Check out this planning checklist to create your unique funeral arrangements, but remember that you don't need to make all these decisions right now. If you want to talk with one of our staff members about creating personalized funeral plans, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Necessary Information
Personal Information
- Deceased's father’s name
- Deceased's mother’s maiden name
- Deceased's social security number
- Deceased's level of education
Affiliations
- Fraternal organizations
- Union memberships
- Service organizations
- Any special recognitions
Military Service Information
- Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
- Serial number
- Military service
- Branch rank
- Date of enlistment
- Date of discharge
How to Begin – A Planning Checklist
- Review your options on the planning checklist in order to create your unique funeral arrangements.
- Either complete the online form or call Good Samaritan to schedule a meeting with a professional staff member.
Getting Started
- Select a funeral home.
- Note any specific instructions for your services and final disposition.
- Organize personal information for your obituary.
- If you wish, choose a charity for any donations.
The Funeral Service
- Select burial or cremation.
- Choose a casket or cremation container.
- Pick funeral locations and service types.
- Make a note of any desired traditions or religious rituals.
- Select the attire you want to be dressed in.
- Arrange transportation for your physical remains and family members.
- Select an overall theme for funeral stationery and any décor.
- Choose floral arrangements.
- Choose any specific hymns and songs to be included.
- Select photos and mementos for a memorial display.
Service Participants
- Designate pallbearers.
- Select a clergy member or officiant for the service.
- Select friends and/or family members for the eulogy, reading of scripture, and tributes.
- If you wish, choose musicians.
Final Disposition
- Choose a cemetery.
- Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
- Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
- If cremated, decide who will keep your urn; or who will scatter your ashes and where.