frequent questions

A funeral director offers comprehensive support to grieving families after the loss of a loved one. Beyond coordinating cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased, they provide essential bereavement and consolation to the living. Their multifaceted role encompasses funeral arranging, directing, attending, and embalming.

Key responsibilities of a funeral director include:

• Arranging for the deceased's removal and transfer from the place of death to the funeral home.
• Providing professional care for the deceased, such as embalming, casketing, and cosmetology.
• Meeting with the family to plan the funeral service.
• Completing necessary paperwork, including certificates and permits.
• Acquiring copies of the death certificate.
• Coordinating with cemeteries, crematories, or other final disposition locations.
• Writing and publishing the obituary.
• Organizing aspects of the service like clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and specialized fraternal or military tributes.
• Overseeing the funeral service and procession.
• Aiding the family with death-related claims and resources, such as Social Security, VA benefits, and grief support.

A funeral or memorial service offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the life of a loved one and pay tribute to the impact they had. It creates a space where family and friends can openly express their emotions, reflect on cherished memories, and find comfort in the support of others. Through shared remembrance, it allows us to grieve, connect, and begin the journey toward healing.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

Funerals usually involve the deceased's body and often lead to burial or cremation. In contrast, memorial services occur without the body and can be scheduled days, weeks, or months after the death.

No, services are not required by law. However, many families find comfort and closure through a ceremony that honors the life of their loved one.

Common options include burial (in-ground or above-ground), cremation, or donation to science. Each choice can be paired with a traditional or personalized service.

Absolutely. You can include specific music, readings, photographs, videos, personal items, and more to reflect your loved one’s life and wishes.

Embalming is not legally required in all cases. It may be necessary if there is a public viewing or if the body needs to be transported across state lines.

Cremation is an alternative to traditional ground burial and has become increasingly common. Many families choose cremation for its flexibility, simplicity, and affordability.

Cremation is the physical process that takes place in a specially designed cremation chamber, where the body is exposed to temperatures ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Over a period of approximately two to six hours — depending on body size — the process reduces the body to bone fragments.

After cooling, any non-combustible materials (such as medical metal implants) are removed in accordance with regulations. The remains are then carefully processed into a uniform consistency suitable for placement in an urn.

The cremated remains typically weigh between four and six pounds and are returned to the family in a temporary urn, unless another selection has been made.

Full Service Cremation

Yes. A Full Service Cremation includes many of the same elements as a traditional funeral service.

With this option:

-The deceased is embalmed.

-A viewing is held for family and friends.

-The body is placed in a casket (often a rental casket designed with a removable interior insert).

-A funeral ceremony may follow the visitation.

-After the services conclude, cremation takes place.

Many families choose this option because it allows for a traditional gathering and ceremony without the added expense of cemetery property, vaults, grave opening, or monuments.

A Memorial Service is a gathering held without the body present, although the cremated remains may be displayed in an urn.

This type of service allows friends and family to come together to celebrate and remember a life well lived. Photographs, personal items, and tribute displays are often included.

Memorial services may be held at our funeral home, a church, or another meaningful location.

Direct Cremation is the simplest form of cremation.

With this option:

-The deceased is transported into our care.

-All required legal authorizations are obtained.

-Cremation takes place without a formal viewing or ceremony.

-Direct Cremation is a simple, dignified option. Families may choose to hold a memorial gathering at a later date if desired.

Cremation is accepted by most Christian denominations. The Catholic Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Church teaching.

If you have specific concerns, we recommend speaking with your clergy or religious advisor.

The cremation chamber, sometimes called a retort, is a specially constructed, brick-lined chamber built to withstand extreme temperatures. It is designed to ensure the process is performed safely, respectfully, and in accordance with state regulations.

We understand this is one of the most important questions families have.

At Midlawn:

-Only one person is cremated at a time.

-A permanent metal identification tag accompanies your loved one throughout the entire process.

-The identification number remains with the cremated remains and is placed inside the urn.

Missouri state regulations provide strict operational guidelines for crematories, and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance. Multiple safeguards are in place to ensure the proper and respectful return of your loved one’s remains.

No. Missouri law does not require a casket for cremation.

An alternative container (constructed of wood or cardboard) is required by law and is included. However, families may choose to purchase a casket if desired.

No. A temporary urn suitable for transportation is provided.

Families may choose to upgrade to a permanent urn, keepsake urns, or cremation jewelry if desired.

If the urn will be buried, we recommend checking cemetery regulations beforehand.

No. Missouri law does not require embalming.

However, embalming may be necessary if a viewing is selected. After 24 hours, preservation of the body is required. This can be accomplished through refrigeration or embalming. For cremation, refrigeration is most commonly used.

Families have several options, including:

-Burial in a cemetery

-Placement in a columbarium niche

-Keeping the urn at home

-Dividing remains into keepsake urns

-Cremation jewelry

-Scattering (with proper permission)

Before scattering, always obtain permission from the property owner or check regulations for public locations.

A columbarium (or cremation niche) is an above-ground resting place designed to house an urn securely.

These structures are typically constructed of reinforced concrete with granite fronts. The name and dates are inscribed on the exterior for family and visitors.

Above-ground placement provides a clean, secure, and permanent memorial option.