What is the significance of a funeral service?
From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored the dead with a culturally accepted traditional ceremony. According to beliefs of that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her journey into the afterlife.
Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. At Hammons Family Funeral Services we also believe in the opportunity, to say Goodbye or a "closure" of sorts must occur to help not only immediate survivors but friends and the community adjusts to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to gather to support each other, to grieve, “to celebrate” the life lived and allow the healing process to begin.
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How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are three types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn and (3) Fee paid to other professional for services provide as arranged by our funeral directors such as opening and closing the grave, paid newspaper notices, honorarium for clergy etc. When you compare costs “apples for apples” as they say, you will see quickly that Hammons Family Funeral Services offer the most value for your money. To help control the funeral cost it is important to communicate with your funeral director in determining a personalized plan to fit your needs. You should never pay for services or merchandise that does not fit your needs.
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Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home?
All charges involving the funeral home's services and merchandise are available from our professional staff. We will provide a general price list with all charges.
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Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?
Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service. Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of; relieving your family of the emotional purchasing and financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Often times, making arrangements in advance also guarantees a funeral service at today's prices, free from inflation. At Hammons Family Funeral Services we will assist you with your pre-arrangements.
Click here to contact us regarding preplanning options.
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How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others?
Caskets are made of either metal (bronze or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the exterior and interior materials used. Bronze, a semiprecious metal, is more expensive than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily available softwood pine.
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What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased's remains. It is not required by law, unless as in Nebraska the law states when a service selected such as one with public viewing embalming is required.
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Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
Yes. In fact, Hammons Family Funeral Services will do more than just inform you of these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary paperwork, to begin the benefits process in a timely manner. Only social security and veteran administration determine eligible.
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What is involved in the cremation process?
Before cremation occurs, the death certificate must be completed and signed by the attending physician or county coroner, and all civil and medical authorities must have issued all required permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or authorizing person and no objections to the cremation can be raised. The cremation then takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for final disposition.
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Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
Hammons Family Funeral Services offers a wide variety of cremation containers and caskets including a rental casket with removal interior for cremation to meet each family's needs.
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Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services are held at the discretion of the family. The choice can be made to have a traditional service first, with a visitation followed by the cremation. Or a memorial service is held following cremation.
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What happens to the cremated remains?
There are many options to consider with a cremation. A family can choose to bury the remains in a cemetery, store and display them at home in an urn or scatter them in a place special to the deceased. It is advisable to check local restrictions on scattering remains on public property and obtain permission for private property.
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I have already made arrangements and funded my funeral in advance. What if I move or want to use another Funeral Home?
By making arrangements in advance, you were able to express your own wishes and relieve this emotional burden from your family. By funding your funeral in advance, you also relieved the financial burden from your family. Usually, these arrangements can be reestablished with another funeral home and nearly all funding vehicles are transferable by the owner.
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