Our Story
We have over 60 years of experience caring for families in the Eustis, Umatilla, Mount Dora, Tavares, Sorrento and Zellwood area, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy
Clarence E. Harden and Albert Layton co-founded the Layton-Harden Funeral Home of Eustis in 1958. Their goal was to provide the residents with excellence in funeral services. The first service ever conducted was on August 17, 1958 for Oscar William Henn, a prominent longtime resident of Eustis. When Layton-Harden Funeral Home opened, they also ran a 24-hour ambulance service, serving the Central Florida area. This was a common practice that funeral homes fulfilled. Clarence, his wife, Dorothy, and daughter, Kathy lived at the funeral home so they could attend to the needs of all families around the clock.
In the Mid-1960’s, State Road 19 also known as Bay Street was widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. When the state zoned which property was to be used for the expansion, it was decided that the east side would be used for all right of ways and expansion. This in essence cut the funeral home chapel by about 1/3 and left no front lawn.
In 1966 Clarence purchased the interest in the funeral home from Al Layton and renamed it to Clarence E. Harden Funeral Home. It was changed again a few years later to Harden Funeral Home. In 1971 the funeral home had it’s largest and most extensive remodeling to date. A 4-car garage, new entrance, lobby and 2nd floor living quarters were added. In 1981, a new garage was then built onto the backend of the funeral home because the 4-car garage had been slowly remodeled for offices and to make room for a new casket display room to help meet the ongoing needs of a growing business.
Mr. Harden introduced to Lake County residents: Itemized pricing of services (years before it was required by the U. S. Federal Trade Commission), crematable caskets, and prepaid funeral services funded by life insurance. Harden/Pauli Funeral Home is a member by invitation of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a charter member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida.
