How to Plan a Funeral and Save Money

About the Book

What Do I Do Now? This statement has been said numerous times throughout time when a death has occurred. It is never easy to accept death. After hearing that a loved one has died, we may feel angry, confused or emotionally numb. Do you know who to call first? Have you thought about calling a mortuary, or cremation service? This book provides you a simple necessary outline to follow when starting your arrangement process. These items are covered in the work book: ___ Date and time of services (including visitation) confirm with the funeral home ___ Clergy or service officiant notified of death, date / time of service (confirmed with all involved) ___ Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers chosen and notified ___ Florist notified and floral arrangement(s) ordered for services ___ Pre-arranged Funeral Plan or Insurance Policy made available for arrangement conference ___ Obituary Information and Photo (if desired) brought to the funeral home or e-mailed ___ Military Papers (DD214) brought to the funeral home ___ Cemetery Deed and other information located and brought to the funeral home ___ Pictures for Memorial (Tribute) Video chosen and brought to the funeral home (if desired) ___ Clothing for the deceased decided on and brought to the funeral home or selected from the funeral home selection ___ Contact made with out of town family or friends ___ Regarding the Military, Red Cross notified for service release of family members • Funeral Home Name will only schedule Chapel or Church Services with three and a-half hour intervals to ensure that every family is given the proper amount of time needed. Graveside Services can be scheduled with three hour intervals. • When services are scheduled, the time of year and place of final disposition will determine the latest a service will be set to ensure safety for family, friends and staff. • It is very important to consult with the Funeral Home Staff and Clergy before final decisions on services are set. The emotional element of death that your family has to manage can be over whelming. Complete this work book prior to a death or after a death before starting your journey to answering “What Do I Do Now”

About the Author

Gary M. Thomas, MBA – Adjunct Online Instructor. Gary graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix. Gary has been involved in all aspects of the mortuary and funeral business including funeral home ownership and management. His experience includes both family and corporate owned funeral homes and cemeteries. Currently, Gary is Assistant Manager for Fairmount Mortuary. He is Vice President of the Colorado Funeral Directors Association for 2010-2012. He has over 15 years of experience with a Fortune 500 company in management and marketing. Gary has been teaching at numerous colleges in the Denver area the past twelve years, winning multiple awards as the ‘Outstanding Instructor’. Gary has also published magazine articles on the funeral service business.