When a loved one dies, it can be a confusing time. What do you do when death occurs?  If you have questions, of course, you may call Ford & Sons Funeral Home at 573-334-1313.  

Here are some guidelines to help you when you go through the experience of the death of a loved one. 

Notify the funeral home. In the event that the death occurs at a hospital or nursing home, generally speaking, those facilities will contact the funeral home for you. We in turn will contact your family when we have been notified by the hospital or nursing home.

If death occurs at a residence, and the deceased is under hospice care, the hospice staff will contact the funeral home. If the deceased has not been under hospice care, it will be your responsibility to contact the funeral home. At that point we will notify the coroner of the death, and he, one of his deputies, or the local law enforcement agency will be dispatched to the place of death. The funeral home will be present to take the deceased to the funeral home when directed by the coroner.

Gather infomation. The type of information needed includes the social security number; dates and places of birth and marriage; full names of the parents of the deceased, including the mother's maiden name; address of residence and length of time lived there; if the deceased is a veteran, discharge papers (showing serial number, dates of entry into and discharge from the service); places of employment, including the specific occupation; memberships in organizations, such as, church or any clubs; cemetery information; and any other personal information you wish to include in the obituary.

Gather belongings. Select clothing to be worn, photograph of the deceased, or any other personal belongings that you wish to be placed with the deceased.