There’s a little of everything in Funeral Director Daily’s list of “Top Read” articles of the past 30 days.  There is information on caskets, services, memorialization, value of businesses, and even some thoughts on what Death Care personnel do that the general public just doesn’t understand. . . .

And, we will throw a little history and nostalgia in the mix too.  The top read story of the past 30 days brings a little nostalgia as it has to do with a company that is not even involved in the Death Care business anymore but has its founding principles embedded in the casket business — Hillenbrand Industries, former parent company of Batesville (Casket).

Here’s the Top Read Funeral Director Daily articles from October 16 to November 15:

1. Hillenbrand Industries sold
2. Are we in the midst of a paradigm shift, from “Services selection” to “Memorialization selection”, by the consumer?
3. Casket companies make some news. . . .and what is the future demand?
4. Small volume firms need to know their potential value
5. Most people just don’t understand. . . . . 

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

Again, the 15th of the month leads us to re-issue our Top Read articles of the month for our readers —  just in case you missed one of them the first time.

This month two articles dealing with legal issues of Death Care appear as our Top Two articles and for the first-time ever an article has re-appeared on the list for a 2nd time.  The article “Funeral Women Lead is defining a path for the changing face of funeral service” first appeared in August 2025 and had enough readers to be on the August 15 Top Read list.

In what probably signals better SEO rankings for Funeral Director Daily, now – 60 days later — the article is reappearing as one of our Top 5 read articles between September 15 and October 14.  A first for Funeral Director Daily articles!!

Here’s the articles that our readers read most over the past 30 days just in case you missed one:

1. Indiana Court:  “Death Doula” does not need a funeral director license.
2. Arkansas lawsuit questions “Denials of Claims” with “Burial” policies.
3. “Funeral Women Lead” is defining a path for the changing face of funeral service.
4. Another acquisition by Park Lawn Corporation.
5. Titan Casket “Keeps on Keeping on”. . . and growing.

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

Another month has rolled on by and we continue to write varied articles that let those in the Death Care profession know what is going on around them.  Our articles vary in topic and it is a guess from month-to-month which articles might be of the most interest to readers.

That’s why on or about the 15th of each month we generate a list of our five most read articles from the past thirty days.  Since July 15 the most read article dealt with the changes going on at Foundation Partners Group. . . . and other top articles dealt with retail or supplier transactions, the growing Funeral Women Lead organization, and another movie with Death Care ramifications being filmed and expected to hit streaming sources in 2026.

In case you missed any of those articles, here they are:

1. Foundation Partners Group announces new ownership 
2. Williams’ expand reach by purchasing Wisconsin’s Brian Mark Funeral Homes
3. Funeral Women Lead is defining the path for the changing face of funeral service. 
4. Tukios, Batesville make a deal.  
5. Lucky us. . . .another Death Care profession movie being filmed.  

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

Once again it is time for Funeral Director Daily to give our readers a 2nd chance to read articles that they may have missed in the past 30 days.  We’ve highlighted the Top 5 most read from May 15 to June 15 below.

The articles again show the variety of topics that Funeral Director Daily readers enjoy.  There is no “One item” that gets the attention of our readers with a wide variety of topics bringing general interest to the group who we believe are the largest group of “business decision makers” in the Death Care business reading an online Death Care publication.

This month our top read article concerned the Governor of Oklahoma threatening to sunset the Oklahoma Funeral Board if more consumer friendly legislation was not passed.  Our 2nd most read article dealt with the 3-part series titled “The Mortician” that is currently available to watch on streaming channels HBO and Max.  The show documents the unscrupulous dealings in the 1980’s of funeral director David Sconce and his family cremation business which eventually put him in prison.

And, we have guest articles by newly licensed mortician Tiffaney Hill and veteran marketer Glenn Gould that also pushed their way into the Top 5 category.

Finally, the beginning article on the series of Outside-the-Box thoughts on the future of funeral service rounds out the Top 5. . . We present those articles below in easibly link fashion should you want to read them:

1. Oklahoma Governor “okay” with Sunsetting funeral regulations. 
2. “The Mortician” documentary series debuts Sunday on HBO.
3. Bridging the Gap:  A newly licensed Funeral Director’s perspective on tackling the industry’s staffing shortage.  By Tiffaney O. Hill
4. Outside the Box:  4 things I think will eventually come to Death Care  
5. Are there too many funeral homes?  By Glenn Gould

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

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

Wow!!  The middle of the month seems to have got here fast and with it comes our list of “Top Read” Funeral Director Daily articles over the past 30 days.

This month it looks like there is something for everybody’s interest.  Our top-rated articles cover subjects like revenue growth, potential casket tariffs, consumer perceptions on funeral pricing, the acquistion temperature, and even a story of cremated remains being held for ransom. . . .

If you missed these articles during the month, just click on them to catch up with the news. . . .and, thanks for reading Funeral Director Daily.  Thanks to you we continue to grow our readership and continue to offer the most timely business news and ideas in the profession. . . . Thanks again!!!!

BTW —- It will change minute by minute, but as I went to list the Top 5 read articles of the month (Wednesday), the top two were absolutely tied in monthly page views. . . .It is the first time I can remember that happening.  (Editor’s note:  By Thursday morning when I proof read the blogpost, the Trump Tariff article had jumped into the number one position with a 14 point advantage).

1. Trump’s tariffs and caskets.
2. A look at funeral industry revenues — some interesting observations
3. Acquisitions, mergers, and new owners seem to be the norm now in funeral services.
4. A perception that seems to be getting tougher to shake.
5. Cremated remains priceless?  These were ransomed for $2 million.

Funeral Director Daily publishes a minimum of 22 articles per month and receives between 17,000 and 20,000 page views (and growing) each month representing many industry leaders and local decision makers.  Thanks for reading!!!

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

It’s the middle of the month and here at Funeral Director Daily we always take that time to re-cap our most read articles of the past 30 days.  As usual, those articles don’t seem to take any one subject into consideration and this month our Top 3 articles deal with the Trump tariffs and if they will affect casket prices, January acquisitions by regional and national operators, and introducing a new leader named at Foundation Partners Group.

In case you missed one or more of the articles. . . Here they are:

1. The Trump tariffs and Death Care.
2. Newcomer Funeral Service adds locations in New York and Indiana
3. Foundation Partners Group names John D. Smith as new CEO
4. North Carolina floods, Florida hurricanes, and L.A. wildfires:  The tragedy of losing “kept at home” cremated remains.
5. Funeral homes receive rare “Letters of Assurance” from public authorities.

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

A recent article published by CNBC highlighted some unexpected advice for parents from Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett’s words of wisdom: let your adult children read your will before you sign it. Buffett, who has built an astonishing $150 billion fortune, believes that this step can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among heirs, fostering stronger family relationships.

Click here to read the full article: Warren Buffett suggests all parents do one thing before they die.

Buffett’s advice was originally issued in a widely distributed press release under the Berkshire Hathaway imprint. In the release, Buffett emphasized the importance of transparency and open communication, urging parents to explain the reasoning behind their decisions and the responsibilities their children will face. This advice, aimed at parents of all wealth levels, highlights Buffett’s commitment to practical and thoughtful estate planning.

I have one further suggestion for all parents, whether they are of modest or staggering wealth. When your children are mature, have them read your will before you sign it. Be sure each child understands both the logic for your decisions and the responsibilities they will encounter upon your death. If any have questions or suggestions, listen carefully and adopt those found sensible. You don’t want your children asking “Why?” in respect to testamentary decisions when you are no longer able to respond.

Over the years, I have had questions or commentary from all three of my children and have often adopted their suggestions. There is nothing wrong with my having to defend my thoughts. My dad did the same with me.

I change my will every couple of years – often only in very minor ways – and keep things simple. Over the years, Charlie and I saw many families driven apart after the posthumous dictates of the will left beneficiaries confused and sometimes angry. Jealousies, along with actual or imagined slights during childhood, became magnified, particularly when sons were favored over daughters, either in monetary ways or by positions of importance.

Charlie and I also witnessed a few cases where a wealthy parent’s will that was fully discussed before death helped the family become closer. What could be more satisfying?

Click for full release

As a company specializing in end-of-life planning, we think Buffett’s advice makes a lot of sense. In fact, we would take it one step further. In addition to letting your family know about your estate plan, we strongly suggest you share your funeral plan.

Of course, talking about your end-of-life plans isn’t always easy. Luckily, we got advice and tips on how to go about it. Read our article, Talking About Your Funeral Plan, to learn more.