Veteran services at Buffington Funeral Home
Buffington Funeral Home serves veteran families in Shiner, TX with military funeral planning. In their own words: "Shiner Funeral Home assists with planning Veteran Services, including incorporating honor guards and facilitating documentation for free military grave markers provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. They offer monument options specifically for veterans." On-site amenities include reception area and chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies.
Veteran-related services offered include cremation service, memorial service, and veteran service. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
On-site facilities of note include chapel. These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.
Published pricing at Buffington Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,965. That places direct cremation roughly 49% above the Texas median ($1,995). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.
The nearest VA national cemetery is Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in TX, approximately 54 miles from Buffington Funeral Home. Buffington Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Texas has approximately 1,496 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Buffington Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Buffington Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,965. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.
Where is Buffington Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Buffington Funeral Home is located at 520 North Ave. C in Shiner, TX. You can reach the home at (361) 594-3352. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Buffington Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Buffington Funeral Home provides obituaries, traditional service, cremation service, memorial service, personalized options, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Buffington Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Shiner Funeral Home assists with planning Veteran Services, including incorporating honor guards and facilitating documentation for free military grave markers provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. They offer monument options specifically for veterans.
What sets Buffington Funeral Home apart
- Family-owned and operated by Tim and Carolyn Markham, emphasizing a personal approach.
- Offers competitive pricing in Lavaca County due to eliminated corporate overhead.
- Provides assistance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for COVID-19 related deaths.
- Licensed staff answers all calls 24/7, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, ensuring direct assistance for immediate needs.
- Extensive online resources for funeral pre-planning, grief support, and detailed service information, including FAQs for various service types.
- Specializes in personalized memorials and monuments, including assistance with military grave markers for veterans.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation Service
- · Ash Scattering Service
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Texas Funeral Directors Association
Specializations
- · Veteran Service
- · Personalized Options
- · Grief Support
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementHow honors are coordinated
Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.
For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.