3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly and
      completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
      consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
      are all that are necessary or

                                      -10-

      appropriate for the operation of the Homes as presently
      operated.  All such items are in full force and effect.

            3.18. LITIGATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, there are no
      claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
      knowledge of the Shareholder, threatened against or affecting the Company
      or any of the assets or properties of the Company, at law or in equity or
      before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental
      department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality. The Company is
      not subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
      injunction or decree, nor is the Company in default with respect to any
      order, writ, injunction or decree issued by any court or foreign, federal,
      state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board,
      agency or instrumentality.

            3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
      compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes, rules,
      ordinances, and regulations applicable to the Company, the operation of
      the Homes, and the Company's assets, rights and properties (including
      without limitation all environmental protection and occupations safety and
      health rules, regulations and laws, and laws and regulations applicable to
      preneed contracts and trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral
      Rule").

            3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely lists
      the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other compensation of
      all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets forth
      the date of the last salary increase for each employee listed thereon, the
      outstanding balances of all loans and advances, if any, made by the
      Company to any employee or agent thereof, and the number of vacation days
      or other time off to which each such employee is then eligible to take.
      There are not pending or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder, threatened
      against the Company any general labor disputes, strikes or concerted work
      stoppages, and there are no discussions, negotiations, demands or
      proposals that are pending or have been conducted or made with or by any
      labor union or association with respect to any employees of the Company.
      The Shareholder is not aware of the existence of any serious health
      condition of any key manage ment personnel of either Home that might
      impair any such per son's ability to carry on his or her normal duties
      into the foreseeable future after the Closing. The Shareholder believes
      that the relations between the Company and its employees are good.

            3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. There are no plans, contracts,
      commitments, programs and policies (including, without limitation,
      pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus,

                                      -11-

      deferred compensation, severance, retirement, disability, medical, life,
      dental and accidental insurance, vacation, sick leave, death benefit and
      other similar employee benefit plans and policies) maintained by the
      Company providing benefits to any employee or former employee of the
      Company, other than sick leave, vacation and group hospitalization
      benefits that are described on Schedule 3.21, all of which are maintained
      in accordance with applicable legal requirements. True and com plete
      copies of all such benefit plans described on Schedule 3.21, have been
      provided to the Purchaser.

            3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. The Company and the Homes have
      been operated and are being operated in a man ner separate from the
      personal and other business activities of the Shareholder and his
      affiliates, and neither the Company nor any of its assets are subject to
      any affiliated party commitments or transactions.

            3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company are
      true, correct and complete each have been maintained by it in accordance
      with good business practice and in accordance with all laws, regulations
      and other require ments applicable to the Company. The corporate records
      of the Company reflect a true record of all meetings and proceedings of
      the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Company.

            3.24. FINDERS. Except as described in Section 13.1, neither the
      Company nor the Shareholder is a party to or in any way obligated under
      any contract or other agreement, and there are no outstanding claims
      against either of them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in
      connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or performance of this
      Agreement.

            3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDER. The Shareholder has the full
      right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and
      the other documents to be executed by the Shareholder as provided in this
      Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
      thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by
      the Shareholder, each of such other documents will constitute, the legal,
      valid and binding obligations of the Shareholder enforceable against him
      in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
      nor performance of this Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the
      consum mation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will:
      (i) result in a violation or breach of any term or pro vision of,
      constitute a default or acceleration under, require notice to or consent
      of any third party to, or result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of
      (x) the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or (y) any
      contract, agreement, lease, license or other commitment to which the

                                      -12-

      Company or the Shareholder is a party or by which the Company or the
      Shareholder or its or his respective assets or proper ties are bound; nor
      (ii) violate any statute or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any
      court, administrative agency or governmental body.

            3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
      performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have
      been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement and the
      Plan of Merger are legally binding and enforceable against the Company in
      accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
      nor performance by the Company of this Agreement or the Plan of Merger
      will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a default or
      accelerate the performance required under, the Certificate of
      Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of
      trust or other contract or agree ment to which the Company is a party or
      by which it or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
      injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
      body.

            3.27. ACQUISITION OF PARENT SHARES. The Parent Shares (as defined in
      the Plan of Merger) to be acquired by the Shareholder pursuant to the
      Merger will be acquired by him for investment purposes only and not with
      the present inten tion or view to, or resale in connection with, any
      distri bution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
      amended. The Shareholder understands that such Parent Shares will not be
      registered under such Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky
      laws, that transferability of such Parent Shares will be restricted in
      accordance with applicable state and federal securities laws, and that a
      restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on each certificate
      representing such Parent Shares. Prior to the Closing, the Shareholder
      will have had full opportunity to receive such information and ask such
      questions of represen tatives of the Purchaser concerning the Purchaser,
      its subsidiaries and their business, operations, assets and pros pects,
      and concerning an investment in the Parent Shares, as the Shareholder will
      then have deemed appropriate in order to make an informed investment
      decision with respect to the Parent Shares.

            3.28. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and war ranties made by
      the Shareholder hereunder or in any Schedules or certificates furnished to
      the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain any
      untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
      required to be stated herein or therein necessary to make the representa
      tions or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circum stances in
      which they are made, not misleading.

                                      -13-

            3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Section 3 have
      been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
      contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
      signed for identification by the Shareholder.

            4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Shareholder that:

            4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary is a
      corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
      the laws of the State of Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate
      power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the
      Plan of Merger and the other documents to which it is a party. The
      Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
      standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite
      corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
      Agreement and the Plan of Merger, including the issuance and delivery of
      the Parent Shares to the Shareholder as provided in the Plan of Merger.
      The Purchaser has delivered to the Shareholder complete and correct copies
      of the respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws of the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, all as in effect on the date
      hereof.

            4.2. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and performance by the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agree ment and the
      documents contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered by
      them have been duly authorized by their respective Boards of Directors.
      This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as herein
      provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary and enforceable against each of
      them in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution,
      delivery or performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of
      this Agreement or any such other document will conflict with or result in
      a violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a
      default under, the respective Certificates of Incorporation or Bylaws of
      the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary, or under any inden ture,
      mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement to which the
      Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by which they or
      their respective properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
      injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental
      body.

            4.3. FINDERS. Neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition Subsidiary
      is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
      agreement, and there are no outstanding

                                      -14-

      claims against either of them, for the payment of any broker's or finder's
      fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, execution or performance
      of this Agreement.

            5.   COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER PENDING CLOSING.
The Company and the Shareholder jointly and severally covenant and agree with
the Purchaser that:

            5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agree ment to the
      Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in the
      ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written consent of
      the Purchaser, the Company will not, and the Shareholder will not cause or
      allow the Company to:

                    (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or terminate,
            unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                    (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Certificate of
            Incorporation or Bylaws;

                    (iii) take any action described in Section 3.8 (except as
            contemplated in Section 2.2(iii));

                    (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other commitment
            of the type described in Section 3.13;

                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key
            personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of compensation of or
            declare or pay any bonuses to any employee in excess of that listed
            on Schedule 3.20; or

                    (vi) take any other action which would cause any of the
            representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof not to be
            true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing
            Date with the same force and effect as if the same had been made on
            and as of the Closing Date.

            5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will give
      to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other representatives,
      full and free access to all of the properties, books, contracts,
      commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser may have full
      opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to make of the
      affairs of the Company and the Homes.

            5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholder will
      use their best efforts to obtain the neces sary consents and approvals of
      other persons which may be

                                      -15-

      required to be obtained on their part to consummate the trans actions
      contemplated by this Agreement.

            5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
      neither the Company nor the Shareholder shall enter into any agreements or
      commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or
      expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any
      potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the
      possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
      the assets and business of the Company or any other sale of the Company
      (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or otherwise), other than
      with the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary as contemplated in this
      Agreement.

            5.5. COMPANY LIABILITIES. At or prior to the Closing, the
      Shareholder shall cause to be paid and discharged in full all liabilities
      and obligations of the Company, for indebtedness for borrowed money,
      indebtedness secured by Liens against any assets or properties of the
      Company, accrued liabilities, federal, state and local taxes, any
      liabilities under suits, claims, judgments or orders then pending or any
      other liability or obligation of the Company (other than accounts and
      trade payables) attributable to the operation of the its business prior to
      Closing (collectively, "Unassumed Liabilities"), EXCLUDING (i) obligations
      under preneed contracts for which the full amount has been deposited in
      trust as required under applicable law, and (ii) indebtedness as described
      on Schedule 5.5 and (iii) accounts and trade payables (collectively,
      the"Assumed Debt"). At the Closing, the Shareholder shall deliver to the
      Purchaser certificates of the holders of the Assumed Debt, certifying as
      to the amount, expressed in dollars, of all principal, interest and other
      charges (including prepayment penalties or premiums) required to pay and
      discharge the Assumed Debt in full and release all Liens securing the
      same, and such amount shall constitute a downward adjustment in the Merger
      Consideration pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Merger. Any Unassumed
      Liabilities remaining unpaid after the Closing shall be paid pursuant to
      Section 12.1, or if funds are insufficient, shall then be subject to
      indemnification under Section 10.1. Property taxes, utility bills and
      other normal proratable items shall be prorated as of the Closing Date,
      the Shareholder being charged for the same through the Closing and the
      Surviving Corporation being responsible for such charges thereafter. The
      Purchaser agrees that to the extent there exist at the Closing any fully
      earned cash rebates or refunds due from vendors which have not then been
      paid, the Surviving Corporation will pay to the Shareholder any such cash
      rebates or refunds which are received after the Closing.

                                      -16-

            6.   COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY
PENDING CLOSING. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally covenant with the Shareholder that:

            6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents
      and approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
      their part to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

            6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and its
      representatives will hold in confidence any data and information obtained
      with respect to the Company from any representative, officer, director or
      employee of the Company, including their accountants or legal counsel, or
      from any books or records of any of them, in connection with the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that the Purchaser may
      disclose such information to its outside attor neys and accountants and to
      its lender, provided that the Purchaser shall remain responsible to the
      Company for any unauthorized disclosure thereof by such attorneys,
      accountants or lender. If the transactions contemplated hereby are not
      consummated, neither the Purchaser nor its representatives shall disclose
      such data or information to others, except as such data or information is
      published or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an
      applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is
      terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company all
      written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the Company or
      its representatives in connection with the transactions contem plated by
      this Agreement.

            7.   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION
SUBSIDIARY. The obligations of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary
under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which
may be expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing:

            7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Purchaser shall not have discovered any material error, misstatement or
      omission in the representa tions and warranties made by the Shareholder in
      Section 3 hereof; the representations and warranties made by the
      Shareholder herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of
      the time of Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company and
      the Shareholder shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a
      certificate, signed by the Shareholder and an executive

                                      -17-

      officer of the Company, to the effect of the foregoing
      provisions of this Section 7.1.

            7.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Shareholder shall have caused to be
      delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire,
      counsel for the Company and the Shareholder, dated the Closing Date, to
      the effect that:

                     (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Connecticut, with full corporate authority to enter into and perform
            its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

                    (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
            3,000 shares of Common Stock, $10.00 par value, of which 2,273
            shares are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and
            nonassessable;

                   (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due inquiry,
            there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or other agreements
            or commitments obligating the Company to issue any shares of its
            capital stock or securities convertible into shares of its capital
            stock;

                    (iv) the Shareholder is the record and bene ficial owner of
            all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
            Company, free and clear of any and all Liens, and the Shareholder
            has full capacity to enter into and perform their obligations in
            accordance with this Agreement;

                     (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company
            of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly authorized
            and approved by all necessary corporate action required on the part
            of the Company;

                    (vi) this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly
            and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and this
            Agreement and the Plan of Merger con stitute the valid and binding
            obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be executed
            and delivered hereunder by the Shareholder (as shall be specified in
            such opinion) have been duly and validly executed and delivered by
            the Shareholder, and this Agreement and such other documents
            constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Shareholder
            enforceable against him in accordance with their respective terms;

                                      -18-

                  (viii) neither the execution, delivery or consum mation of the
            transactions contemplated by this Agree ment, the Plan of Merger or
            any of such other documents will (x) result in the breach of or
            constitute a default under the Certificate of Incorporation or
            Bylaws of the Company or any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
            mort gage, deed of trust or other contract or agreement known to
            such counsel and to which either the Company or the Shareholder is a
            party or by which they or their respec tive assets are bound, or (y)
            violate any order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel
            of any court, administrative agency or governmental body;

                    (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Company and the Shareholder of
            this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any of such other documents;
            and

                     (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due inquiry,
            there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
            pending or threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its
            assets, at law or in equity or before or by any court or federal,
            state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
            board, agency or instrumentality.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of the Shareholder and officers of the Company and
      certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
      Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document
      may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
      similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by principles of equity. Such
      opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State
      of Connecticut.

            7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholder shall
      have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
      authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not have
      occurred any loss or damage to the physical assets and properties of the
      Company, including (without limitation) any of the Real Property or any
      improvements located thereon (regardless of whether such loss or damage
      was insured), the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on
      the condition, business, operations or prospects of the Company or the
      Homes.

                                      -19-

            7.5. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings, instruments and
      documents required to carry out the trans actions contemplated by this
      Agreement or incidental thereto and all other related legal matters shall
      be subject to the approval of counsel for the Purchaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary, and such counsel shall have been furnished with
      such certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
      documents as they shall have requested.

            7.6. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its representatives
      shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the financial
      information, books and records, and proper ties and assets of the Company
      and the Homes, and shall have discovered no change in the business,
      assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company or the
      Homes which could, in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a
      material adverse effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business,
      assets, financial condition or prospects of the Company or the Homes.

            7.7. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Each of the Shareholder, Robert Lavoie,
      Mark Seleman and Peter Grady shall have executed and delivered to the
      Acquisition Subsidiary his respective Employment Agreement; the
      Shareholder shall have executed and delivered his plan adoption agreement
      under the Carriage Partners Program; and Lessor shall have executed and
      delivered the Lease Agreement and the restrictive covenant described in
      Section 2.2(iv).

            7.8. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall have
      been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed
      necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of each Home and
      the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected by
      Purchaser (or, in lieu thereof, in the sole discretion of the Purchaser,
      environmental questionnaires completed and signed by the manager of each
      such Home, on forms provided by the Acquisition Subsidiary and approved by
      its lender), (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Homes by a person
      (who may be an employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by the
      Purchaser and who is qualified and experienced in such matters in the
      funeral service industry, and (iii) a structural inspection of the O'Brien
      Home by an engineering firm selected by the Purchaser. The Shareholder
      agrees to take the action (and pay any costs in taking such action) as may
      be reasonably recommended by such firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in
      the aggregate. In any event, it shall be a condition to the Purchaser's
      obligations hereunder that the results of the reports of such firms or
      persons (together with any remedial action, if any, taken by Shareholder,
      regardless of the cost, in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to
      Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                                      -20-

            7.9. TITLE INSURANCE. The Shareholder shall have provided, at his
      expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the Surviving
      Corporation in an agreed-upon amount, issued by a title company with
      offices in Hartford County, Connecticut and reasonably acceptable to the
      Surviving Corporation (the "Title Company"), insuring the Surviving
      Corporation's interest in the Real Property (excluding Real Property
      covered by the Lease Agreement), subject only to the Permitted Liens and
      any standard printed exceptions included in a Connecticut standard form
      Policy of Title Insurance; provided, however, that such policy shall have
      deleted any exception regarding restrictions or be limited to restrictions
      that are Permitted Liens, any standard exception pertaining to
      discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be deleted except for
      "shortages in area", and any standard exception for taxes shall be limited
      to subsequent years.

            7.10. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
      Shareholder's expense, a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor approved
      by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with respect to each
      parcel of Real Property covered by Section 7.9 above, which survey shall
      comply with any applicable standards under Connecticut law, be sufficient
      for Title Company to delete any survey exception contained in the owner's
      policy of title insurance referred to in Section 7.9, save and except for
      the phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and content
      acceptable to Purchaser.

            7.11. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received from
      Provident Services, Inc. or another financial institution acceptable to it
      a written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and otherwise
      in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
      extension of financing and other financial accommodations in order to
      provide the portion of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the Plan of
      Merger) that is not furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the
      Purchaser from other sources, and such commitment shall have been funded
      in such amount contemporaneously with the Closing.

            7.12. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens against any assets of
      the Company, including any of the Real Property (other than Permitted
      Liens) shall have executed and delivered written releases of such Liens,
      all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the Purchaser and its
      lender.

            7.13. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Shareholder shall have
      identified to the Purchaser such other personnel of the Homes (in addition
      to the parties to the Employment Agreements) as may be key to the
      continued effective management and operation of the Homes after the
      Closing, and the Purchaser shall have entered into mutually satisfactory

                                      -21-

      arrangements regarding the continued employment of such
      personnel at the Homes following the Closing.

            7.14. OTHER CONNECTICUT TRANSACTION. The transaction contemplated by
      the Merger Agreement of even date herewith among the Purchaser, CSI
      Funeral Services of Connecticut, Inc., C. Funk & Son Funeral Home,
      Incorporated and Ronald F. Duhaime, Emilie P. Duhaime and Christopher J.
      Duhaime, shall have been consummated prior to or contemporaneously with
      the Closing under this Agreement.

            8.   CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER.
The obligations of the Company and the Shareholder under this Agreement shall be
subject to the following conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by the
Shareholder in writing:

            8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Shareholder shall not have discovered any ma terial error, misstatement or
      omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary in Section 4 hereof; the representations and
      warranties made by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary herein
      shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing
      and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Shareholder shall have received a
      certificate, signed by an executive officer of each of the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
      this Section 8.1.

            8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
      delivered to the Shareholder an opinion of counsel for the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect that:

                    (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organ ized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and
            perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized,
            validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Connecticut, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and
            perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other documents
            contemplated herein to be executed and delivered by the Acquisition
            Subsidiary (as shall be specified in such opinion);

                   (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this

                                      -22-

            Agreement and such other documents have been duly authorized and
            approved by all necessary corporate action required on their part;

                  (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and delivery as
            herein provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, enforceable against
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (iv) neither the execution, delivery or per formance by the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of
            such other documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
            breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default under,
            the respective Certificates of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary, or under any loan or credit
            agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
            agreement known to such counsel and to which the Purchaser or the
            Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by which they or their
            respective properties are bound, or violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any court,
            administrative agency or governmental body; and

                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of such other documents, or the
            per formance of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of officers of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      and on certificates of public offi cials, copies of which shall be
      provided to the Shareholder at Closing. Any opinion as to the
      enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors
      rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
      law, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the internal
      laws of the State of Texas.

            8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons
      and governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement.

                                      -23-

            8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
      executed and delivered to the Shareholder and Messrs. Lavoie, Seleman and
      Grady their respective Employment Agreements; shall have established the
      Carriage Partners Program and executed and delivered to the Shareholder
      his plan adoption agreement thereunder; and shall have executed and
      delivered the Lease Agreement.

            9.   NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

            9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
      Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
      representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
      same.

            9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regard less of any
      investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto, all
      covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made hereunder or
      pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in connection with
      the trans actions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not terminate but
      shall survive the Closing and continue in effect thereafter.

            10.   INDEMNIFICATION.

            10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDER. The Shareholder agrees to
      indemnify and hold harmless the Pur chaser and (following the Effective
      Time of the Merger) the Surviving Corporation, and their respective
      successors and assigns, from and against any and all losses, damages, lia
      bilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such item being herein
      called a "Loss" and all such items being herein collectively called
      "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in
      the performance by the Company or the Shareholder of any covenant or
      agreement of the Company or the Shareholder contained in this Agreement,
      (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made
      by the Shareholder herein, in any Schedule delivered to the Purchaser
      pursuant hereto or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by or
      on behalf of the Company or the Shareholder pursuant hereto, (iii) any
      Unassumed Liability of the Company of any kind or nature, whether absolute
      or con tingent, known or unknown, to the extent not paid or dis charged
      prior to the Effective Time of the Merger as provided in Section 5.5, and
      (iv) any and all actions, suits, proceed ings, claims, demands, judgments,
      costs and expenses (includ ing reasonable legal fees) incident to any of
      the foregoing.

            10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Pur chaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally

                                      -24-

      agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholder and his heirs and
      assigns from and against any Losses which are caused by or arise out of
      (i) any breach or default in the performance by the Purchaser or the
      Acquisition Subsidiary of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser or
      the Acquisition Subsidiary contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of
      warranty or inaccurate or erroneous representation made by the Purchaser
      or the Acquisition Subsidiary herein or in any certificate or other
      instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Acquisition
      Subsidiary pursuant hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits,
      proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including
      reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the foregoing.

            10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
      against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
      party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
      against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"), the indemnifying
      party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall have the
      right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at
      its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve
      any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay
      any amounts in connec tion therewith, which approval shall not be
      unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within
      ten business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
      described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
      indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be
      fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided herein, then
      the indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense of such
      claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have the right (i) to
      participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at its own
      expenses, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
      settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would be, affected
      thereby.

            10.4. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. The payment of any claims for Losses
      pursuant hereto shall not relieve the Shareholder of personal
      responsibility for indemnification under Section 10.1. The Purchaser
      agrees, however, that (i) the aggregate amount of Losses which the
      Purchaser and the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to recover from
      the Shareholder under Section 10.1 shall be limited to the Merger
      Considera tion, and (ii) no claim shall be asserted in respect of clause
      (ii) of Section 10.1 (or clause iv), insofar as the same relates to said
      clause (ii)) after (x) expiration of the applicable state or federal
      statute of limitations, in the case of claims arising under Sections 3.1
      to 3.3, 3.10 and 3.24 to 3.28, or (y) June 30, 1998, in all other cases.

                                      -25-

            11.   TERMINATION.

            11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
      Shareholder agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
      satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary agree to use their best efforts
      to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8
      hereof.

            11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to Closing
      by:

                  (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholder and the
            Purchaser;

                  (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made by the
            Company or the Shareholder in the observance or in the due and
            timely performance by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
            there shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
            Company or the Shareholder of any of its or his warranties and
            representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
            Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Company or the
            Shareholder at or before the Closing shall not have been complied
            with or performed at the time required for such compliance or
            performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have
            been expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing;

                  (c) the Shareholder if a material default shall be made by the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary in the observance or in the
            due and timely performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of any of their covenants herein contained, or if there
            shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their warranties
            and representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
            Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Purchaser and the
            Acquisition Subsidiary at or before the Closing shall not have been
            complied with or performed at the time required for such compli ance
            or performance and such noncompliance or nonper formance shall not
            have been expressly waived by the Shareholder in writing; or

                  (d) either the Shareholder or the Purchaser, if the Closing
            has not occurred by July 3, 1996.

            11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party shall have any
      liability to any other parties here under. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (b) or

                                      -26-

      (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so terminating this Agreement
      shall not have any liability to any other party hereto, provided the
      terminating party has not breached any representation or warranty or
      failed to comply with any of its covenants in this Agreement, and (ii)
      such termination shall not prejudice the rights and remedies of the
      terminating party against any other party which has breached any of its
      representations, warranties or covenants herein prior to such termination.

            12.   POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

            12.1. CLOSING DATE, CASH AND RECEIVABLES. At the Closing, the
      Shareholder shall provide to the Purchaser a listing (certified by him to
      be complete and accurate) of the Closing Date Cash and Receivables in
      order to identify them. The Purchaser shall have the exclusive right and
      control over the collection of Closing Date Receivables. Six months after
      the Closing, the Purchaser shall remit such collections (less Assumed Debt
      of the Company not paid at Closing pursuant to Section 5.5 hereof, if any,
      which are paid by the Company subsequent to the Closing. The form of
      payment shall be in Series D Preferred Stock in accordance with each
      Shareholder's respective interest shown on Annex A of the Plan of Merger.
      The Purchaser shall have no duty to pursue collection of Closing Date
      Receivables by means greater than used on its collection of other accounts
      receivable, and in no event shall the Purchaser be required to institute
      suit or refer any account to a collection agency. At any time after the
      Closing, the Purchaser may at any time, by written notice to the
      Shareholder, return the right and control over collection of Closing Date
      Receivables to the Shareholder, in which case the Purchaser shall be
      thereafter relieved of all further responsibility hereunder other than in
      respect of collections received prior to the giving of such notice.

            12.2. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDER.

                  (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a period
            commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years thereafter,
            the Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly:

                          (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partner ship, association or
                  agent or agency, in the following towns and/or cities:
                  Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Southington, Wolcott,
                  Plymouth, Harwinton, Burlington and Farmington (the
                  "Territory"), in the funeral, mortuary, crematory, monument,
                  or any related line of business (collec tively, the
                  "Business");

                                      -27-

                         (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in one percent
                  (1%) or more of the voting securi ties in any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity which conducts its
                  operations, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory;

                        (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity that conducts its
                  business, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory; or

                         (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee of
                  the Purchaser or any of its affiliates (including the
                  Surviving Corporation) to leave the employ of the Purchaser or
                  any such affiliate to accept employment with the Shareholder
                  or with any person, firm, association or corpora tion with
                  which the Shareholder may be or become affiliated.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
            Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
            Business if he acts as a funeral director at any funeral
            establishment within the Territory, if the Shareholder engages in
            the sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for services to
            be performed within the Territory, or if the Shareholder promotes or
            finances any family member or affiliate to operate a Business or
            engage in any of the foregoing activities within the Territory.

                  (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be held invalid
            or unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or actions
            subject thereto or restricted there by, or the period of time within
            which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court of
            competent jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions
            subject to and restricted thereby and the period of time during
            which such covenants are enforceable.

                  (c) REMEDIES. The Shareholder agrees that any remedy at law
            for any actual or threatened breach of any of the foregoing
            covenants would be inadequate and that the Purchaser shall be
            entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive relief or
            both, by temporary or permanent injunction or such other appropriate
            judicial remedy, writ or order as may be entered into by a court of
            competent jurisdiction in addition to any damages that the Purchaser
            may be legally entitled to recover together with reasonable expenses
            of litigation, including attor neys' fees incurred in connection
            therewith, as may be

                                      -28-

            approved by such court.

                  (d) REPRESENTATIONS. The Shareholder represents and warrants
            to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) the Shareholder
            understands that the foregoing restric tions are being made incident
            to and as a condition of consummation of the Merger, and that such
            covenants are necessary in order to protect the business and
            goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such covenants are not
            oppressive to the Shareholder in any respect, and (iii) the
            consideration for such restrictions is included in the Merger
            Consideration, which consideration the Shareholder acknowledges is
            fair and adequate for the giving of the covenants herein and for
            which the Share holder acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                  (e) MERGER CONSIDERATION ALLOCATION. The parties agree to
            allocate $50,000 of the Merger Consideration to the foregoing
            covenants for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section
            1060(a) of the Code. Such allocation is not intended to be a measure
            of the amount or range of damages which the Purchaser or any
            affiliate may suffer or recover as a result of any breach of the
            foregoing covenants, and the Shareholder acknowledges that in case
            of any such breach, the Purchaser shall be entitled to seek in
            excess of such amount as it may otherwise be able to demonstrate
            itself justly entitled to.

            12.3. LETTER OF CREDIT. Pursuant to the Plan of Merger, the
      Purchaser will cause to be issued and delivered to the Shareholder the
      Letter of Credit (as defined in the Plan of Merger). As provided in the
      Plan of Merger, the Letter of Credit terminates upon consummation of an
      Initial Public Offering (as defined in the Parent Stock Designations,
      referred to in the Plan of Merger). The Shareholder agrees to return to
      the Purchaser the original of the Letter of Credit (including any renewals
      or reissues thereof) upon receipt of written certification from the
      Purchaser that an Initial Public Offering has been consummated.

            12.4. EMPLOYEE MATTERS. At or prior to the Closing, the Shareholder
      will cause the Company to pay or satisfy any accrued benefits to employees
      of the Homes which are then outstanding, or, at the election of the
      Shareholder, may be included in the Assumed Debt as set forth on Schedule
      5.5 (which would then be deducted from the Merger Consideration) the
      difference between any accrued and untaken vacation that any such
      employees are entitled to as of Closing minus any vacation time such
      employees are entitled to receive for the remainder of the current fiscal
      year under the Purchaser's employee benefit policy. The Purchaser agrees
      that, for purposes of its vacation and other leave policies, it will

                                      -29-

      recognize the original start date with the Home of each person who becomes
      an employee of the Surviving Corporation as a result of the Merger. The
      Purchaser also agrees that the starting rate or salary of each such
      employee of the Home who so becomes employed by the Surviving Corporation
      will include compensation for any additional health insurance or similar
      benefits formerly provided by the Company which are not included in
      employee benefits provided by the Purchaser and its subsidiaries.

            12.5. COMPLIMENTARY FUNERAL SERVICE. The Surviving Corporation will
      assume the Company's obligation to provide, without charge, a funeral
      service for Rosemary O'Hazo as outlined in the contract with such person
      attached as Schedule 12.5.

            12.6. MONICA O'BRIEN. The Purchaser agrees that fol lowing the
      Closing, the Acquisition Subsidiary will continue to provide Monica
      O'Brien, the Shareholder's mother, the nonassignable, rent-free use of her
      current apartment at the Home, for so long as her mental and physical
      health make such arrangements practicable, subject to policies of the
      Purchaser concerning such living arrangements.

            12.7. As described on Schedule 3.21, the Company has maintained the
      O'Brien Funeral Home, Incorporated Pension Plan (the "Plan") for the
      benefit of its employees. Neither the Purchaser, the Acquisition
      Subsidiary, nor the Surviving Corporation intends to continue the Plan as
      an active Plan after the Closing, except to the extent required by law
      until the Plan can be frozen. The Shareholder shall amend the Plan at or
      prior to Closing to freeze the Plan's operations as soon as allowed by law
      and shall give any notice required in connection with the freezing of the
      Plan promptly upon amendment of the Plan. The Shareholder shall make to
      the Plan all Employer Contributions required by the Plan for service by
      Plan Participants through the date as of which the Plan is frozen (the
      effective date of the amendment freezing the Plan). The Shareholder shall
      terminate and/or assist in terminating (as applicable) the Plan as soon as
      it can be terminated in a reasonable and prudent manner but in no event to
      exceed a two (2) year time period from the date hereof. The Shareholder
      shall be solely responsible for, and shall bear all costs associated with
      the Plan until it is terminated, including but not limited to the cost of
      freezing the Plan, administering and evaluating the Plan until it is
      terminated, amending the Plan as required by law until it is terminated,
      preparing and filing the Plan's annual tax return (Form 5500), including
      the cost of any audits required in connection therewith, and terminating
      the Plan. The Shareholder shall reimburse the Purchaser, the Acquisition
      Subsidiary, or the Surviving Corporation, as applicable, for

                                      -30-

      any such costs it may have to pay. Additionally, the Shareholder shall
      continue after the Closing to be solely responsible for and shall
      indemnify the Purchaser pursuant to Section 10 hereof for any claim or
      action in any way relating to the Plan or its operation, past, present or
      future, including but not limited to (i) the past or present investments
      of the Plan, (ii) the past and continued maintenance and compliance of the
      Plan with all legal requirements applicable to the Plan, including but not
      limited to compliance with the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited
      transaction requirements applicable to the Plan, (iii) the freezing of the
      Plan, (iv) the termination of the Plan within a reasonable time period
      following the Closing, and (v) the ultimate distributions to the Plan
      Participants.

            13.   MISCELLANEOUS.

            13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
      parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the negotiation,
      preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the consummation of the
      transactions contem plated herein. If the transactions contemplated by
      this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are consummated, the Company shall
      have no obligation for, nor shall the Company be charged with, any such
      expenses of the Shareholder. Without limiting the generality of the
      foregoing, all finders' and similar fees and expenses of Thomas Pierce &
      Co., sales representative for the Shareholder, shall be borne solely by
      the Shareholder, and in no event shall the Company or the Purchaser be
      charged or responsible therefor. All sales, transfer, stamp or other
      similar taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged in connection with
      the transactions hereunder shall be borne by the Shareholder.

            13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
      communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
      been given when personally delivered or three business days following the
      date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
      as follows:

                        (i)   if to the Company or the Shareholder, to:

                        O'Brien Funeral Home, Incorporated
                        24 Lincoln Avenue
                        Bristol, Connecticut 06010
                        Attention: Mr. Thomas P. O'Brien

                        with a copy to:
                        Ruggiero, Ziogas & Allaire
                        271 Farmington Avenue
                        Bristol, Connecticut 06010
                        Attention: Mr. Stephen O. Allaire

                                      -31-

                  (ii)  if to the Purchaser or the Acquisition
                        Subsidiary, to:

                        Carriage Services, Inc.
                        1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                        Houston, Texas  77056
                        Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                        with a copy to:

                        Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                        1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                        Houston, Texas 77002
                        Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

      or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to the
      other parties hereto.

            13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party
      hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties; provided,
      however, that following the Closing the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation may assign its rights hereunder without the consent of the
      Shareholder to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation, as the case may be (whether by merger, sale of assets or
      otherwise).

            13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.3,
      this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
      parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
      personal representatives.

            13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and paragraph
      headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
      affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

            13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument
      in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

            13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits, Schedules,
      certificates and other documents referred to herein, constitute the entire
      agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior understandings
      with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without
      limitation, the letter of intent dated May 10, 1996).

            13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be con strued and enforced
      under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of
      Connecticut.

                                      -32-

            13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
      each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
      constitute the same instrument.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of
the date first above written.

                                      -33-

                                    THE PURCHASER:

                                    CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.


                                    By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                            Mark W. Duffey,
                                            Executive Vice President

                                    THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY:

                                    CFS FUNERAL SERVICES
                                    OF CONNECTICUT, INC.


                                    By: /s/ MARK W. DUFFEY
                                            Mark W. Duffey,
                                            Executive Vice President

                                    THE COMPANY:

                                    O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, INCORPORATED


                                    By: /s/ THOMAS P. O'BRIEN
                                            Thomas P. O'Brien, President

                                    THE SHAREHOLDER:


                                    /s/ THOMAS P. O'BRIEN
                                        Thomas P. O'Brien

                                      -34-

EXHIBIT               DESCRIPTION
- -------               -----------
    A                  Plan of Merger
    B-1                Employment Agreement (Thomas P. O'Brien)
    B-2                Employment Agreement (Robert Lavoie)
    B-3                Employment Agreement (Mark Seleman)
    B-4                Employment Agreement (Peter Grady)
    C                  Carriage Partners Program
    D                  Lease Agreement


SCHEDULE               DESCRIPTION
- --------               -----------
    2.2                Distributed Property
    3.6                Real Property
    3.12               Fixed Assets
    3.13               Contracts and Commitments
    3.14               Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
    3.15               Intangible Rights
    3.17               Licenses
    3.18               Litigation
    3.20               Employees
    3.21               Employee Benefit Plans
    5.5                Assumed Debt
    12.1               List of Closing Date Cash and Accounts
                       Receivable
    12.5               Contract for Service for Rosemary O'Hazo

                                      -35-


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.22
                                MERGER AGREEMENT

            THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of June 26, 1996, among CARRIAGE SERVICES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES OF
SOUTH CAROLINA, INC., a South Carolina corpora tion (the "Acquisition
Subsidiary"), FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC., a South Carolina corporation (the
"Company"), and the individuals whose names appear under the heading "The
Shareholders" on the signature pages hereto (together, the "Shareholders");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, the Company owns and operates the three Forest Lawn
Mortuary funeral homes, located at 815 S. Alabama Street in Chesnee, Spartanburg
County, South Carolina, at 4161 Boiling Springs Road in Inman, Spartanburg
County, South Carolina, and at 257 N. Main Street in Woodruff, Spartanburg
County, South Carolina (collectively, the "Homes"), and the Shareholders
collectively own all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company;
and

            WHEREAS, the parties desire that the Acquisition Subsidiary merge
with and into the Company in a statutory merger (the "Merger") to be consummated
under the laws of the State of South Carolina and upon the terms and conditions
and for the consideration herein set forth and in the Plan of Merger among the
Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company in the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto (the "Plan of Merger");

            NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:


1.    REORGANIZATION AND MERGER.

            1.1. THE MERGER. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of
      this Agreement, the Plan of Merger shall be exe cuted and delivered by the
      Purchaser, the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Company. Subject to the
      terms and condi tions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan of
      Merger, at the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in the Plan of
      Merger), the Acquisition Subsidiary shall be merged with and into the
      Company in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina and the
      Plan of Merger. The corporation surviving the Merger is sometimes herein
      referred to as the "Surviving Corporation."

            1.2. SS.368 REORGANIZATION. It is the intention of the parties that
      the Merger constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
      368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
      "Code"), in accordance with Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code. The parties
      agree to file all of their respective tax returns and reports in a manner
      consistent with such intention, and to not take any filing position in a
      manner inconsistent with such intention unless

                                       -1-

      compelled to do so by court order or administrative decree. Each party
      agrees to furnish such information and take such action as may be
      reasonably requested of the other party in connection with the foregoing
      (which action shall not include any change in the commercial terms of the
      Merger and the other transactions incident thereto). In no event, however,
      shall the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation be required to incur any
      out-of-pocket expenses in defending such position or providing such
      information or taking such action, nor shall the foregoing constitute a
      warranty or guaranty that the Merger will in fact constitute such a
      reorganization.

            1.3. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT; WAIVER OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Each
      Shareholder, in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company, and the
      Purchaser, in its capacity as a shareholder of the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      hereby (i) consent to the Merger pursuant to Section 33-11-103 of the 1976
      South Carolina Code, as amended (the "South Carolina Code"), and (ii)
      irrevocably and unconditionally waive all dissenters' and other similar
      rights with respect to the Merger under and pursuant to Section 33-13-101,
      ET SEQ. of the South Carolina Code.

            1.4. POST-CLOSING TAX MATTERS. The Shareholders shall be fully
      responsible for all federal, state and local taxes (including, but not
      limited to, income taxes) of the Company accrued through the Closing and
      for completing, filing and handling all tax returns and reports in respect
      in of all periods through Closing and consummation of the Merger,
      including responding to any inquiries, examinations or audits regarding
      such taxes, returns and reports. Without limiting the generality of the
      foregoing, the Shareholders will arrange through their outside accounting
      firm for the preparation of short-period federal income tax return for the
      Company's current year through the Closing Date (after which time the
      Surviving Corporation will be included as part of the consolidated group
      of which the Purchaser is the parent corporation), based upon information
      furnished by the Shareholders (and for which the Shareholders shall be
      solely responsible), and the Shareholders shall pay all federal income
      taxes in respect thereof and the cost of tax preparation by such
      accounting firm. The Shareholders shall furnish the Purchaser with a copy
      of such return and keep the Purchaser reasonably advised as to the status
      of such filings.

            1.5. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Shareholders agree to exe cute and
      deliver from time to time after the Effective Time of the Merger, at the
      reasonable request of the Purchaser, and without further consideration,
      such additional instruments of conveyance and transfer, and to take such
      other action as the Purchaser may reasonably require to more effectively
      carry out

                                       -2-

      the terms and provisions of the Merger and the other trans
      action contemplated by this Agreement.

            2.   THE CLOSING.

            2.1. TIME AND PLACE. The Closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall
      occur at the offices of Danny E. Allen, Magnolia Place, 409-B Magnolia
      Street in Spartanburg, South Carolina on June 26, 1996, or at such other
      date, time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but in
      no event later than June 30, 1996. The date and time of the Closing is
      herein called the "Closing Date". At the Closing, the Shareholders shall
      surrender for cancellation pursuant to the Merger all certificates
      representing their respective shares of capital stock of the Company,
      against receipt from the Purchaser of the Merger Consideration (as defined
      in the Plan of Merger). All action to be taken at the Closing as
      hereinafter set forth, and all documents and instruments executed and
      delivered, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be considered
      to have been taken, delivered or made simultaneously, and no such action
      or delivery or payment shall be considered as complete until all action
      incident to the Closing has been completed.

            2.2.  RELATED TRANSACTIONS.  In addition to the Merger, at
      the Closing the following transactions shall occur:

                  (i) The Acquisition Subsidiary, on the one hand, and each of
            Sam Watts and Robert Gwinn (together, the "Managers"), on the other,
            shall each execute and deliver a separate Employment Agreement to be
            dated the Closing Date and in substantially the forms of Exhibits
            B-1 and B-2 hereto, respectively (collectively, the "Employment
            Agreements"); and

                   (ii) Immediately prior to the Closing and consummation of the
            Merger, the Company shall distribute to the Shareholders, without
            recourse or warranty against the Company, (v) non-trade accounts
            receivable in an aggregate amount not to exceed $9,070, as further
            described on Schedule 2.2, (w) the right to receive refunds in
            respect of pre-paid federal income taxes and insurance through the
            Closing Date, (x) all of the Company's cash balances in bank
            accounts, certificates of deposits or marketable securities as of
            the Closing Date, other than any such cash or other investments that
            are used or committed to fund preneed trust or other similar
            accounts or funds of the Homes, (y) all of the Company's accounts
            receivable outstanding on the Closing Date (collectively, the
            "Closing Date Receivables"), and (z) the real property consisting of
            approximately 38 acres in

                                       -3-

            Cherokee County, South Carolina more particularly described on
            Schedule 2.2 hereto.

            3.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.
The Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to and
agree with the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary that:

            3.1. TITLE TO SHARES. The Shareholders are the owners and holders,
      beneficially and of record, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of
      capital stock of the Company as shown on Annex A to the Plan of Merger,
      and the Shareholders have good and marketable title to all of such issued
      and outstanding shares, free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances,
      pledges, security interests, mortgages or claims of any other person
      (collectively, the "Liens").

            3.2. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Company is a corpo ration duly
      organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
      State of South Carolina, and has all requisite corporate power to enter
      into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of
      Merger and to carry on its business as now conducted. The Shareholders
      have delivered to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of the
      Articles of Incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of South
      Carolina, and the Bylaws, certified by its Secretary, of the Company, all
      as in effect on the date hereof.

            3.3. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company
      consists of 10,000 shares of Common Stock, $10.00 par value, of which
      4,680 shares are issued and outstanding and held by the Shareholders. All
      such issued and outstanding shares are validly issued and outstanding,
      fully paid and nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive
      rights of any person. No such shares of capital stock are held by the
      Company as treasury stock. The Company does not have any outstanding
      subscriptions, options or other agreements or commitments obligating it to
      issue shares of its capital stock. There are no shareholders, buy-sell,
      voting or other similar agreements or commitments affecting the voting or
      transferability of any such shares. From the date hereof through the
      Closing Date, the Shareholders will not, and will not cause or permit the
      Company to, issue or enter into any subscriptions, options, agreements or
      other commitments in respect of the issuance, transfer, sale or
      encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of the Company.

            3.4.  NO SUBSIDIARIES.  The Company does not have any
      subsidiaries or any investment or ownership interest in any
      corporation, joint venture or other business enterprise.

            3.5.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  The Shareholders have
      delivered to the Purchaser (i) the unaudited balance sheet of

                                       -4-

      the Company at April 30, 1996 (the "Company Balance Sheet") and the
      related unaudited income statement of the Company for the eight-month
      period of operations then ended, and (ii) the unaudited balance sheets of
      the Company at August 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, and the related unaudited
      income statements of the Company for the respective twelve-month periods
      of operations then ended. All such financial statements are true and
      correct, have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of
      the Company, and present fairly the financial positions of the Company at
      the dates indicated and the results of its operations for the periods then
      ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
      consistently applied. The Homes collectively performed the number of
      funeral services for each of the twelve-month periods as described below:

                                Twelve Months Ended December 31,

HOME                          1993            1994            1995
- ----                          ----            ----            ----

Chesnee                       135             106             127
Inman (Boiling Springs)        74              98              94
Woodruff                      N/A             N/A              43*

*      Ten months.


            3.6.  REAL PROPERTY.

            (a) DESCRIPTION AND TITLE. Schedule 3.6 sets forth a legal
      description of all parcels of real property in which the Company has any
      interest or which is used in its business (collectively, the "Real
      Property"), and also briefly des cribes each building and major structure
      and improvement thereon. No person other than the Company has any
      ownership, leasehold or other interest of any kind in the Real Property.
      The Real Property is the only interest in real property required for the
      conduct of the business of the Homes as presently conducted. All of the
      buildings, structures and im provements located on the Real Property are
      in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. None of such
      buildings, structures or improvements, or the operation or maintenance
      thereof as now operated or maintained, contravenes any zoning ordinance or
      other administrative regulation or violates any restrictive covenant or
      any provision of law, the effect of which would interfere with or prevent
      their con tinued use for the purposes for which they are now being used.
      There is not pending nor, to the knowledge of any Shareholder, threatened
      any proceeding for the taking or condemnation of the Real Property or any
      portion thereof. The Company has good and marketable fee simple title to
      all of the Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, other than
      easements

                                       -5-

      and other similar title exceptions described on Schedule 3.6
      ("Permitted Liens").

            (b) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. No "Hazardous Substances" (defined
      herein to mean any substance which is regulated by or listed under any
      federal, state or local law, statute, rule or regulation pertaining to the
      environment or the protection of human health and welfare, including the
      Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
      1980, as amended, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
      amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, or any similar
      state or local statute or regulation) have been generated, stored, dumped,
      located or released onto or from the Real Property by the Company or on
      its directions, nor to the knowledge of any Shareholder have any Hazardous
      Substances been generated, stored, dumped, located or disposed of on any
      real property contiguous or adjacent to the Real Property. The Real
      Property is not now, and to the best of the Shareholders' knowledge, will
      not be in the future as a result of its condition at or prior to Closing,
      subject to any recla mation, remediation or reporting requirements of any
      federal, state, local or other governmental body or agency having
      jurisdiction over the Real Property. Neither the Company nor any
      Shareholder has received notice or knows of any claim, request for
      information, enforcement action or other proceeding related to the
      off-site disposal of Hazardous Substances generated by the Company. The
      Real Property does not contain any asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls,
      urea, formaldehyde, lead based paint, radon gas or underground storage
      tanks, except for substances used in the ordinary course of the operations
      of the Homes that are properly used, stored and disposed of in accordance
      with applicable legal requirements.

            (c) FIRPTA. Neither the Company nor any Shareholder is a "foreign
      person" (as defined in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
      1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder), and
      the Shareholders shall deliver at Closing a non-foreign affidavit in
      recordable form containing such information as shall be required by Code
      Sec tion 1445(b)(2) and the regulations issued thereunder, on a form to be
      provided by the Purchaser.

            (d) BILLS PAID. All bills and other payments due with respect to the
      ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Real Property have been (and
      on the Closing Date will be) paid, and no Liens or other claims for the
      same have been filed or asserted against any part of the Real Property.

            (e)   NO FLOOD HAZARDS.  No portion of the Real Property
      is located within an area that has been designated by the
      Federal Insurance Administration, the Army Corp of Engineers,

                                       -6-

      or any other governmental agency or body as being subject to
      special flooding hazards.

            3.7. TITLE TO AND STATUS OF PROPERTIES. All assets, rights and
      properties utilized in the conduct of the business of the Homes are owned
      by the Company. None of such assets, rights or properties is subject to
      any lease or license. The Company is in actual possession and control of
      all properties owned by it, and has good and marketable title to all of
      its assets, rights and properties, including without limitation, all
      properties and assets reflected in the Company Balance Sheet, free and
      clear of all Liens, except for (i) Liens to be discharged and released at
      or prior to Closing, and (ii) Permitted Liens against Real Property.

            3.8. ABSENCE OF CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as described on Schedule
      3.8, since the date of the Company Balance Sheet, there has not been:

                   (i) any adverse change in the financial condi tion,
            operations, business, properties or prospects of the Company or of
            any Home;

                   (ii) any change in the authorized capital or outstanding
            securities of the Company;

                   (iii) any capital stock, bonds or other secu rities which the
            Company has issued, sold, delivered or agreed to issue, sell or
            deliver, nor has the Company granted or agreed to grant any options,
            warrants or other rights calling for the issue, sale or delivery
            thereof;

                    (iv) any borrowing or agreement by the Company to borrow any
            funds, nor has the Company incurred, or become subject to, any
            absolute or contingent obligation or liability, except trade
            payables incurred in the ordinary course of business;

                   (v) any declaration or payment of any bonus or other
            extraordinary compensation to any employee of the Company;

                   (vi) any hiring, firing, reassignment or other change in any
            key personnel of the Company;

                   (vii) any sale, transfer or other disposition of, or
            agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any of the
            inventories or other assets or properties of the Company, except in
            the ordinary course of business;

                                       -7-

                   (viii) any damage, destruction or losses against the Company
            or any waiver any rights of material value to the Company;

                   (ix) any labor strike or labor dispute, or the entering into
            of any collective bargaining agreement, with respect to employees of
            the Company;

                   (x) any claim or liability for any material damages for any
            actual or alleged negligence or other tort or breach of contract
            against or affecting the Company;

                   (xi) any new competitor that has, to the knowledge of any
            Shareholder, built, commenced to build or announced intentions to
            build a funeral home or mortuary in direct competition with any
            Home; or

                   (xii) any other transaction or event entered into or
            affecting the Company other than in the ordinary course of the
            business.

            3.9. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth in the
      Company Balance Sheet, the Company does not have any, and none of its
      assets or properties are subject to any, liabilities or obligations of any
      kind or nature, other than unsecured trade accounts payable and accrued
      expenses arising in the ordinary course of the Company's business since
      the date of the Company Balance Sheet.

            3.10. TAX MATTERS. All federal, state, county, local and other taxes
      due and payable by the Company on or before the date of this Agreement
      have been paid or are adequately provided for in the Company's books and
      records. The Company has filed all tax returns and reports required to be
      filed by it with all taxing authorities, and all such tax returns and
      reports are true, complete and correct. True and correct copies of the
      federal, state and local income tax returns filed by the Company for each
      of its last three taxable years have been furnished to the Purchaser. No
      assessments of deficiencies have been made against the Company which are
      presently pending or outstanding. No state of facts exists or has existed
      which would constitute grounds for the assessment of any tax liability
      against the Company with respect to any prior taxable period which has not
      been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or which has not been closed
      by applicable statute. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers
      extending the statutory period of limitations applica ble to any income
      tax return of the Company for any period.

            3.11. INVENTORY; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. The inventories reflected in
      the Company Balance Sheet, and all

                                       -8-

      items placed in inventory since the date thereof, are (i) accounted for in
      accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
      consistent basis, and (ii) saleable or usable in the ordinary course of
      business of the Company at usual and customary prices, subject to normal
      returns and markdowns consistent with past practice. All accounts and
      notes receivable reflected in the Company Balance Sheet, and all accounts
      and notes receivable arising since the date thereof, (x) represent bona
      fide claims against the obligors for money lent, goods sold or services
      rendered, and (y) are not subject to offsets or defenses of any kind,
      except as to application of statutes of limitation. At the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a list, certified by the
      Shareholders to be complete and correct, of all of the inventory of the
      Company and all of its accounts receivable as of the Closing Date.

            3.12. FIXED ASSETS. Schedule 3.12 lists all motor vehicles and all
      other material items of equipment, fixtures, furniture and other fixed
      assets owned by the Company. All such items are in good and operating
      condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

            3.13. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Schedule 3.13 hereto sets forth a
      complete description of:

                    (i) all loan, credit and similar agreements to which the
            Company is a party or by which it is bound, and all notes or other
            evidences of indebtedness of, or agreements creating any Lien on any
            property of, the Company;

                   (ii) all employment contracts, noncompetition agreements and
            other agreements relating to the employ ment of any employees of the
            Company;

                  (iii) all contracts and agreements affecting the Company which
            do not terminate or are not terminable by the Company upon notice of
            30 days or less or which involve an obligation on its part in excess
            of $1,000 per annum or $5,000 in the aggregate; and

                   (iv) all other contracts and commitments of the Company
            entered into outside the ordinary course of busi ness.

            Each contract and commitment described on Schedule 3.13 is valid and
      in full force and effect, and neither the Company, nor, to the knowledge
      of the Shareholders, any of the other parties thereto, are in default
      thereunder. The Shareholders have furnished to the Purchaser a true and
      cor rect copy of each document listed on Schedule 3.13.

                                       -9-

            3.14. PRENEED CONTRACTS AND TRUST ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.14 hereto
      accurately and completely lists, as of the date of this Agreement (i) all
      preneed contracts of the Company unfulfilled as of the date hereof,
      including contracts for the sale of funeral merchandise and services, and
      (ii) all trust accounts relating to the Homes, indicating the location of
      each and the balance thereof. All preneed contracts required to be listed
      on Schedule 3.14 (x) have been entered into in the normal course of
      business at regular retail prices, or pursuant to a sales promotion
      program, solely for use by the named customers and members of their
      families on terms not more favorable than shown on the specimen contracts
      which have been delivered to the Purchaser, (y) are subject to the rules
      and regulations of the Company as now in force (copies of which have been
      delivered to the Purchaser), and (z) on the date hereof are in full force
      and effect, subject to no offsets, claims or waivers, and neither the
      Company nor such customer is in default thereunder. All funds received by
      the Company under preneed contracts have been deposited in the appropriate
      accounts and administered and reported in accordance with the terms
      thereof and as required by applicable laws and regulations. To the best
      knowledge of the Shareholder, the aggregate market value of the preneed
      accounts, trusts or other deposits is equal to or greater than the
      aggregate preneed liability related to such accounts. The services
      heretofore provided by the Company have been rendered in a professional
      and competent manner consistent with then prevailing professional
      standards, practices and customs.

            3.15. TRADEMARKS, ETC. The Company does not own and it has not
      applied for any patents, patent applications, patent licenses, trademarks,
      trademark applications or trademark or trademark licenses (collectively,
      "Intangible Rights"), except as described on Schedule 3.15. The Company
      owns or possesses valid rights or adequate licenses for all of such
      Intangible Rights as are necessary to the conduct of the business of the
      Homes as presently conducted. The Company is not charged with infringement
      of any Intangible Rights of any other person, nor does any Shareholder
      know of any such infringement, whether or not claimed by any person.

            3.16. INSURANCE. The Company maintains such policies of insurance in
      such amounts, and which insure against such losses and risks, as are
      generally maintained for comparable businesses and properties. Valid
      policies for such insurance will be outstanding and duly in force at all
      times prior to the Closing. It is the parties' intention that the
      Surviving Corporation will cancel such insurance following the Closing,
      and the parties agree that the Shareholders will be entitled to any
      refunds for unearned premiums accrued through the Closing Date with
      respect thereto.

                                      -10-

            3.17. LICENSES, PERMITS, ETC. Schedule 3.17 hereto correctly and
      completely lists all licenses, franchises, permits, certificates,
      consents, rights and privileges issued to or held by the Company, which
      are all that are necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Homes
      as presently operated. All such items are in full force and effect.

            3.18. LITIGATION. There are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings
      or investigations pending or, to the knowl edge of any Shareholder,
      threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the assets or
      properties of the Company, at law or in equity or before or by any court
      or federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
      board, agency or instrumentality. The Company is not subject to any
      continuing court or administrative order, writ, injunction or decree, nor
      is the Company in default with respect to any order, writ, injunction or
      decree issued by any court or foreign, federal, state, municipal or other
      governmental department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality.

            3.19. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Company has complied and is in
      compliance with all federal, state, municipal and other statutes, rules,
      ordinances, and regulations applicable to the Company, the operation of
      the Homes, and the Company's assets, rights and properties (including
      without limitation all environmental protection and occupations safety and
      health rules, regulations and laws, and laws and regulations applicable to
      preneed contracts and trust accounts, including the so-called "FTC Funeral
      Rule").

            3.20. EMPLOYEES. Schedule 3.20 hereto correctly and completely lists
      the names and monthly or hourly rates of salary and other compensation of
      all the employees and agents of the Company. Schedule 3.20 also sets forth
      the date of the last salary increase for each employee listed thereon, the
      outstanding balances of all loans and advances, if any, made by the
      Company to any employee or agent thereof, and the number of vacation days
      or other time off to which each such employee is then eligible to take. At
      Closing, the Share holders will cause the Company to pay or satisfy all
      vacation, holiday and other accrued benefits to employees of the Homes
      which are then outstanding. There are not pending or, to the knowledge of
      any Shareholder, threatened against the Company any general labor
      disputes, strikes or concerted work stoppages, and there are no
      discussions, negotiations, demands or proposals that are pending or have
      been conducted or made with or by any labor union or association with
      respect to any employees of the Company. No Shareholder is aware of the
      existence of any serious health condition of any key management personnel
      of any Home that might impair any such person's ability to carry on his or
      her normal duties into the foreseeable future after the Closing. The
      Shareholders

                                      -11-

      believe that the relations between the Company and its employees are good.

            3.21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. There are no plans, contracts,
      commitments, programs and policies (including, without limitation,
      pension, profit sharing, thrift, bonus, deferred compensation, severance,
      retirement, disability, medical, life, dental and accidental insurance,
      vacation, sick leave, death benefit and other similar employee benefit
      plans and policies) maintained by the Company providing benefits to any
      employee or former employee of the Company, other than sick leave,
      vacation and group hospitalization benefits that are described on Schedule
      3.21, all of which are maintained in accordance with applicable legal
      requirements. True and com plete copies of all such benefit plans
      described on Schedule 3.21, none of which constitutes a "pension plan"
      within the meaning of Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income
      Security Act of 1974, as amended, have been provided to the Purchaser.

            3.22. AFFILIATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. The Company and the Homes have
      been operated and are being operated in a manner separate from the
      personal and other business activities of the Shareholders and their
      affiliates, and neither the Company nor any of its assets are subject to
      any affiliated party commitments or transactions.

            3.23. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records of the Company are
      true, correct and complete each have been maintained by it in accordance
      with good business practice and in accordance with all laws, regulations
      and other require ments applicable to the Company. The corporate records
      of the Company reflect a true record of all meetings and proceedings of
      the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Company, as required by
      law.

            3.24. FINDERS. Neither the Company nor any Shareholder is a party to
      or in any way obligated under any contract or other agreement, and there
      are no outstanding claims against any of them, for the payment of any
      broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin, negotiation, exe
      cution or performance of this Agreement.

            3.25. AUTHORITY OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. Each Share holder has the full
      right, capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and
      the other documents to be executed by such Shareholder as provided in this
      Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
      thereby. This Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery by
      each Shareholder, each of such other documents will constitute, the legal,
      valid and binding obligations of the Shareholders enforceable against them
      in accordance with

                                      -12-

      their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of
      this Agreement or any of such other documents, nor the consummation of the
      transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will: (i) result in a
      violation or breach of any term or provision of, constitute a default or
      acceleration under, require notice to or consent of any third party to, or
      result in the creation of any Lien by virtue of (x) the Articles of
      Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or (y) any contract, agreement,
      lease, license or other commitment to which the Company or any Shareholder
      is a party or by which the Company or such Shareholder or his or its
      respective assets or properties are bound; nor (ii) violate any statute or
      any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, admin istrative agency
      or governmental body.

            3.26. AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The execution, delivery and
      performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have
      been duly authorized by its Board of Directors. This Agreement and the
      Plan of Merger are legally binding and enforceable against the Company in
      accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution, delivery
      nor performance by the Company of this Agreement or the Plan of Merger
      will result in a violation or breach of, nor constitute a default or
      accelerate the performance required under, the Articles of Incorporation
      or Bylaws of the Company or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
      other contract or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it
      or its properties are bound, or violate any order, writ, injunction or
      decree of any court, administrative agency or governmental body.

            3.27. ACQUISITION OF SERIES D SHARES. The Series D Shares (as
      defined in the Plan of Merger) to be acquired by the Shareholders pursuant
      to the Merger will be acquired by them for investment purposes only and
      not with the present intention or view to, or resale in connection with,
      any dis tribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of
      1933, as amended. Each Shareholder understands that such Series D Shares
      will not be registered under such Securities Act or any state securities
      or blue sky laws, that transfer ability of such Series D Shares will be
      restricted in accor dance with applicable state and federal securities
      laws, and that a restrictive legend to such effect will be inscribed on
      each certificate representing such Series D Shares. Prior to the Closing,
      each Shareholder will have had full opportunity to receive such
      information and ask such questions of repre sentatives of the Purchaser
      concerning the Purchaser, its subsidiaries and their business, operations,
      assets and pros pects, and concerning an investment in the Series D
      Shares, as such Shareholder will then have deemed appropriate in order to
      make an informed investment decision with respect to the Series D Shares.

                                      -13-

            3.28. FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and war ranties made by
      the Shareholders hereunder or in any Schedules or certificates furnished
      to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, do not and will not contain
      any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
      required to be stated herein or therein necessary to make the representa
      tions or warranties herein or therein, in light of the circum stances in
      which they are made, not misleading.

            3.29. SCHEDULES. The Schedules referred to in this Section 3 have
      been prepared as of the date hereof in a separate binder or volume
      contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and have been
      signed for identification by the Shareholders.

            4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and
severally represent and warrant to and agree with the Shareholders that:

            4.1. ORGANIZATION AND EXISTENCE. The Acquisition Subsidiary is a
      corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
      the laws of the State of South Carolina, and has all requisite corporate
      power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the
      Plan of Merger and the other documents to which it is a party. The
      Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
      standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite
      corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
      Agreement and the Plan of Merger, including the issuance and delivery of
      the Series D Shares to the Shareholders as provided in the Plan of Merger.
      The Purchaser has delivered to the Shareholders complete and correct
      copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Purchaser and
      the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      both as in effect on the date hereof.

            4.2. AUTHORITY. The execution, delivery and performance by the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agree ment and the
      documents contemplated in this Agreement to be executed and delivered by
      them have been duly authorized by their respective Boards of Directors.
      This Agreement is, and upon their execution and delivery as herein
      provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary and enforceable against each of
      them in accordance with their respective terms. Neither the execution,
      delivery or performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of
      this Agreement or any such other document will conflict with or result in
      a violation or breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a
      default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser
      or

                                      -14-

      the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Acquisition Subsidiary, or
      under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other contract or
      agreement to which the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party
      or by which they or their respective properties are bound, or violate any
      order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
      governmental body.

            4.3. FINDERS. Neither the Purchaser nor the Acquisition Subsidiary
      is a party to or in any way obligated under any contract or other
      agreement, and there are no outstanding claims against either of them, for
      the payment of any broker's or finder's fee in connection with the origin,
      negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement.

            5. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS PEND ING CLOSING.
The Company and the Shareholders jointly and severally covenant and agree with
the Purchaser that:

            5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. From the date of this Agree ment to the
      Closing Date, the business of the Company will be operated only in the
      ordinary course, and, in particular, without the prior written consent of
      the Purchaser, the Company will not, and the Shareholders will not cause
      or allow the Company to:

                   (i) cancel or permit any insurance to lapse or terminate,
            unless renewed or replaced by like coverage;

                   (ii) amend or otherwise modify its Articles of Incorporation
            or Bylaws;

                   (iii) take any action described in Section 3.8 (except as
            contemplated in Section 2.2(ii));

                   (iv) enter into any contract, agreement or other commitment
            of the type described in Section 3.13;

                    (v) hire, fire, reassign or make any other change in key
            personnel of the Company, or increase the rate of compensation of or
            declare or pay any bonuses to any employee in excess of that listed
            on Schedule 3.20; or

                   (vi) take any other action which would cause any of the
            representations and warranties made in Section 3 hereof not to be
            true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing
            Date with the same force and effect as if the same had been made on
            and as of the Closing Date.

                                      -15-

            5.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Prior to Closing, the Company will give
      to the Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other representatives,
      full and free access to all of the properties, books, contracts,
      commitments and records of the Company so that the Purchaser may have full
      opportunity to make such investigation as it shall desire to make of the
      affairs of the Company and the Homes.

            5.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders will
      use their best efforts to obtain the neces sary consents and approvals of
      other persons which may be required to be obtained on their part to
      consummate the trans actions contemplated by this Agreement.

            5.4. NO SHOP. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect,
      neither the Company nor any Shareholder shall enter into any agreements or
      commitments, or initiate, solicit or encourage any offers, proposals or
      expressions of interest, or otherwise hold any discussions with any
      potential buyers, investment bankers or finders, with respect to the
      possible sale or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of
      the assets and business of the Company or any other sale of the Company
      (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or stock or otherwise), other than
      with the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary as contemplated in this
      Agreement.

            5.5. COMPANY LIABILITIES. At or prior to the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall cause to be paid and discharged in full all liabilities
      and obligations of the Company, including (but not limited to)
      indebtedness for borrowed money, indebtedness secured by Liens against any
      assets or properties of the Company, accounts and trade payable, accrued
      liabilities, federal, state and local taxes, any liabilities under suits,
      claims, judgments or orders then pending or any other liability or
      obligation of the Company attributable to the operation of the its
      business prior to Closing (collectively, "General Liabilities"), EXCLUDING
      (i) obligations under preneed contracts for which the full amount has been
      deposited in trust as required under applicable law and (ii) indebted ness
      due and payable to NationsBank of South Carolina, N.A. ("NationsBank") in
      an amount not to exceed $843,000 (the "NationsBank Debt"). At the Closing,
      the Shareholders shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate of a duly
      authorized officer of NationsBank, certifying as to the amount, expressed
      in dollars, of all principal, interest and other charges (including
      prepayment penalties or premiums) required to pay and discharge the
      NationsBank Debt in full and release all Liens securing the same. Any
      General Liabilities remaining unpaid after the Closing shall be paid by
      the Shareholders and shall be subject to indemnification under Section
      10.1.

                                      -16-

            6. COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY PENDING
CLOSING. The Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally
covenant with the Shareholders that:

            6.1. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary will use their best efforts to obtain the necessary consents
      and approvals of other persons which may be required to be obtained on
      their part to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

            6.2. CONFIDENTIALITY. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and its
      representatives will hold in confidence any data and information obtained
      with respect to the Company from any representative, officer, director or
      employee of the Company, including their accountants or legal counsel, or
      from any books or records of any of them, in connection with the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that the Purchaser may
      disclose such information to its outside attorneys and accountants and to
      its lender, provided that the Purchaser shall remain responsible to the
      Company for any unauthorized disclosure thereof by such attorneys,
      accountants or lender. If the transactions contemplated hereby are not
      consummated, neither the Purchaser nor its representatives shall disclose
      such data or information to others, except as such data or information is
      published or is a matter of public knowledge or is required by an
      applicable law or regulation to be disclosed. If this Agreement is
      terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall return to the Company all
      written data and information obtained by the Purchaser from the Company or
      its representatives in connection with the transactions contem plated by
      this Agreement.

            7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE ACQUISITION
SUBSIDIARY. The obligations of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary
under this Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions, any of which
may be expressly waived by the Purchaser in writing:

            7.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Purchaser shall not have discovered any error, misstatement or omission in
      the representations and warranties made by the Shareholders in Section 3
      hereof; the represen tations and warranties made by the Shareholders
      herein shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of
      Closing and shall then be true and correct; the Company and the
      Shareholders shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have received a
      certificate, signed by the Shareholders and an executive officer of the
      Company, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1.

                                      -17-

            7.2.  OPINION OF COUNSEL.  The Shareholders shall have
      caused to be delivered to the Purchaser an opinion of Danny E.
      Allen, counsel for the Company and the Shareholders, dated the
      Closing Date, to the effect that:

                     (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of South
            Carolina, with full corporate authority to enter into and perform
            its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

                    (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
            10,000 shares of Common Stock, $10.00 par value, of which 4,680
            shares are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and
            nonassessable;

                   (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, after due inquiry,
            there are no outstanding subscriptions, options or other agreements
            or commitments obligating the Company to issue any shares of its
            capital stock or securities convertible into shares of its capital
            stock;

                    (iv) the Shareholders are the record and bene ficial owners
            of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
            Company as shown on Annex A to the Plan of Merger, free and clear of
            any and all Liens, and the Shareholders have full capacity to enter
            into and perform their obligations in accordance with this Agree
            ment;

                     (v) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company
            of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly authorized
            and approved by all necessary corporate action required on the part
            of the Company;

                    (vi) this Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly
            and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and this
            Agreement and the Plan of Merger con stitute the valid and binding
            obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (vii) this Agreement and the other documents to be executed
            and delivered hereunder by the Shareholders (as shall be specified
            in such opinion) have been duly and validly executed and delivered
            by the Shareholders, and this Agreement and such other documents
            constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Shareholders
            enforceable against them in accordance with their respective terms;

                                      -18-

                  (viii) other than with respect to the NationsBank Debt,
            neither the execution, delivery or consummation of the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any of such
            other documents will (x) result in the breach of or constitute a
            default under the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company
            or any loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust
            or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and to which
            either the Company or any Shareholder is a party or by which they or
            their respec tive assets are bound, or (y) violate any order, writ,
            injunction or decree known to such counsel of any court,
            administrative agency or governmental body;

                    (ix) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Company and the Shareholders of
            this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any of such other documents;
            and

                     (x) to the knowledge of such counsel after due inquiry,
            there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
            pending or threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its
            assets, at law or in equity or before or by any court or federal,
            state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
            board, agency or instrumentality.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of the Shareholders and officers of the Company and
      certificates of public officials, copies of which shall be provided to the
      Purchaser at Closing. Any opinion as to the enforceability of any document
      may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
      similar laws affecting creditors' rights and by principles of equity. Such
      opinion may be limited to federal law and the internal laws of the State
      of South Carolina.

            7.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholders shall
      have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons and governmental
      authorities to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            7.4. NO LOSS OR DAMAGE. Prior to the Closing there shall not have
      occurred any loss or damage to the physical assets and properties of the
      Company, including (without limitation) any of the Real Property or any
      improvements located thereon (regardless of whether such loss or damage
      was insured), the effect of which would have a material adverse effect on
      the condition, business, operations or prospects of the Company or any
      Home.

                                      -19-

            7.5. APPROVAL BY COUNSEL. All actions, proceedings, instruments and
      documents required to carry out the trans actions contemplated by this
      Agreement or incidental thereto and all other related legal matters shall
      be subject to the approval of counsel for the Purchaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary, and such counsel shall have been furnished with
      such certified copies of actions and proceedings and other instruments and
      documents as they shall have requested.

            7.6. PRE-ACQUISITION REVIEW. The Purchaser and its representatives
      shall have completed a pre-acquisition review of the financial
      information, books and records, and proper ties and assets of the Company
      and the Homes, and shall have discovered no change in the business,
      assets, operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company or the
      Homes which could, in the sole determination of the Purchaser, have a
      material adverse effect on the value to the Purchaser of the business,
      assets, financial condition or prospects of the Company or the Homes.

            7.7. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Each Manager shall have executed and
      delivered to the Acquisition Subsidiary his respective Employment
      Agreement. The Acquisition Subsidiary and the Purchaser shall be
      responsible for negotiating and securing such Employment Agreements and
      shall exercise all reasonable efforts in order to satisfy (or waive) this
      condition precedent no later than June 26, 1996.

            7.8. ENVIRONMENTAL, OSHA AND STRUCTURAL REPORTS. There shall have
      been conducted, at the Purchaser's expense, (i) a Phase I (and, if deemed
      necessary by Purchaser, a Phase II) environmental audit of each Home and
      the Real Property by an environmental consulting firm selected by
      Purchaser (or, in lieu thereof, in the sole discretion of the Purchaser,
      environmental questionnaires completed and signed by the Manager of each
      such Home, on forms provided by the Acquisition Subsidiary and approved by
      its lender), (ii) a health and safety inspection of the Homes by a person
      (who may be an employee of the Purchaser) or firm selected by the
      Purchaser and who is qualified and experienced in such matters in the
      funeral service industry, and (iii) a structural inspection of the Homes
      by an engineering firm selected by the Purchaser. The Shareholders agree
      to take the action (and pay any costs in taking such action) as may be
      reasonably recommended by such firms and/or persons, up to $15,000 in the
      aggregate. In any event, it shall be a condition to the Purchaser's
      obligations hereunder that the results of the reports of such firms or
      persons (together with any remedial action, if any, taken by Shareholders,
      regardless of the cost, in response thereto) shall be satisfactory to
      Purchaser in its sole discretion.

                                      -20-

            7.9. TITLE INSURANCE. The Shareholders shall have provided, at their
      expense, an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance issued to the Surviving
      Corporation in an agreed-upon amount, issued by a title company with
      offices in Spartanburg County, South Carolina and reasonably acceptable to
      the Surviving Corporation (the "Title Company"), insuring the Surviving
      Corporation's interest in the Real Property, subject only to the Permitted
      Liens and any standard printed exceptions included in a South Carolina
      standard form Policy of Title Insurance; provided, however, that such
      policy shall have deleted any exception regarding restrictions or be lim
      ited to restrictions that are Permitted Liens, any standard exception
      pertaining to discrepancies, conflicts or shortages in area shall be
      deleted except for "shortages in area", and any standard exception for
      taxes shall be limited to taxes not yet due and payable in 1996 and
      subsequent years.

            7.10. SURVEY. The Purchaser shall have received, at the
      Shareholders' expense, an ALTA/ACSM survey prepared by a licensed surveyor
      approved by the Purchaser and acceptable to the Title Company, with
      respect to each parcel of Real Property, which survey shall comply with
      any applicable stan dards under South Carolina law, be sufficient for
      Title Company to delete any survey exception contained in the owner's
      policy of title insurance referred to in Section 7.9, save and except for
      the phrase "shortages in area", and otherwise be in form and content
      acceptable to Purchaser.

            7.11. FINANCING COMMITMENT. The Purchaser shall have received from
      Provident Services, Inc. or another financial institution acceptable to it
      a written commitment, containing such terms and conditions and otherwise
      in form and substance acceptable to the Purchaser, providing for the
      extension of financing and other financial accommodations in order to
      provide the portion of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the Plan of
      Merger) that is not furnished by the Purchaser or obtained by the
      Purchaser from other sources, and such commitment shall have been funded
      in such amount contemporaneously with the Closing.

            7.12. LIEN RELEASES. The holders of the Liens against any assets of
      the Company, including any of the Real Property (other than Permitted
      Liens) shall have executed and delivered written releases of such Liens,
      all in recordable form and otherwise acceptable to the Purchaser and its
      lender. In addition, the Purchaser shall have received from NationsBank
      the certificate referred to in Section 5.5 indicating that the amount of
      the NationsBank Debt is not more than $843,000 (or, if more, then the
      Shareholders shall have paid the amount of the difference prior to any
      funding by the Purchaser), and the Purchaser shall also have received a
      certificate from a duly authorized officer of Lee Brothers to

                                      -21-

      the effect that the total amount owed to that firm in respect of the
      transactions hereunder is not more than $287,000.

            7.13. OTHER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS. The Share holders shall have
      identified to the Purchaser such other personnel of the Homes (in addition
      to the Managers) as may be key to the continued effective management and
      operation of the Homes after the Closing, and (if the Shareholders shall
      have identified any such personnel) the Purchaser shall have entered into
      mutually satisfactory arrangements regarding the continued employment of
      such personnel at the Homes following the Closing.

            7.14. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. The aggregate balance of the Closing
      Date Receivables shall not be more than $450,000.00.

            8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS.
The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders under this Agreement shall
be subject to the following conditions, any of which may be expressly waived by
the Shareholders in writing:

            8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; COVENANTS PERFORMED. The
      Shareholders shall not have discovered any ma terial error, misstatement
      or omission in the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser
      and the Acquisition Subsidiary in Section 4 hereof; the representations
      and warranties made by the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary herein
      shall be deemed to have been made again at and as of the time of Closing
      and shall then be true and correct; the Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have performed and complied with all agreements and
      conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
      them at or prior to the Closing; and the Shareholders shall have received
      a certificate, signed by an executive officer of each of the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect of the foregoing provisions of
      this Section 8.1.

            8.2. OPINION OF COUNSEL. The Purchaser shall have caused to be
      delivered to the Shareholders an opinion of counsel for the Purchaser and
      the Acquisition Subsidiary, to the effect that:

                    (i) the Purchaser is a corporation duly organ ized, validly
            existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power to enter into and
            perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger;
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized,
            validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
            South Carolina, and has all requisite

                                      -22-

            corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under this
            Agreement and the other documents contemplated herein to be executed
            and delivered by the Acquisition Subsidiary (as shall be specified
            in such opinion);

                   (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser
            and the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement and such other
            documents have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary
            corporate action required on their part;

                  (iii) this Agreement is, and upon execution and delivery as
            herein provided such other documents will be, valid and binding upon
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary, enforceable against
            the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary in accordance with
            their respective terms;

                   (iv) neither the execution, delivery or per formance by the
            Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of
            such other documents will conflict with or result in a violation or
            breach of any term or provision of, nor constitute a default under,
            the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Purchaser, the
            Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Acquisi tion Subsidiary
            or under any loan or credit agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of
            trust or other contract or agreement known to such counsel and to
            which the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary is a party or by
            which they or their respective properties are bound, or violate any
            order, writ, injunction or decree known to such counsel and of any
            court, administrative agency or governmental body; and

                    (v) no authorization, approval or consent of or declaration
            or filing with any governmental authority or regulatory body,
            federal, state or local, is necessary or required in connection with
            the execution and delivery by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of such other documents, or the
            per formance of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

      Such opinion may, as to matters of fact, be given in reliance upon
      certificates of officers of the Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary,
      and on certificates of public offi cials, copies of which shall be
      provided to the Shareholders at Closing. Any opinion as to the
      enforceability of any document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorgani zation, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors
      rights and by principles of equity. Such opinion may be limited to federal
      law, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the internal
      laws of the State of Texas.

                                      -23-

            8.3. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Purchaser and the Acquisition
      Subsidiary shall have obtained all consents and approvals of other persons
      and governmental authorities to the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement.

            8.4. RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The Acquisition Subsidiary shall have
      executed and delivered the Employment Agreements to the Managers.

            9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

            9.1. NATURE OF STATEMENTS. All statements contained in this
      Agreement or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto shall be deemed
      representations and warranties of the party executing or delivering the
      same.

            9.2. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Regard less of any
      investigation made at any time by or on behalf of any party hereto, all
      covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made hereunder or
      pursuant hereto or any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or in connection with
      the trans actions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not terminate but
      shall survive the Closing and continue in effect thereafter.

            10.   INDEMNIFICATION.

            10.1. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders jointly
      and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and
      (following the Effective Time of the Merger) the Surviving Corporation,
      and their respective successors and assigns, from and against any and all
      losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses (any one such
      item being herein called a "Loss" and all such items being herein
      collectively called "Losses") which are caused by or arise out of (i) any
      breach or default in the performance by the Company or any Shareholder of
      any covenant or agreement of the Company or the Shareholders contained in
      this Agree ment, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or erroneous
      representation made by any Shareholder herein, in any Schedule delivered
      to the Purchaser pursuant hereto or in any certifi cate or other
      instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company or any Shareholder
      pursuant hereto, (iii) any General Liability of the Company of any kind or
      nature, whether absolute or contingent, known or unknown, to the extent
      not paid or discharged as provided in Section 5.5, and (iv) any and all
      actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs and
      expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incident to any of the
      foregoing.

                                      -24-

            10.2. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE PURCHASER. The Pur chaser and the
      Acquisition Subsidiary jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
      harmless the Shareholders and their heirs and assigns from and against any
      Losses which are caused by or arise out of (i) any breach or default in
      the performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary of any
      covenant or agreement of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary
      contained in this Agreement, (ii) any breach of warranty or inaccurate or
      erroneous representation made by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
      Subsidiary herein or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by
      or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary pursuant
      hereto, and (iii) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims,
      demands, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees)
      incident to any of the foregoing.

            10.3. THIRD PARTY CLAIMS. If any third person asserts a claim
      against a party entitled to indemnification hereunder ("indemnified
      party") that, if successful, might result in a claim for indemnification
      against another party hereunder ("indemnifying party"), the indemnifying
      party shall be given prompt written notice thereof and shall have the
      right (i) to participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at
      its own expense, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve
      any settlement if the indemnifying party is, or will be, required to pay
      any amounts in connec tion therewith, which approval shall not be
      unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within
      ten business days after delivery of the indemnified party's notice
      described above, the indemnifying party indicates in writing to the
      indemnified party that, as between such parties, such claims shall be
      fully indemnified for by the indemnifying party as provided herein, then
      the indemnifying party shall have the right to control the defense of such
      claim, provided that the indemnified party shall have the right (i) to
      participate in the defense thereof and be repre sented, at its own
      expenses, by advisory counsel selected by it, and (ii) to approve any
      settlement if the indemnified party's interests are, or would be, affected
      thereby.

            10.4. SECURITY FOR INDEMNITY; LETTER OF CREDIT. The obligations of
      the Shareholders under this Section 10 to indemnify the Surviving
      Corporation and the Purchaser shall, for a period of two years following
      the Closing (the "Letter of Credit Period") be secured by an irrevocable
      standby letter of credit (together, with any and all renewals and
      replacements, the "Indemnity Letter of Credit") issued by Chesnee State
      Bank in Chesnee, South Carolina ("CSB") for the account of the
      Shareholders (or a corporation controlled by them) in favor of the
      Purchaser, as beneficiary. The Indemnity Letter of Credit shall be in the
      amount of $150,000, shall be dated the Closing Date and shall be in
      substantially

                                      -25-

      the form of Exhibit C attached hereto. The foregoing shall not relieve the
      Shareholders of their personal indemnification obligations hereunder.

            11.   TERMINATION.

            11.1. BEST EFFORTS TO SATISFY CONDITIONS. The Company and the
      Shareholders agree to use their best efforts to bring about the
      satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7 hereof; and the
      Purchaser and the Acquisition Subsidiary agree to use their best efforts
      to bring about the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8
      hereof.

            11.2. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated prior to Closing
      by:

                  (a) the mutual written consent of the Shareholders and the
            Purchaser;

                  (b) the Purchaser if a material default shall be made by the
            Company or any Shareholder in the observance or in the due and
            timely performance by any of their covenants herein contained, or if
            there shall have been a material breach or misrepresentation by the
            Company or any Shareholder of any of their warranties and represen
            tations herein contained, or if the conditions of this Agreement to
            be complied with or performed by the Company or any Shareholder at
            or before the Closing shall not have been complied with or performed
            at the time required for such compliance or performance and such
            noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been expressly waived
            by the Purchaser in writing;

                  (c) the Shareholders if a material default shall be made by
            the Purchaser or the Acquisition Subsidiary in the observance or in
            the due and timely performance by the Purchaser or the Acquisition
            Subsidiary of any of their covenants herein contained, or if there
            shall have

                                      -26-

            been a material breach or misrepresentation by the Purchaser or the
            Acquisition Subsidiary of any of their warranties and
            representations herein contained, or if the conditions of this
            Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Purchaser and the
            Acquisition Subsidiary at or before the Closing shall not have been
            complied with or performed at the time required for such compli ance
            or performance and such noncompliance or nonper formance shall not
            have been expressly waived by the Shareholders in writing; or

                  (d) either the Shareholders or the Purchaser, if the Closing
            has not occurred by June 30, 1996.

            11.3. LIABILITY UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (a) or (d) of Section 11.2, then no party shall have any
      liability to any other parties here under. If this Agreement is terminated
      under paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 11.2, then (i) the party so
      terminating this Agreement shall not have any liability to any other party
      hereto, provided the terminating party has not breached any representation
      or warranty or failed to comply with any of its covenants in this
      Agreement, and (ii) such termination shall not prejudice the rights and
      remedies of the terminating party against any other party which has
      breached any of its representations, warranties or covenants herein prior
      to such termination.

            12.   POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

            12.1. CLOSING DATE RECEIVABLES. As described in Section 2.2(ii), all
      of the Closing Date Receivables (as well as the other items described in
      said Section 2.2(ii)) shall be distributed to the Shareholders effective
      immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger. At the Closing, the
      Shareholders shall provide to the Purchaser a listing (certified by them
      to be complete and accurate) of the Closing Date Receivables in order to
      identify those to be distributed to them. Notwithstanding such
      distribution, the Purchaser shall have the exclusive (even as to the
      Shareholders) right and control over the collection of Closing Date
      Receivables. After the Closing, for each month in which any Closing Date
      Receivables are collected, the Purchaser shall remit 100% of such
      collections to the Shareholders (in accordance with their respective
      interests shown on Annex A to the Plan of Merger), or any person
      designated in writing by them to receive such payments, by no later than
      the 15th day of the following month. The Purchaser shall have no duty to
      pursue collection of Closing Date Receivables by means greater than used
      on its collection of other accounts receivable, and in no event shall the
      Purchaser be required to institute suit or refer any account to a
      collection agency. In collecting such accounts,

                                      -27-

      the Purchaser will comply with normal and customary processing procedures
      under the South Carolina probate laws for the collection of funeral
      expenses. At any time after the Closing, the Purchaser may at any time, by
      written notice to the Shareholders, return the right and control over
      collection of Closing Date Receivables to the Shareholders, in which case
      the Purchaser shall be thereafter relieved of all further responsibility
      hereunder other than in respect of collections received prior to the
      giving of such notice.

            12.2. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS.

                  (a) NON-COMPETITION. If the Closing occurs, then for a period
            commencing on the Closing Date and ending ten (10) years thereafter,
            no Shareholder shall, directly or indirectly:

                          (i) engage, as principal, agent, trustee or through
                  the agency of any corporation, partner ship, association or
                  agent or agency, anywhere within a twenty-five (25) mile
                  radius of any Home (the "Territory"), in the funeral,
                  mortuary, crematory, monument, or any related line of business
                  (collectively, the "Business");

                         (ii) own or hold any beneficial interest in one percent
                  (1%) or more of the voting securi ties in any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity which conducts its
                  operations, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory;

                        (iii) become an employee of or consultant to, or
                  otherwise serve in any similar capacity with, any corporation,
                  partnership or other busi ness entity that conducts its
                  business, in whole or in part, in the Business within the
                  Territory; or

                         (iv) cause or induce any present or future employee of
                  the Purchaser or any of its affiliates (including the
                  Surviving Corporation) to leave the employ of the Purchaser or
                  any such affiliate to accept employment with such Share holder
                  or with any person, firm, association or corporation with
                  which such Shareholder may be or become affiliated.

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a
            Shareholder shall be deemed directly or indirectly engaged in the
            Business if he acts as a funeral director at any funeral
            establishment within the Territory, if a Shareholder engages in the
            sale or marketing of preneed funeral contracts for services to be
            performed within the

                                      -28-

            Territory, or if a Shareholder promotes or finances any family
            member or affiliate to operate a Business or engage in any of the
            foregoing activities within the Territory.

                  (b) REFORMATION. The above covenants shall not be held invalid
            or unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or actions
            subject thereto or restricted there by, or the period of time within
            which such covenants are operative; but any judgment of a court of
            competent jurisdiction may define the maximum territory and actions
            subject to and restricted thereby and the period of time during
            which such covenants are enforceable.

                  (c) REMEDIES. Each Shareholder agrees that any remedy at law
            for any actual or threatened breach of any of the foregoing
            covenants would be inadequate and that the Purchaser shall be
            entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive relief or
            both, by temporary or permanent injunction or such other appropriate
            judicial remedy, writ or order as may be entered into by a court of
            competent jurisdiction in addition to any damages that the Purchaser
            may be legally entitled to recover together with reasonable expenses
            of litigation, including attor neys' fees incurred in connection
            therewith, as may be approved by such court.

                  (d) REPRESENTATIONS. Each Shareholder represents and warrants
            to and agrees with the Purchaser that (i) such Shareholder
            understands that the foregoing restric tions are being made incident
            to and as a condition of consummation of the Merger, and that such
            covenants are necessary in order to protect the business and
            goodwill being acquired thereby, (ii) such covenants are not
            oppressive to such Shareholder in any respect, and (iii) the
            consideration for such restrictions is included in the Merger
            Consideration, which consideration such Shareholder acknowledges is
            fair and adequate for the giving of the covenants herein and for
            which such Shareholder acknowledges a direct and valuable benefit.

                  (e) MERGER CONSIDERATION ALLOCATION. The parties agree to
            allocate $50,000 of the Merger Consideration to the foregoing
            covenants for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section
            1060(a) of the Code. Such allocation is not intended to be a measure
            of the amount or range of damages which the Purchaser or any
            affiliate may suffer or recover as a result of any breach of the
            foregoing covenants, and the Shareholders acknowledge that in case
            of any such breach, the Purchaser shall be entitled to seek in
            excess of such amount as it may otherwise be able to demonstrate
            itself justly entitled to.

                                      -29-

                  (f) ANSEL COOLEY. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Ansel E.
            Cooley, Sr. only, the "Territory" to which the foregoing covenants
            apply shall not include any area within the State of North Carolina.

            12.3. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books, records, documents, dates and
      information relating to the business and operations of the Company prior
      to the Closing (collectively, "Records") shall belong to the Surviving
      Corporation, and should any Shareholder have or come into possession or
      control of any Records, the same shall immediately be turned over to the
      Surviving Corporation. The Purchaser agrees that the Shareholders shall be
      entitled to have access to Records after the Closing, upon reasonable
      notice during normal business hours, and to make copies therefrom (i) for
      the purpose of completing and filing the short-period tax return referred
      to in Section 1.4, and (ii) for any other proper purpose if, and only if,
      such inspection or copying is necessary in order for the requesting party
      to defend a claim arising after the Closing and then only to the extent
      that such inspection or copying is relevant to the defense of such claim.

            12.4 FUNERAL SERVICE CHARGES. Following the Closing, the Surviving
      Corporation will make available at any one of the Homes maintained by it,
      for each Shareholder and his or her current spouse (if applicable), a
      complete funeral service (including service and funeral merchandise, but
      exclusive of cemetery plots, markers or monuments) for a charge not to
      exceed the Surviving Corporation's wholesale merchandise cost.

            13.   MISCELLANEOUS.

            13.1. EXPENSES. Regardless of whether the Closing occurs, the
      parties shall pay their own expenses in connection with the negotiation,
      preparation and carrying out of this Agreement and the consummation of the
      transactions contem plated herein. If the transactions contemplated by
      this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto are consummated, the Company shall
      have no obligation for, nor shall the Company be charged with, any such
      expenses of the Shareholders. All sales, transfer, stamp or other similar
      taxes, if any, which may be assessed or charged in connection with the
      transactions hereunder shall be borne by the Shareholders.

            13.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other
      communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
      been given when personally delivered or three business days following the
      date, mailed, first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
      as follows:

                                      -30-

                   (i)  if to the Company or any Shareholder, to:

                        The named Shareholder
                        c/o Alverson Accounting
                        504 W. Cherokee Street
                        P.O. Box 9
                        Chesnee, South Carolina 29323

                        with a copy to:

                        Mr. Danny E. Allen
                        Magnolia Place
                        409-B Magnolia Street
                        P.O. Box 1146
                        Spartanburg, South Carolina  29304-1146

                  (ii)  if to the Purchaser or the Acquisition
                        Subsidiary, to:

                        Carriage Services, Inc.
                        1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1500
                        Houston, Texas 77056
                        Attention: Mr. Melvin C. Payne

                        with a copy to:

                        Snell & Smith, A Professional Corporation
                        1000 Louisiana, Suite 3650
                        Houston, Texas 77002
                        Attention: Mr. W. Christopher Schaeper

      or to such other address as shall be given in writing by any party to the
      other parties hereto.

            13.3. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party
      hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties; provided,
      however, that following the Closing the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation may assign its rights hereunder without the consent of the
      Shareholders to a successor-in-interest to the Purchaser or the Surviving
      Corporation, as the case may be (whether by merger, sale of assets or
      otherwise).

            13.4. SUCCESSORS BOUND. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.3,
      this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
      parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and
      personal representatives.

            13.5. SECTION AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The section and paragraph
      headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
      affect the meaning or interpre tation of this Agreement.

                                      -31-

            13.6. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument
      in writing executed by all of the parties hereto.

            13.7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Exhibits, Schedules,
      certificates and other documents referred to herein, constitute the entire
      agreement of the parties hereto, and supersede all prior understandings
      with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof (including, without
      limitation, the letter of intent dated April 23, 1996).

            13.8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be con strued and enforced
      under and in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of South
      Carolina.

            13.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
      each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
      constitute the same instrument.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of
the date first above written.

                                    THE PURCHASER:

                                    CARRIAGE SERVICES, INC.



                                    By: /s/ JAY D. DODDS
                                            Jay D. Dodds
                                            Vice President of Operations


                                    THE ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY:

                                    CARRIAGE FUNERAL SERVICES
                                    OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.



                                    By: /s/ JAY D. DODDS
                                            Jay D. Dodds
                                            Vice President of Operations

                                      -32-

                                    THE COMPANY:

                                    FOREST LAWN OF CHESNEE, INC.


                                    By: /s/ CURTIS C. GILBERT
                                            Curtis C. Gilbert, President

                                    THE SHAREHOLDERS:

                                    /s/ EDSEL L. CASH
                                        Edsel L. Cash


                                    /s/ ANSEL E. COOLEY, SR.
                                        Ansel E. Cooley, SR.


                                    /s/ FRANK E. COOLEY
                                        Frank E. Cooley


                                    /s/ BRUCE C. EHLICH
                                        Bruce C. Ehlich


                                    /s/ CURTIS C. GILBERT
                                        Curtis C. Gilbert


                                    /s/ GRACE LAWTER JOLLEY
                                        Grace Lawter Jolley


                                    /s/ CHARLES L. THOMPSON
                                        Charles L. Thompson


                                    /s/ JAMES B. THOMPSON
                                        James B. Thompson

                                      -33-

EXHIBIT                DESCRIPTION
- -------                -----------
    A                  Plan of Merger
    B-1                Employment Agreement (Sam Watts)
    B-2                Employment Agreement (Robert Gwinn)
    C                  Indemnity Letter of Credit

SCHEDULE               DESCRIPTION
- --------               -----------
2.2                    Distributed Property
3.6                    Real Property
3.8                    Changes
3.12                   Fixed Assets
3.13                   Contracts and Commitments
3.14                   Preneed Contracts and Trust Accounts
3.15                   Intangible Rights
3.17                   Licenses
3.20                   Employees
3.21                   Employee Benefit Plans

                                      -34-


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
July 18, 1996


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
                       CONSENT OF KEE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

As independant public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
(and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registation statement.

                                        KEE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

                                        By: /s/ J. THADDEUS KEE, CPA
                                          Name: J. Thaddeus Kee, CPA
                                          Title: Prsident

Uniontown, Ohio
July 18, 1996


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.7

                  CONSENT OF MCCAULEY, NICOLAS & COMPANY, LLC

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

By: /s/ KENNETH N. NICOLAS
Name: Kenneth N. Nicolas, CPA
Title: Member

July 18, 1996


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.8

                     CONSENT OF MICHAEL S. UPTON, CPA, P.A.

     As an independent public accountant, I hereby consent to the use of my
reports (and to all references to my firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

MICHAEL S. UPTON, CPA, P.A.

By: /s/ MICHAEL S. UPTON
Name: Michael S. Upton, CPA
Title: President

Greenville, South Carolina
July 18, 1996


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.9

                   CONSENT OF GITLIN, CAMPISE, PASCOE & BLUM

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

                                          GITLIN, CAMPISE, PASCOE & BLUM

West Hartford, Connecticut
July 18, 1996


                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.10

                       CONSENT OF SCOTT, CALLICOTTE & CO.

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

SCOTT, CALLICOTTE & CO.

By: /s/ JOHN C. CALLICOTTE
Name: John C. Callicotte, CPA
Title: Partner
July 18, 1996


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                     YEAR                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995             JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           7,573                   4,490
<SECURITIES>                                       864                       1
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,942                   4,108
<ALLOWANCES>                                       305                     360
<INVENTORY>                                      1,501                   2,140
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   605                   1,018
<PP&E>                                          23,981                  40,118
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,311                   2,994
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  61,746                  94,037
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            7,213                  10,134
<BONDS>                                              0                       0
                                0                       0
                                        157                     162
<COMMON>                                            25                      25
<OTHER-SE>                                       8,969                   8,463
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    61,746                  94,037
<SALES>                                         24,237                  16,925
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                24,237                  16,925
<CGS>                                           20,247                  13,536
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   20,247                  13,536
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,684                   2,644
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (1,800)                   (410)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       694                     251
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,494)                   (762)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,494)                   (762)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.66)                   (.17)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0                       0


</TABLE>


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