Frequent Questions

A funeral director offers comprehensive support to grieving families after the loss of a loved one. Beyond coordinating cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased, they provide essential bereavement and consolation to the living. Their multifaceted role encompasses funeral arranging, directing, attending, and embalming.

Key responsibilities of a funeral director include:

• Arranging for the deceased's removal and transfer from the place of death to the funeral home.
• Providing professional care for the deceased, such as embalming, casketing, and cosmetology.
• Meeting with the family to plan the funeral service.
• Completing necessary paperwork, including certificates and permits.
• Acquiring copies of the death certificate.
• Coordinating with cemeteries, crematories, or other final disposition locations.
• Writing and publishing the obituary.
• Organizing aspects of the service like clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and specialized fraternal or military tributes.
• Overseeing the funeral service and procession.
• Aiding the family with death-related claims and resources, such as Social Security, VA benefits, and grief support.

A funeral or memorial service offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the life of a loved one and pay tribute to the impact they had. It creates a space where family and friends can openly express their emotions, reflect on cherished memories, and find comfort in the support of others. Through shared remembrance, it allows us to grieve, connect, and begin the journey toward healing.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

Funerals usually involve the deceased's body and often lead to burial or cremation. In contrast, memorial services occur without the body and can be scheduled days, weeks, or months after the death.

No, services are not required by law. However, many families find comfort and closure through a ceremony that honors the life of their loved one.

Common options include burial (in-ground or above-ground), cremation, or donation to science. Each choice can be paired with a traditional or personalized service.

Absolutely. You can include specific music, readings, photographs, videos, personal items, and more to reflect your loved one’s life and wishes.

Embalming is not legally required in all cases. It may be necessary if there is a public viewing or if the body needs to be transported across state lines.

The Cremation Center of Kansas City is licensed by the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts as a "Branch Establishment."

No, however, state law requires that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling.

Yes, for some religious or cultural practices, this may be part of the process.  Some families may wish to be present for peace of mind.  Our crematory was built with a witness room. Please speak with your funeral director as an additional fee will apply.

Prohibited prior to the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation as a means of disposition since the mid-1960s. Both Kansas City Archdioceses now permit the cremated remains to be taken to the church for the memorial Mass. 

No. The Cremation Center of Kansas City does not offering embalming. Our state-of-the-art facility has a climate-controlled environment for sheltering a loved one prior to cremation.

Cremated remains may be picked up by the next of kin at our office, or can be delivered by the United States Postal Service for a fee.

Cremated remains (ashes) are returned in a cardboard temporary urn. Traditional urns are available for purchase at the Cremation Center of Kansas City or online with prices starting at $179.

Yes, you may chose to pre-fund your cremation. We work with a top-rated insurance company that will issue you your own policy.

When it comes time for end of life decisions to be made, shouldn't you make the decisions? The pre-arrangements you make will reflect your exact wishes and desires. Pre-arranging your cremation service will help to ease the burden of your family at time of loss and pain.

Yes, in accordance with Kansas State Law, 100% of funds paid plus any accured interest are refundable from the insurance company at any time, with written, signed notice.

If you are vacationing, visiting family members, staying at another residence, or receiving medical treatment more than 100 miles from home, Return Assured will protect you. Please ask for more details.

There are specific circumstances where social security or veterans’ benefits may be available. Our funeral directors are available to discuss your personal situation and the availability of benefits.