Veteran services at E Blake Collins Funeral Home
E Blake Collins Funeral Home in Wilkes Barre, PA supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Published pricing lists $4,150 for basic burial and $1,950 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs. On Google it averages 5.0 stars across 8 reviews.
The home lists these veteran-related services: veteran services, cremation, and traditional burial. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at E Blake Collins Funeral Home: direct cremation from $1,950. That places direct cremation roughly 18% below 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 Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in PA, about 69 miles from E Blake Collins 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 1,623 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 E Blake Collins Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,950. 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 E Blake Collins Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
E Blake Collins Funeral Home is located at 159 George Avenue in Wilkes Barre, PA. You can reach the home at (570) 822-3514. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does E Blake Collins Funeral Home offer veteran families?
E Blake Collins Funeral Home provides funeral planning, pre-planning, veteran services, cremation, traditional burial, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does E Blake Collins Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, E Blake Collins Funeral Home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does E Blake Collins Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for All Faiths, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist families, among others.
How do families rate E Blake Collins Funeral Home?
E Blake Collins Funeral Home holds a 5.0-star rating across 8 Google reviews from local families and veterans.
What sets E Blake Collins Funeral Home apart
- Fourth-generation family ownership and operation, with E. Blake Collins III continuing the legacy.
- Long operational history dating back to 1913, including the acquisition of the John J. Maher Funeral Home established in 1886.
- Handicapped accessible facilities, enhanced through a 1993 renovation.
- Specialized expertise in Veteran Services, assisting families with benefits and resources.
- Recipient of the National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence award for ten consecutive years.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Traditional Burial
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence award recipient
Specialties
- · Veteran Services
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: All Faiths, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist. Languages spoken at the home: English.
What families have said
Up to five Google reviews of E Blake Collins Funeral Home, shown as written. Reviews that mention veterans, military service, honors, a flag or a cemetery come first, then the highest-rated.
“Very reasonable and worked well understanding financial situtions”
“I had a very positive experience with this funeral home on 5/27/21. Ted Collins, Funeral Director, was professional yet caring during this difficult time. He walked us through the process and took care of all the details. i would highly recommend this funeral home.”
“Thank you Ted, Madeline and Dan. Well done throughout.”
“All details were handled very professionally.”
“Thank you”
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.