EXHIBIT 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

      As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 10,
1998, included in Carriage Services, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Arthur Andersen LLP

Houston, Texas
March 30, 1998


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