Traditional Funerals

The American funeral has changed more in the past few years than in the prior fifty years.
It used to be that the "Traditional Funeral" was pretty much the same. A wake or visitation
period, which lasted anywhere from one to three days, followed by a church service and
burial in the cemetery. Yet today, there is no such thing as a "Traditional Funeral". People
are choosing funeral services that are more reflective of the person and fit the lifestyle of
the family. And with more and more ethnic groups living in our city, traditional funerals
now incorporate many of the customs and ceremonies of different cultures. In any given
year, Lowell-Tims Funeral Homes conducts funeral services for Catholic, Protestant,
Orthodox, Jewish, Buddist and Hindu families, not to mention families that opt for
non-religious, humanistic services. Given the diverse group of families that we serve and
the different options that we provide, there are many choices available when it comes to a
funeral.

To give our client families and friends some guidance in selecting a funeral service that is
meaningful, we have put together answers to questions about different types of funeral
options.

What is The Difference Between A Funeral and Memorial Service?

Really the only difference between these two services is whether or not the body is
present. A funeral service is conducted with the presence of the body and a memorial
service is conducted in memory of the person, without the presence of the full body. To
learn more about memorial services, visit our cremation section of this guide

Why is a Funeral Service Important?

In the earliest recorded times, societies honored the dead through ceremonies. According
to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to properly send the decedent on the
journey into the next life. Today, however, psychologists and other experts agree that the
benefits of the funeral are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives
following their loss. Before family and friends can fully adjust to their loss, survivors must
express their grief in ways meaningful to them. They must face, openly and realistically,
the fact that death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly
that.

What Is The Purpose of Embalming?


Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and
enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming
makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing
family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to
them.

Is Embalming Required By Law?


No, in Oklahoma embalming is not required by law. However, embalming is required if the
family has selected a funeral service with a public wake or viewing. Embalming is also
required if the deceased is to be tansporting from one state to another by common carrier.
For example, if an individual passes away in Florida and is to be transported by airplane to
Oklahoma for burial, embalming would be required.

What Times Are Available For A Visitation?


While we provide guidance with respect to visitation periods, we leave the actual time up to
the family. Visitations may extend to multiple days or may take place in just an hour or so
before the funeral service. Morning, afternoon and evening hours are available during the
week or on weekends. It all depends upon the needs of the family.

Why Do Funerals Seem So Expensive?


When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not
expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event,
wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business,
with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.); these expenses
must be factored into the cost of a funeral. Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not
only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making
arrangements, filing appropriate forms, dealing with doctors, ministers, florists,
newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details.


Can You Still Have a Traditional Funeral With Cremation?

Just because someone is interested in cremation does not mean that the family cannot have
a viewing and funeral service. All of the customs and ceremonies associated with a
traditional funeral can still be performed prior to the cremation taking place. For these
occasions, we offer economical cremation caskets and rental caskets.

Where Can a Funeral Be Held?


Traditionally, funerals are held in a church, which is still a common practice today.
However, there are several other options. Funeral services may be held at the funeral home
in our Chapel or can even be held at the gravesite or cemetery chapel.

How Can A Funeral Be Personalized?



It is becoming more common to tailor a funeral service to the personality of the deceased.
Prayers and remembrances offered by family and friends, favorite music, treasured
belongings, pictures and momentos can all play a major role in making the final tribute
fitting and moving. The family can choose to assemble a display containing family
photographs, favorite possessions, items from a hobby or awards the deceased received.
These items help shift the emphasis of the services to the memories of the person's life,
rather than on the circumstances of his or her death. Personalization can also be added by
simply choosing the most appropriate services and products available from the funeral
home. These include cremation and its various service options, participating in a living
memorial program.

What Cemetery Options Are Available For Burial?

Most funerals in North America conclude with earth burial, which is burying the remains
contained in a casket into the ground. Purchases made for this option generally include a
casket, a vault, a cemetery plot and a headstone or grave marker.