Resources - Percy Garner & Son Mortuary

Our Resources

Percy Garner & Son Mortuary compiles practical resources to help families in San Augustine and nearby communities manage the logistical, legal, and emotional aspects of end-of-life planning and bereavement. These resources aim to provide clear information on funeral planning, financial considerations, legal documents, bereavement counseling, and community support options. Use this page as a centralized guide to navigate tasks before, during, and after a loss.

Access to accurate information reduces confusion and stress during difficult times. Families benefit from knowing steps to take immediately after a death, understanding financial options, and connecting with grief support. Our resources are curated to be practical, local where possible, and sensitive to the needs of grieving families.

Immediate Steps After a Death

Notify the appropriate authorities

For a death at home, contact emergency services or the physician. In a medical facility, staff will take care of all required notifications.

Contact Percy Garner & Son Mortuary

(936) 275-2511 for transfer and arrangement support.

Locate important documents

Will, pre-planning paperwork, social security number, and insurance information help expedite arrangements.

Notifying Key Individuals

Notify family, close friends, and employer as appropriate.

Determine the desired type of service

Traditional funeral, direct burial, or cremation with a memorial.

Financial and Legal Resources

Social Security Administration

Information on survivor benefits and required documentation.

Veterans Affairs

Guidance on burial benefits, headstones, and national cemetery eligibility for veterans.

Local Probate Court

 Information about probate processes and executor duties.

Contact policy holders and insurance providers for claims processing.

For plot purchases, interment scheduling, and monument rules.

Planning and Pre-planning Tools

  • Pre-Planning Checklist: Includes questions about preferences for burial vs. cremation, ceremony type, clergy choice, music, and desired personalization.
  • Budget Worksheet: Helps families estimate costs and choose appropriate packages and payment options.
  • Merchandise Guide: Information on caskets, urns, memorial products, and alternatives tailored to different budgets.

Grief and Bereavement Support

  • Local Counselors and Therapists: We provide referrals to licensed grief counselors in San Augustine and nearby areas.
  • Support Groups: Local and online grief support groups for adults, families, and children.
  • Educational Materials: Pamphlets and guides on coping strategies, supporting children, and navigating anniversaries and holidays.
  • Community Resources: Links to hospice organizations, social services, and religious institutions offering grief ministries.

Veterans-Specific Resources

  • National Archives: Instructions to request a DD-214 if needed for veterans’ benefit verification.
  • Veterans Service Organizations (VSO): Local VSO contacts for assistance with benefits and honors.
  • VA Burial Benefits Guide: Steps to apply for VA markers or interment benefits.

Cemetery and Burial Information

  • Local Cemetery Contacts: Information and guidelines for local cemeteries in San Augustine, including rules for markers, grave openings, and scheduling.
  • Burial Vault and Marker Options: Explanation of common cemetery requirements and choices.
  • Green Burial Alternatives: Overview of environmentally friendly burial options, availability, and legal considerations.

Obituary and Memorial Guidance

Writing an obituary involves using respectful templates and examples that help families include key details such as the loved one’s life story, achievements, surviving family members, and service information. Newspaper and online notices provide opportunities to share these obituaries through local publications and digital platforms, ensuring the information reaches the community and extended family. Memorial keepsakes further honor a life by offering meaningful options such as printed service programs, memory books, and digital memorial pages that preserve memories and allow others to share condolences and reflections.

Practical Aftercare: Estate and End-of-Life Administration

Executor Duties: Checklist for executors including inventorying assets, handling financial accounts, and initiating probate.

Important Contacts: Social Security, banks, insurance companies, and utility providers.

Document Safekeeping: Best practices for preserving wills, trust documents, and pre-planning paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I get a death certificate?

    We assist families in obtaining certified copies of the death certificate through local county records offices. We guide you through the paperwork and submission.


  • How soon must funeral services be held?

     Timing varies based on cultural, legal, and logistical factors. We help coordinate a timeline that respects family needs, religious traditions, and cemetery scheduling.


Contact for Resource Assistance

For help accessing any of these resources or for referrals to local services, call Percy Garner & Son Mortuary at (936) 275-2511. Our staff provides assistance in navigating paperwork, benefits, and community support.