Funeral homes all across the country are noticing a growing trend: More people are choosing to be cremated instead of buried. As a result, the need for Cadillac hearses and funeral cars are dwindling.
One story about an Ohio-based funeral car business is just one such story. Mike McKiernan, the general manager of Eagle Coach Company, said Cadillac hearses are great for funeral homes, but they are becoming less and less common as fewer people can afford traditional burials. Although there will always be a need for this type of business, McKiernan says his company and others like his are feeling the credit crunch.
The Eagle Coach Company is a subsidiary of the J.B. Poindexter and Company, which holds about 25 percent of the hearse market. Overall, the hearse industry makes between 1,000 and 1,200 funeral cars annually. “Going forward, it’s going to be tough, but I think we’re poised to hold our own,” McKiernan said. “We’re on our own in 2009; I don’t think the economy is going to help us out.”
Has the economy affected the way you have planned your funeral? Have you or a loved one decided to get cremated rather than go for the traditional burial? If so, let us know below. We’ like to hear your thoughts.
