Prearranged burial/cremation

[jayerose]

Good idea or not?

[Malsua]

Good idea or not?


We had that arraigned for my mother. Was a cremation service here in Lady Lake.

They were great, handled everything respectfully. I plan to do that when I'm a bit closer. When her 2nd husband went in 16, it was very stressful and worrisome.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, it is not a good idea. I would never pay for a cremation or burial in advance. Specify how you want your funeral to be handled in your will, and provide money in your estate to cover the cost. How do you even know that your survivors will be able to find the cremation contract when you die? If it was a good idea, they wouldn't be offering free meals to give you a sales pitch.

[coffeebean]

It is a bad idea. I would never pay for a cremation or burial in advance. Specify how you want your funeral to be handled in your will, and provide money in your estate to cover the cost. In my opinion, paying in advance is a waste of money. How do you even know that your survivors will be able to find the cremation contract when you die? But, you can get a free meal to listen to the sales pitch.

I carry a card in my wallet. All the required information is on the card. Easy peasy and takes away the stress in the event of an unexpected death. Family is aware of the arrangements too so no surprise for them either.

[triflex]

I intend to be cremated and placed into container with with a tomato plant. That way my wife can have me over for lunch anytime. Alway wanted a ranch but guess ranch dressing will have to do.

[rjn5656]

We have National Cremation. We have cards in our wallets how to contact. We provided a card to our daughter just in case.

[Two Bills]

I ain't going.
Problem fixed!

[gettingby]

Baldwin Brothers right down the road, $800

[fdpaq0580]

I intend to be cremated and placed into container with with a tomato plant. That way my wife can have me over for lunch anytime. Alway wanted a ranch but guess ranch dressing will have to do.

Very cute and funny. Actually, not such a bad idea, come to think about it.
☺☺☺

[noslices1]

Good idea or not?

I haven’t used mine yet, but everything is paid for and I will get cremated and interred in Bushnell military Cemetery. I’ll try to let you know how it goes.

[dewilson58]

What If you don't die.??

[Malsua]

I haven’t used mine yet, but everything is paid for and I will get cremated and interred in Bushnell military Cemetery. I’ll try to let you know how it goes.

When you do, give some notice so we can get some cameras rolling. That video will go super viral, it'll be worth millions.

Spirit form is acceptable and re-assembled ashes would be a really weird trippy look, but whatever you can manage is fine.

Thanks.

[GOLFER54]

My wife and I prepaid for cremation, you can pay monthly for years, instead of full amount. When the time comes all arrangements are made and the stress is minimized.

[Kaelo Abu]

Absolutely it's a great idea! Why put a relative or friend through the hassle of arranging things for you? Plus, by pre-arranging, you've got everything set up the way you want, up to and including your obituary.

[coconutmama]

Good idea or not?

Initially we were going to do that but recently changed our minds. What happens to the interest on the money you tie up in the contract? Better to put any details in your estate planning & put aside $ yourself, from your estate, for the Big Day.

My uncle & his wife passed away within months of each other at 98 & 99. The cremation place had quite a lot of money from them by then, since they had signed up for the service decades ago. Long story short, they overpaid significantly for the service.

[sallyg]

I think it's a great idea. Any suggestions on reputable companies to use?

[Duppman]

Good idea or not?

Although we're not quite at the burial part, we have purchased headstone markers. Our goal is to make it easier on our children.

[OhioBuckeye]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought!

[Old Bob]

I think it's a great idea. Any suggestions on reputable companies to use?

My wife and I used All Faiths Cremation Society on 466.
When she died, they took care of everything, and all I had to do was pick up her ashes, and take them to the National Cemetery in Bushnell. Since I am a veteran her ashes and mine can be placed in a columbarium there for no cost. Her ashes are there with my name and hers engraved on the door.

[JoelJohnson]

In my opinion, it is not a good idea. I would never pay for a cremation or burial in advance. Specify how you want your funeral to be handled in your will, and provide money in your estate to cover the cost. How do you even know that your survivors will be able to find the cremation contract when you die? If it was a good idea, they wouldn't be offering free meals to give you a sales pitch.

A will won't be read until long after you are dead and probate could take years.
Tell whoever is going to handle it what you want to happen, setup up a checking account and name that person POD (payable on Death). That way they know what you want AND have the money to do it.

[Nancy C]

Baldwin Brothers right down the road, $800

Was $850 the total cost for services at Baldwin? At another crematorium we used recently for my brother, the cremation was $950 but then there was another $1100 in other fees such as refrigeration of the body, transport of the body to the funeral home and then to the crematorium, the container, death certificate.

[retiredguy123]

Pre-arranging and pre-paying are two different things. I pre-arranged my mother's funeral and had a detailed written contract with the funeral home in place and ready to initiate it when she died. But, that is not what the free dinners are about. They want to get your money in advance because they make a huge profit on a pre-paid funeral or cremation. They actually try to convince you that you will be saving money by paying in advance, which is totally false. Why not just arrange the funeral agreement, and allow your survivors to initiate it when you die? And, with a cremation, there is really not much to "arrange". You pay a fee and they do the cremation. You can arrange it on the phone in about 10 minutes. No need to pay for it years in advance.

[Rickanvic]

We just went through this as my father-in-law passed last week. My mother-in-law in 2017. I couldn't be more thankful to them for having everything set up for us. They purchased through National Cremation Society in 1997 when they lived in Florida. Yes, they lost interest on the money, but they also paid a lot less at that time. We made one call. They are nationwide and we are now in Georgia. They located the closet crematory we had to do nothing. They came out at midnight. Very professional and caring. My in-laws also pre-purchased a niche in a cemetery in Florida. We again did not have to wonder what they wanted. We will take their urns to Florida and they will be placed together for eternity. At a time of so much sadness and emotion, this is the best gift they ever gave us.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I intend to be cremated and placed into container with with a tomato plant. That way my wife can have me over for lunch anytime. Alway wanted a ranch but guess ranch dressing will have to do.

:bigbow:

[CoachKandSportsguy]

My mom, 95, still kicking physically, has donated her body to medical education, check to see if any of the medical schools have a donation program, and the body is returned cremated later for your decision.

When the body is released, they come and get it at no charge to you. .

[Haggar]

Many years ago my will indicated (this is for real) that I was to be cremated and that my ashes be put into three urns each to be inscribed "One Good Urn Deserves Another".
I have always been into terrible puns.

At the request of my family that has been removed from later versions of the will!

[Blue Oval]

Retiredguy - My experience was exactly the same. All arrangements (for any type of services) were made at the hospice facility. Total cost 4 years ago was well under $1000. We were relatively new to FL, and everything was taken care of according to our wishes.

[mabreyjk]

It was right for us.

Was the final item in our estate planning.

No bills for the heirs.

[YvonneandScott]

My mom, 95, still kicking physically, has donated her body to medical education, check to see if any of the medical schools have a donation program, and the body is returned cremated later for your decision.

When the body is released, they come and get it at no charge to you. .
I checked on this and it was very expensive bc you still have to use a funeral home. I contacted the Florida College here that is in the program and they said it does cost bc a funeral has to transport and other things. One funeral co was $1895.

[Windguy]

My family lawyer, Amy Pittman, urged me to pre-arrange. My siblings, nephews, and financial advisor know about the arrangement. I went with Baldwin Brothers.

[Number 10 GI]

A friend and my brother had paid for their burial services in advance. All the family had to do was call the funeral home that the contract was with and they took care of everything. My friend had picked out the casket and the clothing he wanted to be buried in, a T Shirt and blue jeans. Didn't want to go into the hereafter stuck in a suit and tie. My brother was cremated. Well worth what little "profit" the funeral home made on the pre-paid service.

[mkjelenbaas]

In my opinion, it is not a good idea. I would never pay for a cremation or burial in advance. Specify how you want your funeral to be handled in your will, and provide money in your estate to cover the cost. How do you even know that your survivors will be able to find the cremation contract when you die? If it was a good idea, they wouldn't be offering free meals to give you a sales pitch.
This is a weak reason for not doing! Put the documents with your trust - talk in detail with your executor- doing this elevates the stress you put on your children to make decisions during a time of loss because of your passing!!

[mkjelenbaas]

We have National Cremation. We have cards in our wallets how to contact. We provided a card to our daughter just in case.
We have done the same except the very same service is offered by Baldwin Funeral home for a significantly less cost.

[msmr23@gmail.com]

yes, we are world travelers. All arrangements made through Baldwin Bros. If something happens anywhere in the world, a phone call is made. Ashes will be shipped to my daughter. Otherwise the remaining partner must get body shipped, etc. Could be a nightmare. m

[GoodOliveOil]

In my opinion, it is not a good idea. I would never pay for a cremation or burial in advance. Specify how you want your funeral to be handled in your will, and provide money in your estate to cover the cost. How do you even know that your survivors will be able to find the cremation contract when you die? If it was a good idea, they wouldn't be offering free meals to give you a sales pitch.

Full disclosure, I'm a Pre-Need Arrangement Counselor with Baldwin Brothers as well as a Villager. Your concerns are legitimate. We offer seminars, which include a free meal, to get information into our families hands and answer questions in a relaxed atmosphere. There is never an obligation to purchase. In fact, we tell people not to bring their checkbooks to a seminar, but instead bring their calendar so they can schedule an appointment if ready.
Here are the answers to your questions directly...
1) Specifying your wishes in your will is fine, but often the will isn't read immediately so it's always important to inform your loved ones of your wishes ahead of time.
2) If you've prepaid the arrangements it contractually locks in the price, no matter how long before you need it. It's inflation proof. More importantly, you are eliminating the financial burden and the emotional stress from your family. It's smart planning.
3) If you tell your family that your arrangements are pre-planned and PAID for they will find the information when the time comes. Baldwin Brothers provides an identification card showing your contract number and the 800 phone # which has 24/7 access. You'll keep this card in your wallet, behind your drivers license. We'll give you additional cards to share with your family and I also have an easy tip for sharing the information with them.
I hope this information helps. It's not an easy subject to discuss but it is important.

[SIRE1]

One of the best things about using National Cremation vs. one of the local providers (e.g. Baldwin Bros) is that National takes care of everything wherever you are at. Our friends purchased through National here in Florida and when she passed away in Michigan, everything was done very professionally. The father of another friend of ours, who was living in North Carolina passed away while visiting the family in Michigan. Because the prepaid service was a local North Carolina funeral home, they wouldn't cover any cost in Michigan and the family had to pay out of pocket for the cremation services in Michigan. National, however, will provide this service where ever you are, even if you are on a trip, visiting family, or move out of the area.

So, if you decide that prepaid cremation services are for you, select your provider wisely. And don't select one that provides their services only in the local area. Even though The Villages is a great place to be now, as you age you may end up moving away and your prepaid provider may not cover the services you already paid for.

[meme5x]

Good idea or not?

I set up everything.. good thing is I carry a card with me and no matter where I am globally my body will be shipped to funeral home.
Heirs don’t need to worry about anything …

[GoodOliveOil]

I think it's a great idea. Any suggestions on reputable companies to use?
I'd recommend Baldwin Brothers. After researching many companies, my husband and I purchased a plan with Baldwin Brothers when we first moved to TV. I was so impressed with the company that I'm now a Pre-Plan Counselor with them.

[DaleDivine]

I ain't going.
Problem fixed!

Yes you are... NOBODY gets out alive...
:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[DaleDivine]

I carry a card in my wallet. All the required information is on the card. Easy peasy and takes away the stress in the event of an unexpected death. Family is aware of the arrangements too so no surprise for them either.

This is exactly the way ours is planned. No stress on the kids.
:pray:

[DaleDivine]

One of the best things about using National Cremation vs. one of the local providers (e.g. Baldwin Bros) is that National takes care of everything wherever you are at. Our friends purchased through National here in Florida and when she passed away in Michigan, everything was done very professionally. The father of another friend of ours, who was living in North Carolina passed away while visiting the family in Michigan. Because the prepaid service was a local North Carolina funeral home, they wouldn't cover any cost in Michigan and the family had to pay out of pocket for the cremation services in Michigan. National, however, will provide this service where ever you are, even if you are on a trip, visiting family, or move out of the area.

So, if you decide that prepaid cremation services are for you, select your provider wisely. And don't select one that provides their services only in the local area. Even though The Villages is a great place to be now, as you age you may end up moving away and your prepaid provider may not cover the services you already paid for.

Baldwin Brothers (what my wife and I have) has the SAME PLAN.
:bigbow::bigbow:

[DaleDivine]

My wife wants her ashes scattered in Walmart parking lot so the kids will visit her every day.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[davem4616]

good thread...thanks OP for asking this

My aunt had pre-paid for cremation services when she moved from MA to FL many years ago...she returned to MA about a year before she died....the company she went with made all the arrangements with a local service and we never paid a dime.

My parents had pre-arranged things too...they bought a plot, had a headstone put on it, planted some shrubs next to it, picked out the funeral home, but didn't pay the full amount, but locked in a fixed price. My dad died first...all that pre-work made it much easier on our mother and us kids....all we needed to do was pull out the check book...saved a lot of running around at a time that was tough on all of us, after being up at all hours staying with my dad

we have a plot and a small headstone up in MA....and we both plan to go the cremation route, no need to spend money transporting a dead body from FL to MA.

We'll have an initial memorial service at the church down here, and another up in MA when we bring the ashes up...that way the kids have an option and don't feel pressured into flying down for a funeral, we've always said, 'you want to come and see us...don't wait until we're dead, that way I can give you a hug'.

At some point I'll make arrangements with a cremation firm that is national, as the last one standing may not remain in FL

[triflex]

There is a guy on YouTube who makes custom vans that has his father's ashes in a Skippy Peanut Butter jar - per Dad's final request. It took me a while to figure out why this Skippy Peanut Butter jar kept showing up in every video.

[Fisherman]

You are doing a disservice to your children, siblings, family or anyone you choose to settle your funeral arrangements if you do not make the arrangements and pay for them in advance yourself. My father died with no arrangements. What a disaster on trying to figure out what he would have wanted. We immediately took my mother to the funeral home and while there, we wrote a check to cover our expenses on what we wanted upon our demise. A gift to our children. We were in our late 40’s. That was 30 years ago and what we paid in comparison to todays costs… well, any unearned interest on that money is totally insignificant. When I woke up here one morning and found my very healthy young husband dead…. My son made one phone call and I never had to worry about anything. What a comfort to know that our ashes will be commingled upon my death, they will be placed in a niche we chose inside a beautiful air conditioned chapel with a window view overlooking the gardens. Some may think it is a pipe dream, but, until you face that moment, you will never know what comfort there is in knowing what will take place and that you have provided your final gift to those you leave behind.

[FUSSY LADY]

Me too and everyone knows I bought and paid for my funeral here and up north when my body is shipped there. I think it is a good idea!

[joelfmi]

Good idea or not? Bad Idea. Thing change all the time when someone dies that why waiting until this event happens then Plan

[irishwonone]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought!
Great question. My father passed in1996. We were all living in Florida at that time. Dad made it clear that he wanted to be shipped to Pennsylvania and buried next to his wife via a coffin. This was both a written and verbal last request. My sister and I accompanied him on a plane to Pennsylvania. Because of short notice (plane reservations) there were no special rates. My father left plenty of money to cover all the expenses. I believe the flight cost us about $2,800. Even if dad wouldn’t have left us money we would certainly have exercised his final request. If you spent your entire working life in a particular area it makes sense. His pre planning included his obit, suit choice, tie and shirt color, and, insisting on a pine casket. He cautioned us that we would grieving state of mind when picking out a casket and would probably be pitched that you want the very best for your father. He was right on all counts. Note that his attention to details before his passing paved the way and made us realize just how much he cared for us to his last day. Good luck on your choices & live a long life.

[biker59]

Good idea or not?
My father prearranged and prepaid everything, left us a folder with instructions, and I visited the funeral home years ahead of time to introduce myself and confirm arrangements. Very easy when the time came. All paid, funds held in separate account, no change in price, they handled it all very well. Now, this was in PA, haven't dealt with FL companies yet for myself, but seeing how easily this went, prearrangement is the way I'd go. As for the forgone interest, price increases would more than make up for that, so it's a win in that respect as well.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

my wife wants her ashes spread on a PGA golf course, in every divot i make, gouge and bomb she said. . I can only do the first. We put my dad's overboard from a sailboat in the ocean, same with my uncle, my other uncle went into the veterans' national cemetery.

many options, just be sure people know what to do. . . .if it matters to you

[triflex]

I'm really shocked and dismayed, that once you leave this World, just how fast everyone wants to be rid of you!

I want everyone to sit me up at the kitchen table and let me ignore everything they are saying just one more time.

[flflowers]

My wife and I prepaid for cremation, you can pay monthly for years, instead of full amount. When the time comes all arrangements are made and the stress is minimized.

we did this for our mother....she passed six years later....prepaying froze the cost, which was about 1/2 cost of cremation and funeral plans at the actual time of death

[macawlaw]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought!

I had the honor of arranging local services for a gentleman who is to buried at West Point. The funeral home took care of finding a funeral home near WP to ship the body to. The funeral home also took care of arranging the flight, etc. and coordinated with the funeral home there for pick-up. Unfortunately, Covid has delayed the final burial.

It is expensive, but doable. The individual who said to have a POD account is correct in how the funeral expenses can be more easily handled.

[flflowers]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought!

When my mother in law passed about 10 years ago it was $6.00 per MILE to transport from "storage", as it was winter when she passed in MN. She was buried in WI, the cost may be out of reach for most just for that transport alone...

[Albec99]

My Mom & Dad prearranged their wishes, for me it was a blessing to know ahead of time how things would be handled. we both arranged for our cremation which is paid for & informed the kids of our wishes. we both have cards in our wallets/purse and we sent copies to my son contracts.

[juddfl]

I signed up for Neptune Society on November 22, 2004. I paid it off within a year. The cost of cremation has gone up a lot since then. If I had left it up to my family to do it when I'm deceased, it would have cost a lot more. I went with the plan that if I'm out of the country when I die, they will pick up the body and cremate it within 24 hours. I used to travel a lot since I retired. I carry a card with my health insurance so Neptune Society can be contacted by the family or coroner. Neptune's sister company is Dignity Memorial. You can call:
Diane Cassidy 352-643-6770 office or 732-991-7355 cell
She can answer all your questions.

[Villages Kahuna]

I have several friends who have arranged for prepaid cremation with services which have worldwide capabilities. It is extraordinarily expensive to have the deceased either cremated and shipped or returned home in a casket. The prepaid services arrange to pick up the deceased and ship the cremains back to a desired address here in the U.S.

We’re about to choose such a service ourselves. The logic for the choice seems to make sense, particularly if you travel or cruise frequently or plan to do so.

[OlifOlif]

A few years ago, I head that one of those companies that handle funerals and related used to host lavish presentations in The Villages auditorium space advertising their services. I never had a chance to attend any of those events.
Dose anyone know what company hosted these events and when will they will do this again?

[Nucky]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought!

On the wing of the plane. 1/2 price.

[34gunner]

Good idea or not?

I paid for mine over 20 years ago. My sons have all the paperwork. I'm pleased they won't have to make arrangements when I'm gone.

[Ankenygolfer]

Good idea or not?

After a death of a loved one there are so many decisions that a family needs to make. A pre-arranged funeral helps to remove one stress point. In my opinion pre-arranged funerals are a final act of love from the deceased. My wife and I both have pre-arranged funerals. So I would say, yes.

[Yvonnebang]

It's a good idea to make pre-arrangements. I believe it is not only being responsible for yourself but it's a last thoughtful gift for your children and loved ones during stressful time.
Actually I happened to have several plots and corner stones that I no longer need near Berkshire, MA. PM me if anyone's interested.

[Petersweeney]

They should pay you for the fuel….

[4557Spahr]

My aunt and uncle paid a crematory in Florida a few years ago for prearrangement. They moved back to Michigan. When my uncle passed away my aunt could not locate any of the paperwork. She passed away a couple years later. We never did find the place they paid for the arrangements with. Sometimes being a private person costs money. If you do it make sure people know where it is and how to contact them.

[joseppe]

No matter what you decide to do it will be up to your heirs as to what gets done and how the body is dealt with. You can arrange all you want, purchase coffins and plot and services and put your wishes in your will, but when you die your heirs can have you cremated and ashes cast out to sea. You'd be welcome to sue them in a court of law for misappropriation of inheritance, but that would be hard to do since you'll be kinda dead.

[Luggage]

The state law is extremely specific and the company you use must have the money put away specifically for you it's just like life insurance once you pay for it they can grow the money to cover the future inflation cost of the process. And yes they have zero interest payments that go over several years so basically it runs 100 a month for about 30 months. And by the way you can get free cremation if you give them the right to cut up your body for research after all it's going to be ashes eventually anyway

[Hplaw]

Good idea or not?

My in-law paid for grave markers and the burial plot. Later they moved to another state and when they died were buried there and paid all over again. You never know what can change. I have read that it's good to let your wishes known but not to pay in advance. There have been funeral homes/businesses that have gone out of business. Put your wishes in writing, leave money in an account to cover it and give the information to your loved ones. Just my opinion.

[jmpate]

Good idea for spouse & I, due to the emotional toll & chaos around death. Furthermore, we have a Life Care Planning binder (aka dead book) for the same reason. It provides direction on every aspect of care after one has passed, including burial plans. Got the idea from a friend, who did this for her mother, who was in declining health. For Veterans, most funeral homes have rates for vets that are significantly less cost but provide same level of services.
We moved to Florida in 2021 and transferred our burial and to Hiers Baxley w/burial at Bushnell w/full military honors as we're both vets.
Contact me if further information is needed.

[retiredguy123]

My in-law paid for grave markers and the burial plot. Later they moved to another state and when they died were buried there and paid all over again. You never know what can change. I have read that it's good to let your wishes known but not to pay in advance. There have been funeral homes/businesses that have gone out of business. Put your wishes in writing, leave money in an account to cover it and give the information to your loved ones. Just my opinion.
I totally agree. I doubt that the funeral industry would ever disclose how many contracts they sell where they never need to do anything because the paperwork was lost, or the executor has no idea that there is a contract in place.

[SusanStCatherine]

My daughter says she's wrapping me in a shroud and planting me under a tree. (After I die).

I would rather be placed on a wooden raft on a body of water and set ablaze (Viking style).

[SusanStCatherine]

Estate Planning note:

In counting assets to qualify for Medicaid assistance in paying for nursing home costs, some prepaid funeral/burial expenses are usually allowed.

[SusanStCatherine]

My father's funeral home expenses were prepaid more than 10 years in advance. The style of coffin and prayer cards were no longer available. AND they still charged more because it was not enough.

[Bonnevie]

told my son to soak me in lighter fluid and throw a match :)

[NJSonja]

My parents took the burden off of me for payment and arranged everything themselves for when the time came.

[Phpb2]

Not if your spouse knows about it!

[newyorkmaya]

Good idea or not?

I used Baldwin for my mother. My family already had a burial plot in New York City, but she was living with me in Fla. When she passed, Baldwin picked up her body and cremated it. The cremains were sent to me along with the urn we had previously chosen. I had the ashes and urn interred in the NYC plot.

I also have a pick up the body anywhere contract for myself.

I am now the matriarch of the family and live thousands of miles from my nearest relative. Neptune Society will pick up my body cremate it, and scatter my ashes in Colorado. They will also notify my sister of my passing.

[GATORBILL66]

Just did mine last month through susan at baldwin brothers. And now have purchased a plot at lone oaks cemetary off rt. 44.

Done and paid for with no burden on surviviors. Yea, i know where i am going, but not when!

[Skip]

Just did mine last month through susan at baldwin brothers. And now have purchased a plot at lone oaks cemetary off rt. 44.

Done and paid for with no burden on surviviors. Yea, i know where i am going, but not when!

And what was the total (itemized) cost, if I may ask?

Skip

[frose]

great idea.. nobody needs that stress during that time..

[Holpat39]

Grandfather had a prepay for decades and wanted a cherrywood expensive coffin. At time of the funeral over the years the cost of the service also increased. Director suggested a cheaper coffin and they would refund the difference to us. We said no give him what he ordered. Long story short we took the extra still left over and provided a meal for the people who attended the funeral. We have prepaid arrangements so our children do not have the burden of making those decisions when the time comes,

[EdFNJ]

My wife & I really don’t want to be cremated. We’re both more interested in being buried in our home state of Ohio but we live in Texas. I know it’s expensive to ship a body that far but does anybody have any idea if this makes sense or is there a cheap way to ship a body? What a creepy thought! My father and mother were both "shipped" from S.FL up north (3yrs apart). The shipping part wasn't expensive, maybe $1200 (no meals). It was the cost of transporting them TO the airport and then FROM the airport TO the funeral home and all the unions involved that was the expensive part. Everyone who touched the casket got big bucks. I guess that also would depend on your "final destination." A union to put the casket on the plane, a union to take it off the plane a union to take it from the luggage area to the hearse a union to put it into the hearse a union to take it off the hearse then there were 3 unions involved in the burial. It was crazy but it was mostly prepaid (about 1/2). It would have been cheaper to buy them a coach seat with a wheelchair guy and then an Uber to the funeral home.

[cj1040]

We shopped around and did the same thing.

[Sabella]

Baldwin Brothers right down the road, $800

Checked out most -Baldwin brothers the best. Price, company stability, services are excellent. Also present when their services were used. Respectful, caring and prompt.

[vintageogauge]

We recently purchased our little vaults to place our ashes in at the cemetery up north where my wife wants to be as that is where here family is. The kids know we don't want a funeral just a immediate family small service up north if they wish and they have the contact numbers for Baldwin to handle the cremation as well as who, at this point, we would want to handle the selling of our properties. It should be pretty easy for them to get things done. It's a little eerie seeing our names and birth years on a burial vault but we know how they will look ahead of time.