Facts About Cremation Most People are Unaware

The practice of cremation services in Kilgore, TX as a form of final disposal has gained widespread acceptance in modern times. Despite the growing popularity of cremation throughout America, few people understand how it works.So, we have gathered some information most people don’t know about the process.

1. The first question that comes to mind is: how hot does the cremation process get?

Wow, it’s scorching. One must reach temperatures of at least 760 degrees Celsius (1400 degrees Fahrenheit) to completely cremate a person. The high temperature allows for the destruction of any organic components that could otherwise impede the presentation of neatly arranged skeletal remains. These temperatures are achieved by burning a large quantity of propane or natural gas. To generate a great deal of heat, one must place a large quantity of fuel within a brick box and then blast hurricane-force winds through it. Okay, so there may be some exaggeration here, but hopefully you get the point.

2. There is no way to recycle ash

Only the skeleton of the human is returned to you. Bone is all that remains after you remove the other components of a corpse (such as organs, skin, hair, the cremation box, etc.) with fire. The bones are then inserted into a processing equipment after being allowed to cool to a manageable temperature. It has the appearance of a powerful margarita blender, but in reality they are ground down to the consistency of ash, thus the misleading name.

3. Just one at a time

People often assume that funeral directors want to cram as many corpses as possible into a cremator at once so that they may go home, drink an embalming fluid cocktail, and come up with new and gruesome ways to save money. There may technically only be one person present in the chamber at any one time due to legal restrictions. The only time this won’t happen is if both people’s families ask for a joint cremation. Because of the limited amount of room in a crematorium, this is not always feasible. When cremating two people simultaneously, it’s common to employ two machines side by side due to a lack of space in a single unit.

4. As a means of disposal, cremation is speedy

Although it’s a lot quicker than decomposition, most people don’t realize that a human body only takes around two and a half hours to cremate. Most people don’t give much thought to the process of cremation, but when pushed they estimate that it should take between 15 and 30 minutes. There’s a lot of water to evaporate and doing so takes time and effort. Go keep an eye on the tea kettle.

5. A funeral service and cremation are both possible

The common belief is that either a massive, extravagant funeral and burial or a simple cremation must be performed. False, you need not choose between the two. Traditional funeral rites may be performed for a cremation family as well. No funeral home would ever tell a mourner, “No soup for you!” “You choose cremation!

We hope that this article helped you in understanding how cremation process works, you can find cremation services in Kilgore, TX for more details.

How to Find a Good Funeral Home

After the death of a loved one, it is normal for emotions to be intense and for one’s mind to become clouded or confused. It’s unfortunate that this is the state where you could have to make some tough choices, such as selecting a funeral home for your last arrangements. During this time of grief it might be difficult to choose the right funeral homes in Kilgore, TX but we have produced a list of essential pointers to educate you how to notice the distinctions between a reputable funeral home and a terrible one.

Can you guarantee that your funeral home is up to date?

A funeral home‘s website should reveal a lot about the business. The website of a quality mortuary shall be straightforward and simple to use. If their website is modern and gives you direct contact to morticians to ask inquiries, it’s a good bet that the funeral home itself is up to date and practical. It’s a red flag when a funeral home’s website is dated and full of dead links, suggesting the establishment hasn’t been updated in recent years. This implies they are less inclined to comply with demands for digital memorials, such as films, playlists, or other forms of digital tributes. A funeral home that is unwilling to adapt to changing times and new technology may not be the best option.

Is Your Funeral Home Up Front About Costs?

When you visit a reputable funeral home, they will never try to hide their prices or add any hidden fees. All the information you need to make an informed decision should be readily available. Some funeral homes charge more than others, but that difference usually has something to do with the level of care provided and the options chosen. You may prearrange and prepay for funeral services at many establishments, and many also offer payment options. You can bet that the funeral home you’re talking to is attempting to upsell you or add hidden costs and fees if they aren’t transparent with their price when you ask for it.

Have you checked to see whether your funeral home is accommodating?

Each memorial ceremony is unique, as was the life being honored. A caring funeral home will respect your wishes and do all they can to help you design a ceremony that does justice to the person being commemorated. The funeral directors at reputable establishments will be able to meet your every requirement, from making ideas about the service’s floral arrangements and program content to connecting you with clergy members who can officiate or celebrate the funeral according to your religious beliefs. The funeral directors you choose should help you feel at ease while also providing the guidance you need to plan a fitting funeral that doesn’t break the bank. If the funeral home you’re talking to seems inflexible and unyielding, it’s conceivable that they have a set procedure they insist on adhering to in order to keep costs down and service preparation time to a minimum. Under these circumstances, funeral homes may try to save money by skimping on services or even restricting how you honor the deceased.

We hope that the details we presented helped you in finding the right funeral homes in Kilgore, TX.

Creating a Memorial Tribute Video for your Loved One

Aside from choosing an excellent cremation service in Longview, TX, remembering someone with a moving video tribute is a great way to capture the essence of their life and give them proper recognition. People will be able to get to know a loved one better via the lens of the person’s tale as told through the photographs you provide. One of the most essential aspects of creating a tribute film is the role it may play in helping the grief process along.

What Plans Do We Have for Your Video?

First, you need to decide how people are going to see the video. The answer to this question may simplify the entire process by dictating the tone and duration of the tribute film.

Please consider the following before showing your tribute film at a funeral:

It has pictures and music.
Keeping it between 6 and 8 minutes.
Approximately 80-100 photographs.
We suggest the following for showing the film during the reception following the memorial service:
Featuring solely still images (no music) and continuously playing in the reception’s backdrop.
Having the video last between 10 and 15 minutes.
Incorporating over 120 photographs.

Selecting Appropriate Images for Your Memorial Video

It might seem overwhelming to go through hundreds of photos when you have them all piled up in photo albums or on your computer. Keeping these criteria in mind while you select your images will make the process go more smoothly.

Think about the person you are honoring and the themes from their life that you feel best capture them. When we are asked to assist a customer in making a memorial tribute film, we conduct interviews with the family to get a sense of who the deceased was and what they cared about. The images the family chooses are then reviewed to ensure they tell an interesting tale and capture the entire range of the deceased’s life.

The attendees of the memorial ceremony will have known your deceased loved one in many contexts throughout their lives, therefore it is fitting to have images on display that reflect the various groups to which they belonged. By watching the tribute film, viewers can come to know an aspect of Choose a good software editor

Choose a good software editor

You may easily make a slideshow video tribute with a variety of programs. Apple’s iMovie is a great program for Mac users since it lets you make your own movies, complete with custom transitions, effects, and titles, as well as audio tracks of your choosing. If you want to know how to make a video with iMovie, read this.

Design your tribute video

After deciding on a tool and a collection of photographs, you’ll need to arrange the photos in a logical sequence and plan out the cuts between them.

Photos may be displayed in a variety of ways, including by date taken, at random, or in collections based on different milestones in your life.

We suggest utilizing the default settings for your movie, since this will allow you to linger on each shot for up to two seconds while still maintaining smooth transitions of less than one second.

Each photo’s transition periods, however, may be adjusted independently. If you want to take your time looking at a particular photo, such as a group photograph or an event, you may extend the amount of time it appears in the video, or you can prolong the amount of time it takes to transition to the next image in the queue.

How to Pick Music for a Tribute Video

Choose a few songs that you feel capture the essence of your partner and use them to score your video. If you’re completely at a loss for what to do, poll your loved ones for input.

You should expect your film to be between 6 and 8 minutes long if you choose to add music to it (to play throughout the service). Choose two tracks that are between three and four minutes long to prevent having to alter the audio.

These tips above are just some of the ways that you can do in making a tribute video, if you have concerns about funeral services and cremation you can reach cremation service in Longview, TX their funeral professionals can help.

Ideas in Making the Funeral Service Meaningful

As we are engulfed by our grief, there are preparations to be done, people to notify, and business to settle. Many of us, in this trying time, value the chance to give our final respects during a memorial ceremony. And many of us would like to say our last goodbyes in a way that honors and celebrates the life of the departed. Funeral homes Longview, TX can assist you through the funeral arrangements, but we also compiled some tips to give you ideas in making the funeral service more creative.

1. Quotations Board

Did the person you lost have a favorite saying? Maybe they taught you a valuable lesson that you still use today. Display these inspiring phrases on a big piece of card, a blackboard, or any other background to create a quote board. An effortless and affordable way to add warmth and individuality to a memorial ceremony.

2. Video tribute

Celebrating the deceased’s life with a video tribute has become increasingly common. These tributes, which can include images, home movies, and any other accessible multimedia, are a wonderful way to inject some lightheartedness into a somber funeral ceremony, whether they are endearingly homemade or impressively polished.

3. The Meaningful Tree of Your Life

Even a funeral can be brightened by the presence of a tree of life. Photos or other mementos of the deceased might be hung from tree branches or even around the tree’s trunk if the funeral is to be held in an outdoor setting. A single ornamental branch or a little tree in a container will do if you’re stuck inside. The tree allows people to express their condolences and share their own recollections of the dead while also contributing to the atmosphere of the memorial ceremony.

4. Ceremony of Remembrance Fireworks

Having memorial fireworks set off in honor of the deceased is a touching and unique way to send someone go in style. A lovely way to honor a life lived fully is with fireworks, which burst into a riot of color and light. If you’re searching for a unique method to spread your loved one’s ashes, consider having the cremains mixed in with the gunpowder for fireworks.

5. Imprinted keepsake urns for photographs

An engraved picture urn, or an urn with the deceased’s portrait etched into it, is a beautiful and meaningful way to remember a cremated loved one during a memorial ceremony or at the home of the family. Check out our Urns for Cremation Buying Guide for more background on these containers.

6. Pronouncement of the Release of the Lanterns

Everyone in attendance at a funeral or memorial event can take part in saying farewell by releasing lanterns. The sight of lanterns rising into the night sky is a picturesque one. Before sending the lantern up into the sky, some mourners write heartfelt notes to the departed on the lantern’s inside.

7. Monumental Markers

When planning a funeral ceremony, memorial stones are a touching way to allow mourners to express their feelings and thoughts about the departed. River rocks are provided for guests to jot down thoughts or messages on (small smooth stones). The family can either keep the stones or disperse them in a special place.

8. Works of Art Created Using Glass

Honoring a deceased family member with a work of art is a special and intimate gesture. A painting or sculpture commissioned by a grieving family may be a comforting and lasting tribute to their lost loved one. Indeed, some creative types can even incorporate the ashes of a departed loved one into glass works of art. As a form of permanent memento, artworks may help families feel closer to their loved ones who have passed on.

If you still have concerns about funeral services, you can contact funeral homes Longview, TX.

Questions and Facts About Storing the Ashes

Once the cremation services in Kilgore, TX, are completed, the ashes will need to be picked up and stored. The biggest question is going to be where you put the urn. Several key locations can be utilized, and the decision will also be based on the situation and the household’s emotional needs. There are a few things to consider for choosing a safe location for the earn, so here is a list of recommendations.

What Effect do You Want to Have?

A few things to consider are the design, material, color, and style of the urn because this can help narrow down the spaces where it will fit well. Do you want the urn to be blended in with the background? Or are you wanting it to be displayed as a tribute to the deceased? These are both important questions to ask when you’re picking the urn because they can help create an aesthetic that feels appropriate.

Picking the Room

A standard family home will have several rooms to choose from, and typically the urn is placed in the den, living room, or office. There are some cases where it may go into the hallway or a bedroom, but these can be considered less popular options.

Areas to Place the Urn

Some of the best places to display urns include:

Bookshelves

If the urn is made from fragile material life, you will want to keep it higher up and out of the way of day-to-day activities. Using a shelf could be a great alternative because you can combine it with other trinkets like candles or homemade memorabilia about the loved one.

Fireplace

The fireplace mantle has frequently been chosen as an option for urns because it is typically the centerpiece in the room. The biggest consideration with this area is ensuring the material from the urn is one that won’t warp easily with temperature changes to ensure it stays in good condition.

Bedside Areas

This may be considered a more intimate location, but each person’s experience will feel different, which might be the appropriate choice. It can help foster a feeling of closeness to the disease, offering comfort in having the ashes nearby.

Cabinets

This is another great choice if you have a trophy case or display cabinet such as a hutch. And not only offers an extra layer of protection for the urn and creates a display type of experience so the vessel will be easily seen.

Hanging Up

The recommendation is to purchase an urn that can be hung on a wall. Various companies specialize in wall-mounted plaque-style vessels, and they can be decorated or inscribed in a customized way, keeping them safer and still in a displayed fashion.

For Affordable and Trusted Care, we are Here to Help

Finding the right area of the home to display the urn is a personal experience so consider the suggestions in this article to help narrow down the options. And if you require professional and affordable cremation services in Kilgore, TX, we are here to help. We are a leading provider and would love to support you through the process, so contact us today.

Visiting Cemeteries Have Their Etiquette, and Here are Just a Few Considerations

Once a loved one passes away and they have been laid to rest with one of the funeral homes in Kilgore, TX, it may feel appropriate to visit them at the burial site. Cemeteries have specific etiquette, so we have created a list of helpful considerations to utilize when visiting.

Use a Quiet Voice

Cemeteries are a location where visitors are typically grieving, so the first tip is to refrain from using a loud voice when you’re in the space. This is a common courtesy to any others visiting because it allows everyone to have space while they are at a loved one’s resting site.

Try to Avoid Walking Across Graves

Another rule of etiquette is to avoid walking over the grave. This action can be seen as disrespectful because it is their final resting place, so you want to do your best to walk around them unless unavoidable.

Keep Pets on a Leash

Pets can be considered family members for some individuals, and if the cemetery allows it, it is encouraged to bring them to the grave site. However, one of the rules of etiquette is to keep them leashed simply out of respect for anyone else who may be visiting. In addition to this, animals are also not going to refrain from walking over the graves or sensually disrupting the burial site.

Follow Any Rules

It’s not uncommon for cemeteries to have their own set of rules to follow, and are few can include:

Specific opening and closing hours that may be posted
No firearms except for military events
Obeying posted speed limit signs
Avoiding parking or driving on the grass

There may also be limitations on what can be left at the gravesite, and some cemeteries only allow fresh flowers and no other decorations.

Respect the Other Visitors

When you visit, there’s nothing wrong with being friendly and offering a smile to others at the cemetery. However, trying to create small talk with other individuals is not recommended. This is because some people may not emotionally be open to having any conversations and need their personal space, so keep this in mind if you encounter other visitors.

Do Not Touch the Headstones

You also want to avoid touching the headstones because each one is special and needs to be treated with respect. They are sentimental gestures that honor an individual’s life and while viewing and reading them is perfectly acceptable, touching them could be upsetting for the deceased’s family members.

For the Highest Quality Care and Support, We are Here

As you can see, these are just a few rules of etiquette to follow. It can be helpful to check with the property to see if there are any others you need to be aware of to ensure your visit is done respectfully.

If you’re looking for affordable funeral homes in Kilgore, TX, our team is here to help you. We have been in business since 1993, providing exceptional services for all our clients, and we provide personalized assistance and attention that’s unmatched, so contact us today.

Veteran Memorials are a Unique Event, so Here are Some Helpful Ideas to Include

Organizing funerals or cremation services in Longview, TX, can be confusing because many details can be included in the events. This can get more complicated, especially if there’s a veteran in your life that has passed away because, in most cases, the individual will need to be honored uniquely. In most cases, veteran funerals have additional services, so we have gathered some traditional choices here.

Have a Tribute

Video tributes have been growing in popularity for years because they offer an opportunity to highlight video footage and photos of the individual’s life. It can be a heartfelt and thoughtful option to add to the services because it gives the opportunity to celebrate the individual uniquely.

Add a Display

Whether the loved one is being buried with taps or military honors, it’s encouraged to create a display with any achievements they accomplished in their career. Items, including uniforms, awards, metals, and photos of their military career, can all be displayed in different fashions within the room to highlight their devotion to the military.

Include an Open Mic Guest Book

What are the best ways to get to know individuals is through the stories of their life. These can include experiences they had with members of their platoon or from friends and family members. In either situation, it can help highlight their service and the effect of the world around them.

Bury Them in Uniform

Soldiers keep their uniforms until they pass away, which is held with the highest honor. Burying the individual in the uniform is seen as a sign of respect; however, it is a personal choice, so take some time to consider it before making a final decision.

Have a Flag Ceremony

The flag ceremony is also another honorable way to commemorate them. The process includes playing taps; then, the flag is folded into the traditional tri-cornered shape and presented to the family.

Celebrate Their Life

An individual’s military career is an incredibly important part of their life, but so is their family and home life. So, it’s recommended to include as many details as possible about their personal life through photos, decorations, or personalization of items like food services.

If they had any achievements outside of the military from other careers, volunteering, or hobbies and interest, these could also be incorporated into the event because they are just as meaningful and essential as their military career.

When You Need a Trusted Source at Your Side, We are Here

These are just a few recommendations to honor the veteran in your life. Considering who they were and what they enjoyed can also be meaningful resources to add to the event and help create a memorable experience.

Getting the proper support is crucial and if you need streamlined and professional cremation services in Longview, TX, let our team of experts help you through the process. We have helped thousands of families in our communities and are family owned and operated, so contact us today if you have any questions.

6 Helpful Resources to Utilize When Holiday Grief Arises

Grief is complicated, and the holidays can make the situation harder after the loved one has been laid to rest. Once the services are completed, and you’ve worked with one of the funeral homes in Longview, TX, there are several key ways to help transition into the holidays and special cases easier. Knowing how to navigate emotions can be a helpful tool, so here are a few recommendations.

Take Time to Share With Others

If your loved one is unique, like they shared with others around them, getting together with others who knew them and sharing stories about the loved one can be a truly healing experience. Remembering positive aspects of the loved one’s life and highlighting how important they can bring a sense of comfort and connection to everyone involved.

Have a Special Holiday Meal

Holiday meals are not uncommon for individuals and families, and they can be an excellent opportunity to bring loved ones closer together. If your loved one had a specific food type they preferred, you might consider adding this to the meal plan as a way to honor their memory.

Visit the Loved One’s Grave

Taking the time to visit your loved ones resting place is also an excellent way to still connected to them and offer a chance to process some of the grief. Giving yourself as much time as needed is crucial, and this is considered a healthy form of healing after loss.

Bake a Favorite Item

If the individual had a favorite baked item they made every year for the holidays, why not make this part of honoring and remembering them? This is especially true if children are present in the household because it can be seen as a grief-healing activity as the baked goods can remind them of the loved one and offer comfort.

Put on a Movie They Loved

Watching holiday movies is also another common activity that individuals participate in. So, if your loved one had a favorite title that they regularly enjoy, come on; making time to watch it can be a reminder of them and foster a sense of connection.

Make a Remembrance Trinket

Trinkets and ornaments are a regular part of holiday decorations and creating one in memory of your loved one can be a great way to commemorate them. Using paints, glitter, or any other craft items, can create a personalized item that can be a healing form of expression and a gentle reminder of the loved one.

For the Highest Quality Care, We are Here to Support You

One of the biggest things to consider if you are planning commemorative events is that everyone heals differently, and some of the activities could be triggering for specific individuals. Checking in and asking others how they feel about the activity can be helpful, and they may also have a suggestion that feels like the right choice.

And if you have recently just lost a loved one and are researching  funeral homes in Longview, TX, our team is here to support you. We are family owned and operated and have been providing service since 1993, so contact us today.

Ideas and Tips for Creating a Memorable Reception After Loss

Whether you plan funeral or cremation services in Marshall, TX, the reception can play a pivotal role in helping create a sense of connection, and you want it to be as meaningful as possible. Historically, meals were shared by friends and family after the services and have now become something that anyone who attended the event can go to. With the push for more uniqueness in our society, this also applies to the reception, so here are some popular ideas to include.

Pick a Unique Food

When making the menu, why not consider choosing a favorite food or beverage of the loved one? You could even create a specially designed edible or drinkable option named after them. Another alternative is to have a unique buffet style or incorporate a potluck so everyone can contribute.

Add in Meaningful Music

Having music at the event is another way to fix frost loss and highlight how amazing your loved one was. Consider playing their favorite tunes, hiring a local band, or even having individuals singing at the event can already get more memorable.

Incorporate a Slideshow

A slideshow can help highlight different parts of the individual’s life, which is much easier to create now through computers and handheld devices. Incorporating a series of photos playing in the background during the event can offer another glimpse into the individual’s life and legacy.

Add in Some International Flare

If the loved one enjoyed specific types of international foods or traveling, why not have a theme at the reception? Choosing a local restaurant to cater the food or finding a recipe online and serving it at the event can both be ways to add a unique touch.

Add in a Happy Hour

Hosting a happy hour could also be a way to honor the individual at the reception. This could be accomplished on site where the services are being held, or you could arrange it for a different location that the individual enjoys.

Offer a Gift for Attendees

Having the support of others at the event is crucial and offering them a gift can be a way to say thank you for this. Choosing items that provide a way to remember the individual, such as their favorite chocolate, loving memory decals, or key chains, can all be excellent choices.

Pick Unique Decorations

The decorations can also help make it a meaningful experience, and you may want to incorporate things such as:

Guestbook that the attendees can sign
Include personalized candles at the tables
Pick the favorite colors of the deceased
Incorporate hobbies or interests they had as part of the décor

When You Need an Affordable and Professional Option, we are Here

Planning the reception can be a big part of the event, and if you need additional help, you should reach out to family or friends to help delegate tasks. Losing a loved one can pose challenges, and getting the proper assistance is crucial when it is time to play on the cremation services in Marshall, TX. You want a professional team at your side, and we have been providing expert services for over 25 years, so contact us today.

At-Sea Burials are an Honorable Way to Lay a Loved One to Rest, so here are Some Important Considerations

Funeral homes in Marshall, TX, are a great starting point for planning meaningful traditional events, but if your loved one is looking for an at-sea burial, it can take some additional research. There are several things to consider, including the regulations about them and the different types available, and we have them listed here for you.

EPA Regulations

The EPA or Environment Protection Agency has specific rules for these events to help negate possible impacts on the natural world. The primary regulations for full body disposal are:

You must be at least three nautical miles away from the shore
The depth of the water needs to be 600 to 1800 feet depending on the location
The casket will need holes drilled in it to ensure it will sink
You may need to add weights and chains to the casket to make sure it stays on the bottom of the ocean
The EPA needs to be notified 30 days before the event
Any items being placed in the water, including the casket, all need to be biodegradable

Civilian

For a civilian event, a boat will need to be chartered. Several companies specialize in these burials, and the cost is typically 2-3 times the price of a traditional burial due to the experience. There needs to be a licensed funeral director on board for the process and if you choose to use a casket, ensure there is no plastic or toxins going on or in it. One thing to consider if you select this option is to ensure the charter vessel is large enough to accommodate the event and attendees.

Military

Anyone who was in the military can have an at-sea burial. The service will be completed on a vessel that is one deployment which means the family will not be able to attend the ceremony. However, a commanding officer will send a notification to them with the location, date, and time the event took place.

Cremation

There are also situations where an individual will have requested an at-sea scattering after Cremation Services. This can be done by releasing the ashes into the waves, or you may need to purchase a biodegradable urn it can be directly placed into the water. For these services, it can be a more meaningful experience to release flowers or petals as the urn or ashes are being released into the water.

When You Need a Compassionate Source, we are a Trusted Company

At-sea burials can help honor the loved one and grant the last wish when it’s time to lay them to rest. And if you’re looking for traditional services with one of the funeral homes in Marshall, TX, our team is here to offer you support. Our primary goal is to provide affordable and exceptional services for our community, and we would love to help you from start to finish. We understand the pain of loss and what it takes to create a truly honorable event, so contact us today.