Preplanning Checklist

The following checklist will help you create your personalized plan.

Ways to Plan Ahead
General

Gather personal information for your obituary.
Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.
Choose a funeral home.
Make note of any instructions for your services and final disposition.

The Funeral Service

Choose burial or cremation.
Select a casket or cremation container.
Choose locations and types of services.
Choose floral arrangements.
Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display.
Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family.
Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in.
Select music and hymns, if desired.
Choose a theme for decorations and stationery at your services.
Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family.

Participants

Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service.
Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.
Select pallbearers.
Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.

Final Disposition

Choose a cemetery.
Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
Decide who will keep your urn.
Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.

Information You'll Need
Personal Information

  • Your father’s name
  • Your mother’s maiden name
  • Your level of education
  • Your social security number

Affiliations

  • Fraternal organizations
  • Service organizations
  • Union memberships
  • Any special recognitions you have

Military Service Information

  • Military service
  • Branch rank
  • Date of enlistment
  • Date of discharge
  • Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
  • Serial number

Remember...

There’s no need to make all the decisions right away. For personalized assistance in creating your plan, contact one of our experts to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

OUR FAMILY SERVING YOURS, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (863) 421-4900.

FORMS REQUIRED FOR CREMATION AT-NEED

Please print, fill out and return the above forms to our office by mail or in person. It is very important that all the information be filled out completely.

AUTHORIZATION FOR CREMATION: Complete and return pages 1 and 2. CSMF AUTHORIZATION FOR CREMATION.pdf

THE ABOVE FORM MUST BE SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF ONE OF OUR DIRECTORS OR A NOTARY.

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE DECEASED PERSON: Sign only and return. CSMF AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE BODY.pdf

DEATH CERTIFICATE WORK SHEET (green form): Complete and return.  CSMF DEATH CERTIFICATE WORK SHEET.pdf

HOW MANY DEATH CERTIFICATES?: Complete and return. CSMF DEATH CERTIFICATE ORDER FORM.pdf

AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE CREDIT CARD. CSMF AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE CREDIT CARD.pdf

AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN FINGERPRINTS ON FILE: FINGERPRINT CONSENT FORM.pdf