Hillcrest Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana, serves as a comprehensive facility providing end-of-life arrangements, including traditional funeral services, cremation options, and memorial planning. Located at 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana, the facility supports the greater Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area with professional mortuary care and compassionate family guidance during the bereavement process.
Understanding Available Services and Facility Capabilities
Selecting a funeral home is a significant decision that involves balancing emotional needs with logistical requirements. As of 2026, Hillcrest Funeral Home operates as a full-service provider, integrating its funeral home services with the adjacent Hillcrest Memorial Park. This proximity allows for seamless coordination between the memorial service and final interment, reducing the stress of transporting remains between multiple locations.
The facility provides several distinct service tiers designed to accommodate diverse cultural, religious, and personal preferences. Understanding these options is the first step in creating a meaningful tribute.
Core Service Offerings
- Traditional Funeral Services: Includes professional embalming, cosmetic preparation, visitation or viewing hours, and a funeral ceremony held either at the chapel or an off-site location like a church.
- Cremation Services: Options range from direct cremation—the most cost-effective method involving no formal service—to cremation with a preceding visitation and funeral service.
- Graveside Services: A focused ceremony held directly at the burial site within the associated memorial park, often selected for intimacy or specific family requests.
- Pre-Planning Arrangements: A proactive approach that allows individuals to document their preferences and fund services at current 2026 pricing levels, effectively shielding survivors from future inflationary costs.
Logistical Coordination for Families in Shreveport
Navigating the logistics of a funeral requires close communication with the administrative staff. When a death occurs, the immediate priority is notifying the local authorities and the funeral home to initiate the transfer of remains. Hillcrest maintains a 24-hour dispatch service, ensuring that families can receive assistance regardless of the time of day or day of the week.
Necessary Documentation and Administrative Requirements
When meeting with a funeral director, families should prepare to provide specific legal documentation to ensure all paperwork, including the death certificate, is filed correctly with the State of Louisiana.
- Vital Statistics Information: Full legal name, social security number, date of birth, place of birth, and residency.
- Parental Information: Names of parents, including mother's maiden name, for government filing.
- Veteran Status: If the deceased served in the armed forces, a DD214 form is required to verify eligibility for military honors, including the ceremonial folding of the flag and burial in a national cemetery.
- Insurance Policies: If the family intends to use life insurance to cover costs, bring the policy documentation to the initial consultation.
Financial Considerations and Service Comparisons
Understanding the cost structure is vital for informed decision-making. Funeral expenses in the Shreveport area generally fall into three categories: professional service fees, merchandise (caskets, urns, vaults), and cash advances (third-party costs like obituaries, clergy honorariums, or death certificate copies).
Comparative Overview of Disposition Options
| Service Type | Complexity | Typical Scope | Memorialization Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | Low | No visitation or formal ceremony | High (urn options, scattering) |
| Traditional Burial | High | Embalming, casket, service, vault | High (monument, grave site) |
| Memorial Service | Moderate | Service held without remains present | Moderate (photographs, tributes) |
| Graveside Burial | Low | Ceremony at the interment site | Moderate (headstone, marker) |
Financial Disclosure Note Prices for funeral services in 2026 are subject to the General Price List (GPL) mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule. This rule requires funeral homes to provide pricing over the telephone and in writing upon request. Always request an itemized GPL before signing any service agreement to ensure transparency in billing.
Veterans Services and Military Honors
Given the strong presence of Barksdale Air Force Base in the Shreveport-Bossier region, many families served by Hillcrest Funeral Home seek assistance with military funeral honors. The funeral home is experienced in coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs to secure the appropriate honors.
To qualify for these honors, families must provide the deceased's military service record. The standard ceremony includes the presence of a military honor guard, the playing of "Taps," and the presentation of the American flag to the next of kin. Furthermore, eligible veterans may receive burial space at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, and the staff at Hillcrest can assist in the application process for these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hillcrest Funeral Home accept pre-paid funeral plans from other facilities? Generally, yes. If you have a pre-paid policy from another funeral home, it is often transferable. You should bring the original policy and contract documents to a consultation, and the staff will assist in contacting the insurance carrier or trust fund to verify the transferability of the funds.
What is the difference between a casket and a vault? A casket is the container in which the deceased is placed for viewing and burial. A burial vault is a concrete or metal container placed in the ground into which the casket is lowered to prevent the earth from settling over the grave. Most cemeteries, including Hillcrest Memorial Park, require a vault to maintain the structural integrity of the grounds.
How long does it take to obtain a death certificate in Shreveport? The timeline varies, but typically, the funeral director files the initial certificate with the state. Once signed by the attending physician or coroner, copies can usually be obtained through the Louisiana Vital Records office within 10 to 14 business days, depending on the county registration speed.
Are there options for religious, non-denominational, or secular services? The facility is fully adaptable. Whether you require a traditional Catholic mass, a Baptist service, or a secular celebration of life, the staff facilitates the setup of the chapel to reflect the desired environment, including the use of music, floral arrangements, and liturgical decor.
Can I view the facility before making arrangements? Yes, scheduling a tour of the facility is highly recommended. It allows you to assess the chapel size, parking accessibility, and overall atmosphere. Contact the administrative office during standard business hours to arrange a time that works for your family.
Guidance for Families During the Arrangement Process
When meeting with the staff, remain focused on the values of the deceased. Whether the goal is a highly elaborate public service or a private, quiet farewell, the objective of the funeral home is to facilitate the family's wishes. Use the time during the planning session to discuss specific requests, such as music choices, slide show presentations, or the display of personal mementos that represent the life lived.
If you are navigating the immediate aftermath of a death, prioritize your well-being. Do not feel obligated to make every decision alone; invite a trusted friend or family member to accompany you to the funeral home. Their presence can provide emotional support and assist in remembering details discussed during the consultation.
For those seeking to finalize arrangements, contact the administrative office of Hillcrest Funeral Home to speak with a licensed director who can guide you through the 2026 requirements and service packages tailored to your specific needs.
