Veteran services at Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory
Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory serves veteran families in Wichita, KS with military funeral planning. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. On-site amenities include east chapel, west chapel, and reception room, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,205 for basic burial and $3,870 for direct cremation. The non-declinable service fee is $2,275. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation services, green burial, natural burial, veterans services, graveside ceremony, and memorial services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include east chapel and west chapel.
Published pricing at Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory: direct cremation from $3,175. That places direct cremation roughly 20% above the Kansas median ($2,647). 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 Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Winfield in KS, about 34 miles from Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and 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 428 funeral homes in Kansas. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,175. 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 & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory is located at 6555 East Central Ave. in Wichita, KS. You can reach the home at (316) 682-4553. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory offer veteran families?
Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory provides funeral services, cremation services, traditional funeral, celebration of life, green burial, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, United Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Christian families, among others.
What sets Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory apart
- Five generations of family ownership, ensuring local decision-making and deep community roots.
- Two on-site crematories at the East Chapel, guaranteeing loved ones never leave their care.
- Meeting the rigorous standards of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a distinction they state sets them apart from many corporate-owned firms.
- Ability to accommodate diverse cultural and religious traditions, with staff experienced in various faith practices.
- Comprehensive assistance with veterans' benefits, military honors, and Social Security benefits.
- Offering green burial and natural burial options for environmentally conscious families.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Green Burial
- · Natural Burial
- · Graveside Ceremony
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Crematory
- · Mortuary
Specialties
- · Veterans Benefits
- · All Faiths and Cultural Traditions
- · Catholic Cremation
- · Green Burials
- · Pre-Planning
- · Social Security Benefits
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, United Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Christian. Languages spoken at the home: 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.