It was 1942 when John R. Dovin, and his wife Wanda, started the firm in a facility just down the street from where we're now located. Shortly after opening the doors, Wanda became a licensed funeral director - one of only two women at that time licensed to serve this county. They cared for the families of this community together for 50 years.

Only five years after they began, John and Wanda realized they needed a larger facility. They wished to have a building that was dedicated to funeral service from the outset, having realized that using a renovated, remodeled residence was not providing them with the most ideal setting in which to serve their client families. After picking a location, they set about designing, and building the first dedicated funeral home in the county. This marked their partnership, once again, as innovative.

Their son, Launey Dovin, first joined the firm as an intern. As is true with many family-operated funeral homes, Launey had become part of the business early: helping his mother and father in the day-to-day operations of the firm. He became a fully licensed funeral director in 1963.

Together they grew the business, incorporating significant changes in policy and process; always with the fundamental desire to better serve the diverse population of our community.

John R. and Wanda were extremely proud when their grandson John E. Dovin, the third generation of the Dovin family, joined the firm in 1988, after graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. The continuity of dedicated service by members of the Dovin family reflects the commitment they feel to the families in our area.

Today our staff is dedicated to meeting your needs. We will take the time to listen and make sure that every detail is followed to completion, with courteous and personalized service.

Associations

We are a member of the following associations:

National Funeral Directors Association

Better Business Bureau

Ohio Funeral Directors Association

Ohio Embalmers Association

Launey J. Dovin, Licensed Funeral Director / Embalmer/Owner/Manager Launey has been in funeral service for over 47 years. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1962, becoming licensed in 1963. Prior to that time, he was an important member of the staff here at Dovin Funeral Home, assisting his parents in the day-to-day operation of the firm. He was the first person certified as Mortician Enucleator for the Cleveland Eye Bank in Lorain, Huron and Erie counties. Launey is a member and past president of the Ohio Embalmers Association. He also served as Secretary of the Greater Lorain County Funeral Directors Association from 1979 to 2006. As a participating member of the Embalmers Associations of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, Launey introduced many innovations and progressive practices to funeral service through the presentation and dissemination of papers during local and statewide conventions. "I'm most proud to be following in my parents’ footsteps; leading the way to finer care for the families living in our area." Launey has been married, since 1965, to the former Susan Vanischak. Together they raised two children, John E., and Marie. John now serves alongside his father in the firm, and Marie is married to William C. Stumphauzer II. He and Susan enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, Olivia and Erica Dovin, and Evelyn and Nicholas Stumphauzer. His brother, Wayne, a retired high school teacher, often joins the family in the both holiday celebrations, and the more casual seasonal activities we all enjoy here in Lorain county.

John E. Dovin, Manager/Vice-President/Funeral Director/Embalmer John graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1988 with both Bachelor and Associate degrees, after having completed the requirements for an A.A. degree from Lorain County Community College in 1986. He is proud to be a graduate of the Lorain Catholic High School, having worn the cap and gown in the 1984 ceremonies. “As a third generation funeral director of our firm, I am proud to be continuing the commitment of my grandparents, John R. and Wanda Dovin. Throughout the past 20 years of service, my goal has always been to accommodate the needs of everyone with personal care, compassion and understand. I believe a funeral service should be a very special tribute to the life of the person who has passed away. My sincerity, knowledge and professionalism with guide families through difficult times. Taking the extra steps in helping during this time of need comes as second nature to me.” John is pleased to be a member of the St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church. He serves as a Board Member of the Community Health Partners Regional Foundation, and is an active member in the Kipton Sportsmen’s Club, and Vermillion Boat Club. His professional affiliations include the National Funeral Directors Association, and on the state level, the Ohio Embalmers Association, as well as the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. On a more local level, John belongs to the Cleveland Embalmers Association, the Cuyahoga County Funeral Directors Association, and the Greater Lorain Funeral Directors Association. John is married to Tina Dovin (nee Marini), who is also a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Together they’ve raised their two daughters, Olivia and Erica, who both attend St. Peters Catholic School in Lorain. He enjoys fishing, boating, and hunting; and of course, spending time with his family.

Margaret A. Bubash, Funeral Director / Embalmer Margaret has been a funeral service profession for over four years, having graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelor degree in 2004. Prior to that, she attended the University of Cincinnati, and is a proud graduate of Mount Notre Dame High School, class of 2000. She is proud to be the first member of her family to enter funeral service. “If there’s just one thing that I can do to touch peoples’ lives, then my help in their greatest time of sorrow is definitely my contribution. I always try to treat the families I serve in the same way I would treat my own; the concept of the Golden Rule runs through everything I do here at Dovin Funeral Home.” Margaret was raised in Mason, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati. Her family remained in Mason when Margaret moved to Lorain in 2004, to work with the Dovin family firm. Her free time often takes her back to Mason to visit her family; but when she’s not there with them, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, archery, hunting and taking long walks with her constant companions, Guinness and Dakota – two beautiful English Mastiffs.

Myron "Ron" Mager, Aftercare Advisor Myron, or "Ron" as he is commonly known, has served the Dovin Funeral Home Aftercare Advisor for the past two and a half years. In serving our families, his overriding goal has been to help them through a most difficult – and highly emotional – time. “I try to provide considerable personal contact as well as a variety of materials to help them in the grieving process.” Ron is a graduate of Admiral King High School, and Kent State University. He worked for 38 years in education, in both public and parochial schools, as a teacher, counselor, and principal. This experience honed his communication and instructive skills, and we consider him to be the perfect person to assist our client families in aftercare. “The funeral is not the end; it’s only the beginning for the living to rebuild their lives. It’s my intention to bring them the materials, direct them to the counseling agencies and bereavement support services in the area – so that they can restore their peace-of-mind, and move forward with their lives.” Ron is happily married. He and his wife Sharon have raised their two daughters, and now enjoy the company of a granddaughter. His favorite activities include watching the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavaliers, and local sports teams. Ron also serves as Vice-President of the Lorain Kiwanis Club, and is a Life member of the Kent State Alumni Association. He is an active member of the Lorain St. Mary Church, where he serves as a Eucharistic minister for the Church. Part of his duties as such takes him to the Anchor Lodge Nursing Home, where he provides communion services to residents.