Gregory Hurd,
Cumerford Hurd Funeral Home

Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home is a locally owned, independent Funeral Home. Our staff is committed to meeting the needs of Peoria by providing dignified and affordable funeral and cremation services in a comfortable homelike atmosphere. We are confident that if given the opportunity to serve your family at the time of need, you will be pleased with the way you are treated and will be impressed with our beautiful funeral home, its spacious interior, and its peaceful surroundings.

We understand that what served the families of our community years ago may not be what serves them well today. That is why we remain at the forefront of innovations that provide real comfort and practical solutions at a most difficult time. Providing things like personalized memorial folders, flag cases and tribute videos are a few examples.

Find out more at www.cumerford.com

What is a prearranged funeral?

A prearranged funeral is a funeral arrangement made prior to a death. It is a practical way of determining your wishes for your own funeral of for the funeral of a person for whom you are responsible.

How do you make funeral prearrangements?

It is not a difficult or complicated task, simply call us and make an appointment. There is no charge for prearrangement consultation. We provide price lists of services, caskets, vaults, and urns are available, without obligation or charge. Prearrangements can be made at the funeral home or in the privacy of your own home. Your wishes are recorded in writing and retained on file until needed.

Who prearranges a funeral?

Anyone can consider prearrangement. Usually retired people who are making a will or changing a will, family members or an executor who is responsible for the care of someone in a nursing home or retirement home, people who travel and vacation a lot or family members who are caring for someone terminally ill.

What are the advantages of prearrangements?

• Most people tell us “Peace of Mind”.


• Provides an opportunity to ask questions to get clear and concise answers on all aspects of the funeral.


• Personal choices are considered and economic decisions can be made while not under emotional stress.


• Ensures your wishes are recorded in writing and retained on file.


• Relieves family members of difficult choices at time of death.


• Prearrangement is a practical idea that makes sense.


• Prearrangement is part of sensible estate planning

What is the significance of a funeral service?

From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her journey into the afterlife.

Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. A "closure" of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn.

Can I personalize the Funeral Service or Cremation Service?

Yes. No two funerals are alike, nor should they be. Your funeral director can help you personalize a funeral within a budget you are comfortable with and in the way you want your loved one remembered. Since most funeral directors will do whatever is possible to help you create a meaningful ceremony, be sure to share your ideas for personalizing the funeral with him or her. Ask questions and state your unique preferences no matter what they may be.

It is also important to understand the exact types of services and merchandise you will receive for the price you will pay. We encourage you to compare services available, prices and reputation of the funeral homes you are considering. Unlike most consumer transactions, funeral arrangements are usually made at a very emotional time, so take your time and understand your options. Or, better yet, make your own arrangements in advance and save your family the difficulties and potential higher costs.

There are many traditional choices to make; simple or elaborate, viewing or visitation, remembrance or religious rites, chapel or graveside, burial or cremation. Additionally, your choices of music, flowers, location, monument, etc. can all reflect your individual tastes and wishes. As you consider your choices, also think about the people who will attend your services. Sometimes, something as simple as a certain piece of music or type of flower can offer loved ones a great deal of comfort when it elicits a special memory or significance.

A word about comparing funeral costs and prices

We invite families to compare services, facilities, equipment, merchandise, and professional services with any other funeral home in the area. We believe we provide superior quality and services at reasonable prices. Cost comparisons between funeral home must be done with care in the privacy of your own home, not in another funeral home. Some funeral homes may appear at first glance to be less costly because of their service charges are lower, yet their caskets, vaults and urns may be prices higher. When you compare the total price of identical services and merchandise, you will find that we provide the best value in the Peoria area.

Do you do cremation services?

Yes. People choose cremation for a variety of reasons. Some do so based on environmental considerations. Others have philosophical or religious reasons. Still others choose cremation because they feel it is simpler and less complicated. Whatever the reason for choosing cremation, many people find that it not only gives them an opportunity to create and personalize their funeral service, but also offers numerous options for final disposition of the cremated remains. The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that with cremation, there is no need for funeral services. However, a funeral or memorial service is an important step in helping the bereaved overcome their grief. Cremation services can be held in a variety of ways to meet the needs of you and your family.

Are cremation societies the only places that do cremations?

No. It has been known that nurses in hospitals, nursing homes and with hospice have told families that cremation societies are the only places that handle cremations. Any funeral home can handle cremations and services. Beware that the ads that you see in the newspapers for cremations are only name and phone number, they have no facilities or equipment.

What if a death occurs out of town or out of state?

Contact the funeral home where the funeral service will be held. Do not make the mistake of contacting a funeral home in the area where the death occurred if they will not be holding the funeral services. This can unnecessarily lead to two sets of charges. The funeral director of the funeral home of choice will make the necessary arrangements.

Are you locally own funeral home?

Yes. Margaret and Gregory Hurd own the funeral home. We are not part of or affiliated with a large corporation. Large corporation will usually charge 30 to 40% higher and you may not deal with the same person throughout the entire funeral process.

Experts Online is a general information source only. Always consult a professional about your particular situation before following the advice given here. WEEK-TV and Granite Broadcasting Corporation take no responsibility for the opinions expressed here nor do they represent the opinions of WEEK-TV and Granite Broadcasting. Experts have paid a promotional fee.