Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home

Veteran services at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home

Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, located in Herrin, IL, assists those who served and their families. Staff help families secure VA burial benefits, request military honors, and coordinate with national or state veterans cemeteries. On-site amenities include large chapel (accommodates up to 160 people), smaller chapel (accommodates up to 80 people), and ample parking, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $5,665 for basic burial and $3,582 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.

Facilities on site include large chapel (accommodates up to 160 people) and smaller chapel (accommodates up to 80 people).

Published pricing at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home: direct cremation from $3,582. That places direct cremation roughly 44% above the Illinois median ($2,495). 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 Mound City National Cemetery in IL, about 46 miles from Meredith-Waddell 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 1,192 funeral homes in Illinois. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.

Frequently asked questions

What sets Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home apart

• Independently family-owned and locally operated, not affiliated with a corporate chain.
• Facility features traditional architecture with both a large chapel (160 capacity) and a smaller chapel (80 capacity), all handicap accessible.
• Extensive staff experience, with owner Jeffrey C. Waddell having over 40 years in funeral service, and his son J.C. Waddell II being a veteran.
• Unique inclusion of Bella, a golden retriever, as a beloved greeter who provided comfort to families for 10 years.
• Commitment to serving all faiths, denominations, nationalities, and cultures.

Military and veteran services listed

On-site facilities

Affiliations and specialties

Religious traditions and languages

Religious traditions served: All Faiths, All Denominations, Baptist (Second Baptist Church, First Baptist Church), Catholic (Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church), Lutheran (Trinity Lutheran Church), Methodist (Energy United Methodist Church), Apostolic (West Monroe Apostolic Church), Church of God (Herrin Church of God, First Church of God), Presbyterian (First Presbyterian Church), Christian (First Christian Church, Christian Life Center, Purpose House Church), Masonic (Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693, Enfield Masonic Lodge, Carmi Masonic Lodge, Williamson County Masonic Lodge #802, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Southern Illinois, Ainad Temple), Order of the Eastern Star (Lodge #499, #233), Order of the Amaranth (Court #29), White Shrine of Jerusalem (#94).

Branches of service mentioned

Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home's description of its services mentions these branches:

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.