Veteran services at Downing Funeral Home Inc
For veterans in Bethlehem, PA, Downing Funeral Home Inc coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors. Published pricing lists $3,650 for basic burial and $2,315 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs. Google shows 5.0 stars from 2 reviews.
The home lists these veteran-related services: direct burial and direct cremation. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Downing Funeral Home Inc: direct cremation from $2,975. That places direct cremation roughly 25% above the Pennsylvania median ($2,375). 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 Washington Crossing National Cemetery in PA, about 36 miles from Downing Funeral Home Inc. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
Downing Funeral Home Inc lists these traditions and communities: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Secular Humanist, and Lgbtq Affirming. Military funeral honors can be part of a religious service; tell the director the order you want.
We list about 1,623 funeral homes in Pennsylvania. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Downing Funeral Home Inc cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,975. 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 Downing Funeral Home Inc located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Downing Funeral Home Inc is located at 1002 West Broad Street in Bethlehem, PA. You can reach the home at (610) 867-5841. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Downing Funeral Home Inc offer veteran families?
Downing Funeral Home Inc provides traditional full service funeral, non-traditional funeral service, direct burial, direct cremation, pre-planning, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Downing Funeral Home Inc help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Downing Funeral Home Inc mentions military funeral honors. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Downing Funeral Home Inc accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Moravian families, among others.
How do families rate Downing Funeral Home Inc?
Downing Funeral Home Inc holds a 5.0-star rating across 2 Google reviews from local families and veterans.
What sets Downing Funeral Home Inc apart
- Therapy dog Ketchup, an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Alliance of Therapy Dogs member, available to families for comfort.
- Fifth-generation family ownership under Jason J. Hennigh, continuing a legacy since 1889.
- Over 130 years of continuous service to the Bethlehem area, tracing roots to Joseph F. Kinney's original business.
- Offers advanced digital memorial slideshows, including options for voice-over clips and video, beyond standard photo tributes.
- Provides pre-planning options that include affiliation with the Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA), offering additional member benefits and support for local charities.
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Direct Burial
Cremation
- · Direct Cremation
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · National Funeral Director's Association (NFDA)
- · Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA)
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Moravian. Languages spoken at the home: English.
What families have said
Up to five Google reviews of Downing Funeral Home Inc, shown as written. Reviews that mention veterans, military service, honors, a flag or a cemetery come first, then the highest-rated.
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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.