Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Services
What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?
A funeral service is a service commemorating the deceased with the body present. A memorial service is a ceremony commemorating the deceased without the body present. Funeral services are traditionally held in the funeral home chapel, church, or graveside. Memorial services can be held at the funeral home chapel, church or other locations the family may desire.
What is the purpose for embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, delays the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body. Although not required by law in most instances; embalming is required by most funeral homes for a visitation, thus giving family and friends an appropriate viewing of their loved one.
If one were to have a funeral service followed by cremation, is it necessary to purchase a casket?
Most often a ceremonial (rental) casket is chosen. This casket is used for the services and/or visitation. Prior to cremation, the interior with the deceased is removed and cremated. We also offer many cremation caskets where the deceased would remain in the casket for cremation.
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for one's final disposition and often follows a traditional service. Cochran Funeral Home offers many options for services with cremation; including: visitation, casketed services, and memorial services.
What if a death occurs in the middle of the night or on a weekend?
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If a loved one passes away in another city or state, can you still assist with the arrangements?
All arrangements may be made here locally by a legal representative of the loved one. Cochran Funeral Home would then coordinate your relative's arrangements with a reputable funeral home in that particular city or state, so he or she may be transported here for the service and burial.
When is an autopsy required?
A Justice of the Peace would order an autopsy if there was death due to trauma, suspicious circumstances, lack of medical attendance by a physician or certain other causes. The Justice of the Peace's decision to autopsy does not need family authorization and there is no cost involved. However, if an autopsy were requested by the family or physician, a private pathologist would be called. This physician would require authorization and payment.
What determines the cost of a funeral?
You and your family do. A funeral can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire. Pre-planning your funeral can control costs. By making decisions ahead of time, you avoid making choices at a time when your emotions are heightened. With a funded pre-planned funeral, Cochran Funeral Home will guarantee the cost of our services and merchandise; therefore, if costs rise, your surviving family members will not be burdened by the increased cost.
If I pre-plan my funeral, what happens to the money I give the funeral home to pay for it?
When pre-planning a funeral you are contracting with the funeral home to guarantee today's cost for a funeral that will take place in the future. You are also making decisions that no one can change once you sign the contract and pay for the funeral. All funds collected for pre-planning funerals must be placed with an insurance company or a State of Texas accepted trust company within 30 days of receipt. Pre-need trust funds are kept separate from all other funeral home funds and are protected by law.
My Husband has a life insurance policy with me as beneficiary, upon his passing will this policy be accepted for his final expenses, or will I need money up front?
Cochran Funeral Home will accept an assignment of the verified proceeds of an insurance policy for payment of the funeral. We will even process the insurance claim for you. Many corporate owned funeral homes will not accept assignments on these policies, and do require payment at the time of service. Upon validation of the claim the insurance company will write two checks, one to the funeral home for payment of services, and another to the beneficiary for the amount above the cost of the funeral. Cash advance items paid on your behalf would not be paid through the insurance.
I pre-planned and paid for my arrangements several years ago in another state, is it possible to change the arrangements to Polk County?
Cochran Funeral Home accepts any transferred pre-arrangement. If the arrangement has a cost guarantee, the cost guarantee will be accepted as well. Stop by with the pre-arranged information and we will assist with the transfer.