Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, funeral homes are being forced to find new, safe ways to connect families, said Matthew Morian, director of Lucas Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Keller.

From services of 10 people or fewer, to online guest and in memoriam options, along with live viewings over Facebook and other media, the goal remains the same: to make connections and allow family and community members to grieve.

“The best thing we have been able to do is update our ability to livestream services,” Morian said. “We have done our best to change what would be considered a pretty out-of-date and out-of-touch business to be something families can still feel comfortable working with.”

A number of families in Keller and surrounding areas, especially those holding private services of 10 people or fewer, are having to make tough decisions, said Marcie Russell, manager of Keller’s Old Town Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

“Unfortunately, [many families are] having to quarantine, but if the family does choose to see their loved one, they still can,” Russell said.


Along with Apple FaceTime or Facebook Live viewing options, Old Town Funeral Home has a unique chapel with windows that open up to the parking area, she said.

As a result, the funeral home has begun a drive-thru-type service option that allows for open viewings. Guests now have the ability to drive their car up to the chapel, where they can reflect, sign a memorial book and acknowledge close family members from a safe distance.

“It is not a normal process, but we are working with families in order for those that really need to be there to be there,” Russell said. “We are here to serve, and we are here to help these families in any way we can.”

When it comes down to it, Morian said, it is about being “smart and safe” regarding the health and safety of clients and staff.


Funeral homes are classified under similar health care provisions as other medical providers, he said, and an online arrangement process can help families feel safer about spending less time outside the home.

An online arrangement process can be “daunting,” Morian said, but staff has tried to make the process as simple as possible.

“All we are doing now is being extra safe about it,” Morian said. “The funeral director role is different now than it was 30 days ago. The best way we can help is to keep families safe and healthy too.”