The US Supreme Court will hear a case involving anti-gay protests at a military funeral.  While at first glance this may seem to be far removed from our realm of experience, this case has important implications for all of us in the funeral industry.  The case concerns First Amendment free speech concerns and a private individual's funeral and his family's desire to honor his death in a private fashion.

In the midst of the healthcare debate and Keith Olbermann's discussion of his own father's illness on MSNBC last week, I'm going to discuss an unpleasant subject.  Now, it doesn't matter what you think of the healthcare issue or Keith Olbermann for that matter.  What does matter is that you talk to your loved ones about your own end of life wishes and desires.  I know it's unpleasant and you don't want to do it, but do it now while everyone is relatively healthy.  Do it to avoid more heartache and confusion later.  Discuss issues like a healthcare surrogate, how you

As a funeral director, I've had the pleasure to witness the compassionate work of the Suncoast Hospice.  They've been providing dignity of life services for families and loved ones since 1981.  The wonderful people of Suncoast Hospice has eased the suffering of those who are dying as well as their families.  It's a truism that a society can be judged on how it treats those who are dying.  With the assistance of Suncoast Hospice, the Largo, Clearwater, Belleair, Seminole, Pinellas Park, and many other Pinellas County communities.&n

Eric Deggans of the St.

Yesterday, I posted a blog concerning the fact that Haitians are having to forego funeral services for their loved ones because of the desperate situation in their country.  In a country where funeral services are enshrined and embedded as integral to their culture, this is yet another body blow to a country that has seen more than its fair share of suffering lately.

In spite of widespread poverty, Haitians have always marked the death of loved ones with great ceremony, religious solemnity, and festive gatherings.  For Haitians, memorializing the death of a loved one through elaborate funeral ceremonies is integral to their culture.  In the wake of the devastating earthquake, Haitians have had to suffer the indignity of placing their loved ones in common graves without ceremony or funeral services.  For a culture steeped in rich traditions of honoring the dead, this latest loss is just another blow to a country that has faced enormous suf

I came across an article entitled, "Love, Honor, Cherish, and Scatter" in today's Wall St.

The news could not have been worse for Alabamans who'd pre-paid for funeral services years ago but found out recently that the funeral home to which they paid for services is going bankrupt.  It's tragic news for those who had paid for the services and now will not receive them due to the bankruptcy and it's unsettling news for others who may now look at funeral homes with a jaundiced eye.

The St. Pete Times published a story today about a car accident involving a funeral procession in Plant City for Sgt. David A. Croft Jr., who was killed in Iraq on Jan.

I'm often asked the question, "What's the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?"  Here are a few of the differences and tips to guide you in which is best suited for your loved one.