The history of the original store which today is Lanham-Miller Funeral Home started seven years after Sparta got its start as a city.  George Deringer established Sparta's first undertaking and furniture store.  Unfortunately, he contracted typhoid fever and passed away when only 39 years old.  The business was eventually sold to his brother-in-law.

Additions and improvements were implemented throughout the years.  Maurice Lanham purchased the funeral home in 1921.  He built a new mortuary in 1932.

Kent and Beth Miller purchased the funeral home in 1992.  They expanded the building in 2000, adding a parking lot, a large chapel, and updating the facilities.  They continue running the business today.