Our Staff

Steve and Kathy Farner, married in 1975, have three sons - Wesley, Andrew, and Timothy - they all have helped with the family business. Wesley is an Actuary working for an Insurance Company in Aliso Viejo, California. Andrew and Timothy have both graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. After passing the National Boards and the State Boards, they are now Part Owners, Embalmers and Funeral Directors here at Smith and Walker Funeral Home and at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home.

Steven W. Farner, Owner Funeral Director and Embalmer
A 1974 graduate of Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science, Steven received his embalming license in 1977. He was employed at Raymond's Funeral Home in Norwalk, CT from 1975 to 1979, and Tillinghast Funeral Homes in Danielson and Central Village, CT from 1979 to 1991. Since 1991 he has been the Owner and Operator of Smith and Walker Funeral Home in Putnam, CT. He was a member of the Plainfield Lions Club from 1979 - 1992. He has been a member of the Putnam Lions Club since 1992 and also served as President for two years. Steven has been active with his local church, has served as treasurer and on various committees. Since May 2009 he has been the Owner and Operator of Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home in Danielson, CT. Proud grandfather to Brooklyn, Jack, Kaydence and Sawyer.

Kathy Farner, Office Manager
A working mother and cake decorator, Kathy was employed as an office worker and then as a cook before joining her husband working at the funeral home. Kathy has been active with her local church and has served on many committees. She was a member of the former Connecticut Icing Artists and served as President for four years, and has been a member of the International Cake Exploration Societé, since 1984. She served on the Board of Directors for four years and as CT Chapter of ICES Representative for four years. She was a  Director of the Connecticut Cake Competition, held in Harford Connecticut in February, for six years. Proud grandmother to Brooklyn, Jack, Kaydence and Sawyer.

Andrew S. Farner
is an August 2007 graduate of Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, NY. He married Christine Thurlow, of Killingly on June 23, 2017. After passing the National Boards and the State Boards he is a licensed embalmer and funeral director and works at both Smith and Walker Funeral Home and Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home. He resides in Danielson, Connecticut with his wife Christine and their daughter Kaydence. On December 19, 2016 Andrew became part Owner and Operator of Smith and Walker, Inc. with his brother Timothy.

Timothy G. Farner
is an August 2008 graduate of Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, NY. He married Sheena Marie Morin, of Woodstock on September 20, 2008. After passing the National Boards and the State Boards he is a licensed embalmer and funeral director and works at both Smith and Walker Funeral Home and Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home. He resides in Putnam, Connecticut with his wife Sheena and their daughter Brooklyn. On December 19, 2016 Timothy became part Owner and Operator of Smith and Walker, Inc. with his brother Andrew.