Trying to be a “BTC” (Business to Consumer) casket company has been tried before and even with great effort the cause was difficult.  However, the people at Titan Casket must relate to the Curtis Mayfield tune “Keep on Keeping On” as they seem to be moving one step forward all the time and growing as a company.

Not only are they selling more caskets to the traditional funeral consumer but they are gaining disciples among funeral homes joining their funeral home partnership (which you can learn about here).  In addition, I recently learned of their new venture helping consumers weave the sometimes tangled path of available funeral and cremation options available to consumers.   The company has formed the Titan Concierge division and hired proficient funeral service experts to handle this task.  You can learn about Titan Concierge here.

The people at Titan have added Titan Concierge which will help consumers from “Start to Finish” coordinating logistics with funeral homes and service providers.  From perusing the Titan Concierge website it appears that this service is available for $199.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  As a retired funeral director and funeral home owner the growth of Titan has been very interesting to me.  I was never very bullish that a company that deals over the internet and by phone could succeed in such a personal business as Death Care.  However, the founders of Titan Casket, some of whom have experience as Amazon executives, have proved to me that internet sales can work for all types of items.  (As an aside here, I’m also continuously amazed by my many winter neighbors in Florida who buy their cars onlive via Carvana — every week it seems that the Carvana delivery vehicle is pulling into our neighborhood).

So, I don’t think the internet sale of caskets sounds odd to anybody anymore.  And, I’ve told more than one enterprising company in the Death Care business that if they are interested in online sales they should look to Titan Casket and their ability to capture consumers as a roadmap.

A little bit “Edgy” —  I guess don’t knock what is working, however,  as an “old-style, old-fashioned” funeral director some of the ways that Titan has reached the American consumer looks a little edgy to me. . . . .but it evidently is working.  Ad Age recently took  note of the company’s “Heavenly Guarantee” of their merchandise.

You can access the 48-second video ad starring Titan spokesman and actor David Dastmalchian here.

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

11 Ways Cemeteries Are Keeping Criminals From Stealing Vases for Scrap Metal

Last week, authorities in Council Bluffs, Iowa arrested four members of an eight-person theft ring accused of stealing more than 1,000 bronze vases from gravesites in the Omaha, Nebraska metro area. The arrest stemmed from a tip from someone reporting a “vehicle full of metal vases” at a scrap metal recycling center. Authorities recovered around 800 of the stolen vases, which are valued at up to $600 each.

This particular incident resulted in the return of the majority of the stolen items, but most cemeteries aren’t so lucky. Over the last year alone, thousands of U.S. vase thefts have been reported by the media, but the true number of incidents that occur in private, public, rural, and urban cemeteries cannot be measured. Even without an exact number, the deathcare community must recognize that cemetery thefts are a growing epidemic. While there’s no foolproof way to keep the lowest of the low from stealing from the dead and grieving, here are 11 possible solutions for deterring theft and potentially recovering stolen vases before they can be converted to cash:

Physical security

We know — adding tall or electrified fences, security lights, locking gates, cameras, or even human security guards can get pricey, but it’s the most often-recommended theft deterrent recommended by authorities. They’re also a good way to reassure families that you’re taking the security of their loved ones’ resting places seriously, and at least trying your best to prevent theft.

Polyurethane vases

Bronze is a beautiful and durable material for both markers and vases, but it’s also a magnet for metal-seeking thieves. What if there was a vase made of an alternative material that was just as lovely and durable as bronze, still complemented the marker, and was of absolutely no interest to criminals? Granger Industries offers ForeverSafe polyethylene vases that meet all of these criteria. These models are molded to look exactly like the metal and stone versions and are built to last with 100% American-made materials.

AirTags

In 2023, a Texas family took matters into their own hands after replacing a loved one’s stolen vase multiple times. They attached an Apple AirTag tracking device to the vase, and when it was once again pilfered, they provided the login information to local authorities. Using the account’s GPS data, police located not only that family’s stolen item, but also three of four suspects and more than $62,000 worth of vases stolen over the previous few months. Of course, at about $25 each, adding AirTags to every vase in a cemetery could be quite costly, but attaching even a lower-priced tracking device, like this $12 version, to random vases could be a sensible solution.

Zinc vases

Although they look a little different than traditional bronze vases, zinc versions like this one from American Funeral Supply are a lovely option for theft-prone cemeteries. Materials like zinc or galvanized metals are less attractive to thieves hoping to cash in on stolen metals. 

Engraving

A California family whose loved one’s bronze vase was stolen from a cemetery in 2015 decided to have the deceased name engraved on the replacement. This option could provide some peace of mind, but as the local news reporter to whom they reported the theft found out, this might not deter theft or dishonest scrap metal dealers. The reporter actually went undercover and tried to sell a $1600 bronze vase to several scrap metal shops; although most told him it was unlawful to accept these, at least one offered him $8 for the vase.

Chains

Last November, metal vases valued at about $1,000 each began disappearing from gravesites in a gated San Diego cemetery. Again, families came up with their own theft-deterring options; in this case, they used chains to secure vases to monuments. Chains aren’t necessarily a novel idea, as many vases have been equipped with a thin and easily-snapped chain to tether it to the base for decades. However, thicker chains, perhaps attached by bolts secured in cement (as shown in these tips for securing outdoor metal sculptures) might prove a little more difficult to break. Although frustrated families may opt for a less-discreet option like wrapping a chain around the vase and securing it to an anchor point on the monument, that’s probably not a practical solution for most properties.

Microdots

Similar to AirTags and engraving, microdots won’t help to keep a vase from being stolen, but they could help law enforcement track them down afterwards. Microdots are tiny discs that are nearly invisible to the naked eye at less than one millimeter in diameter. Each dot is marked with a unique PIN code that is stored in a secured database to link property to its owner; this information can be read by a magnifier.  Microdots can be sprayed on the entire surface of larger items such as vehicles or bicycles, brushed onto guns or electronics, or applied with a microdot marker. Manufacturers such as Theftmark.com offers microdot kits for less than $10 that could be applied to a large number of vases. This company also advises placing notices that items are marked with microdot technology to deter would-be thieves.

Adhesives and epoxies

The design concept of most vase-equipped markers allows a family to choose whether they want to use the vase or hide it within the monument. But for those who elect to keep a vase upright perpetually, it’s possible to secure it to the base with an industrial-strength, heavy-duty epoxy or adhesive, as Legacy Headstones describes here. As with the chain solution above, a very determined thief with proper tools might find a way to bypass this security measure, but after spending a few minutes tugging on a few of these secured vases with no success, they might just give up and go elsewhere.

Drones

The BBC reports that a police force in Wales has begun using “thermal imaging cameras attached to drones and binoculars capable of picking out suspected treasure thieves.” In this case, authorities are using the technology to keep so-called “nighthawkers” from metal-detecting and digging up ancient archaeologically-significant artifacts that are thought to be hidden on the historic grounds, but it could definitely work for vase-hawkers, too. Thermal drones specifically equipped for law enforcement and firefighting agencies can be quite an investment, but several highly-rated amateur versions are available for $300 to $9,000.

Legislation

Sure, this solution might be a longshot, depending on how diligent one might be in garnering the attention of lawmakers and the level of interest by law enforcement, but it is possible to add or amend state or local laws to penalize scrap metal dealers who knowingly accept and pay for certain types of metals. In 2013, Utah’s state legislature approved a bill that increased penalties for taking in probably-stolen “regulated metals,” including street signs, manhole covers, and “grave site monument vases and monument plaques.” Most states have similar laws, including Missouri, which adds that “scrap metal dealers need a statement on cemetery letterhead to accept a gravesite vase for salvage.”

Rewards

There wouldn’t have to be laws like the one in Utah if every scrap metal dealer was 100% honest and always diligent about what types of metals they accept and from whom. Personally visiting your area’s scrap metal dealers to remind them of existing regulations and penalties — or even offering a “finder’s fee” for turning in vase thieves — might make at least a small impact.

Obviously, some of these options might be too expensive, time-consuming, or complicated to try, or a company’s internal regulations might prevent their implementation. However, perhaps these ideas might inspire your own creative solutions.

Placing a loved one’s ashes into an urn can be a difficult thing to accomplish. You might even put it off for a while, dreading the sense of finality such an act can bring.

There can be a better way to approach this experience: with fondness and clear memories. This is why many people choose a keepsake cremation urn for their loved ones.

Unlike most traditional urns, a keepsake urn embodies the memory of the deceased. It’s a unique decorative addition to your home that’ll lead to smiles once you look upon it.

To help you choose the perfect urn, we’ve put together this guide to simplify the urn options for you. Continue reading to learn how to select the ideal urn for your family.

Intended Location

The first thing to consider is where you intend to keep the urn after cremation. If you don’t have any ideas, start by asking yourself a few questions. These can include questions like:

• Do you want to keep it on a shelf, above a mantel, or on a dedicated shrine area?
• Do you want it to sit outside in a thriving garden?
• Do you want the urn to be portable so multiple family members can cherish it?

Certain urn materials shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight as it could warp the container or fade a design. When in doubt, choose a place for the urn that doesn’t get hit by direct sunlight for too long. This will ensure that the urn and the ashes will avoid any potential UV damage.

Size

Another vital consideration is the size you want for the urn. A good rule of thumb is to measure based on the weight of the deceased. 1 pound equals around 1 cubic inch of space within the urn.

If you’re planning an ash scattering ceremony, remember to save an appropriate amount before filling the chosen urn.

Urn Material

The material you select for an urn has an impact on all the other decisions you make. Some materials are longer lasting, but others are more affordable. Some allow for more intricate design choices while others work best in larger shapes.

Wood

Wood is a classic choice and has an inherent natural beauty that people love. It’s easy to carve into different shapes and sizes or to embed keepsakes into the material. You can customize wooden urns further with stains and finishes.

It’s a sturdy material but can be damaged or scratched. It’s not the best choice if you live in high-humidity areas which could warp the wood over time.

Glass

Glass is a unique material choice because of its transparent quality. Instead of keeping the ashes hidden from view, you can use the ashes in the glass itself.

The glass can be in any color you choose. This creates a crystal-like structure that looks beautiful from every angle.

Because it’s a fragile material, you’ll need to make sure to keep this particular type of urn protected. Families with children or pets should place a glass urn far out of reach.

Stone

Another naturally beautiful material is various stones. Although it’s often difficult to carve stones into intricate designs, they are long-lasting and durable. Stone has a heft and weight that feels protective, which makes it the perfect receptacle for a loved one’s remains.

This is a great choice if you plan to place the urn outside because the stone will withstand weather and temperature changes.

Metal

Metal lends itself to an urn design that’s both elegant and durable. It has a glimmer you can’t replicate with other types of materials.

It’s easy to mold into varying shapes and sizes. It can even be painted, engraved, or used as a secondary design element.

With so many different metals to pick between, you’re sure to find one that suits your particular design idea.

Biodegradable

If you plan to have an urn burial at home, you may want to select a biodegradable urn. This will allow the urn and the buried ashes to become one with the soil. These urns come in materials such as:

• Dried salt
• Plant fibers
• Sand
• Recycled paper

It’s a good choice for planting a flower or tree in the same place and honoring family wishes. Without the ability to degrade, the plant won’t have the right nutrients to grow and thrive.

Design Ideas

Once you’ve decided on the three key elements of the urn, it’s time to figure out the design aspects. Take time to think about your loved one and consider their hobbies, personality, dreams, and achievements.

Honoring Veterans

People who served the country deserve to have their dedication honored and respected. An urn that displays this love for the country is a distinguished way to honor the deceased.

The urn could have the American flag painted into the design. It could also have an important rank or insignia engraved into the material.

Functional Urn

Most urns have their designs focused on being meaningful decoration pieces. Some families, however, prefer their urns to serve a function. It’s a remarkable way to allow the urn to be a real part of your everyday life.

For example, consider an urn that also functions as a clock. It’ll help you every single day which is a lovely way to pay homage to a passed loved one.

Mosaic

Few things are as captivating as a mosaic of colorful tiles. That kind of design can emphasize personality or a love for anything creative.

Since a mosaic can be made up of almost anything, this gives you a chance to show off your loved one’s favorite colors in a beautiful array. You could go even further and customize the tiles to have different designs. If your loved one adored florals, each tile could be a petal or have an engraving of a flower.

Photograph

When a loved one passes on, it can be difficult to think of them as they were. At the beginning of the grieving phase, it’s hard to picture anything other than a sorrowful final image.

This is why an urn featuring a gorgeous photograph of your loved one is such a popular choice.

You’ll see a photo of your loved one beaming at the camera every time you look at the urn. It can change an urn into a helpful part of your healing process. It’s also a wonderful way to keep a person’s spirit alive, even to those who may be too young to remember them.

Artistic

An artistic urn brings the beauty of artwork into the design of the urn. It can feature things like painted branches of blooming trees or birds in flight. Favorite animals or an important landscape can also work well for this style of urn.

You could even customize the urn to feature artwork made by the deceased. Bring new life to the things your loved one enjoyed during their life so that it can bring joy to yours, too.

Statue

When people think of urns, they often have a singular idea in mind: oval-shaped and plain. While this is a classic choice for a reason, some families prefer to go with something with more personality.

Rather than a typical urn, you could place the ashes inside of an intricate statue.

This works wonders for families who want something unique or dislike the idea of remains in the home. With a statue urn, you’ll often forget it’s an urn at all. Instead, you’ll see a statue of a majestic eagle or a wise owl. This will help you think about your loved one without the normal associations connected to cremation urns.

Companion Urns

A companion urn is the ideal choice for the situation when you want to show a clear connection between two loved ones. A married couple, for example, are the typical candidates for urns like this.

This is because the design is created with two urns in mind. The design won’t be complete without the other half.

It’s an elegant way to keep a loving pair together even after they’ve passed on.

Taking Care of an Urn

Choosing an urn design full of meaning also means you should learn how to keep human ashes safe. While the urn is your first line of defense to protect the contents, there are a few things you can do to help, including:

• Keep the urn in a safe place
• Dust the urn with a dry, soft cloth
• Place the urn in a dry area away from direct sunlight
• Polish wooden urns once or twice a year
• Avoid harsh chemicals near the urn

Beautiful Keepsake Cremation Urn

Choosing the right keepsake cremation urn can take time. This guide is here to help make the process easier, but don’t feel rushed into a decision. Finding the perfect memorial urn is a worthwhile endeavor that should take as long as necessary.

At Lone Star Cremation, we know this is a difficult time for your family. We aim to make your experience as simple, meaningful, and convenient as possible. Take a closer look at our beautiful selection of keepsake urns to see how they can help you honor your loved one.

The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Names 2023 “Keeping it Personal” (KIP) Award Winners

STERLING, VA (March 14, 2024) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) has named its 2023 Keeping It Personal (KIP) Award winners, recognizing the best in personalization in the cemetery and memorialization profession. 

Created by the ICCFA Personalization Committee in 2001, the KIP Award program honors recipients in four categories: Most Personalized Service/Memorial for Funeral Home, Most Personalized Service/Memorial for Cemetery, Most Personalized Pet Service, and Innovative Personalized Product. 

This year’s contest attracted entries from ICCFA members in Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, The Philippines, and the United States. Professionals from outside the deathcare profession judged the entries. The 2023 KIP winners and honorable mentions will be recognized during the President’s Banquet on Thursday, April 11 beginning at 6:00 PM at the 2024 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in Tampa, Florida, April 10-13, 2024. Descriptions of each winning entry and honorable mention are available at iccfa.com/awards. 

The winners are as follows:

Most Personalized Service or Memorial (Cemetery)

First Place and Overall Grand Prize Winner

Cave Hill Cemetery and Hosparus Join Forces to Serve Children
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum – Louisville, Kentucky

Honorable Mention

Momentos Que Nos Unen
Señoriales Corporación de Servicios – Guatemala

Most Personalized Service or Memorial (Funeral Home)

First Place

Rite of Passage: Jefferson Memorial Cemetery with Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Students for Burial Event
Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Funeral Home, Crematory & Arboretum – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Honorable Mention

Eldon’s Last Ride
Pray Funeral Home – Charlotte, Michigan

Most Personalized Pet Service

First Place 

The Eterneva Diamond That Saves Hundreds of Dogs Per Year
Eterneva – Austin, Texas

Honorable Mention 

An Altar Woven with the Traces of Eternal Love
Señoriales Corporación de Servicios – Guatemala

Innovative/Personalized Product (Suppliers)

First Place

Life’s QR
Life’s QR – Niagara Falls, Canada

Honorable Mention 

Etern.life Memorial Map
Passages International, Inc. – Albuquerque, New Mexico

# # #

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association comprises over 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.