What should be done first when a death occurs?

Wasson Funeral Home maintains a fully qualified license funeral director to respond on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week. We do not use answering services. You can always get help with a single telephone call and receive an immediate response. If we know the circumstances and location of the death, we will know what needs to be done first and can help you through the legal procedures.

This is also true of deaths which occur away from our area. We will be knowledgeable of state laws, rules, and regulations of that state and will know what needs to be done and who to call for help with the detail work needed to arrange for the return of the deceased back home.

You are always only a telephone call away from help and an immediate source of information.

CALL (479) 524-5131

The following is a list of the basic information needed by a funeral home to meet the legal requirements after a death:

• Name of deceased
• Location of the deceased and location telephone number
• Name, telephone number, and relationship of person who will be making the arrangements.

There is other information required but the above is the minimum necessary for a funeral director to take charge of the situation and relieve you from the pressure as to what needs to be done next. When additional information is needed the funeral director will let you know.

International Travel

More people are traveling abroad than ever before and deaths do occur if foreign countries. It can be a lengthy process arranging for the release and transport of human remains from foreign countries. Wasson Funeral Home has had first hand experience in this matter. We also hold membership in several international funeral organizations, which provide assistance to their members in helping with the profound quantity of paperwork required. The requirements vary from country to country. Two such international organizations to which the Wasson Funeral Home belongs are the Order of Golden Rule and National Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Information needed by the funeral home to complete a death certificate

Before burial, cremation, or transport to another State, regardless of where the death occurs, the funeral director will need a state permit. This requires the filing of a death certificate before the permit is issued. The following is a list of the basic information that is required for death certificates in most States.

• Date and place of birth (city and state)
• Social Security Number
• Veterans Status
• Education Level
• Parent’s names including mother’s maiden name
• Place of burial or cremation
• Next of Kin with relationship and address
• Marital Status (single, married, widowed, divorced)
• If Married: name, maiden name and full address of wife

Embalming Requirements

Arkansas and Oklahoma do not require embalming; however, embalming may be necessary if you choose certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to choose an arrangement which does not require you to pay for it, such as a direct cremation or immediate burial.

The Arkansas Department of Health requires that all dead bodies either be buried, embalmed, cremated or refrigerated within 24 hours from the time of death. Because of this regulation some circumstances could make embalming a practical necessity. Also, some states require embalming before a dead body can be transported to or from the state. Arkansas requires that cremation be delayed a minimum of 72 hours following the death of persons who die of other than natural causes. This would include accidental death, suicide, homicide, or deaths of an undetermined origin.

Cremation

The Wasson Funeral Home offers a variety of cremation packages designed to meet the needs of all of our clientele who prefer cremation. If you prefer cremation as a final disposition it is possible to have family and/or public viewing or a visitation or even a regular funeral. In such cases it is not necessary to purchase a casket in order to have a funeral or public viewing. If this is your preference, rental caskets are available. The following is a list of cremation packages designed to fill the needs of persons who prefer cremation.

Cremation Packages

Direct Cremation Package

• Removal of deceased from place of death to mortuary
• Arrangement conference
• Return of cremated remains to family
• Processing and filing of death certificate
• Obtain state permits
• Obituary notice in local papers

Direct Cremation with Memorial Services

• All items listed in Direct Cremation Package
• Personnel and facilities for memorial service
• Assistance with disposition of cremains

Direct Cremation with Memorial Service and Private Viewing

• Direct cremation package
• Disinfection of remains and other care
• Use of facilities for viewing (two hours)

Cremation with Visitation and the Use of Hardwood Rental Casket

• All items listed in Direct Cremation Package
• Embalming and other care of remains
• Hardwood rental casket
• Use of facilities and personnel for viewing
• Assistance with disposition of cremains

Cremation with Visitation and Funeral Services with Hardwood Rental Casket

• All items listed in Direct Cremation Package
• Embalming and other care of remains
• Hardwood rental casket
• Use of facilities and personnel for viewing
• Use of facilities and personnel for funeral in our chapel or in a church
• Assistance with disposition of cremains

Miscellaneous Questions

There are several other questions that you may have in regards to the death of a loved one; "Does the body need to be embalmed? Do I need to purchase a casket and/or vault? And what cremation options do I have?" Our funeral home will be able to answer these and any other questions you may have; however, it is always wise, if possible, to contact the funeral home prior to the death so you can make these and other decisions without the pressure of limited time. Your wishes can be recorded and confidentially held either by you or your funeral director until the information is needed. This is a free service at Wasson Funeral Home and held in strict confidence. Financial arrangements can also be made in advance if you so wish.