What to Do When Death Occurs

When a death occurs in your family, you will be faced with important tasks and decision-making during a very difficult time. You may not know what to do or when to begin making arrangements. Bearing the responsibility can be overwhelming. Remember that you are not alone. The family and staff of Muster Funeral Homes are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist you with the details and offer our guidance. We have compiled the following list to help guide you through the steps you will need to take when a death has occurred. Our family will help coordinate all of the details when you meet for an arrangement conference.

After a death has occurred, notify Muster Funeral Homes by calling (270) 273-3124 or any of our locations. The following are some questions that we may ask when you call:

• What is the full name of the deceased?
  
• What is the location of the deceased (Hospital, Nursing Facility or Residence)?
  
• What is your name, address and telephone number?
  
• What is the name, address and phone number of the next-of-kin?
  
• Is there a pre-arranged funeral plan?
  

We will then set an appointment time for you to come to the funeral home to complete the details of the funeral arrangement. We will ask you to gather information and bring in some items that will be necessary to complete the arrangement. These items will include:

1. Information needed:

• The deceased’s social security number
  
• The deceased's date of birth
  
• The deceased’s place of birth
  
• The deceased's father’s full name
  
• The deceased’s mother’s full name (maiden name)
  
• Information about the deceased's education
  
• Marital status of the deceased
  

2. Items to bring to your appointment:

• Burial clothing (full dress, including all undergarments, shoes are optional)
  
• Recent photograph of deceased for both newspaper and hairdresser
  
• Other family pictures of deceased from young to present day to be displayed at the service
  
• Veteran's discharge papers (Form D.D. 214)
  
• Life Insurance Policies (Musters will help to file the insurance as an added service for your family)
  
• Cemetery lot information
  

3. Items to consider for service:

• The desired day and time of the funeral service
  
• A minister for the service
  
• Special music for the service (recorded cassette tapes, compact disc or live vocal selections)
  
• A list of pallbearers with their phone numbers
  
• A list of the deceased’s club or civic group memberships
  
• A list of the deceased’s special interests or hobbies that they enjoyed
  
• An appropriate charity to which memorial contribution gifts can be made (church, cemetery fund, hospice, or school)