Ron and John Stoneman direct a funeral in Reigate, circa 1930.
Stoneman Funeral Service has been part of Surrey’s history since 1865. We’re now in our sixth generation of family ownership, and for many local families, we’re not just their funeral directors – we’re woven into the fabric of the community, just as they are.
Our story spans from Victorian horse-drawn hearses to today’s elegant Jaguar fleet, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving each family with personal attention and genuine care. Whether you’re planning ahead or need immediate support, we’re here to guide you through every decision with understanding and professionalism.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a family that has cared for generations of Surrey families, and we treat every family we serve with the same respect, dignity, and compassion we would want for our own loved ones.
Our Family Today
Chris Stoneman is our managing director and represents the fifth generation of the family. His daughters Mollie and Maisie, and nephew William, are the sixth generation and all serve as company directors.
You’ll see Chris and William directing funerals, while Mollie arranges funerals with families. Maisie works behind the scenes managing day-to-day operations. We’ve grown up in this profession and care about serving our community – from the funerals you see to all the careful work that happens behind the scenes.
Our Journey Through Surrey’s History
1865 – The Beginning in Redhill
John Stoneman and his family moved to Surrey from South Devon in 1865 and established J. Stoneman and Sons in Brighton Road, Redhill. The business served the community as funeral furnishers, cabinet makers, upholsterers, and builders – trades that were essential to everyday life in Victorian Surrey. The premises changed to Cromwell Road and Station Road a few years later.
1913 – Leading the Way
We built the first motor hearse in the borough at our Redhill coachworks – a sign of our commitment to moving forward while respecting tradition. This was a significant moment for the local community.
1932 – Opening in Reigate
The company purchased Ron and Pearl Stoneman’s family home at 49 Bell Street, Reigate, and transformed the house into a funeral office and memorial showroom. This office continues today as our memorial masonry service, where memorials are hand-cut or sandblasted. It’s conveniently located opposite Reigate Priory Car Park and near the Registrar’s Office.
1952 – Creating Doran Court
The same year, we purchased and converted Doran Court in Redhill into our main funeral home, designed with a service chapel seating 56 people, three private arrangement rooms, and six viewing rooms. Our original promotional material said: “In the quiet spirit of this ancient homestead, those suffering great loss can find help and some lightening of their burden.” Over seventy years later, we still hold this sentiment close to our hearts.
The chapel at Doran Court has become the heart of our service to families. It provides a peaceful space where people can take the time they need, without feeling rushed. The garden and surrounding spaces offer quiet places for reflection and for families to be together.
2000 – Continuing the Galyer & Co. Legacy
Having worked with the Stephens family since 1952, when Mr and Mrs Stephens retired, we were honored to continue their work, and purchased 45 High Street, Godstone. In 2003, we expanded next door to number 47. We opened a Chapel of Rest with a service of dedication in October 2003, ensuring Godstone continued to have local funeral service.
2004 – Growing to Tadworth
We opened an office at 11 Shelvers Hill, Tadworth, with a Chapel of Rest dedicated in November 2004. In 2009, when number 10 became available, we combined the two properties to add another Chapel of Rest and a comfortable lounge area for funeral arrangements.
2010 – Joining with Sherlock Funeral Service
We purchased Sherlock and Sons in Dorking, another established family business that had been serving the Dorking community for over 100 years. The two families now work together, combining generations of experience and local knowledge. Sherlock Funeral Service continues to operate from Trellis House, 190 South Street, Dorking.
2012 – Investing in Excellence
We purchased a new fleet of Jaguar hearses and limousines, all with matching number plates. Together with our well-maintained premises and experienced staff, this investment reflects our commitment to providing dignified, first-class service.
2013 – Serving Crawley Down
We purchased the Old Village Stores in Crawley Down and carefully restored it, adding a private arrangement room and two Chapels of Rest. It opened in January 2014, bringing our family service to another local community.
2014-2015 – Anniversary Years
In 2014, a service of dedication took place to mark 10 years of serving Tadworth and the surrounding area. The following year, we celebrated our 150th Anniversary with an open day in memory of John Stoneman (1935-2012).
What Makes Us Different
Deep Local Roots – We’ve been part of Surrey’s history for over 160 years. We know the local area intimately – the churches, crematoriums, cemeteries, and venues – because we’ve been serving here through generations.
True Family Business – Six generations have dedicated their lives to serving this community. When you work with us, you’re working with people who have grown up understanding the importance of compassion, dignity, and respect.
Comfortable, Private Facilities – From our main funeral home at Doran Court to our offices across Surrey, we provide peaceful spaces where families can arrange funerals in comfort and spend private time in our chapels of rest.
Complete Service – We handle everything, from initial arrangements through to memorial masonry at our Reigate office. Our elegant Jaguar fleet ensures every journey is conducted with dignity.