Many families today are choosing cremation. All funeral homes advertise "cremation services", but don't be fooled! Practically all area funeral homes use common, multiple user, off-site industrial crematories to handle their cremations. Webb though owns and operates their own crematory ensuring you the highest standards of care, comfort and accountability. Serving more cremation families every year, we strive to know all there is to know about cremation, and would like to share that knowledge with you so you can be an informed consumer. The following are answers to some of the more common cremation questions.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

For those desiring cremation, you actually have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings. Everything is available from a traditional funeral ceremony followed by cremation and then burial to a memorial service after the cremation has occurred. Furthermore, since we are not restricted by the operating hours of the cemetery, you have the flexibility to schedule your ceremonies for day or night.

Is embalming required?

No, Kentucky law does require that the body be embalmed or held in refrigeration following 24 hours after death. We do require embalming if you elect to have a public ceremony with an open casket.

Is a casket necessary for cremation?

It is required that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Today, we have a variety of cremation containers and caskets that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation. We also have a rental type casket that is used for the funeral or viewing and the body and is then placed in a cremation container before the cremation.

Definitely, Our Cremation Center was built with a Witness Room so that the initiation of the cremation process could be witnessed whether for religious, peace of mind, or other reasons. Our Witness Room is even equipped with remote controls so that the family can start the cremation equipment if such participation is preferred for religious reasons.

Can I be cremated if I am Catholic?

Prohibited prior to the Second Vatican, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation as a means of disposition, though not the preferred method. We would be glad to provide you with a copy of the Diocese's guidelines for cremation. What are the legal requirements for cremation in Kentucky?

There are two basic legal requirements, which must be met before a cremation can be performed in Kentucky. First, legally authorized individuals must give permission for the cremation in writing. Second, the County Coroner where the death occurred must give approval for the cremation.

Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home or scattered private property. Our staff can assist you in exploring those options.

How long does the cremation process take?

It depends on the size of the individual and the type of cremation container or casket. Typically the process takes 2 to 3 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600-1800 degrees Fahrenheit.


What happens following the cremation process?

Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials (metal casket parts, hip joints, & bridgework) are removed by both visual inspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash are then reduced into a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.

What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble course beach sand. They are typically light gray in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5 to 8 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches in volume or less. Except for some minuscule amounts of cremated remains, which cannot practically be removed from the cremation chamber, all cremated remains are placed in the selected urn. If the amount of cremated remains cannot fit inside the selected urn, then any excess cremated remains would be returned in a temporary urn supplied by our crematory.

Costs vary somewhat from region to region and according to the type of services that are used. Funeral services are like anything else; the more elaborate the arrangement, the more it will cost. They can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Local customs that affect demand for the availability of facilities and services have an influence on cost.

The factors affecting cost include the type of service or ceremony conducted, the choice of cremation casket or container, the selection of memorial urn and the form of memorialization.

Most crematories require a closed container to protect the health of operators and for the dignity of the deceased. There are many cremation caskets and containers from which to choose. A popular choice is a hardwood casket, suitable for cremation and for ceremonies prior to the cremation. In some areas, where accepted by the crematory, metal caskets are chosen as well. In addition to fine hardwood and metal caskets, minimum containers made of cardboard of particleboard are also available. Cremation caskets and containers costs will vary according to the materials used and designs selected. Likewise, memorial urns will vary in cost. Urns are made from a variety of materials including bronze and various species of wood. Occasionally, other materials are used such as ceramic.

All aspects of funeral arrangements are a combination of personal preference and financial circumstances. Our funeral service professional can provide detailed information on all of the available options along with specific costs for each. He or she can also explain legal requirements and be sure all proper forms are completed.