Cremation
You can rely on the Wade Family's dedication to the highest standards and professional service to ensure that your loved one is treated with family care and respect throughout the cremation process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: On average, how long does it usually take to complete a cremation?
A: It may take several days to complete the cremation process in Texas.
Cremation is permanent. Safety-measures are put in place to make sure that a cremation is not performed hastily:
- The law requires that the Death Certificate be completed and signed by the certifying physician. It must then be reviewed by the Medical Examiner in whose jurisdiction the death has occurred. While physicians normally sign the death certificate as quickly as possible, it may take a several days to get the Death Certificate through this certification process.
- A Burial Transit Permit is required from the Vital Statistics Bureau in the County where the death occurred.
- A Cremation Permit is required from the Medical Examiners Office in the County where the death occurred.
- This certification process insures that the deceased is not cremated prior to any questions about the cause of death being adequately answered.
- The Wade Family will complete the cremation process for you as quickly as procedurally allowed.
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Q: Is embalming necessary for cremation?
A: No, embalming would only be necessary if the body was being transported by air or rail. If you select a service with a public or private viewing with an open casket, then embalming may be required.
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Q: Is there any special preparation required prior to cremation?
A: Any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Please let us know if there is anything you wish to keep so that we may have them removed prior to the deceased being cremated. Other metals, such as prostheses, are removed after the cremation is complete and discarded in an irrecoverable manner. Pacemakers and other medical devices are removed prior to cremation. Please inform us of any devices as it may rupture when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematory staff and equipment.
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Q: Is cremation ever paid for by Social Security or the VA?
A: Social Security does not pay for final arrangements, although certain survivors may be eligible for a survivor benefit. This benefit however cannot be assigned to the funeral home. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website. The VA does partially reimburse some veterans for final expenses, if the veteran was receiving monetary benefits from the VA during life (i.e., retirement, disability, etc.). You should call your local county Veterans Services or the Veterans Administration directly to learn more about your eligibility.
We offer a variety of cremation packages to meet your needs. Our minimal cremation package is listed below:
Cremation:
Our Cremation service includes but is not limited to:
- Personnel available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to initial call
- Arrangement conference with family or responsible party
- Bookkeeping and general clerical administration (including initial notification to Social Security, preparation and placement of obituaries and filing of insurance)
- Preparation and filing of death certificates, cremation permit, and burial transit permit (all requirements for cremation process)
- Coordinating with local medical examiner if required
- Transportation of deceased to crematory
- Caring for body prior to cremation (refrigeration)
- Alternative container made of approved material, in which the body is placed for cremation
- The cremation itself performed by a Certified Technician
- A temporary container for the ashes
- Provision for pickup of the cremains by an authorized person
Additional Optional Items:
- County charge for Certified Copies of the Death Certificate ($21 for initial request, $4 for additional)
- Any newspaper charges from the publisher for obituary notices
- Cremation permit acquired from Medical Examiners office in County where death occurred ($15-$25)
- Additional charges for Special Requests
Full Service Cremation:
- Basic services of funeral director and staff
- Embalming
- Other preparation of the body
- Use of facilities for visitation
- Use of facilities for funeral service
- Transfer of remains to our funeral home
- Hearse
- Register book
- Acknowledgement cards
- Prayer cards
- Crucifix
Direct cremation (without ceremony):
- Basic services of funeral director and staff
- Removal of remains
- Transportation to crematory
- Necessary authorizations
If you want to arrange a direct cremation, you can use an alternative container; alternative containers encase the body and can be made of materials like fiberboard or composition materials (with or without an outside covering). The containers we provide are a fiberboard container or an unfinished wood box.
Additional Cremation Packages:
The following cremation packages are also available:
- Cremation with Memorial Service
- Viewing followed by Cremation
- Viewing and Traditional Service followed by Cremation
Please stop by or call us for additional information on pricing and what each package includes.
Emotional and financial burdens can be overwhelming when death occurs. The Wade Family hopes to alleviate as much financial and emotional stress as possible during your difficult time.
Please do not hesitate to compare our services and pricing with local funeral homes in the area. We pride ourselves on our exceptional service, no-pressure sales, and exceptional value. We are here to serve you and your family through a very difficult time and fulfill your needs only.
