March 2002 Kansas Times
by Tom Morris

Question: Is it possible to have an open casket visitation, services, and then cremation?

Answer: Yes! A fallacy that many people have is that if they want to be cremated, the cremation must take place right after the death and no one can view the deceased. This is incorrect. Many families choose to have the body present for a visitation and services, with the cremation taking place after the funeral. It is best to think of cremation as just another form of disposition, such as burial.

The State of Kansas requires that a dead body must be embalmed, buried or cremated within 24 hours of death or held in such a manner that it is not a nuisance to public health. This doesn’t mean a body can’t be embalmed if the family chooses cremation. Most funeral homes will require embalming if there is to be an open casket visitation. This is not only because the appearance of the deceased will be much better, but also because of health concerns.

Many funeral homes have caskets available that are specifically designed for cremation. These caskets differ from caskets used for burial in that they are composed mostly of materials that are combustible. A viewing or rental casket may also be available.

The service itself does not differ much from what is considered a traditional funeral service. The only difference is that at the conclusion of the funeral service, instead of going directly to the cemetery or mausoleum, the deceased is taken to the crematory for the cremation to occur. The final disposition of the cremains can usually take place the following day.