Frequently asked questions

What documents or information should I bring to the arrangement conference?

In your arrangement conference with us you will be asked a few questions which may require previous thought and research. These are:

• Full legal name of deceased
• Name of the deceased's father
• Full maiden name of deceased's mother
• Birthplace and birth date of deceased
• Social Security Numbers
• Veteran's information, discharge information (form DD-214)
• Family to be listed in obituary and special items for newspaper
• Church affiliation, lodge, civic organizations and education
• Ministers name
• Pallbearers
• Marriage date and place
• Cemetery information

You should bring with you certain items which may be needed including:

• Clothing, if you are not selecting from our stock. If supplying personal clothing, we would like to use underclothing and socks or hose. we prefer to have long sleeves and a high collar.
• Any jewelry to be used
• Glasses, if worn
• Pictures for the newspaper
• Pictures for the Video (up to 45)
• Memory portrait
• Picture for the Memorial Folder
• Beautician contact information
• Insurance policies that you wish us to help file

What about family members coming from a long distance?

There are several airlines which offer discount fares if you are traveling to or from a funeral service. We can fax any funeral information the airline may require.

What about Certified Death Certificates?

Certified copies of the Oklahoma Death Certificate may be ordered by mail for $15.00 each. If the certificates are obtained at the time of death and before the final filing, the cost will be be $16.50 each.

What about Veteran's benefits?

Eligibility restrictions cause many veterans to receive few death benefits other than a flag and military grave marker.

Social Security?

Social Securtiy provides $255.00 to a surviving spouse as a death benefit. Because we are required to file a Funeral Directors Statement of Death, Social Security will not need a certified copy of the death certificate.

What about flowers?

There are several fine florist in Mangum. Casket sprays are available from each and vary in cost from $100.00 to $500.00

What about honorariums for ministers and musicians?

The typical clergy honorarium varies from $50.00 to $200.00 with an average around $100.00. We suggest an honorarium of $25.00 to $50.00 to each soloist and/or musicians. Of course if they are to travel a great distance, that should be taken into consideration. If the services are to be held in our chapel, families can choose from a recorded music selection of over 800 songs at no additional cost.

What about cemetery expenses?

The grave service charges $700.00 for opening and closing the grave which includes tent and chairs. There are additional charges for Sundays and Holidays.

What are cash advance items?

Cash advance items are services or merchandise that are provided by a third party. Some examples are: flowers, opening and closing of the grave, death certificates, honorariums for the preachers and musicians, grave spaces and cemetery fees.

How much does a funeral cost?

Costs vary according to the services that you wish to be provided. The funeral service expenditures are always itemized. You may select or reject various services that we offer, all of which will be explained to you in advance. We urge you to select the type of funeral service and burial you prefer at a cost you can afford. Most funerals will fall in an average price range of $5,000.00 to $7,500.00 (these prices may include cash advance items). The funeral you choose could be higher or lower than these averages depending on the casket, service, vault, and memorial packages that you choose.

How can a funeral be paid for?

Because funeral bills are often shared by different individuals and frequently divided between family members, we strongly recommend the the funeral bill be paid prior to the funeral service. In this way the possibility for misunderstanding between family members is avoided.

Payment for the arrangements you have selected is due by the time of the service. The following methods of payment are available for your convenience:

CASH, CHECK, MAJOR CREDIT CARDS, OR THIRD PARTY FINANCING.

We will advance credit for funeral services on verified assigned insurance policies.

As dedicated professionals, we are committed to serving your family. Should you have difficulty meeting these obligations, please discuss your situation in confidence with your funeral director.

If families would prefer to make monthly payments, financing is available through New South Savings Bank as well as other qualified lenders. We are required by the lending institutions to complete a credit application at the time of arrangements. The lending institution my request co-signers. If you would like to pick up an application for credit in advance, please feel free to Contact us.