https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/11713/cash--carrycaskets 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. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/11713/cash--carrycaskets thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2828/choosing-locally-owned Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2828/choosing-locally-owned thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2990/springtime-teenagers-and-cars Fri, 01 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2990/springtime-teenagers-and-cars thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2992/a-good-investment-in-trying-times Wed, 01 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2992/a-good-investment-in-trying-times thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2994/pulling-the-plug-on-social-media-or-not Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2994/pulling-the-plug-on-social-media-or-not thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2996/to-be-a-pallbearer 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. Sat, 01 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2996/to-be-a-pallbearer thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2998/whos-in-charge-you--maybe-not Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/2998/whos-in-charge-you--maybe-not thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3000/a-gift-you-havent-thought-of 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!  Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3000/a-gift-you-havent-thought-of thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3002/memorials-to-the-family Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3002/memorials-to-the-family thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3004/planning-for-the-inevitable-not-as-scary-as-you-think 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! Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3004/planning-for-the-inevitable-not-as-scary-as-you-think thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3006/i-dont-need-a-counselor Thu, 01 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3006/i-dont-need-a-counselor thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3008/if-funerals-are-for-the-living-then-why-should-i-plan-mine There are two statements that every funeral professional will agree with: 1) funerals are for the living, and 2) it is important to put your plans in writing so your family will know your wishes.  I have written about the importance of pre-planning many times but never stopped to think that folks may ask this question.  Pre-planning is so much more than choosing details of a funeral and deciding whether or not to play country music or jazz.  The process of making decisions ahead to time benefits not only the person planning their funeral but also their family and friends who will be attending it.  The most memorable services I have attended have been those that were planned in advance.  By planning ahead, you get to make a list of all the special moments that meant so much to you and your loved ones.  Think about how different a wedding ceremony would be if it were planned in 24-36 hours rather than the average 6 months to 2 years.  People, as well as memorable moments, would probably be left out.  Funeral planning is no different.  The more time you have to think about it in advance, the more memorable it will be.  Don’t leave the burden on your family to decide how important your life was and depend on them to create an honorable ceremony.  So many people tell me that they would have done it a long time ago if they would have known how simple it is to pre-plan.  We can visit in the comfort of your own home to get things started! Sat, 06 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3008/if-funerals-are-for-the-living-then-why-should-i-plan-mine thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3010/ideas-for-honoring-your-loved-one Fri, 07 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3010/ideas-for-honoring-your-loved-one thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3012/who-can-obtain-a-death-certificate Wed, 01 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3012/who-can-obtain-a-death-certificate thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3014/get-to-know-us Most people don’t realize the countless sacrifices funeral directors make to remain available to the communities we all serve.  On major holidays when the rest of the country is celebrating, funeral directors are often meeting with families or transporting remains after a passing.  We miss milestone events and give up time with our own families to be of service, day or night.  Staying connected to those in need 24 hours every day requires a selfless attitude and a strong commitment to helping others.  But in so doing, the dedication of funeral directors is rarely acknowledged or spotlighted in the public eye.  Sometimes stereotypes (mostly through TV/movies) portray funeral directors in ways that are less than accurate.  At Meacham Funeral Service, we want you to know that we are just like you – we work hard, have families, and enjoy activities outside of our usual vocation.  We may have more in common than you think!  Pre-plan with Meacham and let’s get better acquainted – we’re your friends & neighbors and would appreciate the opportunity to earn your value and esteem.  Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3014/get-to-know-us thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3016/the-importance-of-communication-following-a-death Fri, 01 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3016/the-importance-of-communication-following-a-death thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3018/so-many-details-so-little-time Have you ever planned a wedding?  My daughter recently announced her engagement to a young man we were introduced to a number of years ago.  Even before their engagement, I’m sure they talked about the “big day”.  And now, even though the event will not take place for another two years – the planning process has begun.  There are so many things to think about and so many decisions to be made. There’s a strange correlation between weddings and funerals.  Both are very important ceremonies that involve lots and lots (and lots) of planning, decision-making, timing, and attention to every particular detail.  The difference is – we usually have months if not a year or longer to plan a wedding.  A funeral must be planned usually within 48-72 hours before the event occurs. Can you imagine waking up on a Monday morning and being told you had until Wednesday at 2 p.m. to plan a wedding?  This scenario is routine in the funeral industry.  This is why it is so important to plan ahead with a licensed funeral director.  Call us today for an appointment to make decisions now, without the stress of a loss, in an environment that is friendly, informal, and non-threatening.  We will take all the time necessary to go through the countless details that will, when the time arrives, ease the burden of those left behind.  Tue, 05 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3018/so-many-details-so-little-time thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3020/our-place-or-yours Are you noticing all of the new conveniences provided by area businesses?  From grocery stores providing at-home delivery to dry cleaners picking up and returning clothing at your place of employment – these things are making our lives much easier.  As a busy mom of three boys, I am thinking about using these services myself!  At Meacham, we are full service.  We can come to you, in the comfort of your own home, to help you make some very important decisions.   You may not have realized that you do not need to come to our funeral home to select a casket, vault, and make several other decisions about your final arrangements.  While you’re always welcome at our place, I would be honored to visit yours!  We even provide a planning guide on our website, which you can complete prior to our meeting.  No more excuses; sit back in your own chair, enjoy your own cup of coffee, and allow me to assist you!  Call me today, your trusted Certified Professional Funeral Planner and Funeral Director.  I would be honored to earn your value and esteem. Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3020/our-place-or-yours thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3023/the-holidays-after-the-loss-of-a-loved-one Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3023/the-holidays-after-the-loss-of-a-loved-one thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3024/blue-light-special-in-aisle-5 Thu, 01 Nov 2018 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3024/blue-light-special-in-aisle-5 thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3026/the-importance-of-music Have you ever thought about how powerful music can be?  Is there a song that when heard brings back a special memory or makes you emotional?  Do you and someone special have a song that is “your song?”  The power of music is real and can be a very effective tool to incorporate at a funeral celebration. For instance, I was listening to Pandora earlier this week while preparing for my work day when “Goodbye Girl” was played.  This is a meaningful song to me and hearing it was a good reminder that I needed to update my pre-arrangement file.  The older I get, music becomes more and more meaningful.  I want the songs for my celebration someday to reflect the life I lived.  The power of music will also play a crucial part in the journey towards healing for my family and friends. Planning ahead allows YOU to decide what music and special momentums you would like to share with those attending your celebration.  Many people attending your celebration service may not have known you personally.  They may be visiting because they were a friend of your spouse, children, or siblings.  Special songs and readings will easily help people understand more about who you were and the unique life that you lived.  Whether you want “Dust in the Wind” or “Go Rest High On The Mountain”, meet with me soon to get those details down on paper.  Don’t leave it up to your loved ones to make all the decisions and hope they get it right.  There is never a charge for a consultation; contact the funeral home today for an appointment! Mon, 01 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3026/the-importance-of-music thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3028/grieving--step-by-stumble Thu, 06 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3028/grieving--step-by-stumble thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3030/is-your-life-insurance-policy-your-best-option-maybe-not Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3030/is-your-life-insurance-policy-your-best-option-maybe-not thumbnail https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3032/living-death-247 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT https://www.meachamfuneralservice.com/blog-posts/3032/living-death-247 thumbnail