What Do I Need to Do First?
Step-by-step guidance for different circumstances
We're available 24/7. When you're ready, call us anytime.
(417) 815-3242When a loved one dies, knowing what to do first can feel overwhelming. The steps depend on where the death occurred. Below, we've outlined the specific process for the most common situations.
First, take a breath.
There's no rush. Taking a few moments to be with your loved one is completely appropriate. We can wait.
🏠Death at Home
If Hospice Was Involved
Call the hospice nurse
They will guide you through the immediate steps and notify the funeral home. This is your first call.
Wait for hospice to arrive
The hospice nurse will pronounce the death and handle the legal documentation. This usually takes 1-2 hours.
Contact Southwest Cremation
Once hospice has arrived, call us at (417) 815-3242. We'll arrange transfer when you're ready.
Time with your loved one
Hospice will give you time to say goodbye before transport. There's no rush.
If Hospice Was NOT Involved
Call 911 (if expected death)
For expected deaths at home, police/EMS must pronounce. Tell the dispatcher this was an expected death.
Prepare for authorities
Police will respond to verify the death was natural and expected. Have the deceased's ID and medical information ready.
Wait for pronouncement
EMS or the medical examiner's office must pronounce before we can transport. This can take 2-4 hours.
Call Southwest Cremation
Once death has been pronounced, call us at (417) 815-3242. We'll coordinate respectful transport.
Tip: If the death was unexpected or suspicious, police will notify the medical examiner. Transport cannot occur until the ME releases the body, which may take several hours or days.
🏥Death in Hospital, Nursing Home, or Assisted Living
Notify the facility
Staff will handle the immediate pronouncement and documentation. They have procedures in place.
Tell them you've chosen Southwest Cremation
Give them our name and number: (417) 815-3242. They'll contact us directly for release paperwork.
Facility calls us
The facility's social worker or nurse will coordinate with us for transport authorization.
We handle the transfer
Once paperwork is complete, we'll transport your loved one directly to our care facility.
Meet with us
We'll call you to schedule a time to make arrangements — either at our office, your home, or online.
Note: Most facilities require the funeral home to be chosen within 1-2 hours of death to avoid refrigeration fees. Having a plan in place helps avoid rushed decisions.
🛣️Death Out of State
Contact Southwest Cremation first (if possible)
Call us at (417) 815-3242 before contacting a local funeral home. We will locate a moderately priced local funeral home to work with and contact them on your behalf.
We coordinate with the local funeral home
We'll handle the arrangements with the local funeral home for initial care and transport to the airport.
We coordinate the transfer
We'll work with the out-of-state funeral home to arrange transport via airline or specialized vehicle.
Airline transport (if needed)
Cremated remains can fly as cargo or checked luggage with proper documentation. We handle all airline paperwork.
Arrangements from home
You don't need to travel. We can handle everything by phone and email, or video call if you prefer.
Important: Out-of-state transfers add cost ($300-800+ for shipping). Some families choose direct cremation where the death occurred, then have ashes shipped to Missouri for memorial services.
✈️Death While Traveling
Contact local authorities
If death occurs while traveling abroad or domestically, local authorities (hotel, police, hospital) must be notified first.
Contact the local consulate (if abroad)
The U.S. Embassy or consulate can help navigate local laws and documentation requirements. Call +1-888-407-4747.
Choose: local cremation or transport home
Local cremation is usually faster and less expensive. Transporting an unembalmed body internationally is complex and costly ($10,000+).
If cremating locally, arrange shipping of ashes
We can help coordinate with a funeral home where the death occurred, then receive the ashes in Springfield for memorial services.
If transporting home, prepare for complexity
International body transport requires embalming, sealed caskets, and extensive documentation. Costs often exceed $15,000.
Important: Travel insurance often covers repatriation costs. Check the deceased's credit cards and insurance policies — many include this benefit automatically.
After the Immediate Steps
We're Here When You Need Us
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us anytime.
Call (417) 815-3242