What to do when a death occurs in Oklahoma

When a death occurs, families are often unsure what steps to take next. At Practical Cremations of Oklahoma, our experienced staff is available to guide you through each step of the process. The information below will help you understand what typically happens and how we can assist you during this difficult time.

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Our online guide after a loss

Your loved one may have pre-planned any type of services, if your loved one has not made any previous type of arrangements please contact us. We will assist you in what occurs next.

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Contact the proper authorities

Before any arrangements and decisions can be made, a legal pronouncement of death must be declared. If your loved one dies inside of a medical or nursing facility like a hospital or nursing home, the staff will handle getting this declaration made. If your loved one dies at home, you need to immediately contact the local emergency officials to come and take them to a hospital where they can be legally declared dead. Family members who die under hospice care can be declared dead by the hospice staff. This legal declaration must be made before the family can proceed with making any funeral arrangements or handling any legal affairs.

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Deciding the next arrangements

Families interested in our cremation services can easily explore our range of cremation packages and pricing options. Once they've selected the package that best fits their needs, they can initiate the process with just a few clicks and decide on any personal keepsakes. We offer urn selections and keepsake items. Our online system guides them through the necessary steps, from providing essential details about their loved one to assisting with paperwork.

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Information often needed for cremation services

Our staff may need information or paperwork for the death certificate or to proceed with making final arrangements.


Information Required:


  • Full name and address
  • Marital status
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Date and city of birth
  • Highest level of education
  • Father’s name, mother’s maiden name
  • Name of spouse
  • Occupation and employer
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Extra documentation we may need

Our staff may need important documents to complete any legal paperwork. These documents include:


  • Account statements
  • Beneficiary designations
  • Life insurance policies
  • Military discharge papers (form DD 214)
  • Social Security number