The streaming, recording, and re-watching of Death Care memorial events is becoming more and more a staple of what consumers are now expecting from their Death Care event professional.  And much like any new technology there are bound to be breakthroughs in how that service is provided as we move forward.

Earlier this week we received a press release from streaming company OneRoom informing us that they have released a “major upgrade to their streaming platform”.  The press release goes on to say that the new breakthroughs are “built around how people actually watch, revisit, and engage with online services today”.

OneRoom continues by saying, “(this) next-generation streaming experience, give(s) families a keepsake they will return to, and funeral homes a service they can charge for with confidence”.

According to OneRoom, these features work together to deliver a more modern and impactful way to experience a service online.  Here are some of the items that this new platform can provide:

 

● Chapters split the service into sections that follow the order of service, making it easy to jump to parts like tributes, readings, or reflections

● Key Moments provide short highlights from the most emotional or memorable parts of the service, making them easy to revisit

● Captions and Spanish translation for accessibility and silent viewing

● Subscription platform allows families and guests to self-manage access to the recording at any time in the future, retaining the full interactive experience

 

Both Brady Cox, OneRoom CEO and Justin Whatley, OneRoom’s Chief Revenue Officer, had prepared comments in the press release about these new features.  Here’s what they said:

Cox:  “Streaming has earned its place as a core part of the funeral experience. This release gives homes a professional, polished service
they can stand behind, and families a way to return to the people, words, and memories that meant the most.”

Whatley:  “It’s not just about remote access.  You are selling families an experience that they will value the next day and in the future. This release unlocks that value, both emotionally and commercially.”

You can experience OneRoom’s new guest experience by clicking here.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  What I would call the “Guest Experience” of watching a streamed service online continues to improve and this enhancement by OneRoom, especially the ability to watch and re-watch certain segments without viewing others, would be something I would make use of.

My father died 48 years ago and there was no recording of his service.  I was married in 1988 and we have a VHS tape of the event.  My mother died 14 years ago and we have a DVD recording of that service.

Neither of those are an “easy use” to watch in this day and age.  However, from my point of view as I think of this newer technology, the online streaming experience, especially using the “Chapter” splits would make watching the events easy and enjoyable — as simple as calling it up on my mobile phone screen.

And, strictly from a business perspective, although I don’t know exactly how it is done, OneRoom’s ability to have client families extend their access to the streaming platform of their memorial event, brings about something that has been hard to find in the Death Care business —  that is the potential for a monthly subscription platform for your services that could bring in ancilliary revenue.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

In this press release issued last week you can read that PlotBox has acquired MIS (sometimes referred to as HMIS).  The PlotBox website brings about this statement about the integration of the companies, “ (this transaction) bring(s) one of the industry’s most comprehensive capabilities – from PlotBox’s cloud-native mapping, operations, records, and financial management to MIS’s longstanding experience serving funeral homes.”

The press release also states this about MIS, “MIS is a management platform serving funeral and cemetery operators across North America, streamlining operations from first call through aftercare. The software unifies case management, scheduling, arrangements, billing, and reporting, with integrations for accounting, payments, and partner tools.”

PlotBox CEO Sean McAllister made this prepared comment in the press release,  “At PlotBox, we believe funeral and cemetery professionals deserve technology that meets the complexity of their work and supports their commitment to service.  We are excited to welcome MIS customers and provide them with the innovation, reliability, and partnership they need to operate with confidence.”

MIS had been owned by Batesville since 2012.

Here is the website for PlotBox

Here is what PlotBox investor Serent Capital says about the company

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  There has been a lot of shifting of ownership of Death Care companies lately.  Every week we see notices of different companies moving in different directions, sometimes like in today’s article, via acquisition.

In my opinion, the one common denominator in the transactions is the movement to “more and more” technology.  I think those who own and manage funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries should take heed of what the supplier companies are doing.  I think these transactions and the vendor companies getting more and more technology oriented is showing a roadmap of what the consumers of Death Care are going to want down the road.

My take on all of this technology is that even if you consider yourself “technology challenged” like me, it will pay to learn about the capabilities that these technology companies can bring to your operation and to have some semblance of how you may want that technology available to work for you in your specific situation.

Death Care is fast transforming in the services that we provide for consumers and fast transforming in the options that consumers have to select their Death Care choices from outside the traditional funeral home provider network.  If traditional funeral homes want to keep and expand their market share in the future they need the technology tools to do so.  Putting your head in the sand and hoping these technologies will go away will, more than likely, not bring a positive outcome for your business.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

News from Suppliers and Practitioners that you can use. . . .

From a Press Release from Foveo :

Foveo Memorial Services Inc. (“Foveo) and Tukios, one of the profession’s leading funeral home website platforms,
today (October 8) announced a first-of-its-kind integration that lets funeral homes book and embed live stream broadcasts directly into Tukios obituary pages with a single click.

The collaboration delivers the simplest way yet for funeral directors to live stream services for families.

Foveo CEO Trajan Schulzke made these comments in the press release, ““When you think of easy-to-use technology for funeral directors, Tukios leads the way.  We were excited to bring our streaming platform directly into the Tukios obituary workflow. Together, we’ve made professional live streaming effortless and 100% integrated within a platform funeral directors already know and trust.”

You can learn more about this product at the Foveo website here.

From a recent article in TechCrunch:

Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook is now an investor in an “end-of-life” planning start-up.

According to this article from TechCrunch, company founder Donnell Beverly, Jr. approached his friend Russell Westbrook about becoming an investor in Eazewell.  The article then says, “Westbrook was in. Four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker also joined, and the trio launched Eazewell.”  

Again according to the article, “Eazewell is an AI-driven platform that helps families navigate and automate the administrative aspects of end-of-life and funeral planning. The startup’s AI agent gives people a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week resource and helps users with everything from finding and booking a funeral home to canceling credit card accounts for a deceased person.  

The company partners with different service providers, like hospice care, funeral homes, and various insurance companies, which allows the platform to be free to use with the option of paying for more premium features.”  

To access Eazewell’s website click here. 

From a press release from Anthem Partners:

Anthem Partners. . . has announced a new partnership with Chptr, a cutting-edge digital platform dedicated to honoring and celebrating lives through personalized storytelling. This collaboration will introduce Chptr’s suite of digital memorial tools—including custom video tributes, service listings, and digital death notices—across select Anthem locations, offering families new ways to share memories and preserve legacies online.

Chptr’s platform empowers funeral professionals to deliver beautifully branded memorial videos and digital death notices that can be shared across social media and local news outlets. By blending storytelling, video, and community engagement, Chptr helps extend the reach of each service and brings people together in remembrance.  The platform also reduces the time and cost historically associated with obituary writing and slideshow creation.

“We’re launching this exclusive partnership with a phased, market-by-market rollout,” said Chad Jackson, Executive VP of Operations at Anthem Partners, in a prepared statement in the press release.  “Our initial focus will be on three strategic markets where we anticipate a strong reception from the families we serve. This initiative not only enhances our service offerings but also strengthens our brand presence in communities.”

According to the press release, Anthem Partners is a privately held operator of funeral homes and cemeteries across North America. Founded by industry professionals and backed by long-term investors, Anthem is committed to honoring legacy, respecting community traditions, and supporting funeral professionals through sustainable growth.

To learn more about Anthem Partners click here.

From the Pinnacle Funeral Service Website:

Rollings Funeral Service and Pinnacle Funeral Service have formed a strategic partnership with Precoa and National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL).

According to the Pinnacle Funeral Service website, “Rollings Funeral Service and Pinnacle Funeral Service, two of the nation’s leading private funeral home operators, have formed a strategic partnership with Precoa and National Guardian Life Insurance Company  (NGL).

In a prepared remark on the website, Pinnacle VP of Operations Chris Hamiel made this comment, “This is a natural next step as we continue to invest in our operations and strengthen our ability to serve communities nationwide. Precoa’s model and NGL’s focus are exactly what we were looking for to support long-term preneed growth.”

Again, according to the website, “Rollings and Pinnacle are two of the fastest growing private funeral home operators in the nation. Combined they serve approximately 15,000 families annually from 95 locations throughout the United States and continue to grow through both operational initiatives and acquisitions.” 

To learn more about this strategic partnership click here.

From an e-mail bringing us new updates and features from Tukios:

We received an e-mail from Tukios recently telling us how they have updated their product in several ways to give more value to funeral home clients. . . .

• To learn how Tukios websites are leading the way with Generative Engine Optimization (the new SEO) click here.
• To learn how Tukios is partnering with Foveo and OneRoom to make livestreaming easier click here.
• To learn about Gift Snap, Tukios new way to showcase Gifts and Flowers on obituaries click here.
• To learn what is new in the Tukios Photo Gallery Option click here.
• To learn more about Tukios new Video Backgrounds for Obituaries click here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Sunset continues to redefine their process of finding assets for families.  They recently announced that they have a new website that makes the search for assets even easier.

Sunset is a free service who earns their fee from bank partners after discovered assets sit in an estate account.

It’s a great service that funeral homes can offer their client families and may even be a way to find assets that a client family didn’t even know existed.

To learn more about Sunset you can access their website here.

From a press release from OneRoom:

From a press release from Tribute Technology:

Tribute Technology has announced the launch of a suite of new artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce administrative work for funeral professionals, cut down on online spam, and create a smoother online experience for families.

To learn more about Tribute Technology click here.

From a press release from Tukios:

Tukios, a leader in funeral technology solutions, is proud to announce the launch of an updated Photo Gallery feature, designed to give families a more meaningful and uplifting way to honor their loved ones online.

 

This introduces two new updated fresh, modern designs to choose from. These are located under the obituary section, allowing visitors to easily browse cherished images and relive memories through a beautifully presented gallery.

 

The updated Photo Gallery feature brings both style and substance to the online tribute experience. Photos beneath each obituary now appear in an elegant, refreshed format that brings memories to life. Visitors can then click “See More” to expand the gallery and browse additional images. Families and funeral homes can choose from three newly updated gallery styles, giving each memorial page a layout that best reflects the tone and personality of the tribute.

 

For funeral homes, the feature provides a modern look and feel that elevates the overall appearance of websites with a clean, contemporary design. It also integrates seamlessly, automatically updating under the obituary section without requiring additional setup. Tukios website users now have the ability to go onto any obituary and custom select which gallery style appears, offering greater flexibility and personalization. These features are created to put funeral homes at the center, giving them easy-to-use tools that allow them to serve families with confidence and care.

 

For families, the gallery offers more than just aesthetics, it creates a meaningful space to celebrate the life of their loved one through pictures. Each layout is designed to present memories in a respectful and uplifting way, ensuring that every image is displayed tastefully. Together, these updates make it easier for funeral homes to serve families with warmth while giving visitors a comforting place to reflect on treasured moments.

 

The Photo Gallery feature is available at no additional cost for funeral homes hosting their websites with Tukios. Funeral professionals can reach out to their Tukios account manager to learn more.

 

To learn more about Tukios click here.

CRON Specialties Launches Revolutionary Funeral Product Inspired by Social Media Frustration

From a press release from CRON Specialties:

Developed and perfected over seven years, the BodyGuard by CRON Specialties is crafted from durable 6 mil polyethylene plastic. Unlike conventional unionalls, the BodyGuard can be heat-shrunk to conform tightly to the body using a standard heat gun, eliminating excess bulk and minimizing noise. It’s cremation-safe and produces fewer chemical emissions than traditional alternatives.

 

Creator Ron Gresham, who has handled thousands of challenging cases—from trauma victims to advanced decomposition—recognized the need for a more adaptable solution. After extensive field testing through his trade embalming service, he launched CRON Specialties in May 2025. The response has been overwhelming, with orders pouring in from across the globe.

 

In response to requests from fellow funeral directors, Gresham has expanded the BodyGuard line to include heat-shrinkable pants, sleeves, and stockings, allowing targeted coverage for specific areas such as limbs. These additions further enhance the product’s versatility and ease of use.

 

“I’m not done yet,” Gresham shared. “There are more ideas in the pipeline to support embalmers and funeral professionals. This is just the beginning.”

 

To learn more about BodyGuard products click here. 

From a press release from the Living Urn:

Element by The Living Urn, a division Biolife, LLC that works exclusively with funeral homes, is excited to announce that it will be introducing a series of new and innovative U.S. made urns and keepsakes at the National Funeral Directors’ International Convention and Expo that takes place October 26-29, 2025 in Chicago.

 

Based in Colorado, Element by The Living Urn is committed to developing and providing unique cremation urns, keepsakes, and cremation jewelry serving families looking for afterlife options that can be more meaningful and personal. Its growing market leading product offering includes the patented Living Urn^®, the leading bio urn and planting system designed to grow a tree with cremated remains, The Living Urn^® Indoors, the Eco Scattering Urn, a unique bamboo urn for scattering ashes, the Eco Water Urn, a proprietary urn that floats and gracefully frees ashes in water, and various keepsakes including bracelets, pendants, and cremation stones that hold ashes. The company is developing additional proprietary cremation urns and keepsake urns that it will be introducing in the next few months.

See the complete press release from The Living Urn here. 

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In mid-April I received a press release from Batesville that was titled “Batesville empowers Deathcare professionals with Industry-leading Burial, Cremataion and Technology solutions at 2025 ICCFA Exhhibition.”  Since that time I’ve had this article in my mind and thought now was as good as any time to share some of my historical insights about Batesville.

You see, when I started in the funeral home business it was 1980 and the profession operated in a world of about 90% traditional casketed burials according to at least one source.  At that time what was known as the Batesville Casket Company was a division of publicly traded Hillenbrand Industries and owned a very large percentage of the casketed burial market sales. . . . and if you wanted to purchase a product from Batesville Casket Company, it had better have been a casket because I don’t know if they sold anything else.

Today people operate their funeral homes in North America in an environment that is, at least according to Service Corporation International’s reports, 60% cremation. . . .which would lead one to believe that there are a lot less caskets sold.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

So, I found it very interesting at the end of the press release when it said “About Batesville Services, LLC” that this is how the company was described, “Batesville is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings.”

When I read that description it made me realize how today’s Batesville has transformed itself from a “casket company” into a modern “solutions company” that is aimed at helping today’s funeral homes in a wholistic fashion.  For instance, the company is no longer just about caskets as they may be one of the largest suppliers of cremation products to the profession today.  In addition, the technology that Batesville supplies to the profession through its Halcyon and MIS Management software are also thought of as industry leaders.

I think it is very interesting how Batesville has “changed with the times” to not only keep itself relevant but to lead and have products and services available for funeral homes when they need them.  If they continue to do this they will be relevant to our profession for a long time.

A Partial Batesville timeline:

• 1884 — Batesville Coffin Company founded
• 1906 — Batesville Coffin Company purchased by John Hillenbrand.  Becomes Batesville Casket Company.
• 1985 —  Forethought Life Insurance established as a direct subsidiary of Hillenbrand Industries.  Focus on Preneed funeral insurance
• 1993 —  Options by Batesville formed. . . .introducing cremation items into the product lines.
• 2023 — Batesville sold by Hillenbrand Industries to Long Range Capital — becomes a private company.

Those are just some of the dates that I remember as milestones during my career as a funeral director.  In my remembering, Forethought Life was an early entrant into the preneed market helping move preneed from bank deposits into insurance.  I also remember the company as being an advocate for allowing funeral directors to offer insurance through their funeral homes.  Believe it or not, at the time in some states, like my native Minnesota, funeral directors were prohibited from being licensed agents for the sale of preneed.  Forethought not only became a great company, but I remember them more so as advocates for the funeral director/agent status.

Forethought today is no longer part of Hillenbrand or Batesville and is a part of the Global Atlantic Financial Group.  It is Global Atlantic that now partners with Service Corporation International as their exclusive preneed supplier.

I also think that Batesville’s creation of the “Options” products was a time when many funeral directors and funeral home owners realized cremation was here to stay.  In my own thought process, when a casket company like Batesville embraced the sale of cremation products it made me look upon the choice as one with staying power.

Final Thoughts — I think it is interesting that Batesville recognizes that the only thing constant with business is “Change is Inevitable”.  They, historically, have seemed to have a good idea of where that change is going — from caskets, to preneed, to cremation, to the present technology needs of funeral homes.  And, it seems that wherever that change is going they want to be on the leading edge of helping funeral homes.

I’ve been told more than once that if the great passenger train companies of the 1940’s and 1950’s had defined the business that they were in as “Transportation” instead of “Railroad” that they would be the companies dominating air passenger service today.  It appears to me that Batesville knows that story and will work to define their business by “whatever helps funeral homes” rather than any other adjective.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Titan Casket, the business to consumer national casket company has introduced what they term their “Mystery Casket” for sale through Cyber Monday.  According to this release from Business Wire, Titan’s Mystery Casket will be sold to consumers through Cyber Monday for $1,199 — the release notes that is a 60% discount when compared to the national retail average casket cost.

The release also says this, “The Mystery Casket delivers a high-quality casket selected from local inventory, allowing Titan to pass on substantial savings and ensure a swift delivery process. After Black Friday, the Mystery Casket will be available at an ongoing price of $1,499 for at-need and pre-need customers alike”.

Again, according to the release, here’s how Titan’s Mystery Casket promotion works:

1. Choose the Mystery Casket: With a few clicks, customers secure a high-quality, dignified casket backed by Titan’s Quality Guarantee. This guarantee ensures that a steel or wooden casket arrives in pristine condition, features a classic unisex design, and is compatible with a standard 30” burial vault.
2. Quality-Assured, Decision-Free Selection: At the time of need, the selected Mystery Casket will be presented to the customer’s family or beneficiary. If, for any reason, it does not meet their expectations, Titan offers the flexibility to cancel for a full refund or upgrade to one of Titan’s 1,000+ models.
3. Peace of Mind, Guaranteed: Titan manages the entire process, from selection to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience. With our Quality Guarantee and focus on affordability, customers receive a beautiful, suitable product without the high costs traditionally associated with funeral arrangements.

Here’s what Josh Siegel, co-owner and co-founder of Titan Casket says of this promotion, “We created the Mystery Casket for those who appreciate a no-fuss, high-quality solution. Many people would rather not have to choose from endless options. This product is for customers who trust us to select a dignified, affordable option that fits our rigorous quality standards, allowing them to focus on what matters most.”

Related — Here is the one-minute advertisment for Titan’s Mystery Casket promotion featuring Titan spokesperson David Dastalmachian.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”