How to Make a Veteran’s Funeral Special

Every visit to our Maumee location , Maison-Dardenne-Walker, begins with a view of our beautiful garden and patio. Since 2018, Joe and Diane have worked hard to create this colorful, peaceful setting that welcomes every family who visits us. Diane’s love for gardening comes from her father, who tended gardens at a local church and his own home. She grew up helping him with his passion and keeps his legacy alive by working in our garden to create a picturesque gathering place for the families we serve. Joe and Diane enjoy seeing the results of their hard work reflected in the garden’s stunning blooms and the appreciation of those who visit. They love being a part of the Walker Funeral Home family, because they are surrounded by those who deeply value their work and character. Some of their favorite spots in the garden include the new fountain, the flagpole, and the flowers by the Maison-Dardenne-Walker sign. They like to include patriotic colors and incorporate seasonal flowers and decorations both outside and inside the funeral home when they can. The duo looks forward to making continuous improvements in the garden to enhance the space for families. They describe the area as “serene,” giving those who visit a place to convene with others or to reconnect with nature. Joe and Diane are very proud of the Maumee garden and are excited for what’s to come.

Someone you love is nearing death, and you have to decide which funeral home to call – and fast. This is a situation many of our neighbors in Northwest Ohio find themselves in every day. And this is why we’re sharing this blog. Because if you or your friend or family member is facing a loss, we want you to know you can turn to us at Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory . We will take care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most: the special people in your life. How does our care team go above and beyond for families who come to us? As part of the Northwest Ohio community, we know what locals want. While some of us are proud to be native Ohioans, the rest of us have moved here and now consider Ohio our home. We have extensive knowledge of the beliefs, cultures, and traditions of the people who live here. We consider every family we serve as our neighbors and friends – and we’re told that this level of compassion shows in the way we treat others. We listen and we care, and our years of professional experience help us highlight your loved one’s unique personality at the funeral and help you heal afterwards. When you come to Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , you’re not coming to a corporate business preoccupied with the bottom line. You won’t be “just a number.” Our personal service means everything to us, and that will be evident the moment you walk through our doors. We make each funeral a meaningful reflection of the person whose life is being remembered. When you come to one of our locations, we will help you weave unique touches and signature services throughout the ceremony. Keep in mind that these personalization options don’t have to feel forced. We will be there to help you identify the options that work best for your family and tell the story of your loved one’s life. Here’s an example: We can display photographs, memorabilia, or service or military awards provided by the family. Maybe your dad never missed a Browns or Bengals game and was proud of the jerseys and ticket stubs he collected over the years. We could arrange these items in an attractive display to showcase his passion. Or perhaps your favorite aunt made hundreds of Christmas cookies every December. We could replicate the recipes and hand out recipe cards so guests can make and share their cookies for years to come. These are just two examples of how we can take a person’s passions, accomplishments, and talents and shine a spotlight on them in a special way.  We take exceptional care of our facilities so that families feel comfortable the moment they step through the doors. When you walk into one of our funeral homes in Northwest Ohio, we want you to feel at ease. We do everything possible to create an inviting environment where we can take care of you. We know it’s the little things that make the difference, and we will treat you with the same kind of compassion and respect we would extend to our own family at such a difficult time. As an added measure of trust, we own and operate our own crematory , unlike many other funeral homes and cremation societies that outsource cremation to third-party providers. We’re here to support you after the funeral is ove r. Having experienced loss firsthand, we’re aware that the days and weeks following a death are often very busy – but when family and friends go home, a new wave of grief sets in. Our aftercare services are second to none, providing the support needed after a loss. With years of experience caring for grieving families, we know the best specialists, resources, and support groups Ohio has to offer As you can see, family has always been at the heart of everything we do here at Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory, and it’s our hope that you will turn to us when you need our assistance. You can be assured that we will go above and beyond with every detail. Whether you are interested in putting your own funeral preferences in writing to ease the stress on your family when the time comes, or you are in need of our services immediately, we are here for you around the clock.

At Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , we encourage every family who walks through our doors to preplan their funeral or cremation . We’ve helped families in Northwest Ohio experience the benefits of making funeral arrangements ahead of time. Many of them feel peace of mind knowing all the important end-of-life decisions have already been made and that the related costs have been calculated. When you have a chronic or terminal illness, it is especially difficult and often necessary to preplan your funeral. Taking this important step can provide much-needed consolation to both you and your loved ones.

For Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , part of providing excellent care to the people of Northwest Ohio includes being able to serve the needs of all families. Our area is becoming increasingly diverse, and we are honored to serve a variety of people from different cultures, traditions, and religions. We know how to help anyone from any background create a meaningful tribute to their loved one. We also help people plan their own service , so they have control over how the story of their life is presented. One of the ways we make sure we can serve everyone is by offering funerals led by a certified celebrant. While we s erve many people of faith, some of our families either do not attend a place of worship regularly or, for whatever reason, do not want to have a traditional, religious funeral service. Celebrants are trained to create the most meaningful farewells through incorporating unique aspects that define who your loved one was. They are the perfect alternative for those who do not have a member of the clergy to perform their service. We have a library of resources at our fingertips here at Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , so our experts can highlight stories, experiences, and memories. This might include: · Readings · Special music · Poetry · Ceremonies · Eulogies Our resources give our celebrants the tools they need to help create a personalized tribute that truly tells either your loved one’s story or your own, if you choose to preplan . People of faith often choose to use a celebrant as well. While they may have a member of the clergy share a prayer or message, they may have other elements they’re including – like a special reading and personal eulogies from friends and family members. A celebrant is professionally trained and certified to act as a master of ceremonies of sorts, ensuring each element of the service is tied together seamlessly. We see it time and time again – it’s those highly personalized touches that add meaning to a service, creating a healing experience for family and friends. Our celebrants will always exceed your expectations. They will spend the time it takes with you to glean those memories, anecdotes, and special moments to make the farewell perfect. We invite you to reach out to our professional, compassionate team to learn more about whether or not a celebrant service is the right choice for you and your family.

A wedding presents a special opportunity to gather with loved ones to celebrate a momentous life occasion. If you are planning a wedding, you may feel called to honor a deceased loved one during the ceremony. There are many ways to pay tribute to a loved one this way, and our Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory staff encourages brides- and grooms-to-be to approach this aspect of the wedding ceremony with creativity and authenticity. If one of the following options resonates with you, feel free to adapt it to suit your venue and needs. Wear something of theirs on your special day. “Something borrowed, something blue…” goes the Old English wedding rhyme. Even if you don’t have something blue, you can wear an object that belonged to your loved one to honor their life. Perhaps it’s a piece of jewelry, a handkerchief tucked into a suit jacket pocket, or a wedding veil that belonged to your loved one. Having this item with you throughout the ceremony will keep you thinking of them as you say your vows. Feature their signature recipe on the reception menu. If your loved one was an avid cook or foodie, a wedding reception is the perfect place to pay tribute to them. Maybe they enjoyed eating olives or shrimp cocktail, so you serve these food items prior to the main meal. If your loved one was a talented baker, perhaps you could highlight their signature flavors, like strawberry or vanilla, in the wedding cake. Honor your loved one in the wedding program. The wedding program is a wonderful way to honor your loved one, as you’ll be able to keep the printed paper as a physical memento after the event has ended. You can add a line at the bottom of the page saying the ceremony is being held in your loved one’s honor and even include a favorite photo of them. Alternatively, you might place their favorite quote or line of poetry somewhere on the program. It’s a subtle way to remember your loved one on your wedding day. Light a candle in memory of your loved one. Candles create a beautiful ambience at a wedding, especially an evening ceremony or reception. Consider placing small tea lights on tables with a note encouraging guests to light a candle in honor of their own loved ones who have died. You might also light one large candle in honor of your loved one and place it in a prominent location in the ceremony venue. Much like a funeral, a wedding is a meaningful gathering with loved ones to mark a momentous occasion. If you need help preplanning your own funeral or making arrangements for a loved one, contact our dedicated team.

Time and time again, we hear from families Northwest Ohio who’ve had this experience: After attending a burial or end-of-life celebration for a loved one, they decide it would be a good idea to express their own preferences. After all, it’s common to have more opinions about your own end-of-life tribute than you might expect. These could be opinions about where to hold the funeral itself or the location of the final resting place. What about cremation versus a traditional burial? Have you thought about having your cremated remains scattered at a location that is meaningful to you? There’s no question that these are important decisions – and it makes sense for you to be the one making them. There are other decisions to consider. Whether to have a large graveside gathering or a more private, family-only event. If you’re planning a celebration of life service, will you have an officiant, and how can you add personal touches throughout? We understand that each family’s choices are distinct, and our services are tailored to fit every need. At Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , we believe every person is unique – and an end-of-life tribute is an opportunity to express what made a life special. When you put your own burial or cremation plans in place, you’ll have confidence that your personality, passions, and accomplishments are conveyed in your final farewell. This is your unique opportunity to help your loved ones begin the grieving process , as they gather, share stories and memories, and participate in a healing ritual you designed. That said, there are mistakes that can be made along the way. Mistakes like these: 1. Making decisions too quickly without knowing all your options Preplanning has never been easier. With our online process, you can put your arrangements in place from the comfort of your home. You are always welcome to reach out to us to meet in person at one of our Northwest Ohio locations. It is important, though, to know all the options available to you. The old saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” applies to end-of-life preplanning – and we want to be sure you’re making informed decisions every step of the way. 2. Minimizing the importance of preplanning Many of us have heard a loved one say, “I don’t want any end-of-life celebration.” Or “After I die, just take care of things as quickly and cheaply as possible.” Here’s what you need to remember: A proper cremation or burial brings closure and is an essential part of the healing process. Whether you plan a witnessed cremation or a graveside burial service, paying tribute to the life lived is essential. An opportunity to offer and receive comfort from loved ones helps people accept a death and begin to walk through grief. This is also why expressing your opinions and adding personal touches is so special for your loved ones. Your end-of-life arrangements should reflect how you want to be remembered. If you simply go through the motions as fast as possible just to get preplanning “over with” – you’ll miss out on an opportunity to give your friends and family the gift of a beautiful memorial. 3. Failing to ask questions about costs and other details It’s a common misconception that if you choose to preplan, you also must prepay. At Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , that is not the case. If you’d prefer, we can simply keep all your preferences on file for when the time comes. There are advantages to prepaying, such as locking in today’s costs for burial and cremation and removing the burden of paying for the service from your family’s shoulders. It’s important to know the breakdown of costs and what each service entails. We are planning experts and are happy to answer your questions. Our reputation in Northwest Ohio is unsurpassed, and this includes transparency as we help families make decisions for their loved ones – and themselves. The most important thing is that you get started preplanning . Think of it this way: You plan for every other important event in life; why not your own funeral? Reach out to us today or begin the process online. Trust us – you won’t regret it.

Family-owned funeral homes like Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory have become harder to find over the years as large corporations purchase one after another funeral home that was originally founded by a family. But here in Northwest Ohio, our family has been serving our neighbors since 1933 – and we will continue to do so with kindness, compassion, and professionalism that is truly all our own. Given the power of online reviews and the recommendations of our neighbors, we know our success hinges on how we treat each and every family we serve. Whether planning a funeral , memorial service, or cremation , we want to provide the most thorough and personalized care possible. That’s what drives us – not corporate mandates or increasing our bottom line to please faceless shareholders. If you’re looking to plan a service for a loved one or want to put your own funeral plans in place, our caring staff will make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. So, as you think about where you’ll turn for help when the time comes, consider how planning a service might unfold, depending on whether you’re working with a family-owned funeral home or a corporate-owned funeral home. The Corporate Choice Bill’s mother hadn’t been doing well for years, but Bill was still surprised when she died at age 76. After a quick online search, Bill turned to the nearest funeral home for help, a corporate-owned franchise he had not heard about before. From the get-go, Bill was overwhelmed by the choices he had to make – and so quickly, too! He felt rushed by the funeral director, confused by the arrangement options, and surprised at the prices – which were definitely corporate prices! Bill knew his emotions were raw, so he tried to be patient, but he had a feeling the funeral director was pushing the most expensive services and merchandise instead of the ones best suited to Bill’s mother and family. In the end, Bill made a number of hasty (and costly!) decisions he would later regret. He walked away upset by the impersonal care he received, unsure if the service was what his mother would have wanted, and frustrated that he didn’t take more time when choosing a funeral home. The Family-Owned Choice When Joan’s beloved Aunt Diane died suddenly of a heart attack, Joan took it upon herself to head up the funeral planning. Aunt Diane had been like a second mother to her since her own mother had died when she was a teenager. She remembered attending her mother’s funeral at the family-owned funeral home across town. She has such fond memories of the service, particularly the way the funeral director treated her and her family. They were so kind – it helped during such a difficult time. So that funeral home was the first number she called. Joan was immediately put at ease – and a little surprised – when the funeral director remembered her family. He was very patient and understanding as he talked her through the first of many decisions she would have to make. As Joan and her family planned Aunt Diane’s funeral, they clearly understood all their options as well as the accompanying costs – which were less than she expected. Joan felt supported and knew she could trust the funeral director and his team. Joan was continually impressed by how involved and compassionate the staff was throughout the planning process. She left the funeral filled with cherished memories of her beloved aunt. She had wanted the best for her aunt’s final farewell, and that’s exactly what she got. If you need to plan a funeral, are looking for support as you grieve , or are interested in learning more about preplanning , reach out to us today. Our family truly cares about the people in this community and wants to help in any way we can.

Nowadays, it’s becoming more common to personalize a loved one’s funeral. This is a great way to celebrate their individual interests, talents, and accomplishments alongside family and friends. At Walker Funeral Homes and Crematory , we encourage every family to plan a service honoring what made their loved one so special. There are a variety of ways to do this, and our experienced team will help you find the perfect one for you and your family. Incorporate photography and video. A popular way to memorialize a loved one is to integrate images of them into the service. Whether it’s photos or videos, our team can help you craft a meaningful tribute video to play before, during, or after the service. You may also choose to showcase photos featuring significant moments from your loved one’s life on a memory table set up at the venue of your choice. Plan an outdoor release ceremony. Saying goodbye to a loved one is difficult, but sending something out into the atmosphere in their honor can help encourage an emotional release. Our team can help your family with an eco-friendly balloon release or a butterfly release, depending on your family’s preferences. Whatever you choose to set free, it’s a beautiful act that helps comfort those who are grieving. Hold a catered reception. Gathering with friends and family to share food and memories in your loved one’s honor provides an opportunity for healing. Whether it’s a sit-down dinner or casual appetizers, a reception is a beautiful gesture both for the loved one you have lost and those who are left behind. Our experienced staff will help you find an appropriate venue and arrange everything from menus to music. Personalize the casket or urn. Whether you choose traditional burial or cremation , you can personalize the merchandise however you wish. We can help you select an elegant floral arrangement to enhance your loved one’s casket or inscribe a special phrase or quote on a cremation urn. There are many ways to memorialize your loved one, and our knowledgeable staff can offer guidance. To learn more about personalizing a funeral or cremation with us, we welcome our neighbors in Northwest Ohio to contact our dedicated team. We’ll provide more information on how we can help you pay tribute to your loved one and answer any questions you may have.

Years ago, there was one factor that kept many Northwest Ohio families from considering cremation when they were planning a funeral. People believed that if they chose cremation, they could not have a funeral service that was meaningful and told the story of their loved one’s life. Of course, this is not true. Funeral traditions are constantly changing and evolving over time, and families are now discovering that cremation is a dignified form of commemoration, when you choose an experienced funeral home that cares about your family. As traditions change, we are always developing new and meaningful ways to honor and memorialize the life that was lived. Attitudes, generally, toward what is “appropriate” during a funeral have broadened, which means we can offer families new personalized choices and unique forms of tribute and remembrance. However, families who have lost a loved one sometimes find these choices overwhelming. We can help. The best place to start is making a list of your loved one’s interests, hobbies, accomplishments, as well as faith and cultural traditions. In the past, some people viewed cremation as only a way to save money on funeral costs. It’s true that direct cremation is available, with no memorial service and no tribute to the person who has died. But now, families who choose cremation are discovering that dignified and touching services are available to help them honor and celebrate their loved one. Many experts say it’s also an important step in the grieving process. When you choose cremation, you may still have a visitation, memorial service, traditional funeral service, graveside observance, and many other comforting and healing rituals. And you can personalize cremation services with vaults, caskets, and urns that bear emblems and engravings denoting religious affiliation, hobbies, special interests, and/or military or civic service. When you choose cremation , ask these important questions: What kind of memorial services are available? What are the choices for personalization and telling the story of the life that has been lived? And most importantly, what measures does the funeral home take to ensure a respectful cremation process? Our on-site crematory lets us preserve and protect the dignity of your loved one. And that’s the best assurance of all.