Veteran services at Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home
Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home in Reading, MA supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In its own description, the home mentions flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. On-site amenities include ample parking, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $6,100 for basic burial and $2,930 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: graveside services, memorial services, direct cremation, burial, and cremation. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,525. That places direct cremation roughly 6% below the Massachusetts median ($2,677). 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 Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Winchendon in MA, about 48 miles from Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom 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 579 funeral homes in Massachusetts. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,525. 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 Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home is located at 25 Sanborn St. in Reading, MA. You can reach the home at (781) 944-0284. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home provides traditional funeral services, graveside services, memorial services, direct cremation, shipping services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home mentions flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
What sets Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home apart
- Operated by a sixth-generation funeral director, John Douglass Jr., alongside his father, John Douglass Sr.
- Extensive personalization options, including casket and urn engraving, keepsake jewelry, memory tables, and picture boards.
- Comprehensive information and assistance regarding veterans' benefits and services.
- On-site grief resources through an online Grief Library from the Center for Loss and Life Transition.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Services
- · Burial
Cremation
- · Direct Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Chamber of Commerce
- · Reading Rotary Club
- · Good Samaritan Lodge
Specialties
- · Veterans Services
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.