Veteran services at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home
Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, located in Herrin, IL, assists those who served and their families. In their own words: "Yes, supported by staff experience, including Jeffrey C. "J.C." Waddell II's service in the Illinois National Guard and U.S. Army, with deployment to Afghanistan." 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.
On-site facilities of note include large chapel (accommodates up to 160 people) and smaller chapel (accommodates up to 80 people). These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.
Published pricing at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home: direct cremation from $3,582. That places direct cremation roughly 44% above the Illinois median ($2,495). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.
The nearest VA national cemetery is Mound City National Cemetery in IL, approximately 46 miles from Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home. Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Illinois has approximately 1,192 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,582. 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 Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home is located at 2704 South Park Avenue in Herrin, IL. You can reach the home at (618) 988-8880. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home provides funerals, memorials, flower delivery, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Yes, supported by staff experience, including Jeffrey C. "J.C." Waddell II's service in the Illinois National Guard and U.S. Army, with deployment to Afghanistan.
Which faith traditions does Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for All Faiths, All Denominations, Baptist (Second Baptist Church, First Baptist Church), Catholic (Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church), Lutheran (Trinity Lutheran Church) families, among others.
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 & veteran services offered
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Specializations
- · All Faiths
- · All Denominations
- · All Nationalities
- · All Cultures
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: 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 supported
Based on the home's stated services and specializations, Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home has documented experience supporting the following branches:
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementHow honors are coordinated
Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.
For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.