In recent years, the frequency of questions we receive about cremation has been on a steady rise. Many families want to know about the cremation process itself as well as options for commemorating a loved one's life. A wide variety of options exist when considering cremation. One must consider not only this final mode of disposition of the deceased, but how one wishes to commemorate the life of the loved one. Many service memorialization options exist for cremation. We encourage you to take the time to review the information on this page, especially the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) at the bottom of this section. Discuss any questions or concerns openly with family members, clergy, and your funeral director before making any final decisions.

The Day Funeral Home Owns & Operates its own Crematory and as a family-owned funeral home, we are dedicated to serving the needs of families choosing cremation. We are proud to be the first funeral home to have a crematory in Sumner County. Our crematory is on-site and within our facilities thus giving families peace-of-mind and assurance the cremation process is taking place in a dignified setting. Our crematory is clean, modern and available for your inspection. For the convenience of the families we serve, our funeral home provides service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cremation is becoming more accepted as a means of final disposition, however, studies have shown that cost is not necessarily the reason for this acceptance. Cremation expenses, like traditional funeral expenses, can very greatly depending on the exact services requested of the funeral home. Most families recognize the importance of some type of ceremony or service to accompany the cremation of the body, and we offer many different types of cremation services.

With any cremation service, the cremated remains are usually buried in a cemetery, using a permanent urn and urn vault, to hold the cremated remains. Some families elect to retain the cremated remains in their home, with final disposition taking place at a later date.

Cremation offers many options, and we can customize a service to meet any family's needs. For peace of mind our crematory is located on-site.

Here is a list of questions we are frequently asked, along with the answers. If you have other questions, call (620) 326-5100 or toll free 1-877-326-6100 or e-mail us directly just click here.

Question: What is cremation?

First of all, cremation is not something new and it is not a substitute for a funeral. It's a process that has been around for thousands of years and is really just another method of preparing the deceased for memorialization.

The process of cremation begins with an identification procedure that is designed to provide peace of mind to family members and ensure the integrity of the cremated remains. Because cremation is an irreversible process, positive identification of the deceased is crucial. Once positive identification has been established and all necessary permits and authorizations have been obtained, the cremation casket or container is placed into the cremation chamber. The casket or container is then exposed to intense heat and flame for a period of approximately 2 to 3 hours. The exact length of time necessary for cremation will vary depending on the size and weight of the deceased. Temperatures will range between 1500 to 1800 degrees. During the cremation process all matter will be consumed except certain bone fragments and non-combustible items such as prosthesis, casket hinges and jewelry.

After cremation is complete, a cooling period is required prior to the recovery of the cremated remains. Following the cooling period, the cremated remains are carefully gathered from the cremation chamber and all non-combustible items are separated and disposed of properly. The remaining bone fragments are further processed, reducing them to a fine, grayish-white, granular or powdery consistency that generally weighs between 4 to 8 pounds. We then carefully place the cremated remains into an urn selected by the family or into a container designed for temporary storage.

Question: Why do people select cremation?

The reasons for choosing cremation are as varied and unique as the individuals selecting it. Some choose cremation because of their feelings on environmental issues and land usage; others select it to save money or because of their religious beliefs. Cremation for some provides the option of scattering the remains or keeping the remains at home. The reasons for considering cremation are a highly personal reflection of an individual's beliefs and preferences.

As a family-owned funeral home, we are dedicated to serving the needs of families choosing cremation. We were the first funeral home in Sumner County to have an on-site crematory, and it is conveniently located within our funeral home. This gives you and your family peace-of-mind and assurance the cremation process is taking place in a dignified setting.

Question: Why choose a firm that owns & operates a crematory?

Convenience, experience, integrity and quality control are just some of the considerations that may add to your peace of mind. You can be assured all aspects of the cremation arrangements and process are being handled in the most professional and dignified manner possible. Our crematory is supervised by licensed funeral directors. Our crematory is clean, modern and available for your inspection. For the convenience of the families we serve, The Day Funeral Home provides service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because we operate our own crematory (without middlemen), we are able to maintain the highest levels of quality control and thus assure the integrity of the cremated remains. For most families, these are very important considerations when choosing a crematory.

Question: If I wish to be cremated, what options do I have?

There are several choices available, and options for you to consider. These options should be used as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits your individual and family needs. The decisions you make truly depend on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived.

Cremation may actually present you with additional options in funeral planning. You can decide whether to have a public or private viewing or no viewing at all. You can choose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony or to have a memorial ceremony without the casket present. Some individuals may choose to have a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date and others may wish to have a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering of the cremated remains. The combination of options are limited only to your wishes and the personal needs of your family members.

Question: How can I create a special memorial service?

Families often tell us, "We want to remember him the way he was." In this comment is the beginning of a personalized cremation ceremony. By remembering the qualities that made your loved one who they were, their unique characteristics and personality, you commemorate their life. By sharing these memories during a service, you personalize the ceremony. You may choose to do this through a eulogy or music, or by creating a memory setting complete with a collage of photos and special mementos. Creating a setting that represents an individual's family, work, hobbies, civic involvement or special interests can be very therapeutic during a difficult time. Don't discount anything as being too much of a bother. Allow your imagination to guide you. Your family, friends, clergy and our funeral home staff can help.

Question: Do all religions permit cremation?

Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Some require it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no position at all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to the position your religion embraces, speak directly with your clergy.

Question: Is anything required prior to cremation?

Because of the irreversible nature of cremation, a positive identification of the deceased is necessary prior to cremation. Any other desired viewings, whether public or private, also must be coordinated prior to cremation. In addition, depending on state or local laws, there may be a mandatory waiting period before cremation can take place. In Kansas, prior to cremation, a completed death certificate must be signed by a licensed physician and the coroner of the county where death occured. The next of kin will also have to sign a Cremation authorization.

Certain medical devices such as pacemakers and radioactive implants must be removed prior to cremation. Any personal items you wish to retain, such as jewelry, should be removed prior to cremation. Any items not removed will be consumed by the heat or made unrecognizable during the cremation process, such as gold fillings and medical devices.

Finally, if desired, a small number of personal items may be placed with the deceased prior to the cremation process. Specific requests are generally not a problem, but must be identified prior to cremation for proper coordination.

Question: Are cremations done individually?

Yes. At our crematory only one deceased person in a cremation casket or container is cremated at a time. Special exceptions may be made only in cases of close relatives, and then only with appropriate prior written authorization.

Question: Is embalming required for cremation?

No. Embalming is not required for cremation. Embalming, however, is necessary when a cremation ceremony involves a public viewing. Families may choose to have a private family viewing within the first 24-hours of death. Some families also elect to have embalming performed if there will be an extended delay between the time of death and an identification viewing.

Question: Do you have to be in a casket when you are cremated?

No. Kansas State law only requires that the container be rigid and suitable for cremation.

Question: Do you cremate caskets?

Yes. About 60% of cremations in the United States are done with traditional types of caskets.

Question: What happens to the casket in a cremation?

Because of the intense heat and air flow, all non-metal parts are consumed.

Question: How much do the cremains weigh?

It depends on the bone structure of the individual, but it is usually around 5% of body weight.

Question: Can I watch the process?

Yes. Family members can view the initiation of the process.

Question: Is there any smoke or odor from the cremation process?

No. Our crematory was custom built by I&E Crematory, one of the world's leading manufacturers of crematory equipment, to comply strictly with the highest air quality standards as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. The unit weighs approximately 18,000 pounds, is fueled by natural gas, and is computer-regulated and monitored to ensure smoke-free and odorless operation.