Cremation SERVICES
A meaningful choice, handled with dignity and care.
At Sunset Memorial Oaks, cremation is treated with the same reverence and attention as any other form of final care. Families choose cremation for many reasons — flexibility, simplicity, affordability, and the opportunity to create highly personal tributes.
Whether you envision a traditional funeral with cremation to follow, a memorial service with the urn present, or a private moment of remembrance, our team is here to guide you gently through every option.
In Del Rio and Brackettville, cremations are performed at our on-site crematory, ensuring your loved one never leaves our care. In New Braunfels, we partner with trusted local providers, maintaining the same level of service and compassion you expect from Sunset Memorial Oaks.
Why Families Choose Cremation
Flexibility - Offers flexibility in timing and service style
Affordability - Often more affordable than traditional burial
Personalization - Allows for creative personalization and memorialization
Timing - Provides options for future placement or scattering
Cremation Options We Offer
Cremation does not limit your options—it expands them.
Cremation offers flexibility and a wide range of meaningful options to honor your loved one’s life. At Sunset Memorial Oaks, we offer three main types of cremation services:
Traditional Cremation with a Funeral Service
Includes a public viewing or visitation, followed by a formal funeral service with the body present. After the service, cremation takes place. Families may then choose to bury, scatter, or keep the cremated remains.
Memorial Service After Cremation
A service held after cremation with the urn present. This can be held at our funeral home, a place of worship, or another meaningful location, and allows for more flexible timing and personalization.
Direct Cremation
A dignified and affordable option involving the transport of your loved one, completion of all legal requirements, and cremation—without a formal ceremony. Families may still plan a memorial at a later time.
How We Care For Your Loved Ones
When you choose Sunset Memorial Oaks, your loved one is always treated with the utmost respect and handled by our own team.
Traditional Cremation with a Funeral Service
Includes a public viewing or visitation, followed by a formal funeral service with the body present. After the service, cremation takes place. Families may then choose to bury, scatter, or keep the cremated remains.
Memorial Service After Cremation
A service held after cremation with the urn present. This can be held at our funeral home, a place of worship, or another meaningful location, and allows for more flexible timing and personalization.
Direct Cremation
A dignified and affordable option involving the transport of your loved one, completion of all legal requirements, and cremation—without a formal ceremony. Families may still plan a memorial at a later time.
One commitment, three locations—care you can trust at every stage.
Our Cremation Promise and What to Expect
We, as cremation experts, can promise each family we serve the highest level of care and compassion. Here is what you can expect when you work with us:
Courteous, professional service from staff who genuinely care
From the first phone call to the final placement of remains, our team is committed to treating your family with empathy, respect, and professionalism. You will be assisted by compassionate professionals who understand the importance of their role during your time of loss. We are here to listen, answer your questions with clarity, and support you in making decisions that honor your loved one’s wishes.
Prompt filing of permits and completion of all required documentation
Cremation requires several legal authorizations, including a cremation permit, a signed death certificate, and (in Texas) a 48-hour waiting period unless waived by the proper authority. Our staff takes care of these filings quickly and accurately to ensure there are no unnecessary delays. We coordinate with doctors, county officials, and local agencies so you can focus on what matters most — remembering your loved one.
Respectful handling of your loved one throughout the entire process
Your loved one remains in our care every step of the way. In Del Rio and Brackettville, cremation is performed on-site by certified crematory operators who have been trained to carry out each step with reverence and precision. From preparation through final disposition, we follow strict identification protocols and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical care.
Timely return and safekeeping of cremated remains
We understand how important it is for families to receive their loved one’s remains promptly — and with care. Once cremation is complete, we will notify you immediately and keep the urn or container securely in our custody until you are ready to receive it. If desired, we can assist with selecting a memorial urn, coordinating burial, or planning a future memorial service or scattering ceremony.
Cremation Considerations - Details That Matter During a Difficult Time
Choosing cremation opens the door to many meaningful ways to remember a life — from quiet, private moments to full services with family and friends. Because we operate our own on-site crematory in Del Rio (and supervise trusted partners for New Braunfels families), your loved one remains in our professional care at every step.
Once cremation is selected, the legally authorized next-of-kin completes the consent forms; our staff then handles transportation, permits, and scheduling. As you begin to plan, consider the following:
Clothing & Uniform – “How should we dress our loved one?”
Would you like your loved one dressed in something meaningful before cremation — such as a uniform, suit, or favorite outfit? Your funeral director can also advise on jewelry or items best removed prior to cremation.
Keepsakes & Messages – “Can we place items in the cremation container?”
Many families choose to include personal items in the cremation casket, such as letters, prayer cards, photographs, or small tokens of remembrance. We will walk you through what is possible and meaningful.
Urn & Memorial Choices – “What happens with the ashes afterward?”
After cremation, you will choose how you wish to honor your loved one’s remains — whether that is an urn for display, burial in a cemetery, placement in a columbarium niche, or eventual scattering. We offer a wide range of urns and keepsakes to help tell their story.
Did you know?
61.9% of families now choose cremation in the U.S.
That number is projected to reach 82.1% by 2045 (Source: 2024 NFDA Cremation & Burial Report)
Many families are drawn to cremation for its flexibility, affordability, and ability to create highly personal tributes. Whether it is a small gathering, a traditional service, or a memorial with the urn present, cremation allows you to honor your loved one in the way that feels most meaningful to you.
We are here to help you honor your loved one your way.
What to Know
Texas law requires a minimum 48-hour waiting period after the time of death before cremation can occur, unless waived in writing by a justice of the peace, medical examiner, or court order. We handle all necessary filings and permissions on your behalf.
We are Here to Support You
Whether you are preplanning or currently in need, Sunset Memorial Oaks is ready to help you navigate your options with confidence and care. Contact one of our locations in Del Rio, Brackettville, or New Braunfels to schedule a meeting or speak with a cremation specialist.
Plan with Confidence
During a time of loss, the last thing you need is uncertainty. That’s why our experienced funeral directors are here to manage every detail — with professionalism, compassion, and a steady hand.
Our team can assist with:
- Immediate care and transportation of your loved one
- Filing permits, death certificates, and legal paperwork
- Obituary writing and newspaper placement
- Scheduling clergy, celebrants, musicians, or service staff
- Designing and printing memorial programs and guest books
- Cemetery and monument coordination
- Aftercare support and grief resources
You can trust us to guide your family with empathy, experience, and deep respect for your wishes.
