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What Do Funeral Directors Do?
Kevin Bean • July 2, 2024
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
Someone in our town died away from home, the funeral director is traveling many miles to bring him home and into the funeral home’s care. The light is on in anticipation of his safe return.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
Hospice called. The teacher who taught the funeral director -- and you -- in the third grade isn’t expected to make it through the night. He’s catching up on paperwork while he keeps vigil. Soon he’ll be called to the home and it will be his turn to take care of the teacher.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
There are computer problems. The video tribute file a family sent won’t work. We’re staying late to make it right for their service.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
It was a busy day today and we still need to notify Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration of Mr. Smith’s death.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
There’s been a terrible accident. We’re doing our best to make a loved one presentable so that they can say goodbye with dignity.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
The obituary the Jones’s gave us for their father is full of misspellings. We need to correct them and get it to the paper.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
We’re reviewing all of the details for tomorrow’s service. When will the celebrant arrive? Do we have drivers for the cars? Who will be the pallbearers?
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
We’re checking tomorrow’s weather in case we need the umbrellas.
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?
The light is on because your neighbor, the funeral director, is pacing the floor. He can’t sleep. Tomorrow, he will oversee the service for his daughter’s classmate.
Sometimes death is just too close, even for him.
Two decades back, roughly a quarter of the families I assisted opted for cremation. Now, that figure hovers around fifty percent. The Cremation Association of North America indicates that, across the country, cremation is now the choice in almost 60% of cases. This evolution mirrors a broader transformation in how we view death and memorialization. Increasingly, families are discovering that cremation suits their needs, whether driven by environmental concerns, budgetary constraints, the desire for more flexible memorial options, or just their own personal choices. Yet, this rise in popularity has also sparked a number of questions. Many families, when faced with cremation for the first time, find themselves uncertain about the specifics. They seek clarity on the procedure, the timeframe, and how to guarantee their loved one's respectful treatment throughout. These are entirely reasonable concerns, and I'm pleased to see families seeking answers. Allow me to share insights gleaned from my forty years in this field.
Last month, I helped a family plan a service for a man whose greatest passion was fishing. Instead of traditional flower arrangements, we placed tackle boxes on every table. The guest book was a fishing journal where people shared their favorite memories of trips with him. His grandsons wore their fishing vests as they spoke about what Grandpa taught them on the lake. It was perfect—because it was him. That's what a celebration of life can be when it's guided by someone trained to capture who a person really was. And increasingly, that "someone" is a certified celebrant. If you've never heard that term, you're not alone. When families come to us at Bean Funeral Homes, many don't realize this option exists. But once they understand what a celebrant does, they often find it's exactly what they've been looking for.
First, understand that what you wear to the funeral is much less important than actually going to the funeral or gathering. Don’t underestimate the value of your presence.
Say goodbye with love and care. Our comforting cremation services help families create peaceful, heartfelt farewells that honor cherished memories.
Learn how Bean Funeral Homes offers compassionate cremation services, honoring loved ones with personalized care, support, and meaningful farewell options.
Honor your loved one with dignity. Our trusted funeral home services provide compassionate support and meaningful farewells with care and respect.
Honor your loved ones with heartfelt cremation and memorial events. Celebrate their life with meaningful gatherings and cherished memories.
Find comfort in our compassionate funeral services. We guide you with care, ensuring a heartfelt farewell that honors your loved one's memory.
