Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We at Daniel Funeral Homes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will someone come right away?

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it is acceptable. They will come when the time is right for you.

If a loved one dies out of state, can Daniel Funeral Homes still help?

Yes, we recommend calling us first. We will arrange with an out-of-state colleague to assist you on our behalf. This prevents your having to pay two full service charges.

How much will Social Security pay towards my funeral expenses?

The Social Security Administration may pay a lump sum death benefit of $255.00 to the surviving spouse provided that the deceased and their spouse were living together at the time of death. Entitled dependent children may be eligible to receive the lump sum death benefit if the deceased was receiving monthly benefits at the time of passing.

Further information regarding benefits that you or your family may be eligible for can be obtained by calling the Social Security Administration directly at (800) 772-1213 or visiting their website at www.ssa.gov.

Will the Veterans Administration pay for my funeral expenses if I am a U.S. Veteran?

Each veteran, other than dishonorably discharged, is entitled to a burial flag and a government grave marker. In certain circumstances, a veteran may be eligible for benefits. These may include a burial and plot allowance and in certain circumstances, transportation expenses. If the death is ruled to be service connected, there may be additional funds available. Visit the US Department of Veteran Affairs website at www.va.gov for more info.

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral always involves the presence of a deceased human body. A memorial service is any service, which commemorates a death, but the body is not present.

Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?

Yes. Cremation opens the doors to a number of different funeral options. From traditional services to contemporary celebrations, cremation gives you the flexibility to personalize the services for yourself or a loved one.

The act of cremation is simply a form of disposition, taking the place of a full body burial. While you may desire a direct cremation with no services, many people choose to have visitations and/or a funeral ceremony prior to the cremation. Others choose to have a memorial service with the urn present.

Is embalming required by law?

Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. However, embalming may be necessary if you select certain funeral arrangements such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require it, such as closed casket services, immediate burial or cremation prior to your service.

Can funeral arrangements be planned and, if desired, pre-paid in advance?

Yes. Referred to as “preplanning” or “prearranging”, many people find that preplanning gives them peace of mind knowing that their wishes will be respected and the burden lessened on their family at the time of their death. Others find that they need to shelter their assets and assure that their funeral expenses will be taken care of.

Preplanning your funeral consists of meeting with the funeral home, to allow them to gather biographical information for a death certificate as well as any information you would like included in obituary notices. At this time, you can also choose the type of service desired, the type of casket, concrete outer burial container or cremation urn. The interest that accumulates on your funds is then used to offset inflation. Here at Daniel Funeral Home, we work with insurance companies and trusts to help prefund the funeral.

How can we make it personal?

A funeral can be as unique as the person who died. Picture displays and video tributes are examples of the several ways to portray and celebrate the life of a loved one. Not only do these provide family and friends with a visual means to remembering their loved one, but assembling picture boards are also an opportunity to reminisce while designing the display. We can assist you in providing display boards or other supplies for your needs.

Some families choose unique songs and music to play at the service. Displaying personal items or treasures can also be a good way to personalize the service. In some cases, people attending take time to share their stories. Having a reception following the funeral or memorial service provides fellowship and a place for people to gather and visit in a more casual setting.

How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others?

Caskets are made of either metal (bronze, copper or steel) or wood, and are available in a variety of styles and colors. Prices vary, depending on the exterior and interior materials used. Bronze, a semi-precious metal, is more expensive than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily available softwood pine. There is also the option of adding personal touches to most caskets.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of services and merchandise selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn. Some types of services require more or less involvement of our professional staff and facilities than others and are priced accordingly. Call or visit our funeral home to discuss your needs and to receive a general price list that will give you full details. And remember, if choosing burial or interment, you may need to purchase cemetery or mausoleum space as well as some type of memorial. Those arrangements are sometimes made separately with a cemetery.

What methods may I use to pay for the funeral?

Funeral costs may be paid by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or an assignment of verified insurance benefits.

How does a memorial service differ from a traditional funeral ceremony?

A gathering of friends, family and/or clergy provides a meaningful personalized tribute for the person who has died as well as support for the living. The difference between a memorial service and traditional funeral ceremony is that the casket and decedent are not present at a memorial service and are present at a traditional funeral ceremony. Some families also choose to have memorial services with the urn present and that option is available as well.

In choosing a cremation urn, what are my choices?

You may choose urns made from bronze, ceramic, glass, porcelain, wood or other materials. Many are designed in traditional vase-like shapes or square and rectangular cubes. Today, there are also a variety of urn designs available to reflect the hobbies, beliefs or lifestyle of the decedent.