Funeral Directors Life to Provide Free Tickets to Soul On Fire, a Biographical Film about John O’Leary’s Life

ABILENE, TX — Funeral Directors Life (FDL) is excited to provide free tickets to Soul On Fire, a biographical
film about the life of John O’Leary, a two-time #1 National Bestselling Author of ON FIRE and IN AWE and host of the award-winning Live Inspired Podcast. FDL is sponsoring several screenings of the film for “Soul On Fire Night” in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

“When I first heard John’s story years ago, I was blown away by his resilience and positive mindset,” said Kris Seale, President and CEO of Funeral Directors Life. “I immediately invited him to speak at our end-of-year event, which sparked the beginning of a wonderful partnership. As a company, we’ve read John’s books together and sponsored him at the NFDA Convention in 2022 and many state funeral director association conventions. His story will resonate with many, and it’s one that people desperately need right now.”

As a child, John was burned on 100% of his body and given less than 1% chance to live. This film, directed by Sean McNamara and written by Gregory Poirier, chronicles John’s accident, road to recovery, and unbreakable spirit. Soul On Fire stars Joel Courtney as John O’Leary, John Corbett as Denny O’Leary, and William H. Macy as Jack Buck. The film is set to release in theaters on October 10, 2025.

“We’re proud to share John’s inspiring story with others however we can,” continued Seale. “But more
importantly, we’re honored to spread his message of positivity during life’s hardest moments. If more people had John’s joy, the world would be a better place.”

Dates vary, but seats are free for funeral professionals while tickets last. To see if the film is playing near you or to claim your free seat to “Soul On Fire Night,” please click here.

About Funeral Directors Life

Funeral Directors Life is focused on being the best, most-respected provider of service to the funeral profession with preneed funeral solutions, financial services, and technology offerings. We help our clients improve their businesses and grow their profitability through our full-service solutions. Your business requires more than preneed solutions – that’s why we’re more than a preneed company. For more information about Funeral Directors Life, visit us online at www.fdl.co.

Sequoia Legacy Care Partners with The Travel Plan by Inman to Provide Proactive Support to Grieving Families

Fort Wayne, IN – AUGUST 1, 2025 – Sequoia Legacy Care is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Travel Plan by Inman, enabling the company to provide clients with an added layer of protection and peace of mind through advanced travel protection services.

The Travel Plan by Inman is a respected travel protection product that ensures loved ones are cared for in the event of a death occurring away from home. Backed by insurance since 2021, with decades of professional expertise, the plan relieves families of the logistical and financial burden associated with transportation at an already difficult time.

“With its respectful and cost-effective products, The Travel Plan by Inman is a perfect complement to Sequoia Legacy Care’s mission of providing personalized, compassionate support,” said Dave McComb, CEO of Travel Plan by Inman and fourth-generation funeral director. “We are honored to partner with Sequoia Legacy Care to empower families in their time of need and help ease the weight of funeral planning during moments of grief.”

This exclusive partnership strengthens Sequoia Legacy Care’s ability to offer proactive, thoughtful solutions to families nationwide, and further enhances Sequoia’s commitment to exceptional service, customized care, and long-term legacy planning.

About The Travel Plan by Inman

The Travel Plan by Inman is a travel protection product offered by Inman Shipping Worldwide, created to meet the needs of an increasingly mobile society. As careers, travel, and retirement take individuals across the country and around the globe, the Travel Plan provides peace of mind by ensuring that, in the event of death away from home, the deceased’s remains will be professionally returned to their final resting place. Every plan sold is backed by insurance.

Inman Shipping Worldwide has decades of experience in mortuary transport and is trusted by funeral professionals across the nation. With The Travel Plan, families can rely on expert care, logistical coordination, and financial protection during some of life’s most difficult moments.  Inman uses their network of service providers to provide removal and embalming services and Eagle’s Wings Air. Our Sister company does the logistics for the flight 

Funeral Director Daily first reported on the “Funeral Coverage Act”, a proposed amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat distributions from health savings accounts (HSA) for funeral expenses of the account beneficiary as qualified distributions last March.  (You can see that article here).  However, the bill never made its complete movement through Congress last session.

We have recently learned that the bill — HR 2436 — has been re-introduced.  You can follow the progress of the bill as it moves its way through Congress here.

The ultimate result of treating these monies paid to a funeral home from an HSA would be that they could be a tax-free payment for funeral expenses instead of a taxable distribution to the beneficiary(ies) or the estate.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) website:

“Like an IRA account, when a person sets up an HSA, they name a beneficiary. If the beneficiary is a surviving spouse, the unused portion of the decedent’s HSA passes directly to the spouse and becomes his or her HSA; there is no tax liability.

If the beneficiary is not the surviving spouse, the proceeds that pass to the beneficiary are taxed to the beneficiary as ordinary income. However, if the decedent died owing medical expenses, the proceeds in the HSA may be used to pay those medical expenses on a tax-free basis for up to one year after the death.

If no beneficiary is named, the proceeds of the HSA go to the decedent’s estate, and they are taxed as ordinary income on the decedent’s final personal income tax return.”

 

Related Article —  “Health Savings Accounts and Funeral Expenses:  A common sense solution for grieving families”.  NFDA

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  Don’t get me wrong — on a selfish note this bill would be great for funeral homes and for families that might struggle to pay for their death care costs.  It would give families another tool to stop some of them from taking on debt to pay funeral expenses. . . .And, that would be a good thing for those consumers.

However, there is, at least, two sides to every issue.  By allowing a “tax-free” distribution for this purpose, it eliminates the ability of our federal government to “take-in” a form of tax revenue.  And, there is a group that believes that revenue might be better used to pay down the nation’s debt than to give to families — some whom may have other ways to pay for the funeral costs.

Again, don’t get me wrong.  I’m not arguing against passing this bill — but this is how I learned to look at issues when I sat on the Board of Regents for the University of Minnesota.  I always had to look at both sides of the issue.  I learned that even when I had a personal viewpoint one way, voting the other way might be the best way for the University to move forward.  I’m just wondering if that is how members of Congress might see this issue.

So, while I am for this bill.  . I think that there will be challenges passing it moving forward because the net result is that it will add to the deficit and debt.

My Friday morning group:  During my winter in Florida I belong to a Minnesota Friday morning breakfast group.  We meet every Friday morning for breakfast and invite speakers to come to the event.  One of our speakers this winter was Congress member Rep. Michele Fischbach of Minnesota.  She is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and told us that her committee was already having these discussions about what will be in the, as President Trump calls it, “Big Beautiful Tax Cut” bill.  Congress member Fischbach explained the discussions are around exactly what I am talking about  —  “Maxium tax benefits to Americans versus the costs of decreased revenue to the National budget”.

HR 2436 – The “Funeral Coverage Act” was not introduced until March 15 — a period long after Congresswomen Fischbach told us that they were already considering what will be “in” and what will be “out” of the President’s proposed bill.

Related Article — Here’s an article Funeral Director Daily published in 2023 about this HSA/Funeral Cost idea well before it was introduced into Congress.

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

Saying goodbye to a loved one is a deeply personal experience, and planning a memorial that honors their life can be both comforting and healing. Cremation services offer families the flexibility to create tributes that reflect the individuality of their loved ones while accommodating unique preferences and schedules. At St. Louis Cremation, we understand that every family’s needs are different, and our goal is to provide compassionate care that respects those differences. For those considering cremation service St. Louis, MO, the flexibility of cremation allows for meaningful memorial options tailored to each family’s wishes.

Why Flexibility Matters in Memorial Planning

Grieving is a process that varies from person to person, and so does the way people choose to honor their loved ones. One of the most significant advantages of cremation is the flexibility it offers in planning memorials. Families are not constrained by immediate timelines and can organize a service at a time and place that best suits them. Whether it’s a small gathering of close friends or a larger celebration of life, cremation allows for thoughtful planning without the rush often associated with traditional funerals. This flexibility is especially helpful for families with loved ones living far apart. By choosing cremation, they can take the time to coordinate schedules, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to gather, reflect, and share memories together.

Personalized Memorial Options

Cremation opens the door to a variety of memorial possibilities, allowing families to choose a tribute that genuinely represents their loved one’s life and legacy. Some families opt for intimate services at home, while others prefer outdoor gatherings in meaningful locations. The beauty of cremation lies in its adaptability—memorials can be held in gardens, parks, or even places that held special significance to the person being remembered. Personal touches, such as displaying photographs, playing favorite music, or sharing stories, can make the service more meaningful. Some families find comfort in creating memory books or video tributes that celebrate their loved one’s journey and accomplishments. These personalized elements not only honor the person’s memory but also offer solace to those in attendance.

Timing That Suits Your Needs

Unlike traditional services that often need to be planned quickly, cremation services allow families to take the time they need. Some families choose to hold a memorial shortly after the cremation, while others may wait weeks or even months to find the right moment. This extended timeline can be especially valuable when planning travel arrangements for distant relatives or coordinating with others who wish to participate. Taking the time to plan ensures that the memorial is thoughtful and personal, giving family members the space to reflect on how best to honor their loved one’s memory.

Support and Guidance Throughout the Process

We are committed to providing compassionate support at every step. We recognize that planning a memorial can feel overwhelming, especially during times of grief. Our experienced team is here to guide families through their options, ensuring they feel informed and supported in making decisions that best suit their needs. Flexibility in memorial planning means families are free to choose how, when, and where to honor their loved ones. Our goal is to provide services that offer comfort, dignity, and meaningful remembrance without the stress of rigid timelines.

Begin Planning a Memorial That Reflects Your Loved One

Choosing cremation offers families the freedom to create memorials that are as unique as the people they honor. It allows for thoughtful planning, personalized touches, and timing that respects the needs of those left behind. If you are exploring cremation service St. Louis, MO, St. Louis Cremation is here to help you navigate your options and create a tribute that brings peace, comfort, and lasting memories. Let us assist you in planning a memorial that truly honors your loved one’s life and legacy.

Order of the Golden Rule Partners With My Grief Angels to Provide Enhanced Grief Support

INDIANAPOLIS (March 11, 2025) – The Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the premier association of independently owned and operated funeral homes, is proud to announce a new partnership with My Grief Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, peer-led grief support resources. This collaboration underscores OGR’s commitment to ensuring that families receive compassionate and accessible grief support beyond funeral services.

Through this partnership, OGR and My Grief Angels will offer families access to virtual grief support groups, educational resources, and a supportive community where individuals can connect with others experiencing similar loss. My Grief Angels’ innovative, peer-led approach aligns with OGR’s mission to uphold the highest standard of care for grieving families.

“We are honored to partner with My Grief Angels to provide essential grief support to families in need,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director of OGR. “Funeral professionals serve families at one of the most difficult times in their lives, and through this collaboration, we can ensure they continue to have the support they need long after the funeral service.”

Jamie Wieting, OGR Board Chair, emphasized the importance of accessible grief support: “Grief does not have a timeline, and no one should have to navigate it alone. By working with My Grief Angels, we are expanding the resources available to the families we serve, reinforcing OGR’s dedication to compassionate care.”

The partnership will provide OGR members with tools to connect families to My Grief Angels’ services, ensuring a seamless transition from funeral care to ongoing support. By leveraging digital platforms and peer-led programs, this initiative will help bridge the gap between loss and healing in an inclusive and accessible way. Additionally, OGR member families will have access to a 24/7 online chat feature and a variety of Spanish language resources.  

“Together, My Grief Angels and OGR are enhancing the way families receive support in their time of grief—combining compassionate funeral care with direct access to in-depth online grief support resources; including the largest offering of free multilingual online courses on grief thru the UGrief.com global initiative,” says J.D. Failde, Executive Director of My Grief Angels.

All of the programs’ tools will be available free to OGR members and the families they serve. 

For more information on OGR’s grief support initiatives or how to access these resources, visit OGR.org/coping-with-grief.

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

About My Grief Angels

My Grief Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides free, peer-led grief support resources online and through mobile applications. Its mission is to empower individuals to find support and healing by connecting with others who have experienced similar losses.

Customer service and client family support are the pillars of your funeral business. 

(And if you need the  science and research to prove it here ya go).

If you don’t already know that, this blog offers a great opportunity to learn more about what makes great customer service.

Below we’re going to cover some of the most important skills of customer service at your funeral home, and how you can put them to practice. We hope these skills inspire your level of customer service at your funeral home!

Check them out below:

#1: Epic communication skills

If you think being a “good” communicator is good enough, think again. Client families are in their most vulnerable, tender state during the times you work with them, so it’s important to have absolutely impeccable communication skills. 

We recommend taking a course on communication, or reading the book on Non Violent Communication (NVC) which helps you navigate tough moments & conflict like a champ.

Below is a breakdown of the NVC model, check it out for yourself:

#2: Emotional Intelligence

It’s one thing to fix a client family’s issue. It’s another thing to go the extra mile for them, because you put your feet in their shoes. One of our favorite examples is with the brand Chewy, a dog food brand. Although they aren’t a funeral business, this example sure is inspiring, and addresses the topic of death. 

In this example, one of their customer’s dog passed away, and they had an unopened bag of dog food left. What Chewy did in response left us speechless… (find out how they responded in the image below).

We love this example because it shows that a little more effort towards serving families goes a long way. This level of customer service is what creates a lifetime loyal customer base.

#3: Deep breaths

You’ll never underestimate the power of a deep breath until you’re in a moment where a deep breath saves the day. Tensions can be high when families are planning funeral arrangements. If you notice tension or stress, one of the best things you can do is take an audible deep breath, and invite them to do the same and pause before saying anything else. 

A deep breath not only helps to regulate your nervous system, but it also gives everyone a moment to take in what’s happening and find more presence. You can even invite your client families to take 1 or 3 deep breaths in a row, to regulate them. You’ll thank us later for this one!!!!

#4: The art of reflection

One of the greatest tools in the toolbelt: reflection. If a client family brings something to you, especially in a conflict, this tool is very helpful! Reflection is essentially repeating back to your client family or customer what you heard them say. It sounds stupidly simple, and it is, but who ever said simple wasn’t powerful? 

When you reflect back to your client families, it ensures you understood what they said correctly. And,  it helps them to clarify in themselves what they meant, too. And, sometimes, simply reflection can help resolve the issue on its own!

Here’s an example of reflection offering resolution on its own:

Client family: (visibly anxious & upset) I have no idea how I’ll manage to pay for my father’s funeral!?!?! 

Funeral director: (takes a deep breath) Thanks for letting me know that. So you’re saying that you are feeling uncertain about whether you’ll be able to pay for your dad’s funeral? 

Client family: That’s right. Well, actually, I do have some money in savings I could start with. Do you offer payment plans?

Funeral director: Yes we do! Let’s chat about them.

In this example, a simple reflection helped the client family realize that they didn’t actually have “no idea” how they were going to pay for the funeral. Instead, they realized they did have a little savings they could use, and the reflection helped them get inspired to ask about payment plans. These types of conversations are very common when you use reflection. Try for yourself and see.

#5: Responsibility (rather than deflection)

As we just discussed reflection above, it’s important to consider deflection, too. An example of deflection is that when a client family brings an issue they have with your funeral home or services, and you deflect it by:

• Ignoring it
• Invalidating it
• Avoiding it
• Telling them it’s their fault
• Saying it’s not your fault
• Avoiding responsibility for it

When it comes to customer service, anything other than a sincere apology or at least validating their experience is considered deflection. It’s very important to take responsibility for what is yours to take responsibility for in your funeral business. If something didn’t go well or right, own up to it, and try not to shame yourself for it. 

If you don’t feel it’s your responsibility for what has happened, offering a reflection (as mentioned above) and asking what you can do to assist them is a great place to start.

A great way to take responsibility is using NVC (mentioned in the beginning of this blog) saying:

• The observation (what you heard them say)
• Repeating back the request they made or the need they have
• Offering an apology
• Saying what you can offer them/how you can support them

Try this format and let us know how you go!

#6: Lastly, the willingness to adapt and learn

Who likes talking to a stubborn know-it-all? Not us, that’s for sure! That’s why it’s so important to avoid phrases like “Ma’am, this is how we’ve always done XYZ” or “Sorry, that’s our company policy”. We think adaptability and flexibility is crucial to great customer service. Otherwise, you can potentially lose a client family for good. 

When it comes to flexibility, one thing I always ask myself is: would I rather be right, or helpful? Hopefully the latter, and if so, flexibility and willingness to learn from your mistakes are foundational to being helpful.

What other skills do you feel are important to customer service at your funeral home? Let us know below!