Walk into the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home on M-59, and you aren’t just entering a business; you’re stepping into a piece of Oakland County history that’s been quietly humming along for over sixty years. Honestly, when most people search for "Elton Black Highland MI," they’re usually looking for an obituary or a phone number in a hurry. But there is a lot more to this place than just logistics. It’s one of those local landmarks that everyone knows but few people actually understand until they’re sitting in one of those plush chairs, trying to figure out what comes next.
Founded way back in 1964 by Elton and Hilda Black, the business actually started in White Lake on Union Lake Road. It wasn’t until their son David took the reins that the Highland location opened up, right there on East Highland Road between Duck Lake and Ormond. Today, it’s part of the Dignity Memorial network, which sounds corporate, but the vibe remains very "small-town Michigan."
Why Elton Black & Son Highland MI is Different
Highland isn't exactly a bustling metropolis, so a business that survives six decades has to be doing something right. You’ve probably driven past the sign a thousand times. Maybe you even noticed the "We Honor Veterans" logo. That’s not just for show. They are actually a Level Three Founding Community Partner with the "We Honor Veterans" program. This means they know the specific paperwork and honors required for military families, which, if you’ve ever dealt with the VA, you know is a total headache.
The space itself is designed to be "flexible." That’s a fancy way of saying it doesn't feel like a stuffy, dark basement from a 1970s horror movie. They’ve leaned into the "Celebration of Life" trend. Think less "everyone wear black and weep" and more "let’s have a catered lunch and talk about how much Dad loved the Tigers."
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The Cost Factor Nobody Likes Talking About
Let’s be real: funerals are expensive. In 2026, the industry is seeing a massive shift toward transparency because people are tired of hidden fees. If you’re looking at Elton Black, here is the rough breakdown of what you’re looking at, though prices fluctuate like anything else these days:
- Traditional Full Service Burial: Usually starts around $9,800 to $10,000.
- Full Service Cremation: This is becoming the "new normal" and runs about $7,800.
- Direct Cremation: For those who want something simple and no-fuss, you’re looking at roughly $2,400 to $2,600.
They also do something called the Public Servants Program. If a police officer, firefighter, or EMT falls in the line of duty, they provide a dignified burial at no cost. It’s one of those community-first things that usually gets buried in the fine print of a website, but it’s a big deal for the local first responder community in Highland and White Lake.
Navigating Grief in the Digital Age
It’s 2026, and even the funeral business has gone high-tech. If you’re visiting the Elton Black Highland MI location today, you’ll see stuff that Elton and Hilda probably never imagined back in '64. We’re talking about live-streaming services for relatives who can’t make the drive up M-59, and digital "memorial folders" that you can access on your phone.
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They even offer something called "water cremation" (alkaline hydrolysis) in some regions now, which is basically an eco-friendly alternative to fire cremation. It’s a bit of a niche thing, but for the environmentally conscious crowd in Oakland County, it’s a growing conversation.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think you only call a funeral home when someone dies. That’s the "imminent need" side of things. But honestly? The smartest thing people are doing now is pre-planning.
It sounds morbid, I know. "Hey honey, let's go pick out my casket on Saturday!" But it actually saves a ton of stress. When you pre-plan at Elton Black, you lock in today’s prices. Given how inflation has been acting lately, that’s basically a financial investment. Plus, it stops your kids from arguing over whether you wanted the mahogany or the oak while they're already grieving.
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Actionable Steps for Families in Highland
If you find yourself needing to coordinate with the team at the Highland location, don't just wing it. Here is the move:
- Check the Veterans Status: If the deceased served, grab their DD-214 form immediately. The staff at Elton Black are experts at this, but they need that paper to get the ball rolling on honors and burial benefits.
- Ask About Catering: Most people don't realize the Highland chapel has dedicated areas for catered luncheons. You don't have to scramble to find a VFW hall or a restaurant that can take 50 people on three days' notice.
- Use the Online Portal: They have a pretty robust system now for uploading photos for tribute videos. Instead of digging through old shoeboxes, you can have family members from across the country upload digital files directly to the home's system.
- Request a Price List Upfront: Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, they have to give you a General Price List (GPL). Don't be shy about asking for it. It helps you see exactly where the money is going—from the professional service fees to the "limousine" charges you might not actually need.
The Elton Black Highland MI location is more than just a place on a map; it's a staple of the Huron Valley community. Whether you're there for a visitation or just looking for information, remember that it's a family-founded business that’s managed to keep its local soul even in a very corporate world.
If you're looking for their specific spot, it's at 3295 E Highland Rd, Highland, MI 48356. Give them a call at (248) 889-1500 if you need the direct line—they’re usually pretty quick to answer, even after hours.