When A Death Occurs

When a death occurs, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing should always be remembered: your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one. That's why we suggest that you ask a friend for help - someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need.

At Home or at Work

When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel and the person's physician if he or she was under a doctor's care. If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, and the person is under a physician's care, the family will want to call us at (859) 255-7633.

However, if the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.

If you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call Hawkins-Taylor Funeral Home and we will assist you in notifying the proper people.

While Under Supervised Care

When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the name of the funeral home has been left with them, the institution will notify the Hawkins-Taylor Funeral Home at the time of the death.  Our staff will contact you immediately following their notification to help you proceed. It is acceptable if you wish                                                                                                   to contact us first to let us know about                                                                                                 the death of your loved one.

If a loved one was in the care of a hospice program, a hospice representative will give family members instructions and procedures to follow. Following their release the hospice will contact the funeral home.

Widening the Circle

Our experienced staff can provide much of the information you need, emotional support and compassionate guidance.

You may ask any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet us in person. During this initial call, our staff will gather information to be able to transport your loved one                                                                                           to the funeral home.

We may ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. We will  schedule a day and time for you to meet at the funeral home or in the comfort of your home and will let you know what you will need or others you may need to call.

Those Important Questions

If there is no pre-plan in place, there are several other questions that you may have to have answered in regards to the death of your loved one:

- Do I have to have embalming?

- Do I need to purchase a casket?

- What about cemetery arrangements?

- Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?

- What type of service should we have?

By contacting us, we'll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans.

However, as we’ve said before, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as having a general outline of your wishes to having all of the specific details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid.

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Funeral Home

One of the first things we will do is to provide you with our general price list. We will then guide you through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one's life. This is not a one-way conversation; we want to hear your ideas and desires, and use them as the foundation for                                                                                            the arrangement process.

This process may include:

- Preparing and filing the official death certificate

- Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events

- Selecting a casket, urn or other items

- Preparing an obituary notice

- Scheduling vehicles

- Selecting pallbearers

You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.

We’d like you to bring any photos, a favorite song, or memorabilia so that you and your funeral arranger can better discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. Having these things, and knowing their favorite song or favorite gathering place – even their favorite activity – will help us create a truly fitting memorial service.

Our staff will assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor. To learn more about personalizing the service, please read the Honoring Life section of this Web site. We will discuss personalization with you during your arrangement conference.

The following checklist will help you remember what information about the decedent and items will be needed when meeting with a funeral arranger.

- Full legal name                                                                                                                                                                                     - Home address

- Social Security number

- Date of birth

- Place of birth

- Father's name

- Mother's maiden name

- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)

- Recent Photograph

- Highest education

- Occupation

- Place of burial (if applicable)

- Clothing

- Clergy name and phone number

- Survivors (name and relationship)

- Insurance policies (if applicable)

We will be honored to explain all of the options available to you.