Blue Light Special In Aisle 5

Who does your family call when a death occurs? What is that decision based on? For past generations, the answer was simple: they called who they always called. There was never a question. Fast forward to 2018 and the thought process (or lack thereof) has changed. Today, decisions are made more and more based on price alone. This confuses me. I’ve had several root canals over the years and when I did – I wanted the procedure done right; I didn’t want hurt, I didn’t want treated poorly, and I wanted to feel better after it was all over. To accomplish this, I didn’t look for a $49.99 special. I went with a known professional who specialized in root canals. And guess what…every root canal I’ve had has been a complete success. This is where I make my point. I’ve been watching what is happening with [what I will call] Discounter Funeral Home. They are not in your hometown but you will see them on television and as a newspaper insert. They will tell you they can’t understand why funerals cost so much and that you should call them because of their $895 special. They say it will look and feel the same. Folks. It isn’t the same.

The birth of Discounter Funeral Home comes from a simple concept: no overhead + more sales = high profits. In other words, their success depends on high volume sales which, in turn, makes it possible to advertise unrealistically low prices. The focus is on numbers, not people. Their $895 special is only possible if a quota is met so they’re looking at your wallet. I’ll look you in the eyes. I’m not a salesman.

Certain things can certainly be bought by price alone but not the final goodbye of your loved one. At Meacham Funeral Service we are your local team of caring professionals. Our pricing is based on our cost of operation – not our competitor’s prices or what the industry says we should charge. Do we offer an $895 special? No. Will the owner of the business come to your house in the middle of the night to personally care for your loved one? Yes. There is a difference.

Call Andrea at Meacham Funeral Service to hear why we are different and why we’re worth a look. We would be honored to earn your value and esteem.

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Cash & carry....caskets?

January 1, 2025

As a genealogy buff, I was browsing through old newspapers one day and decided – just for fun – to take a break and look up the newspaper headline from exactly 100 years ago. The headline wasn’t that interesting so I began to look through the entire paper. That’s when something caught my eye. On page 5 was an article titled “Firemen Find Caskets, Aged Pair Are Saving”. Wow; one hundred years ago an elderly couple pre-purchased caskets for themselves with the idea of not having to pay more later. Was this the first “pre-paid” funeral arrangement?! Maybe, maybe not, but this would have been rare. The concept of paying ahead for a funeral (in Indiana) probably didn’t go mainstream until the 1980’s. Today, it’s as common as drafting a will, naming a power-of-attorney, or stating healthcare directives. A lot has changed in pre-paying for funerals over the years but one thing is the same: just like the elderly couple did in 1920, caskets can be pre-paid so that you’ll never have to pay more later. The big difference today is that the caskets don’t have to sit in your living room like theirs did! Nor does the entire balance have to be paid up front; payments can be made over time with a preplanned funeral contract. Don’t have a need for caskets? Perhaps you plan on a cremation; that can be paid ahead as well. Meacham Funeral Service is fortunate to have Andrea Thornburg, an experienced licensed funeral director, as our Family Service Advisor. Call for a free consultation to learn what options are available to you.

Choosing Locally Owned

June 8, 2020

Springtime, Teenagers, and Cars

May 1, 2020

A Good Investment In Trying Times

April 1, 2020

Pulling The Plug On Social Media, Or Not

March 2, 2020

To Be A Pallbearer

February 1, 2020

When my dear grandmother passed away, one of her wishes was for her grandchildren, including the girls, to be pallbearers. What an honor that was! I realized that I played a huge part in honoring the life she once lived. When there is no ceremony our loved ones do not get to experience that crucial element of ceremony – which can be a significant part of the healing process. When I meet with families to pre-plan, I always ask if there is a preference as to who the pallbearers should be. Although this question can be answered when a death occurs, having your wishes in place and met when they are needed can be a wonderful thing for those who participate. There are three important things to know when choosing pallbearers: 1) knowing when pallbearers are appropriate, 2) knowing who can be a pallbearer, and 3) knowing what an honorary pallbearer is. Pallbearers are necessary when casketed remains are transported from the place of the funeral to the cemetery. Usually, close friends or family members serve as pallbearers; although, I have seen colleagues, veteran personnel, and emergency professionals (police, fire, etc.) participate. Traditionally there are 6 to 8 pallbearers who carry the casket. If someone is too emotionally upset to carry the casket or is not physically capable, there is a way for them to still be involved by serving as an honorary pallbearer. An honorary pallbearer can walk along the side, behind, or in front of the casket. So if you ever wondered if women, someone with a disability, or young children are able to participate as a pallbearer, the answer is yes! If you want to be the one to decide who takes an active part in how you will be remembered, call me soon and I will help you get your plans in place.

Who's In Charge? You? Maybe Not

January 3, 2020

A Gift You Haven't Thought Of

December 4, 2019

I was on my way to an appointment a couple of weeks ago when I noticed the Love Song channel in my car changed over to the Holly Channel (satellite radio). They were playing Christmas music! It was confirmation that the holiday season was here. This made me think about gift giving. How many times have you pondered what to get for those special people in your lives? Before you run out and buy a dancing Santa, Billy bass, or a Chia pet, why not consider a gift that will make a significant difference? Many people are not aware that you can gift your children their own final arrangement plan and the amount is NOT counted towards the annual tax-free gift limit ($14,000) per child or grandchild. We already know how difficult it is to think about making final arrangements but even tougher to think we could put a financial burden on the people we love the most. Take advantage of avoiding the tax liability this year while providing a gift that is meaningful. Unusual? Maybe, but I guarantee this is one gift that won’t wear out, get thrown out, re-gifted, or end up at Goodwill. Call me today, your educated, licensed funeral director, to help you prepare for the future!

Memorials To The Family

November 1, 2019

Planning For The Inevitable: Not As Scary As You Think!

October 1, 2019

Pre-planning a funeral does not have to be scary. We get it – going to a funeral home isn’t something people look forward to. That’s why Meacham offers in-home consultations completely free of charge. If you’ve been putting off pre-planning because of not wanting to come to us – I’ll come to you. It’s not uncommon at all and I would be honored to visit with you…in the comfort of your own home. The time spent planning in advance, which can be as brief as 45 minutes, is far less time and much less stressful than a family member making arrangements at the time of a loss. Your in-home appointment will take the sting out of any anxiety you may have about visiting the funeral home but still accomplish the goal of making final arrangements. It starts with a phone call. Call today to get your plans in place; the experience will be far more simple than you ever thought!

Blue Light Special In Aisle 5

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