In an effort to cater to people who are too busy or uncomfortable to go inside, a funeral home in Michigan offers a drive-thru window.
Drive-thru funeral services began at Paradise Funeral Chapel in Saginaw, Michigan on Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Offering a drive-thru window allows people to view their loved ones from the convenience of their car said Paradise Funeral Chapel owner Ivan Phillips. He says the service is an extension of his previous idea to make visitation and funeral services available online via live web cameras and streaming video.
Cars pull up to the window, and the car’s weight triggers a ground sensor that causes curtains on the window to open. In addition to viewing the deceased, visitors can sign the register book and drop a memorial into a memorial box.
Phillips says he knows his critics say the drive-thru idea is undignified.
Phillips defends it as a valuable service, especially for people who cannot attend a traditional visitation or funeral because of work, a disability or inclement weather.
“You may find people who are afraid of funeral homes, now they can view their loved ones from the convenience of their car,” Phillips said.