Veteran services at Chapel of the Light
Veteran families in Fresno, CA can turn to Chapel of the Light for honors and benefit coordination. In their own words: "Assistance with veteran's funeral benefits, including processing DD-214 discharge papers." Published pricing lists $4,770 for basic burial and $1,750 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Published pricing at Chapel of the Light: direct cremation from $1,750. That places direct cremation roughly 8% above the California median ($1,617). 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 Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery in CA, approximately 31 miles from Chapel of the Light. Chapel of the Light can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
California has approximately 1,115 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Chapel of the Light is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Chapel of the Light cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,750. 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 Chapel of the Light located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Chapel of the Light is located at 1620 West Belmont Ave. in Fresno, CA. You can reach the home at (559) 233-6254. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Chapel of the Light offer veteran families?
Chapel of the Light provides funerals, obituaries, pre-planning, cremation, traditional laotian buddhist service, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Chapel of the Light help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Assistance with veteran's funeral benefits, including processing DD-214 discharge papers.
Which faith traditions does Chapel of the Light accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Buddhism (Laotian Tradition), Catholicism families, among others.
What sets Chapel of the Light apart
- On-site crematory for direct handling of cremation processes
- Specialization in Traditional Laotian Buddhist Services
- Historical landmark status with over a century of service in Fresno
- Comprehensive facilities including a modern chapel, staterooms, and hospitality room for receptions
- Partnership with Neptune Society of Central California for pre-planning
Burial & cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Neptune Society of Central California
Specializations
- · Traditional Laotian Buddhist Service
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Buddhism (Laotian Tradition), Catholicism. Languages spoken at the home: English, Spanish.
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.