Veteran services at Chestnut Funeral Home
Veteran families in Gainesville, FL can turn to Chestnut Funeral Home for honors and benefit coordination. In its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork. On-site amenities include reception area, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists a quoted rate for basic burial and $1,855 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: burials, cremation, veteran's services, and graveside service. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Chestnut Funeral Home: direct cremation from $1,855. That places direct cremation roughly 16% above the Florida median ($1,595). 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 Jacksonville National Cemetery in FL, about 71 miles from Chestnut Funeral Home. 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 1,014 funeral homes in Florida. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Chestnut Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,855. 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 Chestnut Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Chestnut Funeral Home is located at 18 Northwest 8Th Avenue in Gainesville, FL. You can reach the home at (352) 372-2537. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Chestnut Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Chestnut Funeral Home provides funerals, obituaries, pre-planning, burials, cremation, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Chestnut Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Chestnut Funeral Home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Chestnut Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Christian (various Protestant denominations, including Presbyterian and Episcopal) families, among others.
What sets Chestnut Funeral Home apart
- Over a century of continuous operation in Gainesville, Florida, since 1914.
- Recognized as a Black-owned funeral home and a founding member of the Florida Mortician Association.
- Emphasis on "designing healing experiences" for families, extending beyond traditional services.
- Extensive online grief support resources, including interactive videos and daily email affirmations, with an Executive Counseling Director.
- Founder Charles S. Chestnut, Sr. was among Florida's first Black licensed embalmers (1928) and funeral directors (1935).
- Offers unique personalization options such as custom caskets and car wraps.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Burials
- · Graveside Service
- · Committal Service
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Florida Mortician Association
Specialties
- · Black-Owned Funeral Home
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Christian (various Protestant denominations, including Presbyterian and Episcopal). Languages spoken at the home: English, Spanish (via website translation).
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.