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 its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork. 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). If the veteran qualifies for a VA burial allowance, the family claims it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Ask whether the home will help you file it.
The nearest veterans cemetery that isn't listed as closed is Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery in CA, about 31 miles from Chapel of the Light. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
We list about 1,115 funeral homes in California. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
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?
In its own description of its veteran services, Chapel of the Light mentions VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
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 and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Neptune Society of Central California
Specialties
- · Traditional Laotian Buddhist Service
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Buddhism (Laotian Tradition), Catholicism. Languages spoken at the home: English, Spanish.
How to request military funeral honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), an eligible veteran's funeral can include, on request, an honors detail of at least two service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family and play Taps. The funeral director usually makes the request and will need the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers.
VA suggests asking at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. More on what honors include and how to request them.