Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about funeral and cremation costs, your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule, and using this site.
How much does direct cremation cost in Springfield, MO?
Direct cremation in Springfield ranges from $795 to $999 for the low-cost providers: Midwest Cremation ($795), Eden Cremation ($995), and Southwest Cremation ($999). Traditional funeral homes typically charge $3,000–$6,000 for a traditional funeral, and their direct cremation prices are generally higher than the low-cost specialists. Always call to get a current price.
What is the FTC Funeral Rule?
The FTC Funeral Rule is a federal law that gives you the right to: (1) receive a General Price List (GPL) over the phone — they cannot require you to visit in person; (2) see a written GPL before making any decisions; (3) buy only the goods and services you want — no forced packages; and (4) supply your own casket or urn without extra fees.
What is a General Price List (GPL)?
A GPL is a document that every licensed funeral home must provide, listing all available goods and services with their prices. It includes the cost of basic services, transportation, embalming, caskets, urns, cremation, and more. By law, funeral homes must give you a GPL upon request — by phone or in person.
Can I get a price quote over the phone?
Yes! Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide price information over the phone if you ask. They cannot require you to come in person first. We recommend calling multiple providers and asking for their GPL over the phone so you can compare prices.
Why don't more funeral homes publish their prices online?
Fewer than 20% of funeral homes nationally publish prices online. The FTC Funeral Rule only requires them to provide prices upon request — not publish them online. Many providers choose not to publish prices as a business practice. We encourage consumers to call and request GPLs to drive more transparency.
What is the difference between direct cremation and a traditional funeral?
Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option — the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or service. There are no embalming, casket, or funeral ceremony costs. A traditional funeral includes embalming, a viewing, a ceremony (at a funeral home or place of worship), burial or cremation, and typically costs $5,000–$10,000+ total.
What is included in a direct cremation?
A direct cremation typically includes: transportation of the deceased, the cremation process, necessary permits and death certificates, and return of cremated remains. Some providers include an urn, some provide a temporary container. The all-inclusive direct cremation at Southwest Cremation ($999) includes a 60-mile transport radius, private cremation, a wood or metal urn, 2 death certificates, and all permits.
Are corporate-owned funeral homes more expensive?
Everstory Partners, a national funeral and cemetery group, owns three properties in the Springfield area: Eastlawn Funeral Home, Klingner-Cope at Rivermonte, and Klingner-Cope at White Chapel. Aggregator estimates suggest traditional funeral costs at these properties average around $5,135, which is in the middle of the market range. Corporate ownership does not necessarily mean higher prices, but it does mean profits go to a national company rather than a local family.
What counties does your site cover?
We currently cover Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk, Lawrence, and Dallas counties. We have identified 23 providers across these six counties. Greene County (Springfield) has the most providers with 11. Webster and Dallas counties are under-served with only 1 provider each.
How can I submit pricing information?
If you have a current General Price List from any provider in our area, you can submit it through our Submit GPL form. We review submissions and update our data to keep it current.
Still have questions? Learn more about this site or contact us.