Mangum Funeral is one of the oldest firms in Center, Shelby County, Texas. The original funeral home began in 1910 as "S.P. Irvin Undertaking Company." It was located near the Center Square and included other services such as gas filling station, shoe repair and picture framing.
Mr. Grover Cleveland Mangum was a pharmacist when he came to Center in 1910. He worked at John C. Rogers Drug Company until failing health required that he look for another occupation. He attended mortuary school and became a licensed funeral and embalmer.
Mr. Irving and Mr. Mangum became partners in 1925. Upon the death of Mr. Irving, Mr. Mangum bought the partnership and moved to the present location on San Augustine Street. In 1932 the name was changed to Mangum Funeral Home. The facility was remodeled in 1939, changing Mangum Funeral Home to the largest funeral home facility in the South. This statement appeared on advertising for many years.
In 1939 Mr. R. E. Watson and E. W. Haley, both licensed funeral directors for the State of Texas joined the staff of the funeral home. After the death of Mr. Mangum in 1947, the funeral home was purchased by R. E. Watson and E. W. Haley.
In 1995, E. W. Haley died and the business was completely owned by R. E. Watson. In 1997, R. E. Watson retired and the funeral home was purchased by his son, Mr. Bill M. Watson.