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.

  • Michael O. Raymond

    Michael O. Raymond Owner and Licensed Funeral Director

    Michael Raymond has been an active funeral director in Southern Maryland for 50 years. He was born and raised in La Plata, Maryland and graduated from La Plata High School in 1968 and the Kentucky College of Mortuary Science in 1970. Michael resides in La Plata with his wife of 49 years, Kristina Raymond, and has two children, Mike Jr. and Lindsey. Michael is dedicated to maintaining strong ties to his beloved hometown and is an active member within the community. In 2004, he was crowned "King Rex" for Civista Medical Center's Mardi Gras Ball and was awarded with the "Good Scout Award" by the Boy Scouts of America in 2010 for his outstanding community service. Over the years, he has been involved in many civic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion, United Way, and Hospice. Email: [email protected]

Our History

Bart Yates, CFSP/CPC/CCOLicensed Funeral Director and Manager

Born and raised in La Plata, Maryland, Bart is a licensed Mortician and Life and Health Insurance Agent for Raymond Funeral Service. With over 30 years of funeral service experience, he holds an Associate’s Degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. 

Bart is a lifetime member of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and a charter member of the Dentsville Volunteer EMS and Auxiliary, Inc. He has been active and involved in his community throughout his life. Along with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Julia, Bart lives in La Plata with their three Westies and attends the La Plata United Methodist Church.  

Email: [email protected]

Diana E. Wilkerson, CCOLicensed Funeral Director

Diana E. Wilkerson, CCOLicensed Funeral Director 

Diana was born in Clinton, MD and was raised in the Indian Head and Waldorf areas.  She is the youngest of 3, having 2 older brothers. Diana went to Lackey High School for two years and graduated from McDonough High School in 1997.  She received an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 2005 from Catonsville Community College.  

Diana has been with Raymond Funeral Service since April 2012. She currently resides in Brandywine with her husband Bobby, daughter Libby and their Yorkie, Dallas.  Diana is a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Aquasco and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Baden, she often volunteers at her daughter’s school, St. Mary’s Bryantown.  She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, shopping, and traveling.  Diana is a Washington Capitals and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Email: [email protected]

Kelly Steckowski Administrative Assistant and office manager

Kelly Steckowski Administrative Assistant and office manager

Born and raised in St. Mary’s County, Kelly joined us in May 2022 thanks to her husband Kevin.  Before joining us she was an Office Manager for an Audiology Practice. She is very much family oriented. She loves the water so any free time she gets she’s there. 

Email: [email protected]

John SpaldingFuneral Service Associate

John SpaldingFuneral Service Associate

Born and raised in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, John joined Raymond Funeral Service in 2019. 

Before arriving to Raymond’s, John previously spent many years with the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington. His experience is indeed a welcome addition, especially assisting families with monument and marker selections. 

In his spare time, John enjoys bike riding and kayaking. 

Kevin SteckowskiLicensed Apprentice

Kevin SteckowskiLicensed Apprentice

Kevin Steckowski has been dedicated to the funeral business for over 20 years. He is currently attending Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services for his Associates Degree in Funeral Service to obtain his Mortician License. He married his wife Kelly in 2016 and they have a blended family of 4 loving children. They currently reside in LaPlata. He is also very much into Volunteer Rescue Squad. Being a Life member at Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and is pass Chief at Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad. He enjoys family time, fishing and new adventures. 

Savanna SaundersLicensed Mortician

Savanna SaundersLicensed Mortician

Savanna was born and raised in Nanjemoy, Maryland.  She joined us in October of 2021 and is currently serving as a Licensed Mortician.  Savanna went to North Point High School for Biotechnology and from there to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2020 at the age of 19.    In her free time, Savanna enjoys working with her circuit, doing crafts, and babysitting.  She is a member of Christ Church Durham Parish but attends Maryland Point Baptist Church on Sundays.

Email: [email protected]