Veteran services at Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home
Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home in Ranson, WV supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Published pricing lists $5,205 for basic burial and $2,937 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation arrangements, graveside service, memorial service, and veteran services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,937. That places direct cremation roughly 26% above the West Virginia median ($2,325). 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 Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in MD, about 51 miles from Melvin T. Strider Colonial 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 299 funeral homes in West Virginia. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,937. 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 Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home is located at 310 South Fairfax Blvd. in Ranson, WV. You can reach the home at (304) 725-7068. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home provides cremation arrangements, funeral arrangements, funeral service, graveside service, memorial service, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Foursquare, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal families, among others.
What sets Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home apart
- Established in 1889, with business origins dating back to 1850, including handling John Brown's funeral in 1859.
- Five generations of continuous family ownership and operation.
- Operates from a distinctive mansion-like residence facility.
- Offers pre-arrangement planning with price guarantees.
- Provides specialized Veteran Services, guiding families through available benefits.
- Features extensive grief support resources, including an online library with articles from Dr. Alan Wolfelt.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Cremation Arrangements
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Specialties
- · Veteran Services
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Foursquare, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, Nondenominational. Languages spoken at the home: English, 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.