Our Team

Richard Gilbert

Directors’ Assistant

Richard grew up in the mountains of Garrett County, Maryland, graduating from Southern Garrett County High School in 1983. He later received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science from University of Maryland.

As a career firefighter, Richard continues to serve the Hagerstown Fire Department, adding to his over 30 years of service. He joined the staff of Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home in 2008 as Directors’ Assistant.

Richard is the proud father of two sons, Zachary, and Benjamin. He enjoys the outdoors and spends much of his free time mountain biking. Also, his faith is especially important to him as he strives to live each day as God directs.

Karin Lytle

Musical Accompanist
Funeral Service Associate

Knowing that she wished to pursue a job utilizing music to help people, Karin attended Slippery Rock University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy.

While working as the Director of Activities at a nursing home in Illinois, Karin began her journey as a healer using music as a catalyst. Along with serving as an accompanist at several local churches, Karin joined our staff as a Musical Accompanist and Funeral Service Associate.

Karin feels God afforded her many experiences throughout her early years which prepared her for her life’s work. She is honored to be able to minister to people who are grieving by providing comfort through music. Karin uses music to provide inspiration, invoke memories, and help them say goodbye to their loved ones.

Karin has two wonderful sons, John, and Andy. As you can see, Karin has many interests outside of work:

• Her friends and family
• Acting
• Teach piano and guitar lessons
• Writing songs & learning to play different instruments
• Knitting
• Camping & kayaking
• Being a Steeler fan
• Meeting new people & making people laugh

Susan Burkey

Funeral Service Associate

Susan has called Hagerstown home for the last 40 years.  It is where she and her husband Danny have raised their 4 children and often receive visits from their six grandchildren.  A native of Philadelphia, PA, Susan attended high school at Mt. St. Joseph Academy and received her degree from Gwynedd Mercy College.

She moved to Hagerstown with her first husband, Steve. After finding a welcoming and loving community, Susan faced the unexpected passing of Steve at 33, becoming a widow with three young children.  As a result of this experience Susan has a special understanding and heart for ministering to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Whether singing Funeral masses at St. Ann Church, where she is involved in several ministries, or greeting guests at the funeral home as a Funeral Service Associate, she walks with those who have experienced great loss.

Jeff Crist

Funeral Service Associate

Jeff, a 1972 graduate of North Hagerstown High School, attended Hagerstown Junior College where he majored in Business. Jeff worked for six years with Community Rescue Squad as an EMT. He recently retired from Wantz Distributors where he worked in management and sales for 46 years. Upon retirement, Jeff joined our team as a Funeral Service Associate.

Jeff is a life member of the Western Maryland Sportsmen Club, as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge #217. Jeff is also a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he serves on the board of trustees.

Jeff, and his wife of over forty years, Carolyn, have two daughters and their husbands. They are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren. In his free time, Jeff enjoys being outdoors and traveling.

Gary Doub

Funeral Service Associate

Born and raised in Hagerstown, Gary is proud to be the eighth generation of his family in the area.

Gary began his working career at the age of 17 with Robert Hall Clothes, Inc. and served as the last store manager, closing in 1977. He also worked for Fairchild Republic Engineering Publications, and Reliable Churchill Distributors Fine Wines and Spirits in Baltimore, retiring after 33 years.

Gary feels blessed to have joined the funeral home staff in September of 2015.

Gary and his wife, Susan (Shilling), are proud parents of three children (one deceased). They are also the proud grandparents of six awesome grandchildren.

Mona Hardinge

Funeral Service Associate

Mona was born and raised in Hagerstown/Washington County Maryland being the sixth generation on her father’s side (Ralph Wallace) and the ninth generation on her mother’s side (Dorothy Poffenberger).

A graduate of North Hagerstown High School, Mona is the mother of four and the grandmother of six.

Mona is a beloved follower of Jesus Christ and of the Word (her favorite book). She has found that He has placed in her a servant’s heart as it is in serving others, especially in their time of need, that she feels most fulfilled and purposed.

Roger Martin

Funeral Service Associate

Currently living in Hagerstown, Roger joined the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home in 2011, serving as a Funeral Service Associate.

Previously, Roger served as a bi-vocational minister for 51 years and is currently a member of Northside Mennonite Church where he serves as an Elder.

Roger worked in sales for 40 years, where he enjoyed working with the public. He continues to satisfy that love with the work he does at the funeral home.

Roger and his wife of over sixty years, Dorothy, have four children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Outside of work, he directs his attention to family history and maintaining weather records for over forty years.