Veteran of Oklahoma funeral industry named executive director of Resurrection Memorial Cemetery

OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Paul Coakley on Monday announced the hiring of Branden Seid as the executive director of Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in northwest Oklahoma City near the Catholic Pastoral Center. Seid replaces Christina T. Ford, who is retiring Feb. 5 after nearly 40 years of dedicated service, including 23 years as director.

“I am excited to begin this new journey and am thankful for the trust of Archbishop Coakley, who views this position the same way I do – as a service to the community, to Catholics in the archdiocese and to the families who count on us during difficult times,” Seid said. “I also want to thank Joe and Todd Kernke and the staff of Smith & Kernke Funeral Directors, who provided me with an excellent example of professionalism and care that prepared me to take on this new role. They have been a blessing to me and my family, and to many Oklahoma families for generations.”

Seid (Pronounced side) grew up in Torrington, Wy., where he graduated from Torrington High School. After graduation, he attended college at the University of Wyoming, University of South Carolina and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2004.

After working in the funeral industry in northern Oklahoma for several years, he joined the staff of Smith & Kernke Funeral Directors in February 2012.

Seid and his wife Katie have two daughters, Olivia and Aubrey. They are members at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City and are active in the support of Rosary School.

As executive director, Seid will manage and oversee the operation of Resurrection Cemetery, including financial management, planning operations and development while upholding the standards of the Catholic Church.

For more information about Resurrection Cemetery, go online to resurrectionmemorialcemetery.com or contact (405) 721-4191, [email protected].