If you need us right now, we answer 24 hours a day: (432) 563-9767
Choosing cremation often comes with questions families are not sure how to ask.
Where will my loved one be taken? Who will care for them? How is their identity protected? How do I know the remains returned to me are theirs? How long will the process take? Can our family be present?
You deserve clear answers.
At American Heritage Cemetery, Funeral Home & Crematory, cremation takes place on our own campus in Midland. From the time your loved one enters our care through the return of their remains, the process is handled by our local team and documented every step of the way.
Every step of the cremation is recorded on a documented checklist, through to the return of the remains.
Separately, and regardless of what a family has chosen, every person in our care is accounted for every day.
These are not extra steps added at the end. They are how we work.
Because our crematory is located on the American Heritage campus, your loved one does not need to be transferred to an outside crematory after entering our care. The same local team remains responsible throughout the process.
Part of that time is required by law and documentation. Texas requires a minimum waiting period of 48 hours after the time of death before a cremation may take place unless the waiting period is legally waived.
Before cremation can proceed, we must also have written authorization from the person legally permitted to authorize the cremation. The required death record and burial-transit permit must be completed, and some deaths require additional written clearance from the medical examiner or justice of the peace.
There may also be families already scheduled ahead of yours. We do not rush one family's care in order to move to the next.
We would rather give you a realistic time frame at the beginning than make a promise we may not be able to keep.
We can arrange this by request and appointment.
Our crematory is a working facility rather than a formal viewing room. Before you decide, we will explain what the setting is like and what you should expect so you can make the choice that feels right for your family.
There is no pressure either way. Our role is simply to answer the question honestly and help you understand the options available to you.
A service may take place before the cremation or afterward. Families may gather in our chapel, at their own church or place of worship, or in another setting that is meaningful to them.
Some families want a traditional funeral followed by cremation. Others prefer a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. There is no single right way to do it.
Learn more about our funeral and memorial service options.
Some families keep the remains at home. Others choose burial or placement at American Heritage Cemetery so there is a permanent place to visit. Families may also have another plan that reflects their wishes, traditions or faith.
We can explain the choices without pressure and help you decide what fits your family.
Learn more about cemetery, burial and memorialization options.
Our staff can help families understand those benefits, coordinate military honors and discuss cemetery and memorialization options for veterans.
Learn more about our veteran services.
You can review our Pricing & Packages and our current General Price List, or call us at (432) 563-9767 and we will explain the available options and charges clearly.
You do not need to know what to ask for before you call. Tell us what has happened and what your family is considering, and we will help you understand the next steps.
Preplanning can record your wishes, document the type of service you want and give your family a clear place to begin when the time comes.
Learn more about planning ahead.
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After office hours, a live answering service that works exclusively with funeral homes answers your call and connects you with our on-call funeral director.
If someone has died or you need immediate guidance, call (432) 563-9767.
4100 N FM 1788
Midland, TX 79707
(432) 563-9767
Office visits: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Cemetery grounds: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Phones answered: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Choosing cremation often comes with questions families are not sure how to ask.
Where will my loved one be taken? Who will care for them? How is their identity protected? How do I know the remains returned to me are theirs? How long will the process take? Can our family be present?
You deserve clear answers.
At American Heritage Cemetery, Funeral Home & Crematory, cremation takes place on our own campus in Midland. From the time your loved one enters our care through the return of their remains, the process is handled by our local team and documented every step of the way.
How we protect your loved one's identity
When a family requests cremation, a numbered metal identification disc is assigned and stays with your loved one through the process. That same disc is placed with the remains when they are returned to the family. The identification number also appears on the paperwork associated with the cremation, keeping the person in our care and the documentation connected.Every step of the cremation is recorded on a documented checklist, through to the return of the remains.
Separately, and regardless of what a family has chosen, every person in our care is accounted for every day.
These are not extra steps added at the end. They are how we work.
Because our crematory is located on the American Heritage campus, your loved one does not need to be transferred to an outside crematory after entering our care. The same local team remains responsible throughout the process.
How long does cremation take?
We generally ask families to allow 3 to 10 days.Part of that time is required by law and documentation. Texas requires a minimum waiting period of 48 hours after the time of death before a cremation may take place unless the waiting period is legally waived.
Before cremation can proceed, we must also have written authorization from the person legally permitted to authorize the cremation. The required death record and burial-transit permit must be completed, and some deaths require additional written clearance from the medical examiner or justice of the peace.
There may also be families already scheduled ahead of yours. We do not rush one family's care in order to move to the next.
We would rather give you a realistic time frame at the beginning than make a promise we may not be able to keep.
Can our family be present?
Yes. Some families ask to be present at the cremation, whether for personal, cultural or religious reasons.We can arrange this by request and appointment.
Our crematory is a working facility rather than a formal viewing room. Before you decide, we will explain what the setting is like and what you should expect so you can make the choice that feels right for your family.
There is no pressure either way. Our role is simply to answer the question honestly and help you understand the options available to you.
Cremation does not mean giving up a funeral
Choosing cremation does not mean your family cannot have a funeral, visitation, celebration of life or religious service.A service may take place before the cremation or afterward. Families may gather in our chapel, at their own church or place of worship, or in another setting that is meaningful to them.
Some families want a traditional funeral followed by cremation. Others prefer a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. There is no single right way to do it.
Learn more about our funeral and memorial service options.
What can we do with the remains afterward?
Cremation gives families several choices.Some families keep the remains at home. Others choose burial or placement at American Heritage Cemetery so there is a permanent place to visit. Families may also have another plan that reflects their wishes, traditions or faith.
We can explain the choices without pressure and help you decide what fits your family.
Learn more about cemetery, burial and memorialization options.
Cremation services for veterans
Choosing cremation does not prevent a veteran from receiving military honors or available veterans benefits.Our staff can help families understand those benefits, coordinate military honors and discuss cemetery and memorialization options for veterans.
Learn more about our veteran services.
Clear information about cremation costs
Families should be able to understand the cost of cremation before making decisions.What cremation costs
Direct cremation is $1,895 — cremation with everything essential and nothing more. Cremation followed by a memorial service is $3,845. A traditional funeral service with cremation afterward is $7,385.
You can review our Pricing & Packages and our current General Price List, or call us at (432) 563-9767 and we will explain the available options and charges clearly.
You do not need to know what to ask for before you call. Tell us what has happened and what your family is considering, and we will help you understand the next steps.
Planning cremation ahead of time
Some people choose to make their cremation arrangements in advance so their family will not have to make every decision during a difficult time.Preplanning can record your wishes, document the type of service you want and give your family a clear place to begin when the time comes.
Learn more about planning ahead.
A real response, day or night
A death does not always happen during office hours.Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After office hours, a live answering service that works exclusively with funeral homes answers your call and connects you with our on-call funeral director.
If someone has died or you need immediate guidance, call (432) 563-9767.
Visit American Heritage
American Heritage Cemetery, Funeral Home & Crematory4100 N FM 1788
Midland, TX 79707
(432) 563-9767
Office visits: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Cemetery grounds: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Phones answered: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week