WHAT TO DO?

Many people are unsure what steps to take when a death occurs. The necessary steps usually depend on the location and circumstances. It is important that you understand what can be done, and we want to make sure that you have the necessary information required to make these important decisions.

* Unanticipated death at home or elsewhere
In these situations, you should immediately contact 911; police and emergency medical personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to take. Generally, the authorities (the local coroner or medical examiner) can release the remains directly to our home, so that preparations may begin or placed in our morgue until all family members are notified. In some situations, however, the remains may need to be taken to the Medical Examiner's office; this occurs when the cause of death may not yet be known or questionable circumstances are present.  Should the Lincoln County Coroner decide to take a remains to a Medical Examiner for autopsy, the medical examiners used are St. Louis County Medical Examiner, St Louis City Medical Examiner or Boone County Medical Examiner in Columbia, MO. 

* If death occurs in an Institution
Should the death occur in a hospital or nursing/convalescent home, the medical staff should handle all necessary legal steps. You simply need to inform the institution that Carter-Ricks Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Generally the staff will assist you in completing any legal release paperwork. When a death occurs in the larger hospitals or medical centers in the St Louis area, and even though the hospital staff is supposed to notify the funeral home, it is a good idea for a family member to call the funeral home.

* Anticipated death at home
Today, more people with terminal illnesses are more comfortable at home under the care of Hospice in the final stages of their illness. In this situation, you should inform Hospice that Carter-Ricks Funeral Home is the funeral home of your choice. Hospice will then supervise the necessary legal requirements and notifications of the doctor.  Since a death will occur at home, the coroner will have to be notified, which the hospice nurse will handle.  After notification of the coroner, the hospice nurse will make the call to the funeral home.  Often, when someone is faced with a terminal illness, the family will decide to make arrangements in advance - saving them the time and emotional decisions needed at the time of death.

* Death out-of-state
If the death occurs out of state, you should call Carter-Ricks Funeral Home at (800) 898-2183 or (573) 898-2181 or (636)-668-8181. We can then coordinate the transfer with a local funeral director at the place of death. Because we are members of several national organizations, we can often save families time and money by making all necessary arrangements.

This is a basic explanation of your options in certain circumstances. If you would like further information, please feel free to call us at 800-898-2181 or 573-898-2181 or 636-668-8181or email us at carterricks@att.net.

We are here to help and to serve you, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

"VITAL STATISTIC INFORMATION NEEDED FOR:

DEATH CERTIFICATE AND OBITUARY"

This information will be required to fill out the death certificate and used in the writing of the obituary. You must be sure all information and spelling of names are correct. The State currently charges $13.00 for the first death certificate and $10.00 for each additional one. Certified death certificates will be required for:  insurance benefits, property titles, some bank matters, retirement or pension benefits, probate and other legal matters.

Legal Name (First, Middle, Last)
Address
Birth Date
Citizenship
Birthplace (city or county, state)
Father's Name (First, Middle, Last)
Mother's Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last)
Social Security Number
****(Please bring social security card or written documentation of number)
Marital Status
Spouse's Name (If wife, give maiden name)
Family Members
Occupation (Indicate type of work done during most of working life.)
****CANNOT USE "RETIRED"
Kind of Business/Industry
Education - The highest degree or level of school completed at the time of death
Church Affiliation, Civic or Fraternal Organizations                                                                
Veteran
Copy of Military Discharge
****(very important if burial in  National / State VA Cemetery)
      Veterans Administration Claim No #  (if unable to find discharge)

"FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNING"

Place of Service
Minister(s)
Music (Musicians and Songs)
Cemetery  ( if large cemetery, please bring information on lot or graves)
Pallbearers
Favorite Scriptures
Favorite Poems
Memorials
Clothing and or articles to be placed in casket
Pictures- (1) for obituary and website and/or (2) To be Displayed in Room or (3) for Video

If you wish, you may fill out our plan ahead form and send to us or bring with you at arrangements.