Getting Started
One of the most thoughtful things one can do for your family is to plan ahead for your funeral. It is the sensible thing to do, saving your loved ones the stress and worry of planning a funeral at an already difficult time. This may provide special financial benefits to pensioners and retirees. Serious consideration should be given to this concept.
We welcome the opportunity to speak with us to discuss planning ahead for you, or for a member of your family. The dedicated staff at McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home & Cremation Services are available to meet with you to discuss the options with you. We can tailor our services to meet the needs and wishes of you and your family and assure you of our best service at all times. The procedure can be as simple or detailed as you desire and the benefits include:
Financial
Taking away the financial burden for your loved ones plus at the same time taking advantage of any benefits that might be available.
Organization
Greatly reducing the amount of time your family will have to spend on difficult administrative matters, you can get all the planning out of the way.
Family Focus
By planning ahead, when the time comes your family can focus on supporting each other and working through their grief.
Comfort
Reassure your family that you were prepared and your wishes are being carried out. Planning will assist your family to find a level of peace.
Funeral Planning
Planning a funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. However, grief is a confusing and difficult time, and planning a funeral in the midst of these emotions can be overwhelming. By looking over this guide it may help lift some of the burden off your friends and family.
Ways to Plan Ahead
- Gather personal information for your obituary.
- Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.
- Choose a funeral home.
- Make note of any instructions for your services and final disposition.
- Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.
- Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service.
- Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.
- Select pallbearers.
- Choose a cemetery.
- Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
- Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
- Decide who will keep your urn.
- Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.
- Personal Information
- Your father’s name
- Your mother’s maiden name
- Your level of education
- Your social security number
- Fraternal organizations
- Service organizations
- Union memberships
- Any special recognitions you have
- Military service
- Branch rank
- Date of enlistment
- Date of discharge
- Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
- Serial number
- Choose burial or cremation
- Select a casket or cremation container.
- Choose locations and types of services.
- Choose floral arrangements.
- Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display.
- Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family.
- Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in
- Select music and hymns, if desired.
- Choose a theme for decorations and stationery at your services.
- Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family.
