Our Compassionate Funeral Staff

Born and raised in Whittier, Phil is the fifth-generation of the White family to own and operate White Emerson Mortuary. Faith, family, food and hospitality is mostly what Phil knew throughout the entirety of his youth. His parents, Dave and Lynn, would host weekly Bible studies for anywhere between 10 and 100 people, all of which they would feed. Phil only remembers a handful of times that it was just his family at the dinner table; there were always additional mouths to feed. That is probably why cooking is now one of Phil’s passions.

Phil graduated from Whittier Christian High School. Saving money to go to college, he figured working for the family business was the best way to make due (all the while making it clear he had no desire to follow in the family business). After a short period of time, the funeral service was called to Phil. The first hug of gratitude he received; the realization that it is ok to cry with those who hurt; and the understanding that we are serving God by comforting His children made it clear to Phil that he was here to stay. After taking over the family business, the Whittier Narrows Earthquake of 1987 destroyed the mortuary building. With the encouragement of his father, David (fourth-generation owner), Phil acted as Owner and Builder, rebuilding the current mortuary facility. 

In 1984, Phil married his bride, Rebekah. Together they have two children, Paul and Annie, who both work for the family business. He is the proud grandfather to his three grandchildren. Phil has been an avid outdoor sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing. He also loves his annual garden which aids his passion for cooking. Most of all, he is grateful for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Paul White is the sixth-generation of funeral directors in his family’s business. At age 16 he attended the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College and earned an Associates degree in Mortuary Science. He went on to graduate from Biola University in La Mirada with a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. After college, Paul moved to Utah to work for a non-profit organization. After his time in non-profit service, he joined the funeral profession again while living in Salt Lake City. He and his family would eventually move back to California to join his family’s business in Whittier.

Paul enjoys engaging with his local community, including being a part of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Whittier Host Lions Club. In 2013, he helped found the Transitional Care Task Force (LA Chapter), a partnership of funeral service providers and hospice organizations helping families transition from hospice care to funeral service.

Paul is licensed as a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Crematory Manager in California. He also holds his Funeral Directors license in the state of Utah. Growing up around the business has had a profound impact on his life, as he has learned to appreciate every day as a gift from The Lord.

Richard was born in Arkansas (please don’t hold this against me!). His family moved west when he was 6 years old. Raised in the San Gabriel Valley, he attended Pasadena College where he was the Drum Major of the Official Tournament of Roses Band for two consecutive years. He went on to attend East Los Angeles College and Azusa Pacific University’s Masters in Conducting Program. Answering Uncle Sam’s invitation, he took basic training at Ft. Dix, New Jersey and Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) training at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Following his military release, he worked as an Operations Manager for the former Security Pacific National Bank, before that later merged with Bank of America.

Feeling a higher-calling, he studied at Berean School of the Bible, now known as Global University in Springfield, Missouri. As a licensed minister, he served as a Worship Arts Director at First Family Church in Whittier developing musical and artistic worship expressions. During his time in ministry, he composed and created musical productions, produced choral recordings and sang with the Bonner Singers – recording in London and singing for the opening of Disneyland Paris, France. During this time he also served as musical conductor of the Southern California Edison Company Chorale, performing various community service performances.

After years in music, Richard found himself ready to step into a more personal and supportive role as a Chaplain for Silverado Hospice Company, eventually leading to his current position with White Emerson Mortuary. Richard earned his Grief Specialist Certification from the Grief Recovery Institute and conducts grief support meetings to help those who have suffered a loss. He finds great satisfaction in serving families in their greatest time of sorrow and pain. Helping them find ways of honoring their loved ones is very fulfilling.

Richard is married to his extraordinary wife, Ronalyn, and together they have two sons and two, loving daughters-in-law. His favorite pastime is spending time with his two, beautiful granddaughters.

Kyle Gruendyke was born and raised right here in Whittier, California. College relocated him to Indiana, where he earned a bachelor’s in business from Trine University. Prior to funeral service, Kyle pursued a career in professional sports- spending time with the Texas Rangers in Ticket Sales and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Customer Service. Kyle was recruited to White Emerson in 2018 and began by washing vehicles, running errands, and learning the ropes in all facets of the industry. Time and opportunity have allowed him to now be a licensed funeral director and White Emerson’s Managing Director. “I feel great satisfaction serving at White Emerson Mortuary. This vocation is a ministry to our community along with special legacy ties in my own personal life. My father, Scott Gruendyke, was a funeral director at White Emerson up until his passing in 2007. Serving as a 2nd generation funeral director at the same firm as my father gives me an added pride in service to families.” Outside of his professional life, Kyle still resides here in Whitter and enjoys golfing, reading and hosting company for game nights.

Bio coming soon!

Dan was Born in Los Angeles, raised in South Orange County, and married in Whittier. Dan has been serving families in the funeral profession since 2013 and takes great pride in helping others through such a significant life event. As a creative, he takes great joy in helping bring family’s visions to life. His talents are displayed through White Emerson’s print and digital media and custom cemetery monuments - all of which are pivotal in reinforcing the dedicated caring culture or our firm.

Miguel was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas where he attended Roy Miller High School. After graduating from high school, Miguel joined the United States Marine Corps where he served his country proudly for two years. After his time in the Marines, he attended college.

Miguel joined the team at White Emerson Mortuary in 1996 as a funeral assistant. “Working for White Emerson has been extremely rewarding because I get to help families in a time of need,” he shares. When he is not at work, he likes to BBQ and spend time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoys serving in his community as an Elder through Cornerstone Celebration Center International Church in Whittier.

Though Cecilia came to White Emerson in 2014, she has actually served in the funeral industry for 18 years. Her primary responsibility is in the role of service director, assisting families and clergy in coordinating the details of funeral services, including church services, as well as ceremonies at the graveside. Cecilia is bilingual, helping her serve diverse families from the broader Whittier community. She most enjoys serving families during a sensitive time of need, helping provide comfort and peace of mind during a difficult time.

Cecilia is a native to Southern California and enjoys music and singing, surfing, spending time with her daughters, and taking long walks, spending time with God. She has been married to her husband Mike for almost 25 years; they make their home in Whittier.