Government restrictions on gatherings of people during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many businesses to suspend operations or reduce services, but one group is turning to technology to meet the needs of grieving families.
Most funeral homes in the region now are using webcasting or Facebook Live videos to broadcast funeral services, giving family and friends a way to grieve during a difficult time.
“We’re trying to be accommodating to the families while looking out for the community,” said Jim Sanders at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk.
His company, Sanders said, already has done one online funeral video and plans more going forward.
“This has been very well received,” Sanders said. “People have been very understanding and cooperative, and we’ve not had a problem.”
Greg Mathis at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter and Bernie agreed, saying his company also has done one online service.
“We made the decision to suspend all public viewing and funerals, and it’s been received extremely positively with the public,” Mathis said.
“We have done it, and nobody complained,” said Dale Sifford at Morgan-Sifford Funeral Home in Puxico.
His company, Sifford said, used Facebook Live, but plans to add the capability to stream on its website as well.
“We tested it, and we do have the capability” to provide online services “with the family’s permission,” said Mike Jackson at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. “We’ve posted a letter to families on our website about the guidelines moving forward.”
Jackson noted even though “the number of people gathering has changed, we can still do everything we always do.”
Jerry Hillis at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff said though he has not yet had to offer the service, his company is fully able to provide Facebook Live streaming for families.
“We’re going to do whatever we can to serve the families and taking one day at a time,” Hillis emphasized.
Steve Watkins, owner of Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter and Puxico, said his company has not done a live-streamed video yet, but “we are looking at doing Facebook Live videos for families.”
Those details, he said, are being worked on.
Currently, most area homes are streaming the funeral service only and not the graveside service, though with adequate cellular reception, those could be added.
Sanders said offering the online video streaming is a no-brainer.
“It’s not the best situation, but it gives the opportunity for more family members to view it,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to allow people to grieve and mourn their loss the best we can.”
Other local funeral homes declined to comment or did not respond by press time.
With all the mandates currently in place, military honors at funerals also have been affected.
“The Missouri Veterans Commission suspended all military honors with active-duty personnel,” said Mathis.
In his company’s case, he will have Dexter High School students play taps from a distance, while staff will offer a flag presentation.
“Is it perfect,” Mathis asked. “No.”
At the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, new restrictions also are in place.
“The state will allow a procession to enter the veterans cemetery, but the family must stay in their car to watch,” said Mathis.
Funerals also will be held only on Wednesdays until further notice.