At Cook-Walden, commemorating a person’s life is growing ever-more creative and customized; moving us away from the stereotype of the austere undertaker and a solemn burial, and toward a wonderfully tailored celebration of life.
General Manager Jared King has been working in the funeral business all his life. He is a third-generation funeral director, and while his humor, compassion and understanding of human nature is a gift, his knowledge of the framework, financials, and protocols to create a memorable and comforting celebration of life is born out of all that experience.
Making a funeral or a memorial into a special, more personal event makes sense, and funeral directors know a great deal about planning special events. “More than anything,” he says, “this is a people-focused profession. Accommodating a family’s wishes can mean anything, from a traditional and respectful service to football uniforms or even clowns.”
To do this, Jared spends time with a family to get to know their loved one and be surrounded by their things. “My first job is simply to listen. I let the family talk about their loved one’s hobbies and interests. I’ve found that our Boomer generation definitely wants something different than what their parents might have done, and we want to encourage the perspective that enjoying yourself is not disrespectful or undignified. Commemorating a special relationship is a healthy way to mourn.”
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Jared feels very strongly about the Georgetown community, and makes every effort to support groups and non-profits all over town, especially those that help veterans, first responders, and kids. “It has always been my family’s intent to give back and be a part of the community in which we live. After that, it is important to get to know people in our community. This is not a business that thrives on advertising, but it is important, when someone has a need, that they have met me or one of my wonderful staff, and they already feel a sense of connection to us.”
True to his word, Cook-Walden is a familiar name and sponsor at Boys & Girls Club events, Field of Honor, The Caring Place, and many more. Jared is also a member of many chambers of commerce and a board member of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.
TAKE THE STRESS OFF
One of the things Cook-Walden does advertise is pre-need planning. Jared says, “Planning ahead for funeral services offers many advantages. Having a plan in place is helpful to me, but also takes the stress off of your loved ones in a difficult time. Many people find it challenging to consider, but it is also something all of us have in common.”
He explains talking to potential clients about funeral planning is a matter of overcoming that reluctance, and often, specific objections to the idea. For instance, because Cook-Walden is part of the Dignity Memorial family, they are able to guarantee a price lock, in writing, for all costs. “Cook-Walden is among the most affordable places regionally, but it is just not an inexpensive part of our lives. Still, if you were buying a new car today, wouldn’t you like to pay a 1990 price? We will give you a guaranteed plan, at today’s prices, and you can make monthly payments over time. It is not insurance; you are paying a cost up front. There is no better way to protect yourself, and the earlier you do it, the better your price will be.”
As well, because the Dignity family has services nationwide, a pre-need plan is not a commitment to be buried in Georgetown. Jared says his plans have national transferability to any one of their 2,000 offices around the country if you move away from Georgetown. Visit DignityMemorial.com and type in a zip code.
“You can also put all of your wishes in writing so your loved ones do not have to have that anxious conversation or, worse, if they have to ask themselves what you might have wanted. Happily, it’s no longer just about which casket and what flowers. Clients can still have those things, but if you prefer, you can also request a motorcycle procession or a garden party.”
THE EASY PART
Jared says at the very least, anyone that wants one can walk in and ask for the pre-planning book. “Even if you don’t buy anything from us, this is yours to have. It includes everything—service orders, people to call, flowers, music—the entire list. It is basically an organizer for end-of-life decisions. So if you’re the kind of person who likes the notebooks with the tabs, or even if you’re not, come see me and take one home with you.”
Visit Jared at 2900 Williams Dr.