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Pallbearers have the honor of being one of the last people to pay tribute to a deceased individual—they are the people who carry a casket during funeral services and burials. If you’re in the midst of funeral planning, choosing people to carry your loved one’s casket can be a tough decision, given the personal nature of the task. Providing funeral planning services in Harpers Ferry, WV, for nearly 100 years, Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home has found that keeping just a few factors in mind can help simplify the pallbearer selection process.

When it comes to choosing pallbearers, these funeral experts say it’s important to know that:

  • funeral planningPallbearers Can Be Anyone: In the past, pallbearers typically weren’t relatives and were always male. However, today, pallbearers can be anyone—including women and those who were related to the deceased. Since carrying a casket is considered one final act of respect, focus on individuals who would like to have this honor, such as friends and coworkers.
  • There Should Be at Least Six Pallbearers: Since there are three handles on each side of a casket, you’ll want to choose at least six individuals to assign to each one. If there are handles on the front or back of the casket, you can choose a few more. If there are not enough people for the task, your funeral planning service can assist.
  • Caskets Can Be Heavy: The weight of a casket can be a couple hundred pounds, so it’s essential to choose individuals that can confidently lift this weight with the help of fellow pallbearers. Additionally, they will need to have the endurance to carry it to and from a hearse. If an individual isn’t able to lift the casket, you can always make them an honorary pallbearer. Honorary pallbearers follow the casket during the procession, but do not have to carry it.

If you’re finalizing funeral arrangement details, working with a funeral services professional can make the process easier. For specialized, caring assistance to help you with every step of funeral planning in Harpers Ferry, contact Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home at (304) 724-6500. Visit their website for more information on their services

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