Were Here for You

The funeral home will file the death certificate in the state where the death occurred. Because each state has its own filing process, the timeline for receiving certified copies can vary.

In Missouri, death certificates are filed electronically. In most cases, certified copies are available within 5–10 business days.

In some situations, such as when the death is handled by the Medical Examiner, additional investigation may be required. This can extend the timeline to 8–12 weeks before certified copies are available.

If a Medical Examiner is involved, your funeral director will discuss the expected timeline with you during the arrangement conference and keep you informed throughout the process.

Your funeral director will work with you to schedule services that honor your loved one and meet your family's needs. We ask that you please speak with your funeral director before contacting your church or making travel plans for family members.

When scheduling funeral services, there are many details that need to be coordinated, including availability of the funeral home, church, clergy, cemetery, and other service providers. Your funeral director will help ensure all arrangements are carefully planned and that everyone involved is properly coordinated.

On our website, an obituary has no character limit. It typically begins with the person’s full name, including any nickname or maiden name, and then moves into family information—both surviving and preceded in death. It may also highlight achievements, memberships or organizations supported, hobbies, and other meaningful details. The goal is to paint a picture of the person who has passed and honor their life.

During arrangements, the funeral director listens carefully to every detail the family shares about their loved one. This attention allows us to craft a meaningful and lasting tribute that reflects the life, values, and personality of the person being remembered.

We do find that families sometimes choose to write their own obituary. The information below may help assist families who want to create their own.

At Baue, we are honored to help families celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

Obituary Outline

• Full Name – Include nickname and maiden name if applicable.
• Date of Birth and Death – Basic vital information.
• Family Information: Surviving family members (spouse, children, siblings, etc.) Preceded in death by (parents, siblings, or other close family)
• Achievements & Career – Education, professional accomplishments, notable awards.
• Memberships & Supported Organizations – Clubs, charitable work, religious affiliations.
• Hobbies & Interests – Activities, passions, and things that brought joy.
• Personal Characteristics – Personality traits, values, or memorable qualities.
• Service Information (optional) – Funeral or memorial service details if the family wants included.
• Closing Tribute – A line honoring the person’s life, e.g., “They will be deeply missed by all who knew them.”

Typically, the family of the deceased or the funeral home handling the arrangements submits the obituary to the newspaper. At Baue, our funeral directors can assist families by preparing the obituary for submission and sending it to the newspaper on their behalf, ensuring all details are accurate and formatted correctly.