The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service has a rich and storied history dating back to the turn of the century. One of the earliest schools of embalming in the United States, particularly in the South and Southwest, was founded in Dallas, Texas, initially known as the Barnes School of Anatomy. Founded by Dr. Carl Barnes in 1900, it later evolved into the Dallas School of Embalming under the direction of Professor Hood F. Smith and Professor Will Dwyer.

In 1945, the Dallas School of Embalming was succeeded by the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, established by W.H. Pierce and L.G. Frederick. Over the years, the institute underwent significant developments and expansions, including a merger in 1954 with the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee. This merger led to the creation of a new entity known as Dallas Institute – Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science.

Upon the passing of Professor Dwyer in 1945, the funeral service profession's representatives discerned the necessity of maintaining such a vital educational institution in the region. W.H. Pierce and L.G. Frederick, acknowledging this need, assumed the responsibility and formed a partnership, establishing the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Mr. Frederick assumed the role of full-time director and administrator of the college, ensuring the continuity of its mission and service to the community.

On April 1, 1963, the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science underwent a significant transformation, transitioning into a non-profit corporation in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. This change reflected its commitment to advancing mortuary education and related fields. The newly formed corporation aimed to engage in various activities aimed at promoting and enhancing mortuary education, with a primary focus on educational skills, scientific research, and the dissemination of research findings.

One of its key objectives was to operate a school dedicated to teaching the business and profession of funeral service. Additionally, the institute sought to provide educational instruction across a broad spectrum of subjects, encompassing the arts, sciences, and other relevant areas. These instructional endeavors were guided by recommendations from the Board of Trustees and accreditation agencies affiliated with the funeral profession, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.

In 1969, the Dallas Institute received an invitation to establish a satellite branch in Atlanta, Georgia. Given the considerable number of graduates from Gupton-Jones College during its tenure in Nashville, the Board of Trustees opted to resurrect this renowned name for the new Atlanta branch. Consequently, the Dallas Institute reverted to its original name, Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, before eventually transitioning to its current designation, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.

In 1972, the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky, integrated into the organization, followed by the addition of the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, originally situated in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1978. Concurrently, the non-profit corporation underwent a name change from Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science to Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. Each satellite school within the organization adopted its distinct identity.

As a result, the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service became one of several colleges under the umbrella of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. While each institution operated independently, they were legally affiliated with the overarching non-profit corporation.

The original Board of Trustees consisted of W. H. Pierce as Chair, along with members L. G. Frederick, Paul Bollman, Robert Kite, and Floyd Owens. Mr. Frederick assumed the role of college president, while Robert Kite served as the dean. Following Mr. Frederick's retirement in 1963, Mr. Kite assumed the presidency, holding the position until his retirement in 1992. Subsequently, James M. Shoemake succeeded Mr. Kite as president.

In 2018, James M. Shoemake retired as president after leading the Dallas Institute for twenty-six years. During his tenure, the institution witnessed notable enhancements, including a substantial rise in retention and graduation rates, strengthening its reputation. Shoemake implemented crucial additions to its academic programs and spearheaded the introduction of a robust online, distance-funeral service education program.

His leadership was characterized by ambitious standards, integrity, and continuous improvement, leaving an indelible mark on the college's culture that will endure for years to come.

Wayne Cavender, his successor, assumed the presidency in May 2018. Under his leadership, the institution experienced exponential growth in student enrollments in the distance learning program. However, in 2022, Mr. Cavender transitioned to a new role within the Pierce Mortuary Colleges organization, serving as the Senior Director of Accreditation and Alumni Relations for the Dallas Institute.

During the interim period, Mr. Dominick DeLorenzo took on the role of president until Joseph Finocchiaro assumed the presidency in August 2023.

Recognizing the need for modern facilities, the institute relocated to a larger campus on South Buckner Boulevard in Dallas in September 1983. Subsequent renovations and additions in 1995 further enhanced its state-of-the-art facilities.

With nearly 10,000 alumni who have excelled as funeral directors and embalmers, the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service continues to uphold its tradition of excellence and remains a cornerstone in mortuary education.