I want my parents to have the funeral they desire, but I’m not sure how to start that conversation. Any advice?

Update: New Film, The Burial You may be aware that a movie inspired by the lawsuit filed by Mississippi funeral director Jeremiah O’Keefe against the Loewen Group in the mid-1990s came out in limited release to movie theaters on October 6 and on Amazon Prime Video on October 13. The trailer can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ZOhIdaufd3Q . As is often the case when films are “inspired by true events,” the truth can be distorted, important details can be left out and facts can be made up to make a movie more interesting to audiences. This film boils down to a David vs. Goliath battle between independent funeral homes and corporate-owned firms. The film paints a very negative picture of corporate-owned funeral homes, while independently-owned firms received much better treatment. If you are able, we encourage you to watch this film to judge it for yourself. You should also watch it because it could prompt people in your community to ask for your reaction or pose questions about issues raised in the film, particularly about corporate vs. independent funeral home ownership structures; race and class; and pricing – all of which were issues raised during the real trial. NFDA has prepared a statement that reminds consumers that there are tens of thousands of caring, compassionate funeral directors who serve families throughout the country. Indeed, caring professionals can be found at both independent and corporate owned firms. The statement encourages families to do their homework and “shop around” to find the funeral home that will best meet their needs. You are invited to share this statement with your local media or consumers if you are asked and feel it’s appropriate to do so.

COVID-19 Message from WHB President, Hatch Bailey (Updated 07/10/2020) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. The number of people allowed to attend services is limited and will vary pursuant to orders issued by state and local authorities. People of different households are to socially distance themselves from others whether indoors or at the graveside. Masks or other facial coverings are required by order of the authorities whether indoors or outdoors. We want nothing more than for the families we serve, as well as their friends, to be safe and feel comfortable. As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. The livestreaming of services may also be available. In an effort to pay respects to the family of a friend or to one of your own family members who has died, we encourage you to go to our website, www.WHBfamily.com , to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. If you have any questions then please call us a (254) 753-3691 or email us at info@WHBfamily.com.

COVID-19 Message from WHB President, Hatch Bailey (Updated 05/27/20) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The number of people allowed to attend services is limited and will vary depending on the venue. We want people to socially distance themselves whether indoors for a funeral or outdoors at the graveside. We strongly encourage the wearing of masks, especially indoors. We want nothing more than for the families we serve, as well as their friends, to be safe and feel comfortable. As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. Livestream may also be available. Register books and pens; however, are temporarily unavailable at services; therefore, we encourage you to go to our website, www.WHBfamily.com , to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. If you have any questions then please call us at (254) 753-3691, or email us at info@WHBfamily.com.

COVID-19 Message from WHB President, Hatch Bailey (Updated 05/19/20) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In regards to yesterday's announcement from the governor, we are moving forward, making plans to safely allow more people at services in the near future. Until then, services will continue to be limited to 10 people, including family. Ten people also includes the minister and funeral director, which is required by law. There is still to be social distancing, even at graveside. As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. Livestream may also be available. Register books and pens; however, will not be made available at services; therefore, we encourage you to go to our website, www.WHBfamily.com , to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. We (STRONGLY) encourage the wearing of masks and social distancing. We want nothing more than for the families we serve - as well as their friends - to be safe and comfortable. If you have any questions then please call us at (254) 753-3691, or email us at info@WHBfamily.com.

COVID-19 Message from WHB President (Updated 05/05/20) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In regards to today's announcement from the governor, services will continue to be limited to 10 people, including family, until further notice. Ten people also includes the minister and funeral director, which is required by law. There is still to be social distancing, even at graveside. As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. Livestream may also be available. Register books and pens; however, will not be made available at services; therefore, we encourage you to go to our website, www.WHBfamily.com , to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. We strongly encourage the wearing of masks. We want nothing more than for the families we serve - as well as their friends and loved ones - to be safe and comfortable. If you have any questions then please call us at (254) 753-3691, or email us at info@WHBfamily.com .

COVID-19 Message from WHB President (Updated 4/29/20) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In regards to today's announcement from Waco City officials, services will continue to be limited to 10 people, including family, until further notice. Ten people include - at minimum - the funeral director, which of course is required by law, probably a funeral director’s assistant, the clergy or officiant, possibly a sound technician and possibly a musician. In that room there is still to be social distancing. Graveside services require fewer people overall, which would allow for more family members. Keep in mind the 10 people limit and social distancing still applies even though the gathering is outdoors. As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. Register books and pens will not be made available at services; therefore, we encourage you to go to our website to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. We want nothing more than for the families we serve -- as well as their friends and loved ones -- to be safe and comfortable.  If you have any questions you can call us at our office at:  254-753-3691, or email us at: info@whbfamily.com .

(Updated 3/16/20) The WHB staff continues to review CDC protocols and procedures regarding proper hygiene, safety, and sanitation guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of now, services will proceed as scheduled but will be limited to 50 people, including family, until May 11, 2020.  As is our custom, many of our services are video recorded and posted on our website. Register books and pens will not be made available at services; therefore, we encourage you to go to our website to write a message of condolence and sign your name on the Tribute Wall. If you prefer to bring a handwritten note from home then we will be pleased to deliver it to the family. We want nothing more than for the families we serve -- as well as their friends and loved ones -- to feel safe and comfortable.

Our Advance Planning Specialist Abigail Boney was featured in the July 2019 Issue of Modern Texas Living. Abigail took Publisher Ashley Munn of Modern Texas Living through the preplanning process. Ashley shared her experience with their readers and listed three takeaway tips. First, communication is key. Second, preplanning will save you money and finally, the process can provide meaning. To read the full article you can go to https://www.moderntexasliving.com/online and scroll to page 52. If you would like a Final Wishes Organizer mentioned in the article just call Abigail at 254-753-3691.