Pre-planning and prepaid arrangements - Percy Garner & Son Mortuary

Pre-planning and Prepaid Arrangements

Preparing for end-of-life arrangements in advance—through pre-planning and prepaid contracts—provides peace of mind and important financial protections for families. Percy Garner & Son Mortuary offers comprehensive pre-planning services and prepaid burial plans to help San Augustine families record their wishes, secure current pricing, and relieve loved ones of decision-making burdens during emotional times.

Why Pre-planning Matters

Pre-planning matters because it ensures your personal wishes for burial, cremation, memorialization, and funeral details are clearly documented and honored, while also providing financial protection by locking in current prices and helping shield your family from future cost increases and inflation. By making arrangements in advance, you spare loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief, offering them emotional relief and peace of mind. Pre-planning also provides legal clarity, reducing the risk of confusion or disputes among surviving relatives, and allows for practical preparation by outlining preferences for obituaries, clergy, music, and venue—ensuring the service truly reflects the individual’s values and life.

Key Benefits of Choosing Traditional Services with Percy Garner & Son Mortuary

Full-Service Coordination

We handle permits, scheduling, and vendor arrangements so families can focus on personal farewells.

Emotional & Practical Support

Our directors provide guidance during planning and remain present during the service to support family needs.

Respect for Cultural & Religious Needs

We customize services to reflect faith traditions and community customs.



Local Cemetery Expertise

Our familiarity with San Augustine cemetery rules ensures a seamless burial process.



Professional Presentation

From embalming to casket presentation, our staff maintains high standards of care and attention to detail.



How They Work

Prepaid burial plans allow individuals to pay for funeral arrangements in advance. Key features include:

Pricing Security

Plans lock in current pricing, shielding families from future inflation in funeral costs.

Flexible Payment Options

Many plans offer payment-in-full or installment options to fit budgets.

Contractual Clarity

Contracts outline the services being provided and include details about refunds or transferability if circumstances change.

Prepayment can be funded through personal payment, insurance policy assignment, or trust arrangements.

What Pre-planning Involves

Pre-planning with Percy Garner & Son Mortuary typically includes:


  • A thorough consultation to document preferences for burial or cremation, service type, and specific instructions regarding visitation, clergy, music, and readings.
  • Selection of merchandise such as caskets, urns, or memorial items.
  • Guidance on cemetery selection, plot purchase, and graveside arrangements.
  • Discussion of financial options: pay-in-full, payment plans, or funding through life insurance assignment.
  • Preparation of legally binding documentation and copies for family members.

Benefits of Choosing Prepaid Arrangements

Predictability: Families know what to expect financially and logistically when needs arise.


  • Reduced Burden on Families: With choices made in advance, families can focus on mourning rather than planning.
  • Customized Plans: Preplanning allows detailed customization of services to reflect personal wishes.
  • Reliable Transfer and Execution: Our staff ensures pre-arranged plans are executed as documented, with attention to all legal and logistical requirements.

Legal Considerations and Consumer Protections

We ensure all pre-planning contracts comply with state regulations and include important consumer protections, such as clear disclosure of fees and services, detailed information on refund policies and transferability, and documentation that advises families on how to preserve records and properly notify trustees or executors. We also recommend keeping copies of all pre-planning documents in a safe, accessible place and informing trusted family members or executors about the arrangements to ensure everything is carried out as intended.

How to Begin Pre-planning

Starting the pre-planning process is simple:

Call (936) 275-2511 to schedule a private consultation.

We will review preferences, explain pricing options, and create a written plan that records your wishes.

 If you choose prepayment, we will outline payment options and complete the necessary contracts.

We provide families with copies of plans and advice on where to store them for easy access when needed.

Common Questions About Pre-planning and Prepaid Arrangements

  • Can I change my prepaid plan later?

    Many prepaid plans include clauses for amendments or transfers. We will explain contract details and options if circumstances or preferences change.


  • Who executes my prepaid plan when I pass?

    The designated contact or family members should notify Percy Garner & Son Mortuary. We will retrieve the plan and execute the arrangements as specified.


  • Does prepayment cover cemetery costs?

    Prepaid funeral plans typically cover mortuary services and merchandise. Cemetery plots, opening/closing fees, and monument costs may be separate. We help families coordinate cemetery purchases and integrate those costs into planning if desired.


  • Are prepaid plans refundable?

    Refund policies vary by contract type and state law. We provide full disclosure of refund terms during contract signing.


  • Can pre-planning be part of estate planning?

    es. We advise families to include pre-planning documents in estate plans and notify executors to ensure plans are respected.


Contact

To begin pre-planning, call Percy Garner & Son Mortuary at (936) 275-2511 or visit our office at 304 Ironosa Rd, San Augustine, TX for a confidential consultation.