When a Death Occurs

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When Death Occurs

You Don't Have to Know What to Do. We'll Help You Through It.

In the hours and days following a loss, you may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply numb. That's completely normal. This page is here to give you a clear picture of what comes next, step by step, so you don't have to figure it out alone. And whenever you're ready, we're just a phone call away.

First, Contact The Proper Authorities

Before any funeral arrangements can begin, a legal pronouncement of death must be made:

  • If your loved one passed in a hospital or nursing facility: The staff there will handle the legal declaration. You don't need to do anything for this step.
  • If your loved one passed at home: Contact local emergency services immediately. They will arrange for your loved one to be transported to a facility where the death can be officially pronounced.
  • If your loved one was under hospice care: Hospice staff are authorized to make the declaration. Contact your hospice provider directly.


Once the legal pronouncement is made, you're free to begin making arrangements.

Next, Call Us

As soon as you're ready, whether that's immediately or after you've had a moment to breathe, give us a call at (830) 282-1710. We'll come to you, bring your loved one into our care, and set a time to sit down together and talk through everything at your own pace.


If your loved one pre-planned their arrangements with us or another funeral home, just let us know, we'll pull those records and make sure their wishes are honored.

Then, Begin To Make Arrangements

When you meet with us, we'll guide you through every decision together. If your loved one didn't leave specific instructions, the main things to think through include:

  • Burial or cremation
  • Type of service — traditional funeral, memorial, graveside, or private
  • Date, time, and location of the service
  • Casket or urn selection
  • Obituary
  • Pallbearers
  • Service details — minister, music, speakers, readings
  • Military honors, if applicable


There's no rush, and nothing has to be decided all at once. We'll take it one step at a time.

Information We'll Need

To complete the death certificate and move forward with arrangements, we'll ask for the following information about your loved one:

  • Full name and address
  • Date and city of birth
  • Marital status
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Highest level of education
  • Father's name and mother's maiden name
  • Name of spouse
  • Occupation and employer

Documents We May Need

Depending on your loved one's situation, the following documents may be helpful to locate:

  • Social Security number
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
  • Life insurance policies
  • Beneficiary designations
  • Account statements

Taking Care Of Personal Affairs

In the days that follow, there are a few practical matters to attend to when you're ready:

  • Secure your loved one's home and vehicle
  • Arrange care for any pets
  • Forward mail to a family member managing the estate, mail piling up at a vacant home can attract unwanted attention
  • Notify your loved one's employer
  • Cancel any upcoming appointments


None of this needs to happen immediately. Focus on your family first. The rest can wait a day or two.