Former local funeral director sued in Morris-David case

By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
Published on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:19 AM MST

A former funeral director of the Morris-David Safford Funeral Home is named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed against the funeral home in Pima County Superior Court.

According to the suit filed by Matthew Mendoza, Anthony E. Davis was working as the responsible funeral director in August 2007, when the body of Mendoza’s father was entrusted to Morris-David’s for funeral and interment services.

A responsible funeral director is a management position. Morris-David was required to hire a responsible funeral director so the funeral home could remain open after the license of co-owner Melissa Morris was suspended by the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in 2006. She was placed on probation by the agency after the six-month suspension.

Davis, who resigned as responsible funeral director after a Feb. 19, 2008, hearing before the state board in connection with the Mendoza complaint, was given a letter of reprimand by the board, said Rudy Thomas, the board’s executive director. The board also revoked Morris’ license.

In his complaint, Mendoza alleged he was not permitted to see his father prior to cremation and he did not receive his father’s personal property that was entrusted to the funeral home.

The elder Mendoza had personal items in his possession when he died, according to the Clifton Police Depart-ment, but Davis denied the existence of the items, according to the lawsuit. The allegedly missing items include $600 in cash, a wallet, a Waterman fountain pen, a reproduction World War II bullet lighter and a wedding ring.

Mendoza accuses Davis and the funeral home of “reckless disregard” for the potential of significant harm to Mendoza. The actions by the funeral home and Davis were “committed by evil hands guided by evil minds,” according to Mendoza.

In his suit, Mendoza is asking for compensatory and punitive damages “in an amount sufficient to deter defendants and others from committing similar conduct now or in the future.”

A Courier reporter called his Globe residence, but Davis could not be reached for comment.

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Comments

8 comment(s)

Michelle wrote on Mar 31, 2009 9:43 AM:

" Had he been cremated with the lighter there certainly would have been an explosion in the retort, futhermore he died and had on his person $600 cash, and an expensive fountain pen? get serious. "

Arizonan wrote on Dec 29, 2008 10:30 PM:

" Question: How long will Morris-David remain in business as this mess continues?

We need more businesses of integrity, honesty & good down to earth customer service business practices.

I see there's a new funeral home being built on 20th Ave. Best wishes to Caldwell's & the new funeral home. "

Whit wrote on Dec 19, 2008 3:28 PM:

" My heart goes out to the Mendozas...what intolerable thievery. "

pat wrote on Dec 15, 2008 3:53 PM:

" How do we put them in prison? I am a bit surprised there is a lack of money talk here, there has been a felony committed, fraud, theft and robbery, great emotionally damage and deception, here in America the dollar has always been a form of compensation. If one can get a sum of money for burning ones lip, this goes way beyond. There should be reimbursement for the stolen items on his father’s body and return of the funeral cost and emotional compensation. I will be looking forward to the number of years in prison "

Pat wrote on Dec 15, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Morally bankrupt these people. But more important is what price will these people pay for the crimes committed here? The paper has not mentioned the charges against these people, God forbid they get off scot-free to do this to others. People so morally bankrupt do not live and learn, so prison would be a good place for them. What is being done and if not much more than has been mentioned in the paper - why is more not being done? The question should be asked who is to press them criminal charges? "

Who wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:10 PM:

" Who or what is Leadingham? I have never heard that name or word before. "

Safford Resident wrote on Dec 11, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Yes I totally agree with the last comment and that is what he really is, honest and dependable, and he will run a funeral home with the upmost respect for our families. On top of that I have heard the prices will also be reasonable. Leadingham will be just what we have been needing in a funeral home. "

At Last wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:27 PM:

" FInally this funeral home will be exposed for what they really are. After years of dishonesty, it has finally come around to justice time. This valley is so lucky we have another funeral home coming in just in time! It will be be run with integrity and honestly like a funeral home should be. "

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