Business Details
About
Funeral Home
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries in Panama City, FL provides cemetery, burial services, funeral home, veteran, memorialization, cremation and life celebration services. Call us 24/7.
Our experienced staff is committed to this vision and passionate about making your time with us as memorable and uplifting as possible. We bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life. We pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and we guarantee to offer services that meet all of your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations. Licensed staff members are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss your needs. Whether you are doing pre-planning or need to hold a service soon, we are ready to answer our phone and offer you warm, friendly, and empathetic service.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.8
260 reviews
5 stars
243
4 stars
6
3 stars0
2 stars3
1 star
8
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Compassionate Service
Customers consistently praised the staff for their kindness, empathy, and support during difficult times, making the funeral planning process easier.
Professionalism
Many reviews highlighted the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, ensuring that every detail was handled with care and respect.
Memorable Experiences
Several customers noted that the services provided were memorable and heartfelt, with attention to personal touches that honored their loved ones.
Facility Upkeep
Some feedback indicated concerns about the maintenance of the cemetery grounds, with reports of weeds and unkempt areas detracting from the overall experience.
Therapy Dog
The presence of Gracie, the therapy dog, was frequently mentioned as a comforting addition that helped families cope with their grief.
- AAAngela5 days ago5.0From the very first moment, the care I received at Kent-Forest Lawn was extraordinary. Michael was the first person I met with, and his kindness and compassion were immediate and genuine. He personally picked up my best friend—my sister, Kricket—from the 14th District and handled everything with such delicacy and respect. He explained each step in a way that made an unbearable situation feel just a little more manageable. He truly did everything possible to make this part easier for me. The next person I met with was Scott, and he showed that same level of care and compassion. When I finally broke down, he didn’t rush me or brush it aside. Instead, he walked with me outside to their beautiful water fountain and gently reminded me to breathe in the fresh air. In that moment, he knew exactly how to ground me and help calm my heart. Scott then brought Kat in to speak with me, and she was just as compassionate. She helped me find beauty in something so tragic, offering comfort and a new way to hold what I was experiencing. She gave me personal advice and even her phone number, letting me know I could reach out anytime. That meant more than words can express. I also met Russell, who assured me that Kricket was—and would continue to be—taken care of with dignity and respect. He even offered to pass along one final, special message from me to her, which was incredibly meaningful. Every person I encountered treated me with patience, humanity, and genuine care. In one of the hardest moments of my life, they made me feel supported, understood, and never alone. I will always be grateful for that.
- CMCecilia MyersDec 28, 20255.0I wanted to let everyone know how beautiful my husband's celebration of life was on Dec 27,2025.....Every detail was perfect and heartfelt .....his military dress blues were perfect and all his metals...and the military service men who were there and the gun salute was so touching ....I know my husband was smiling in heaven.....everyone that worked with me was great and understanding...because I was a basket case....Michael Gladde was caring and so helpful with the service details....just perfect as it could be....THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING...GOD BLESS YOU ALL CECELIA MYERS
- DWDavid WesleyDec 16, 20255.0Worked with Kent Forest Lawn on the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Evergreen Memorial Gardens and they made sure that the ceremony was a success. Joe Lowery, the Managing Partner, personally checked on needs and mobilized the staff to make sure the ceremony was perfect. This is the kind of caring and professional service that anyone can expect from this company. They clearly will take care of any family that needs their services.
- DDDonna DenbyDec 11, 20255.0It was unfortunate circumstances to meet this team, but what a blessing they were. Kat and Micheal directed me through every step and made a sad situation so easy to deal with. Not one time did I/we feel alone during this difficult time. Shaina was also wonderful with documents and taking care of photos and we also had the pleasure of meeting Rusty who was also nothing short of amazing!! I felt so lucky to have such an amazing team to help us through such a difficult time and I would highly recommend them.. Thank you all so so much for your support and understanding during this difficult time in our lives, I/we could not have done any of this without your wonderful support and guidance!! Thank you again Donna Denby
- MMMr. Raymond L. MazzaraDec 2, 20255.0Kent-Forest-Lawn Funeral Home did a excellent job handling the funeral of my deceased daughter Katrina Marie Mazzara back in March 15th, 1995 when she passed from a rare form of Leukemia. After all these years I again had to call the funeral home to discuss about having a post put on their website. I called & spoke to Mr. Michael Gladden & John from Kent Forest Lawn about the details they would need after all these years since my daughter passed away. I give both Michael & John a 5 Star review for excellent service in helping me after all these years since my daughter passed. They both need to be commended for going beyond the call of duty after all these years. This is December 2nd, 2005 & they both did an excellent job in helping me after all these years. Anyone in need of funeral services in Bay County or around needs to consider that Funeral Home for their family needs. Respectfully Yours, Mr. Raymond L. Mazzara
Frequently Asked Questions About Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home
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 Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home provide?
Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home offers cemetery, burial services, funeral home services, veteran and memorialization services, cremation and life celebration services.
Is Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home open on federal holidays?
Yes, the funeral home is open 24 hours on federal holidays.
How can I contact Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home for immediate assistance?
You can contact them 24/7 by calling +1 850-763-4694 or emailing wecare@kentforestlawn.com.
What payment methods are accepted at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for payments.
What products are available through Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home?
They provide caskets, urns, flowers, gravestones, burial property, mausoleum, crypts, cremation niche, tombs, and burial vaults.
What should I do immediately after a death occurs?
The funeral home will assist with coordinating cemetery arrangements; you'll need to provide vital info such as birthplace, parents' names, Social Security number, veteran information, education, and marital status; contact your clergy and decide on funeral times; make a list of close contacts and notify them; and work with the funeral home for obituary and memorial details.
What is embalming and is it legally required?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, allowing time between death and funeral arrangements. It is not required by law except in certain cases, typically only necessary if a funeral with viewing is chosen.
How does Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home assist with funeral arrangements?
The funeral director handles transport of the deceased, coordinates with authorities, arranges death certificates, prepares the body, coordinates funeral services, assists with casket and urn selection, and offers grief assistance.
What nearby cemeteries and funeral services are close to Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home?
Nearby are the Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery - KFL and Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemeteries, both providing funeral and cemetery services, which may be helpful for families looking for related services in the area.
What are some nearby healthcare providers that might assist families around Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home?
Nearby healthcare options include Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Bay at Harrison Avenue, Gulf Coast Dermatology, The Clinic of Pediatrics and GI Medicine, and Emerald Coast Hospice, offering medical, specialist, and hospice care.
Are there any nearby parks or recreational areas close to Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home?
St. Joe Beach, a local beach and park known for surfing, is near Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home and could be a place to visit before or after your arrangements.