Home made coffins.....

[Bob Wright]

The town o fLebanon, Tennessee took its name from the Biblical town of the same name. This because of the abundance of cedar trees in the area. Cedar is a choice wood for cedar chests and closet lining, as ita aroma repels moths. Many woodworkers chose cedar for this, plus the fact it is a soft wood easily worked, carved and sanded. Plus an attractive appearance.

Around that area it was popular many years ago for woodworkers to make thier own coffins prior to their deaths. (When else, you say?) They made these as simple or as elaborate as they could or desired. The finished coffin, or coffins, were stored under their beds until time of need.

I have been to many "sittin' up with the dead" visits in which the body was displayed in bed as it asleep. Then prior to burial, the coffin was dragged out and the body placed inside and taken to the cemetery for burial.

Dpn't see this much anymore.

\Bob Wright

 

[Fox Mike]

Interesting story about the coffins. The last "wake" that I attended, that occurred in a home, was when I was still in high school. Now they are called 'viewings' and at the funeral parlor

 

[Tenbore]

Must have had really high beds.

 

[41Dude]

I plan in getting mine from Amazon. Not kidding. Do a coffin search on Amazon.
From assemble ones to luxury ones.

 

[Shotgungibbs]

Last year, a very good friend of mine's brother-in-law passed away. One of the deceased son's hand built a coffin for his father. It was very well done, not fancy, but well built with heavy rope handles. That was the only time in my 64 years that I've seen that.

 

[Bullthrower338]

My Father and a friend built a coffin for a good friend of ours. Built a beautiful “pine box” out of blued pine with rope handles. His wife hates it and it remains covered with blankets until needed. When the time comes we will hand dig the grave where he has requested.
Dad sent me a picture of him in the coffin and I told him that a guy shouldn’t do that, he thought it was hilarious. He beat his friend to the happy hunting ground several years ago but that darn picture hangs at our local tavern.

 

[MaxMan]

Friend of mine has a God son who bought a house from a friend whose dad is buried in the back yard, The house was somewhat isolated now there are houses around it. Dont know how hes going to sell it. Other than that "I Know nothing...."

 

[Gator89]

My brother constructed coffins for both himself and his wife. Now the coffins are in storage until needed.

 

[sfhogman]

I told told my wife that I have arranged to be stuffed and posed in a leopard skin loincloth holding a spear over a dead dik dik.

We disagree on whether I'm to be placed in the garage or in the front hall to greet guests....

 

[JohnL]

Many people in this part of northern New Mexico are buried in home made coffins. It is often considered an act of respect and love for the dead.

 

[DGW1949]

The town o fLebanon, Tennessee took its name from the Biblical town of the same name. This because of the abundance of cedar trees in the area. Cedar is a choice wood for cedar chests and closet lining, as ita aroma repels moths. Many woodworkers chose cedar for this, plus the fact it is a soft wood easily worked, carved and sanded. Plus an attractive appearance.

Around that area it was popular many years ago for woodworkers to make thier own coffins prior to their deaths. (When else, you say?) They made these as simple or as elaborate as they could or desired. The finished coffin, or coffins, were stored under their beds until time of need.

I have been to many "sittin' up with the dead" visits in which the body was displayed in bed as it asleep. Then prior to burial, the coffin was dragged out and the body placed inside and taken to the cemetery for burial.

Dpn't see this much anymore.

\Bob Wright

I saw a lot of that when I was much younger. I remember being sent to take food to one where they had the deceased laid out on a kitchen table, because it was deep winter and the kitchen was the only room that had heat....These days though, no. These days, it seems that folks prefer to shuffle their dead off to strangers. And because modern-day funeral homes close at some point during the night, they don't allow "sittin' up".....People had more respect back then.

DGW

 

[Bullthrower338]

One of the stories in Virginia City, MT is of a man who died in the dead of winter when the ground was to frozen to dig. He was placed in the bath house and left in “cold storage “ until spring thaw. My only thought was did his old woman go the whole winter without a bath?

 

[Mobuck]

So, am I the only one who knew what the red cedar lumber in the barn loft was really for?

 

[Kevin]

I plan in getting mine from Amazon. Not kidding. Do a coffin search on Amazon.
From assemble ones to luxury ones.

And have you read some of the reviews? Stuff like, "Grampa didn't complain." Great stuff!

My parents bought their headstone years and years ago. A big piece of Granite. For a while it was an outdoor coffee table. I think now it's in a cemetery in Iowa waiting on them.

 

[41Dude]

And have you read some of the reviews? Stuff like, "Grampa didn't complain." Great stuff!

My parents bought their headstone years and years ago. A big piece of Granite. For a while it was an outdoor coffee table. I think now it's in a cemetery in Iowa waiting on them.

I have not read reviews. I will now. Great story on granite. We are getting to be an age here where we should get a little serious about planning. The outside coffee table is a winner

 

[epags]

Some number of years ago it was a fad to buy a coffin and use it (for the short term?) as a stand up liquor/bar. A bit macabre but a real thing at that time.

 

[Jeepnik]

My uncle, dad's brother, was a carpenter (he hated the term woodworker). He could build anything from a corral to the most beautiful furniture you've ever seen. He made quite a few coffins and put as much love and skill into them as he was capable. Often he never charged for them.

When the cancer got him he was too sick to build his own. But a group of his friends made him the most exquisite one I've ever seen. I don't know what woods were used but it just seemed to glow from within.

The hardware was some he had acquired and had squirreled away just for the purpose.

Some folks might not understand putting that many hours of labor into something "just going into the ground" but what his friends created was a testament to a guy that called himself "a simple carpenter".

 

[Bob Wright]

As to delayed burial, gypsies bury their dead only once a year.
my first wife worked at a frozen food warehouse. One day the USDA came by for an inspection. Acidentally they went into one room seldom used. There they found several corpses ofgy psies waiting to be buried. It was quite a while before that warehouse was able to be back in business.

Bob Wright

 

[vito]

Sadly many gullible people are pressured into buying expensive caskets that are sold with the implication that they are sealed and will protect the body from decomposition. Of course this is nonsense, as bacteria will decompose the body whether the casket/coffin is airtight or not. For anyone who truly wants to return to the earth as quickly as possible, a simple wood coffin makes sense. Most Jewish burials involve a simple wooden box, made with dowels and no metal nails or screws, and the unembalmed body is wrapped in a simple shroud to aid in a rapid decomposition of the remains.

Cremation of course eliminates the need for a coffin of any type. Back in the days when both my wife and myself were heavy smokers, I told her that if I died she should have me cremated and put into a bean bag type ashtray so that I would be with her forever. But we both quit smoking decades ago. I told her to have my ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery, for which I am eligible, and this way it won't cost her a dime. I plan to do the same for her if she pre-deceases me.

 

[john guedry]

The Rev. Billy Graham had his coffin built at Angola (state prison) by one of the "lifers" incarcerated there.

 

[dadstillsurfs]

My uncle, dad's brother, was a carpenter (he hated the term woodworker). He could build anything from a corral to the most beautiful furniture you've ever seen. He made quite a few coffins and put as much love and skill into them as he was capable. Often he never charged for them.

When the cancer got him he was too sick to build his own. But a group of his friends made him the most exquisite one I've ever seen. I don't know what woods were used but it just seemed to glow from within.

The hardware was some he had acquired and had squirreled away just for the purpose.

Some folks might not understand putting that many hours of labor into something "just going into the ground" but what his friends created was a testament to a guy that called himself "a simple carpenter".

Great story.. I don't know about you, but my Lord and Savior was a carpenter too!

 

[Watertender]

I am going to be cremated and put in a toolbox with a set of tools.
For years I have brought tools to funerals to put with the deceased and people really appreciate the gesture.
My 1st wife's father was a tool and die welder so I put a stinger and a couple of pieces of welding rod with him. Her uncles were tool and die makers so they each have a micrometer. The family thought that was very appropriate and thanked me for the idea.

 

[Bob Wright]

Sadly many gullible people are pressured into buying expensive caskets that are sold with the implication that they are sealed and will protect the body from decomposition. Of course this is nonsense, as bacteria will decompose the body whether the casket/coffin is airtight or not. For anyone who truly wants to return to the earth as quickly as possible, a simple wood coffin makes sense. Most Jewish burials involve a simple wooden box, made with dowels and no metal nails or screws, and the unembalmed body is wrapped in a simple shroud to aid in a rapid decomposition of the remains.

Cremation of course eliminates the need for a coffin of any type. Back in the days when both my wife and myself were heavy smokers, I told her that if I died she should have me cremated and put into a bean bag type ashtray so that I would be with her forever. But we both quit smoking decades ago. I told her to have my ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery, for which I am eligible, and this way it won't cost her a dime. I plan to do the same for her if she pre-deceases me.

First question: How are you eligible for Arlington?

And, it takes a long time for the body to decompose. Remember Abraham Lincoln's body was still preserved enough when recovered it was recognizable. And pretty badly dehydrated but still retaining shape and features, I saw a mummy who could have looked into the face of Moses.

Bob Wright

 

[pawncop]

I will perform my last opportunity to teach upon my death. My body will go to the local medical school as part of the willed body program. What happens after that - who cares? I believe my body will be cremated, and they can scatter my ashes wherever they desire.

 

[Watertender]

First question: How are you eligible for Arlington?

And, it takes a long time for the body to decompose. Remember Abraham Lincoln's body was still preserved enough when recovered it was recognizable. And pretty badly dehydrated but still retaining shape and features, I saw a mummy who could have looked into the face of Moses.

Bob Wright

I believe vito is a retired Lt. Colonel. That should qualify him for Arlington

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I'm probably too deep into bourbon to reply to this. I will be cremated. Stashed away in some Military cemetery behind a plate on a wall in a urn with three (03) 7.62 casings and a flag. The urn mouth will need to be big enough to allow whatever metal/titanium is left. More about to be added. Neck, knee, back. Some ashes will be placed in a 45ACP casing, some in a 7.62 casing and fired into the woods by my Son. At the spot on the farm we hunted. He has attended many services at Arlington as Navy Ceremonial Guard Firing Party and Casket Bearer....in fact he was selected and has been on call to be a bearer for Jimmy Carter. I will be a bit more complicated but lighter.....my Son knows how to handload....but being a Seabee....he may just make my Wife' coffin if she wishes....

Lot's of hoopla but it's not for me. It's what they want......I'll be dead......I don't think I'll care what they do....

 

[peachhead]

Sadly many gullible people are pressured into buying expensive caskets that are sold with the implication that they are sealed and will protect the body from decomposition. Of course this is nonsense, as bacteria will decompose the body whether the casket/coffin is airtight or not. For anyone who truly wants to return to the earth as quickly as possible, a simple wood coffin makes sense. Most Jewish burials involve a simple wooden box, made with dowels and no metal nails or screws, and the unembalmed body is wrapped in a simple shroud to aid in a rapid decomposition of the remains.

Cremation of course eliminates the need for a coffin of any type. Back in the days when both my wife and myself were heavy smokers, I told her that if I died she should have me cremated and put into a bean bag type ashtray so that I would be with her forever. But we both quit smoking decades ago. I told her to have my ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery, for which I am eligible, and this way it won't cost her a dime. I plan to do the same for her if she pre-deceases me.

The entire funeral business is a huge ripoff.
Funeral directors overcharge and shame people into spending a crap ton of money that is not necessary.
It's a real sore point with me.

 

[ole442]

We went to Michigan to see a gal my wife went to school with. She, her husband and kids lived on a family farm. I was talking to her husband in the basement and he said let me show you this. The was a full size oak coffin on the shelf. It was beautiful. He said that his father built his own casket and they were storing it until the time when it was needed. The casket was a work of art!

OLE442

 

[vito]

First question: How are you eligible for Arlington?

And, it takes a long time for the body to decompose. Remember Abraham Lincoln's body was still preserved enough when recovered it was recognizable. And pretty badly dehydrated but still retaining shape and features, I saw a mummy who could have looked into the face of Moses.

Bob Wright

As a retired Army officer who served in Vietnam I am eligible, and therefore my wife is also eligible, for burial at Arlington. Getting the remains to that national cemetery would be our responsibility, but of course if we are talking about ashes after a cremation, that is not a big deal. Actual burial, or interment of ashes, often involves a wait of several months because of the demand for such a service at Arlington, but that doesn't faze me. A good friend of mine who died in the Spring was just recently buried at Arlington with full honors. He also was a retired Army officer with Vietnam service.

As to decomposition, anerobic bacteria, i.e. bacteria that do not need air, will cause faster breakdown of the body than air breathing bacteria. A sealed casket that is truly airtight will still have such bacteria in the remains themselves. It does take awhile for a body to decompose, but unless mummified (embalming is temporary and not mummification) will happen within years, not centuries. A fancy, silk lined casket with gold handles, etc. is all for show (and profit for the funeral home) and will do nothing for the person who has already died. Personally I think expensive funerals and an expensive grave stone are foolish wastes of money. While it might seem a way to show respect to the deceased, unless the family is really wealthy it is probably a less than ideal way to spend the money that it costs. And within a few generations, that deceased person will just be a name and a bible entry to the descendants whether the person was buried in a pine box or a fancy casket, and whether there is a simple marker at the grave or a huge stone monument.

 

[Jeepnik]

I never could understand spending a small fortune in funeral and burial costs. When the soul leaves the body what's left should be returned to the earth to be used as fertilizer. That's my interpretation of ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Since it just isn't legal to compost bodies cremation seems the logical alternative.

Funerals are for the dead. They are to assuage the guilt of the living.