Our Team

Owner/ Operator of 1st Call Transport Service, LLC. When David is not working at 1st Call Transport, He loves tailgating, SEC sports (LSU), gardening, and dog lover. David has been in the mortuary service for 9 yrs and really loves working with the families and funeral service providers. David takes his job seriously, and he is a dedicated small business owner. David started the mortuary transport service in 2012 after having conversations with friends whom work in the funeral business. 1st Call Transport’s goal is to provide families with the peace of mind and comfort knowing when we leave with their loved one, that they will be transported with dignity.

DAVID WHIDDON, JR

Owner/Operator

Joel Zeringue, a native of Louisiana, Joel earned his SSH (Specialist in Safety and Health) from the University of Texas at Arlington. Joel worked in the industrial industry for 37 years. In 2012 he began working with 1st Call Transport Service. Joel says “Being a spouse, father, grandfather, I understand the importance of serving your family and I will extend the same purpose into my profession”. Joel enjoys assisting the families of the decedents as they were his own. He realizes that everyone’s wishes and needs are different and adapts easily to the family’s requests. Providing them with comfort and care at a challenging time in their life, is of most importance to him. International Travel, RVing, SEC Football (tailgating) and NFL Football top off his list of things to do when free time allows.

JOEL ZERINGUE

Owner/Operator

Hollie Smith-Price, is a native of Baton Rouge, LA currently residing in Denham Springs, LA with her 3 children. After a career in the Administrative Service Management field, Hollie’s lifelong interest in mortuary science sparked her to pursue her lifelong passion of working in the funeral service industry. Hollie is currently attending Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service where she is a member of their honor society. She is set to Graduate in June of 2018 with an associate degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming. Hollie’s goal is to treat the families she serves as one of her own. Hollie says “I know with my ambition and drive; I will be able to give the families I serve the best experience on one of the worst days of their lives”. Away from work Hollie enjoys spending time with her 3 children, watching horror movies, reading and writing, interior decorating and traveling when time permits.

HOLLIE SMITH-PRICE

OPERATIONS MGR/EMBALMER APPRENTICE/FUNERAL DIR./REMOVAL SPEC.

I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama until high school. Then, I relocated to a small town in Louisiana called Mangham. I currently live in downtown Baton Rouge with my girlfriend, three cats, and a rabbit. I enjoy trying new foods, exercising, listening to music, and spending time with my pets.

MATT GONGWER

REMOVAL SPEC./ASST. MGR.

JAIDA-LYNN SCHNEIDER

REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

Rebecca Renee Jones, a native of Baton Rouge currently residing there. Rebecca is the mother of a beautiful daughter. Rebecca started her career in the funeral business in 2017 at a local funeral home in Baton Rouge. She was an apprentice, Funeral Director and Embalmer Assistant. Rebecca’s professional goal is to receive an Associates of Applied Science degree and one day achieve her long-term goal of becoming a Medical Examiner. Rebecca enjoys her job as a Removal Technician, as it provides her the opportunity to help families in their greatest time of need. When time allows Rebecca enjoys motor cross, drawing, video games, and music. Rebecca also loves Halloween.

Our Team

DAVID WHIDDON, JR

Owner/Operator

JOEL ZERINGUE

Owner/Operator

HOLLIE SMITH-PRICE

OPERATIONS MGR/EMBALMER APPRENTICE/FUNERAL DIR./REMOVAL SPEC.

MATT GONGWER

REMOVAL SPEC./ASST. MGR.

JAIDA-LYNN SCHNEIDER

REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

REBECCA JONES

REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

Contact Us

1ST CALL MORTUARY SERVICES