Modern Funerals and Cremation Services in Independence, MO

Nestled in Independence, Missouri, USA, we, Speaks Chapels, stand as a funeral home with a legacy of over 100 years. Understanding your unique requirements and desires, our team of skilled funeral directors and staff aims to curate a personalized and meaningful service that pays tribute to the life and impact of your departed loved one. At Speaks Chapels, we take pride in serving your families and ensuring a meaningful tribute to your loved one. We prioritize honoring your loved one and providing grief support during this difficult time. You can trust us, our staff, to fulfill your loved one's wishes with our wide range of resources and services, including Traditional Services, Cremation Services, Personalization, Veterans Services, Memorial Services, and funeral pre-planning. As a trusted funeral home in Independence, MO, Speaks Chapels understands the importance of honoring your loved one's wishes. Our compassionate team is ready to assist you in creating a personalized and meaningful tribute. If you have any questions or need guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600, Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900, or Speaks Buckner Chapel (816) 650-5555.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind. Founded in 1936, Speaks Chapels pride ourselves on the functionality and appearance of our facilities and grounds. We are constantly updating and improving our premises and equipment so that we can offer you the finest facilities around. 

We are here to care for families and your loved ones as they grieve and celebrate life. Speaks Chapels offers honesty, integrity, and compassionate funeral and cremation services to families in: Independence, Blue Springs, and Lee's Summit, MO. 

Many of today’s families are looking for customized ways to honor their loved ones who have died. No longer do they always wish to follow the well-established funeral traditions. When it comes to funeral and cremation services in Independence, MO, it is becoming more important to plan and hold a service that is more unique and personal. 

So, what are the options to do something different? And do funeral homes support these changes? The answer is yes; the industry does support them by crafting well-thought service styles to meet your preferences. The options to do so are numerous.

At Speaks Suburban Chapel, we work one on one with every family we serve to help them plan and carry out a remembrance worthy of their loved one’s memory. You can contact us for an in-depth conversation about how we can help your family in your time of loss.

The popularity of cremation service in Independence, MO has risen over recent decades. There are distinct advantages to cremation death care over casket burial options.

• Cost: As the cost of living rises, so too does the cost of dying. That’s one of the driving reasons that people choose cremation service. It is more affordable than buying an expensive casket and burial vault, only to bury it in a cemetery plot –which also must be purchased. The needs of the living are real, and cost considerations matter. 
• Variety of Care: Full-service cremations are conducted much like a funeral service with the body present. After the funeral, the body is cremated. If financial means are limited, direct cremation is a very affordable way to receive the care that is needed. The body of the deceased is taken directly to the crematory for processing. The deceased’s ashes are returned to the family. There is no funeral or accompanying services.
• Memorial Services: Many families and their friends are scattered in far-flung corners of the country. When a death occurs, they cannot always make it to a traditional funeral service where the deceased’s body is present before burial. A memorial can happen at any time because there is no urgency to bury the deceased. They have already been cremated, leaving time to plan a thoughtful service at a future time when all can plan to attend.
• Disposition Options: After a cremation, the deceased’s ashes can be dispositioned in many ways. Your family gets to choose what is best for them. You can choose to bury the ashes in the earth or place them in a beautiful urn garden, mausoleum, or columbarium. Some families choose to hold a scattering ceremony, where the ashes of your loved one are returned to the earth or sea, in a place that has meaning. Be sure to check with local laws for guidance on this option. 
• Keep Them Close: If desired, families and loved ones can keep the ashes with them at home where they will always be nearby. If you ever leave the area, there is no need to leave your loved one behind. Many people like to divide the ashes among those who would like to keep a part of their loved one with them. You can also have jewelry fashioned with some of the ash used as fabrication material as a beautiful reminder of your ongoing connection and love. 

Traditional services, including funerals in Independence, MO complete with viewing, funeral gathering, graveside services, and burial remain a popular service style. They provide a meaningful and memorable experience for those who mourn their loss. 

• Viewing: Family and friends gather together to pay their last respects, express their support and sympathy, and socialize. They share the burden of their loss and acknowledge that death has happened. It is the beginning of the healing journey.
• Funeral Ceremony: Those who gather listen to the life story of the deceased, remembering their character, personality, challenges, and accomplishments. Done well, the funeral gives them closure and memories to carry with them going forward. 
• Graveside Committal Service: The deceased is lowered into the earth in the presence of family and friends. Witnessing this moment sends a powerful message to the grieving minds and hearts of those who attend the ceremony that life is to be lived before we too must lay down.

At Carson-Speaks Chapel, our caring funeral and cremation professionals in Independence, MO will help your family create a funeral or memorial service to remember. Stop into our funeral home for a compassionate conversation how we can help. You’ll find us at 1501 W Lexington Ave  Independence, MO 64052. Or call us when convenient at (816) 252-7900.

What typically happens during a traditional funeral service?

• During a traditional funeral service, family and friends gather to pay their respects to the deceased. The service usually includes readings or prayers, eulogies, and music. Following the service, there may be a procession to the cemetery for burial or a reception where attendees can offer condolences to the family.

How long does the burial process typically take?

• The duration of the burial process can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the actual act of burying the casket or the remains in the ground takes a relatively short amount of time, usually around 30 minutes to an hour. However, the overall process, including preparation, paperwork, and coordination with the cemetery, may take several days or even longer, depending on the circumstances.

What are the reasons people choosing cremation?

• People choose cremation for various reasons. Some opt for cremation due to its lower cost compared to traditional burial options. Others choose it for its flexibility, as it allows for more personalized memorialization options and the ability to transport or keep the ashes in a meaningful way. Additionally, environmental considerations, simplicity, and cultural or religious beliefs may also influence the decision to choose cremation.