At the time of a death . . .

When you meet with a funeral director to make funeral arrangements, you will need certain information and documents.  These items help us to prepare the legal documents that we must complete, as well as contact organizations on behalf of your family and coordinate with the church, clergy, and cemetery.

Documents:

·        Veterans Discharge Paperwork

o       DD-214, Honorable Discharge, Notice of Separation

·        Birth Certificate (if available)

·        Insurance Policies

·        Deed to the cemetery

Items:

·        Photograph for Obituary

·        Clothing, including undergarments

·        Jewelry / Glasses / Rosary

·        Cosmetics (if there is a special color or type)

Information:

·        Mother’s maiden name and birthplace

·        Father’s name and birthplace

·        Birthplace

·        Date of Birth

·        Social Security number

·        Names and towns of residence for family members

·        Photos for collage board or Memorial Video Tribute DVD

Other items requiring your attention:

·        Ordering flowers

·        Scheduling a gathering or meal after the funeral

·        Calling the monument company for engraving

·        Calling insurance companies to begin the claims process

·        Meeting with clergy to select readings or organize the service

What to Expect when you meet with the funeral director

When you meet with the funeral director, you should plan on discussing all of the aspects of the funeral.  Here are some of the things that we will need to go over:

·        Collect biographical and vital statistic information for the legal forms and obituary

·        Amount of certified death certificates needed

·        Choose the funeral service that’s right for you and your family, including deciding on calling hours, funeral or memorial service, burial or cremation.

·        Select the necessary merchandise, such as a casket, urn, or vault

·        Decide on the details of the service, such as photo collage boards made by the funeral director or your family, memorial video tributes DVD’s, framed photos, albums, or scrapbooks, items to be displayed or placed in the casket, special music to be played during the visitation or service.

·        Details concerning the church or clergy, including eulogies and church participation by your family

·        Choosing which grave in your family lot to use or if a new lot must be purchased, and which cemetery to select

·        Clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, glasses, and rosary that your loved one may be wearing for the visitation, as well as the general appearance of your loved one.

·        Cost of the service selected, including funeral home staff, vehicles, and facility charges, cost of merchandise selected, and cash advance items such as an obituary, church and cemetery costs, and discussing payment options