Green and Natural Burial
in Palestine, TX
A simpler goodbye. No embalming, natural materials, and a grave opened by hand, returning your loved one to the earth as gently as possible.
Some families want a goodbye that is simpler and closer to the earth. Green and natural burial is exactly that: no embalming, a casket of natural materials, and a grave opened by hand. At Rhone Funeral Home in Palestine, TX, we offer natural burial and we scale it to your family, from a few natural choices to the fullest version. There is no dedicated green cemetery in our immediate area, and we will help you arrange the location and every detail. Call (903) 729-5001 and we will walk you through it.
What Green Burial Means
Green burial, sometimes called natural burial, returns the body to the earth with as little between it and the soil as possible. A conventional burial often involves embalming chemicals, a metal or sealed casket, and a concrete vault. A natural burial sets those aside. The body is not embalmed, the casket is made of materials that break down, and the grave is left to become part of the land again.
For many families the appeal is environmental. For others it is simpler than that. It feels honest, it feels close to the earth, and it is often how their grandparents were buried. There is no wrong reason to want it.
How Natural You Go Is Up to You
This is not all or nothing. We scale a natural burial to whatever your family wants, and you can take some of these steps without taking all of them:
- No embalming. Texas does not require embalming in most circumstances. Refrigeration and timing can take its place, and we will explain what applies to your situation.
- An all-wood casket. A casket built of wood with no metal in it, so that nothing is left behind that will not break down. A shroud is also an option for families who want the simplest possible covering.
- A grave opened by hand. The grave can be dug by hand, without motorized equipment, which is quieter, gentler on the land, and allows family and friends to take part if they wish.
- No vault. Where the cemetery permits it, the burial can be done without a concrete vault or grave liner.
Tell us what matters most to you, and we will build the arrangements around it. If you want the fullest natural burial we can arrange, we will arrange it. If you want an unembalmed burial in a simple wooden casket at a family plot, that is a natural burial too.
Where a Natural Burial Can Take Place
This is the honest part, and we would rather tell you up front. There is no dedicated green cemetery in our immediate area. The closest one is about 45 miles away, and we will help you arrange it, including the transport and the coordination.
Some conventional cemeteries also allow natural burial practices, such as a wooden casket or a burial without a vault, even though they are not certified green cemeteries. Rules vary from one cemetery to the next. If you have a cemetery in mind, or a family plot, we will call them on your behalf and find out exactly what they allow, so you know your options before you decide anything.
Your Family Can Take Part
Families who choose natural burial often want to be involved, and at Rhone Funeral Home you are welcome to be. We do washing and dressing in-house, and you may be present and take part: dressing your loved one, doing their hair, or placing personal or religious items with them. Female staff can care for a female loved one on request.
At the graveside, a hand-opened grave means family and friends can help fill it if they wish. For many families, that act of doing it themselves is the most meaningful part of the day.
You Can Still Have a Service
Choosing a natural burial does not mean giving up a gathering. A natural burial can stand on its own, or you can pair it with a graveside service, a funeral in our Main Chapel, which seats about 240, or a memorial afterward on a date that lets distant family travel. We livestream services to Facebook so loved ones anywhere can take part, with a recording available afterward.
Afterward, many families gather in our Rhone Reflection Room, which seats 50 to 60, with catering available and full setup and cleanup.
Honest Guidance, No Pressure
Natural burial is not the most profitable thing a funeral home can sell, and we do not care. If it is what your family wants, we will help you do it well, and we will tell you plainly what is possible near Palestine and what is not. We will always show you the full price before you decide anything. Call (903) 729-5001 and ask us anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is green burial?
Green or natural burial returns the body to the earth as simply as possible. It generally means no embalming, a casket or shroud made from natural materials that break down, and no concrete vault. How natural you go is up to your family, and we will scale the arrangements to what you want.
Do you offer green burial, and can we skip embalming?
Yes. We offer green and natural burial with an all-wood casket that contains no metal, a grave opened by hand without motorized equipment, and no embalming. Texas does not require embalming in most circumstances.
Is there a green cemetery near Palestine, TX?
There is no dedicated green cemetery in our immediate area. The closest is about 45 miles away, and we will help you arrange the location and the details. Some conventional cemeteries also allow natural burial practices, and we can check with a cemetery on your behalf.
Is embalming required by law in Texas?
In most circumstances, no. Refrigeration and timing can take the place of embalming, and we will explain what applies to your family’s situation.
Can we still have a service with a natural burial?
Yes. A natural burial can stand on its own or be paired with a graveside service, a funeral in our Main Chapel, or a memorial afterward. You are welcome to gather and remember in whatever way feels right.
Can the family take part in a natural burial?
Yes. Families may take part in washing and dressing their loved one, and many families who choose natural burial want that involvement. A hand-opened grave also allows family and friends to help fill it if they wish.
How much does green burial cost?
The cost depends on the choices you make, including the casket, the cemetery, and whether you add a service. We are glad to share our full General Price List so you know what to expect.
A natural burial is a quiet, honest way to say goodbye, and it deserves to be done well. At Rhone Funeral Home, we will help you plan it, arrange it, and carry it out with care. Call (903) 729-5001 to talk with someone who will give you a straight answer.