Veteran services at Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory
For veterans in Lakeland, FL, Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork and veterans cemetery burial. Published pricing lists $4,245 for basic burial and $3,695 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Published pricing at Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory: direct cremation from $3,695. That places direct cremation roughly 132% above the Florida median ($1,595). 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 Atlantic Garden Veteran Cemetery in PR, about 14 miles from Heath Funeral Chapel & 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 1,014 funeral homes in Florida. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,695. 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 Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory is located at 328 South Ingraham Ave. in Lakeland, FL. You can reach the home at (863) 682-0111. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory offer veteran families?
Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory provides funeral services, cremation services, pre-need planning, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory mentions VA benefits paperwork and veterans cemetery burial. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Non-denominational Christian families, among others.
What sets Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory apart
- Three generations of family ownership (Heath/Schichtel family) since 1959.
- On-site crematory, ensuring continuous care for loved ones within their facility.
- Dedicated Tribute Center, built in 2008, for personalized storytelling and memorialization.
- Live-streaming capabilities for services, allowing remote participation.
- Specialization in veterans' services, including assistance with earned benefits and green burial options.
- Comprehensive grief support resources, including a year of weekly messages and guidance for children and teens.
Burial and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Green Burial Council
- · National Funeral Directors Association
- · Independent Funeral Directors of Florida
Specialties
- · Veterans Services
- · Green Burial
- · Grief Support
- · Preplanning
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Non-denominational Christian. Languages spoken at the home: English.
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.