Honestly, when you're looking up Akin Davis Funeral Home LaBelle, you’re probably not having the best day. Nobody browses funeral home websites for fun. You’re likely here because the unthinkable happened, or you're trying to be the "responsible one" in the family by planning ahead so no one else has to scramble later.
LaBelle is a small town. It's the kind of place where reputations aren't built on fancy billboards, but on how you treat someone’s grandmother when they're at their lowest point. Since 1973, this specific spot at 560 East Hickpochee Avenue has been the go-to for Hendry County families. But there’s a lot of noise online about what they actually do, how much it costs, and who is actually running the show.
The Reality of the LaBelle Location
You’ve probably seen the building. It’s a staple on Hickpochee.
Most people think funeral homes are these dark, scary places, but the vibe here is surprisingly local. They started in Clewiston—Cecil Akin and Luther Davis were the original names behind the door—and expanded to LaBelle because, well, the community needed it. Back in the day, these guys even ran the local ambulance services. That’s how deep the roots go.
If you call them at (863) 225-9339, you aren’t getting a robot. They have a 24/7 answering service because grief doesn't keep business hours. The actual office is usually open Monday through Friday, roughly 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, but they do weekends by appointment. Basically, they're flexible because they have to be.
What Does it Actually Cost?
Let’s talk money, because that’s the part everyone stresses about but hates to bring up first.
A lot of folks assume a funeral is just a "package" deal where you pay one flat fee and walk away. That's not really how it works. Prices shift based on what you actually want. According to current 2026 industry data and local price lists, here is a rough breakdown of what you might see:
- Direct Cremation: This is the most affordable route. You’re looking at starting around $1,035 to $1,250. This is just the basics—no viewing, no big ceremony, just the essentials.
- Traditional Burial: If you want the whole nine yards—viewing, ceremony, hearse—you’re likely moving into the $6,200 to $8,115 range.
- The "Extras": Embalming usually runs about $695, and the basic service fee for the director and staff is around $1,680.
One thing people often overlook is the "Parting Stones" option. It sounds a bit "out there," but they can actually turn cremated remains into a collection of smooth, solid stones. It’s way less "urn on a mantle" and more something you can actually hold. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a modern twist that a lot of LaBelle families are starting to ask about.
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Burial vs. Cremation in Hendry County
In LaBelle, tradition still holds a lot of weight. You see a lot of in-ground burials at local cemeteries. Akin Davis Funeral Home LaBelle handles all of that, including the heavy lifting of coordinating with the cemetery and getting the permits.
However, cremation is skyrocketing in popularity. It’s not just about the cost—though that’s a big factor—it’s about the flexibility. You can do a "Life Celebration" months after the passing when the whole family can actually make the trip down to Florida. They also offer "Human Composting" and "Lab-created Diamonds," which sounds like science fiction but is becoming a real request for the eco-conscious crowd in town.
Why the Ownership Matters
Some people get confused because they see the name "Altogether" or "Foundation Partners Group" associated with the home.
Here’s the deal: While Akin-Davis was started by local families, it is now part of a larger network. This bothers some people who want "mom and pop" everything, but the upside is that they have better resources for things like shipping remains. If someone passes away in LaBelle but needs to be buried in New York or another country, a bigger network makes that logistical nightmare a lot easier to handle.
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Veteran Services
If your loved one was a vet, don't sleep on this. LaBelle has a huge veteran population. The staff at Akin-Davis is pretty sharp at handling the paperwork for military honors. This includes the flag folding, the playing of Taps, and getting a headstone through the VA. Honestly, the paperwork is a headache you don't want to deal with yourself while you're mourning.
Actionable Steps for LaBelle Families
If you're in the middle of a crisis right now, or just trying to be prepared, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check for a Pre-Need Plan: Before you sign anything, look through old files or safe deposit boxes. Many people in LaBelle pre-paid for their services years ago. If they did, it locks in the price and saves you thousands.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL): Federal law requires them to give this to you. It breaks down every single charge so you aren't surprised by a "service fee" you didn't see coming.
- Decide on the "Moment": Do you want a traditional viewing? Some families find it helpful for closure; others find it traumatic. There is no "right" way to do this.
- Transport Logistics: If the deceased is at a hospital like Hendry Regional or Gulf Coast Medical, you just need to give the funeral home the authorization. They handle the transport.
Whatever you decide, don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive casket or the fanciest urn. The people at Akin Davis Funeral Home LaBelle are there to facilitate your wishes, not to upsell you like a car dealership. Take a breath. Take your time.
If you need to start the process, your best move is to gather any military discharge papers (DD-214) or existing life insurance policies before you head into the office on Hickpochee Avenue. This speeds up the paperwork significantly and lets you focus on the actual memorial.