Finding a Reputable Funeral Home

            Never were there truer statements than “The old nut does not fall far from the tree,” and “Like father, like son.”  The funeral profession is one business that stays in the family for generations.  If Dad took good care of the business, most likely so will the son.  The funeral profession has changed a bit in recent years; however, the good old time independent firms are the ones in which I would place my trust.

          During the past two decades, many family-owned businesses have been bought up by the conglomerates, where the dollar is the bottom line.  The once small town independent funeral home is now being managed from Atlanta or Miami or from somewhere else in the country.  The firm might bear the legendary name, but there is no longer anyone at the mortuary that you recognize.

          The second upset which has also arrived on the scene are small firms that have a small investment, wanting to save the world.  Most of the time, these are short lived.  They pride themselves with preying on families who have very limited funds and/or are looking for the so-called bargain.  Unfortunately, there are no do-overs in funeral service, and often the families realize too late that the skimpy minimum was far from what they really wanted.  

          The old saying, “You usually get what you pay for,” nearly always rings true. A family which was in financial need expressed a desire to keep expenses to a minimum, and we were able to work things out within the family’s ability to pay.  The family was more than pleased and the merchandise was dignified and very satisfactory to the them. I caution you to beware of those firms that have a special deal on the merchandise in the back room or through the internet.  First of all, reputable firms will offer merchandise at the same price to every family they serve.  They will sell out of their own showroom, not from a catalog, website, nor back room special.  Families will meet with a licensed funeral director who understands all aspects of the company’s business.  They will offer to handle your loved one’s funeral arrangements at any church or in their own facility, because of choice, not because they have inadequate facilities.  

          It has been my observation that those who try the discounts are not well pleased.  Those who provide services, for some strange reason, feel that because families are paying less they, the funeral director and staff, do not need to perform at their best effort.

          My remarks are expressed from a lifetime in funeral service.  I have a vision of what families should experience, and I know that you deserve the very best effort our funeral directors and staff have to offer.  Every reputable firm will work with families that are truly seeking a dignified service at a most moderate price.