McLaughlin Mortuary in Fort Walton Beach, FL provides funeral home, burial, veteran, memorialization, cremation and life celebration services. Call us 24/7.
When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Caring, compassionate and patient professionals eased the decision-making process.
MR
melissa raulerson
Feb 17, 2025
5.0
This home has been amazing. They took care of my family and followed up well after the services. In particular, Ms. Pam wrapped her arms around us and our little girl. It was the hardest thing we ever had to walk through and they held our hands every step of the way. I would choose no other home.
JK
Jackie Kessler
Jan 31, 2024
5.0
The men and women at McLaughlins Mortuary were very kind and sympathetic towards the loss of our mother. They also handled the arrangements for our father many years ago. Once again their kindness and competency shows what a stellar business they are.
DL
Donna Leonard
Dec 11, 2023
5.0
During the most difficult times, Mclaughlin staff made us feel like family. They were very personable and caring for my husband with the utmost respect. I would recommend them highly.
FB
F B
Sep 26, 2022
5.0
McLaughlin is simply the best in the business. I can honestly say they made everything as easy as possible while I dealt with the worst moment in my life. Not sure how my family could have gotten through this without their help with everything.
Frequently Asked Questions About McLaughlin Mortuary
What does a Funeral Director do?
Pick up the deceased and transport the body to the funeral home (anytime day or night)
Notify proper authorities, family and/or relatives
Arrange and prepare death certificates
Provide certified copies of death certificates for insurance and benefit processing
Work with the insurance agent, Social Security or Veterans Administration to ensure that necessary paperwork is filed for receipt of benefits
Prepare and submit obituary to the newspapers of your choice
Bathe and embalm the deceased body, if necessary
Prepare the body for viewing including dressing and cosmetizing
Assist the family with funeral arrangements and purchase of casket, urn, burial vault and cemetery plot
Schedule the opening and closing of the grave with cemetery personnel, if a burial is to be performed
Coordinate with clergy if a funeral or memorial service is to be held
Arrange a police escort and transportation to the funeral and/or cemetery for the family
Order funeral sprays and other flower arrangements as the family wishes
Provide Aftercare, or grief assistance, to the bereaved
What do I do when a death occurs?
The funeral home will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery.
Bring the following information to complete the State vital statistic requirements:
✓ Birthplace
✓ Father's Name
✓ Mother's Name
✓ Social Security Number
✓ Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
✓ Education
✓ Marital Status
Contact your clergy. Decide on time and place of funeral or memorial service. This can be done at the funeral home.
The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will be needing and can order them for you.
Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
Decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
Gather obituary information you want to include such as age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service , outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Include time and place of services. The funeral home will normally write article and submit to newspapers (newspaper will accept picture and they will be returned intact).
Arrange for members of family or close friends to take turns answering door or phone, keeping careful record of calls. If Social Security checks are automatic deposit, notify the bank of the death.
When I call, will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when your time is right.
Should I choose Burial or Cremation?
Burial in a casket is the most common method of disposing of remains in the United States, although entombment also occurs. Cremation is increasingly selected because it can be less expensive and allows for the memorial service to be held at a more convenient time in the future when relatives and friends can come together.
A funeral service followed by cremation need not be any different from a funeral service followed by a burial. Usually, cremated remains are placed in urn before being committed to a final resting place. The urn may be buried, placed in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium, or interred in a special urn garden that many cemeteries provide for cremated remains. The remains may also be scattered, according to state law.
What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."
What services does McLaughlin Mortuary provide?
McLaughlin Mortuary offers funeral home, burial, veteran memorialization, cremation, and life celebration services, aiming to create fitting, memorable, and affordable services.
Is McLaughlin Mortuary open 24 hours?
Yes, McLaughlin Mortuary is open 24 hours every day, including Federal Holidays.
What payment options are accepted at McLaughlin Mortuary?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa as payment options.
How can I contact McLaughlin Mortuary for assistance?
You can contact them 24/7 at +1 850-244-5163 or via email at wecare@mclaughlintwincities.com.
What is the role of a Funeral Director at McLaughlin Mortuary?
A Funeral Director handles the transportation and preparation of the deceased, arranges death certificates, coordinates with authorities and families, schedules services, assists with purchases, and provides grief assistance.
Does McLaughlin Mortuary provide embalming services?
Yes, packaging the deceased for viewing, including embalming to preserve and sanitize the body, is part of their services, allowing families time to arrange memorials.
What should I do when a death occurs?
Contact McLaughlin Mortuary for assistance with funeral arrangements and death certificates, notify family and friends, and decide on funeral or memorial service details with clergy support.
What are the burial and cremation options at McLaughlin Mortuary?
You may choose burial, including casket and cemetery arrangements, or cremation, which can be less expensive and allows memorial services at a later time; urn placement options vary.
Which nearby places might be useful for visitors to McLaughlin Mortuary?
Visitors might find Beach Community Bank helpful for financial needs, Captain's Quarters for nearby accommodation, and Upper Room Church of Living for religious services.
Are there recreational or supportive facilities near McLaughlin Mortuary?
Yes, nearby facilities include Fort Walton Barbell Club for fitness, Shelter House Inc for social and mental health services, and Shearsandabrush beauty salon for personal care.
How can nearby businesses help families planning services at McLaughlin Mortuary?
Local vendors like Marshal Lee Painting LLC can assist with home improvements during difficult times, while Barefoot Weddings® offers event planning services that may be useful for celebration of life events.