Veteran services at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum
Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum serves veteran families in Birmingham, AL with military funeral planning. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, and VA benefits paperwork. On-site amenities include chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $7,685 for basic burial and $4,150 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation and military funeral honors. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum: direct cremation from $2,385. That places direct cremation roughly 28% above the Alabama median ($1,870). 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 Alabama National Cemetery in AL, about 24 miles from Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum. 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 479 funeral homes in Alabama. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,385. 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 Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum is located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW in Birmingham, AL. You can reach the home at (205) 251-7227. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum offer veteran families?
Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum provides traditional funeral services, same-day funeral services, cremation, after-care services, pre-arranging funeral, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, and VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Christian families, among others.
What sets Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel & Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum apart
- Family-owned and operated by the Betkowski family since 1989, with multiple generations actively involved.
- On-site crematory at their Cedar Lake, Indiana location, ensuring loved ones remain under their direct care throughout the cremation process.
- Specialized Military Funeral Honors, including flag folding, flag presentation, and playing of Taps, with assistance for VA claims and Social Security.
- Comprehensive After-Care Services, including a Family Follow-Up Specialist and a bereavement resource library.
- Staff members are part of the Teamsters Union, Local 727, indicating a commitment to professional employment standards.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Crematory
- · Funeral Home
- · Mortuary
Specialties
- · Veterans Services
- · Pre-Need Planning
- · After Care
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Christian. Languages spoken at the home: English, Spanish (implied support through staff and community served).
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.