I would like to share a few “Funeral Myths” according to Todd Van Beck, including a few of my own.
Funeral Myth: “If I select cremation I cannot have a funeral with the body present.”
A traditional funeral service including visitation can be arranged to celebrate life and affirm beliefs followed by cremation. We have caskets specially made to be cremated following a visitation and/or funeral service including a cherry wood rental casket with a separate liner for cremation.
Funeral Myth: “A funeral is the third greatest expense in life after buying a house or car.” Have you ever remodeled a bathroom or improved your kitchen?
Do you have children in college and have you helped them with their tuition, books, rent, food, travel, etc. Have you supported children through Middle and High School involved in clubs, teams and other interests? Have you paid for your children’s (daughter’s) wedding? Have you had any kind of major medical care or need? Although not a necessity, have you purchased a boat, installed a pool, talked your spouse into that Harley or followed your dream with a special interest or hobby? Vacations could also be added to the list.
Funeral Myth: “If we keep burying people at this rate the entire United States will become a cemetery.”
If the world’s population of 5 billion people and one thousand people can be buried on one acre of land each in a single space and if everyone across the globe died at the same moment, the entire world’s population could be buried on 7,812.5 square miles of land, which is smaller than the State of Massachusetts (8,257 sq. miles).
Funeral Myth: “Caskets are really expensive.”
When President Abraham Lincoln died in 1865, his casket cost an even $1,500.00. It was made of solid walnut; lead-lined, cloth covered and was one of the finest burial receptacles made at the time. (I can’t imagine covering solid walnut with any cloth). What would this casket cost today calculating a mere 5% inflation over that last 144 years? The Lincoln casket today if the price kept up with the economy would sell for an astounding fee of $2,480.625. There are a great many reasonable quality choices available today.
There are many funeral and cremation Myths. We invite you to call or come in at your convenience with any questions you may have and to get the real facts about funeral and cremation options and pre-planning.
Ron Metcalf is the Personal Funeral Director at Metcalf Mortuary,300 W. St. George Blvd ,St. George and can be reached at 435-673-4221.