Veteran services at Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory
Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory, located in Seattle, WA, assists those who served and their families. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, and VA benefits paperwork. Published pricing lists $5,095 for basic burial and $2,495 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation and memorial services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory: direct cremation from $2,495. That places direct cremation roughly 67% above the Washington median ($1,492). 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 Tahoma National Cemetery in WA, about 15 miles from Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory. 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 269 funeral homes in Washington. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,495. 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 Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory is located at 4567 Rainier Ave. S in Seattle, WA. You can reach the home at (206) 722-1100. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory offer veteran families?
Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory provides funeral, cremation, memorial services, pre-planning, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, and VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Lutheran, Christian (general) families, among others.
What sets Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory apart
- Operating from its original site at Rainier Avenue and South Alaska Street since 1907, making it the oldest business in Southeast Seattle and the oldest member of the Chamber of Commerce.
- Known for its traditional Christmas display that annually attracts thousands to the Rainier district.
- Long-standing family ownership, passing from the Rasmussen family to Wilbert Lewis, then Paul Lewis, and currently the Weeks Family.
- Extensive community involvement, including sponsoring local sports teams in baseball, hockey, bowling, and Little League.
- Continued operation and service provision despite a devastating fire in July 2025, through partnerships with local organizations and sister funeral homes.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Chamber of Commerce
- · Lions Club
- · Seattle Park Board
- · Washington State Funeral Directors Association
- · American Association of Christian Counselors
- · Pierce County Chaplains Academy
- · Enumclaw Rotary Club
- · Enumclaw Kiwanis Club
Specialties
- · Veterans Benefits
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Lutheran, Christian (general). Languages spoken at the home: English, Vietnamese, 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.