History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Mission Family Mortuary opened in 2003. Locally owned and operated by the Mish and Mount family, Mission Family Mortuary is continuing its history of caring and legacy of service that Kern county has come to know.


Our Valued Staff

Ray J. Mish

Ray J. Mish, President

Ray is a long time resident of Bakersfield and Kern County. Owning and operating several funeral homes throughout Kern, he knows a thing or two about creating meaningful funerals. At 94 years old, Ray, our founder and President, continues to teach all of us here at Mission Family the old and new ways of Funeral directing. The gentlemanly charm and pleasantries of days gone, mixed with modern, present day, cutting edge funeral planning and celebrating. Ray is hands on with day to day operations, but he will always find time to sit down and have a cup of coffee and good conversation..


David Mish

David Mish, Vice President

David has been in the Mortuary industry his entire life. One of three partners at Mission, David is our Vice President and a graduate of Cypress Mortuary college. He also holds degrees in business and aircraft mechanics. David co-manages the funeral home. When he isn’t working, you can find him spending time with his wife Karen, working with the Civil Air Patrol as Lt. Col David Mish, cheering on The Dodgers or spending time flying and directing air shows.


Kenny L. Mount Jr.

Kenny L. Mount Jr., Managing Partner

Kenny is one of three partners and is the managing partner at Mission Family Mortuary. Detail oriented, Kenny ensures that every memorial is unique as the person being celebrated. His work ethic and ability to be spontaneous is what separates Mission from other funeral homes. Kenny has the ability to make people very comfortable the moment they walk into funeral home. He is a Navy veteran and is native of Bakersfield. When he’s not working, Kenny enjoys spending time with his wife Malissa and his three daughters. He is an avid Blacksmith, woodworker and living history re enactor and enjoys traveling with his girls.


Malissa Mount

Malissa Mount, Office Manager

Malissa Mount is Mission Family's Front Office Manager and Partner here at Mission Family Mortuary. All business conducted in the house is managed by Malissa. Hands on in every detail, Malissa coordinates every component of our funerals with precision and precise detail. Next summer, Malissa will be testing for her California Funeral directors license. We are very excited for her.


Richard Sandoval

Richard Sandoval, Embalmer/Funeral Director

Richard has been with Mission Family for several years. He holds degrees in Mortuary Science and Business. Richard is in charge of Mission's preparation facility and is tasked with Embalming, dressing and cosmetics daily. When he’s not operating the back facilities, Richard enjoys spending time with his family, Horses and playing music at mass in his hometown of Shafter.


Jeffrey Biggs

Jeffrey Biggs, Counselor

Jeffrey has been with Mission Family Mortuary since 2013. You may have seen him in a commercial or two. Working directly with families, Jeffrey has created some of the most beautiful tributes and memorable celebrations. He has a unique gift of being able to make people feel very comfortable during the planning process. When he is not working, Jeffrey enjoys spending time and traveling with his daughter and girlfriend. You'll also find him playing guitar, sailing, going to living history events or Racing his McLaren P1.


Keely Mount

Keely Mount, Funeral Assistant

Keely has been around the funeral industry her whole life. Helping with day to day tasks, Keely keeps busy making sure everything is in order in and out of the funeral home. You’ll see Keely on services, visitations, driving to LAX or greeting you at the front desk when you walk into Mission..A full time college student, Keely is currently working on her degree in plant biology. In her spare time, she is an avid hiker/forager, hiking the Sequoias, Mammoth, Yosemite and surrounding mountains picking berries and identifying plants. She also has a small business selling tinctures, syrups and jams.