 | Tom Morris
is president of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematorium. He joined the family business as a funeral director and embalmer in 1986-the fourth generation to do so.
There are two Downing & Lahey locations in Wichita-one on the east side at 6555 E. Central, and another on the west side at 10515 W. Maple. Tom can be reached at his office at (316) 682-4553, by fax at (316) 685-8624, or by e-mail at info@downingandlahey.com. You can also visit Downing & Lahey on the Internet at www.downingandlahey.com |
Final Arrangements
2002-11-01 15:38:00
The cost of funerals
: Why are funerals so expensive?
ANSWER: Everyone has a different definition of what is expensive and what is reasonable. A funeral home is just like any other business; if it does not cover its expenses and make a reasonable profit, it can't keep its doors open to serve the public. The funeral business is different than many other businesses in that most are open seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, and have staff available 24 hours a day. When many establishments are closed for a holiday, you will generally still find staff members at a mortuary because, as the saying goes, "death knows no holiday."Federated Funeral Directors of America (FFDA) is an accounting firm that is employed by nearly 1,500 privately owned funeral firms in 44 states. In a statistical analysis of approximately 200,000 funeral records processed through its office, FFDA determined that the average price for a regular adult funeral with a casket in 2001 was $5,046.65. In addition to this price, there are also cemetery-related expenses and cash advanced items such as flowers, clergy and musician honorariums, newspaper charges and sales taxes that also may be on the funeral bill. It is not in the consumer's or the funeral home's interest for a family to spend more than they can afford on a funeral. If funds are limited, make the funeral director aware of this fact so that he or she can help you stay within your budget.Talking with a funeral home before the need arises can help you budget for the expense. Most funeral homes have prearranged funeral plans available that will allow you to make payments on a funeral contract.
