Vital Statistics

• Full name and complete address
• How long at current/former residence(s)
• Occupation, job title, nature of work, and history
• Location of workplace
• Social security number
• Veteran's serial number
• Date and place of service, date of discharge
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Family origin
• Father's name
• Mother's maiden name
• Educational attainment

Paperwork and Documents to Collect

• Will
• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• Marriage license
• Military discharge
• Insurance policies (life, health, accident, property, auto)
• Bank books
• Stocks and bonds
• Property deed
• Cemetery deed
• Auto titles
• Tax returns, receipts, and cancelled checks

Decisions to Make

• Exact location of burial/disposition
• Location of service
• Casket
• Outer burial container
• Items for memento display
• Clothing and jewelry for deceased
• Service type (religious, fraternal, military)
• Selection of scripture and readings (poems, etc.)
• Clergy to officiate
• Register book, memorial/prayer cards
• Casketbearers
• Floral arrangements
• Music selections
• Transportation for family and guests, including funeral procession lineup