Veteran services at Upton Funeral Home
Upton Funeral Home, located in Celina, TN, assists those who served and their families. In their own words: "Upton-Hay Funeral Home provides comprehensive support for veterans, including arranging basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremonies. These ceremonies typically involve the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran's family and the playing of Taps, performed by a funeral honors detail of at least two Armed Forces members. The specific type of honors (Full Military Honors, 7 Person Detail, or Standard Honors Team Detail) depends on the veteran's status. The funeral home also assists with establishing veteran eligibility using documents like DD Form 214, and provides guidance on veterans' headstones, burial flags, and military benefits. They can also assist with funeral honors for members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)." On-site amenities include chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $2,795 for basic burial and $2,795 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs. A modest 9 Google reviews give the firm a 4.6-star average.
Veteran-related services offered include veterans services, military funeral honors, veterans headstones, veterans burial flags, burial, and cremation. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
On-site facilities of note include chapel. 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 Upton Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,500. That places direct cremation roughly 34% above the Tennessee median ($1,865). 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 Mill Springs National Cemetery in KY, approximately 56 miles from Upton Funeral Home. Upton Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Tennessee has approximately 641 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Upton Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Upton Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,500. 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 Upton Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Upton Funeral Home is located at 307 West Lake Ave. in Celina, TN. You can reach the home at (931) 243-3164. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Upton Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Upton Funeral Home provides grief support, pre-planning, veterans services, military funeral honors, veterans headstones, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Upton Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Upton-Hay Funeral Home provides comprehensive support for veterans, including arranging basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH) ceremonies. These ceremonies typically involve the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran's family and the playing of Taps, performed by a funeral honors detail of at least two Armed Forces members. The specific type of honors (Full Military Honors, 7 Person Detail, or Standard Honors Team Detail) depends on the veteran's status. The funeral home also assists with establishing veteran eligibility using documents like DD Form 214, and provides guidance on veterans' headstones, burial flags, and military benefits. They can also assist with funeral honors for members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Which faith traditions does Upton Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Church of Christ, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic families, among others.
How do families rate Upton Funeral Home?
Upton Funeral Home holds a 4.6-star rating across 9 Google reviews from local families and veterans.
What sets Upton Funeral Home apart
- Operates out of a historic building that once housed Montvale College, renovated to blend historic charm with modern amenities.
- Long-standing family involvement in funeral service, with the Upton name since 1949 and the Hay family's multi-generational commitment.
- Specialized services and comprehensive support for veterans, including military funeral honors and assistance with benefits.
- Staff members with deep community roots and diverse professional backgrounds, including a retired educator, a former EMS director, and a former city mayor.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Burial
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Specializations
- · Veterans Services
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Church of Christ, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic. Languages spoken at the home: English.
What families have said
Recent reviews from families who used Upton Funeral Home. Reviews are sourced from Google Places and shown verbatim — we do not edit or filter for sentiment.
“They have the kind caring people makes families in their most difficult time be guided through the process of honoring their loved one. I THANK THE GOOD LORD ABOVE FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE AT UPTONS FUNERAL HOME…THEY GUIDED MY FAMILY IN HONORING MY SOUL MATE HUSBAND…SO THANKFUL FOR THEIR SERVICE.”
“We had my grandfather's funeral here and the viewing and service was top notch. I have never seen a dining and kids area in a funeral home. Bonnie was so kind and gave us 5 star service. We have a large family and the funeral home held us well. The kids area was well stocked with kids toys and games.”
“Superior service kind and respectful every time”
“Christie Keen went above and beyond for my family in our time of need. We had 2 deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. Christie did everything she possibly could to accommodate my family during this difficult time Christie is a true blessing to work with and makes you feel like family. Thank you Christie for all you did for my family er greatly appreciate you and your kindness.”
“Most disorganized funeral I have ever had to attend so sad for the immediate family”
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.