Understanding Cremation
Lowell-Tims Funeral Homes operates the only crematorie in Southwest Oklahoma.
Over the years we have learned practically all there is to know about cremation.
Following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about
cremation.
What Is Cremation?
To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not
final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a
process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame
Don't Most Funeral Homes Have A Crematory?
No funeral homes In Jackson County except Lowell-Tims has a crematorie.
Other funeral Homes subcontract this delicate procedure out to a third
party provider in another town where the funeral home has little or no
control over the crematory's operating procedures. Often, the family incurs
additional transportation expenses and needless delay. By contrast, we
own our cremation equipment which is operated by our fully licensed and
highly trained staff. Our cremation equipment is state-of-the-art and equals
or exceeds every state and local operating standard and requirement. Our
crematory is open for inspection any time during normal business hours.
What Services Are Available With Cremation?
Any traditional funeral service with the body present can precede the cremation.
Alternatively, a memorial service can take place after the cremation has been
completed.
Is A Casket Needed For Cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by state law is an
alternative container constructed of wood which is cremated with the body. The only
time a casket is required is when the family chooses a public service with the body
present prior to cremation. For these occasions we offer a selection of inexpensive
cremation caskets as well as economical rental caskets.
Is Embalming Required Prior To Cremation?
Absolutely not and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise. The
only time embalming is legally required is if the family chooses a public service with
an open casket prior to cremation.
Can The Body Be Viewed Without Embalming?
Yes, immediate family members may briefly view the deceased prior to cremation in
our private viewing room. The deceased is first washed, dressed and prepared for
viewing. Alternatively, the deceased may be viewed in our crematory without any
preparation. As long as the viewing is concluded prior to the 24 hour
state-mandated waiting period, no additional refrigeration charges would be incurred.
Can The Family Witness The Cremation?
Yes. Our state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be
present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious
groups include this as part of their funeral custom.
Is Cremation Accepted By All Religions?
Today most religions allow cremation except for Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern
Orthodox and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths. The Catholic Church accepts
cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian
teachings. Some people believe that cremation is against the teachings of the Bible,
but according to one famous Biblical scholar, "what occurs to the body after death
has no bearing on the soul's resurrection. The body that rises is not made of the
same substances as the one that was buried, or cremated, but is immortal and
incorruptible."
Can An Urn Be Brought Into Church?
Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial
service. In fact, if the family is planning on a memorial service, we encourage the
cremated remains be present as it provides a focal point for the service.
What Can Be Done With The Cremated Remains?
There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation
garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property.
Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any
arrangements.
Do People Choose Cremation Only To Save Money?
While some people select cremation for economy, many choose this option for other
reasons. The simplicity and dignity of cremation, environmental concerns, and the
flexibility cremation affords in ceremony planning and final disposition all add to its
increasing popularity.
How Can I Be Sure I Receive The Correct Remains?
We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in
order to maximize our level of service and minimize the potential for human error.
Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the
cremation process using our ten-step identification, control and security system. All
activities outside the cremation chamber are monitored 24-hours a day. We only
allow authorized professionals to operate our cremation equipment. None of these
safeguards are required by law and no other cremation facility in the state can
match our rigid operating procedures.
How Long Does The Actual Cremation Take?
It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation
takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500
degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.
What Happens After The Cremation is Complete?
All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal
items are "swept" into the back of the the cremation chamber and into a stainless
steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and
bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is
accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller
and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are
non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone
fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a
temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family.
Can Two Cremations Be Performed At Once?
Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of
sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical
impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.
What Do The Cremated Remains Look Like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The
remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to six pounds.
Are All The Cremated Remains Returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to
remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated
remains are given back to the family.
Do I Need An Urn?
An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a
memorial service or the remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not
purchased through us, or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be
returned in a temporary container.
Finally, How Much Does Cremation Cost?
Simple cremation without a formal service costs $1,695. A traditional funeral with
viewing and a service followed by cremation can cost $4,000 or more.
Memorialization fees including an urn, cemetery charges and a monument would be
in addition to these figures. See our General Price List in this booklet for details.
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