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Cremation FAQ

 

How long must we wait after their death before we can cremate a family member?

Unlike burial, cremation is irreversible. This requires us to be "extra diligent" in obtaining cremation authorization from the legally identified next-of-kin, as well as those from medical examiner. During these 48 hours; the deceased will be held in a secure, refrigerated environment.

How much will I have to pay for the cremation?

When you enter into a discussion with us about the cost of your loved one's cremation, whether on the phone or in-person, we are legally obligated to share our General Price List, or GPL, with you. That list details the actual cost of our cremation services, which is a combination of our basic professional services fee, the fee charged by the crematory for the use of their facilities, charges related to the transportation and safekeeping of the deceased prior to the cremation.

Can I participate in the cremation?

At Lewis Funeral Home we are proud to offer the opportunity for the loved one of the deceased to be able to view the cremation process at our Fields of Faith Crematory tribute center.

Can I purchase an urn from another source, or must I buy one from you?

The FTC's Funeral Rule guides funeral directors in the ethical and fair presentation of funeral service options. The purchase of a cremation urn (or a casket, for that matter) from a second or third party sources is one of the rights it guarantees.

What should I do with my loved one's ashes?

There are many things you can do with their ashes–including simply taking them home with you for safekeeping. There may come a time when you know exactly what you'd like to do with them, but it may not be right now. Be patient; the right way to care for them will surface in time. After all, there are a lot of options: scattering them on land or sea is one of the most common; but you can also use the cremated remains in keepsake jewelry or to create meaningful pieces of art. As we said, there is no have-to-do; there's only a want-to-do (and you are in complete control of it).

If we choose cremation, does my loved one have to be embalmed?

The short answer is "no", but there are exceptions. Let's say you want to have a viewing or visitation. If that's the case, it may be prudent to embalm your loved one, so they look their best for the event.

How long will it take to cremate my family member?

Usually it takes 2 - 2 1/2 hours for the process. A cool-down period follows, and then the cremated remains are processed for a uniform appearance. Certainly, if the issue is important to you, we urge you to speak to your funeral director.

What kind of fuel is used in the cremation?

Our crematory uses natural gas.

Are people dressed when they are cremated?

You'd be surprised how often we hear this question! Some people might choose to be undressed so as to 'go out' the same way they 'came in' to the world; but most of the time, the deceased is dressed in the clothing they've selected prior to their death, or chosen by family members after their passing.

Can we put special items in their cremation casket?

It depends upon what you mean as "special", but we do our best to accommodate the wishes of surviving family members. Most commonly, families will ask to place notes, children's drawings, or other personal messages of love; but we've certainly had some unusual requests (such as the inclusion of a cherished pet's collar or treasured keepsake). We encourage you to speak with your funeral director to learn the regulations of the specific crematory responsible for your loved one's cremation.

Does this mean we don't need to plan a commemoration service?

Certainly not; cremation merely describes the type of physical end-of-life care you intend to provide your loved one. A commemoration service is for the living; the individuals emotionally impacted by the death deserve the same level of compassionate attention. And one of the benefits of cremation comes from the larger "window-of-opportunity" in which to plan a meaningful celebration-of-life it provides the surviving family members. Your funeral professional can guide you in making all the necessary service arrangements

I'm thinking of placing my loved one's ashes in the care of a local cemetery. What is the difference between a columbarium and a mausoleum?

Think of the Taj Mahal in India and you'll know exactly what a mausoleum is: it's free-standing building, which is intended as both a monument as well as the burial location for casketed individuals. A columbarium is the same in purpose, but not in design; instead of crypt spaces large enough for a full-size casket; it features smaller niche spaces, large enough for one (or maybe two) cremation urns.

Can you tell us which type of service is right for us?

We would never presume to tell you which service is best for your loved one. But your funeral director will be pleased to guide and advise; explain the differences between service formats (traditional funeral, memorial service and direct cremation)

What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay?

Besides the charges for the cremation and/or funeral services the other fees are $11 for each Death Certificate and $40 Medical Examiner permit processing fee.

What are "cash advance items"?

Any item of service or merchandise...obtained from a third party and paid for by the funeral provider on the purchaser's behalf. Cash advance items may include, but are not limited to: cemetery; clergy honoraria; flowers; musicians or singers; obituary notices; gratuities and death certificates."

Why must I pay for these items at the time of arrangement?

The answer to this is simple: we have to pay for these second-party services or merchandise at the time we make the purchase on your behalf. This requires us to ask for payment for all cash advance items at the time the cremation service contract is agreed to, and signed by the responsible family member. 

Can we arrange to bury their ashes on cemetery grounds?

Yes, you can. The burial can be in-ground, or your loved one's cremation urn can be placed in a columbarium niche. Speak with your funeral director to learn more about your specific cremation burial options

What must I bring to the funeral home?

You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. Items include but not limited to: Driver's License for deceased and Next-of-Kin; clothing for deceased if desired; insurence forms if wanting help filing; DD-214 for veteran. If you are planning to have a service, you may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. 

I'd like to write my loved one's obituary. Can I?

Of course you can; in fact any member of your family (or even a close friend) can "step up" to take care of this task. There are many valuable resources available in the Guidance section of this website, including tips on writing an obituary.

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Proudly Serving the Communities of Milton, Santa Rosa County, Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Northwest Florida
850-623-2243 Lewis Funeral Home
6405 Highway 90 West
Milton, FL 32570
Email: lfh@lewisfuneralhomes.net
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4777 West Spencer Field Rd.
Pace, FL 32571
Email: lfh@lewisfuneralhomes.net
(850) 939-5122 Lewis Funeral Home
7794 Navarre Parkway
Navarre, FL 32566
Email: lfh@lewisfuneralhomes.net
(850) 995-5702 Lewis Funeral Home
4777 West SpencerField Road
Pace, FL 32571
Email: lfh@lewisfuneralhomes.net
850-623-2243 Lewis Funeral Home
6405 Highway 90 West
Milton, FL 32570
Email: lfh@lewisfuneralhomes.net