When you're driving down Church Street in Smithville, you've probably passed that white building a hundred times without giving it much thought. But for a lot of people in Clay County, Hixson Klein Funeral Home Smithville Missouri is more than just a local business. It's the place where they said their final goodbyes to a parent, a spouse, or a lifelong friend. Honestly, death is something we all avoid talking about until we absolutely have to, and then suddenly, the choice of who helps you through it becomes the only thing that matters.
Located at 104 West Church St., this funeral home has been a fixture in the community for decades. If you grew up around here, you know the names Hixson and Klein. They aren't just names on a sign; they represent a long-standing tradition of local care that doesn't feel like a corporate franchise.
What's the Real Story Behind Hixson-Klein?
It’s actually pretty interesting how these things stick together. Eldon and Mary Hixson started the foundation of this service over 50 years ago. Think about that—over half a century of seeing a town change, grow, and mourn. Eventually, the Klein family took the reins, with Jack Klein becoming a familiar face to many families in distress.
They also have locations in Gower and Edgerton, which basically means they've got a footprint across the whole Northland and into Clinton and Platte counties. It’s a small-town vibe, for sure. You aren't dealing with a call center in another state. When you call the Smithville number, you're talking to people who probably shop at the same Price Chopper as you.
Why People End Up Here
Most people aren't "shopping around" for a funeral home like they do for a new car. It's usually about trust or where their family has always gone. But if you look at the nitty-gritty of what Hixson Klein Funeral Home Smithville Missouri offers, it covers the whole spectrum:
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- Traditional Burials: The whole nine yards—visitation, funeral service at a church or their chapel, and the procession to the cemetery.
- Cremation Services: This has become way more common lately. They offer full service cremations (where you still have a viewing) or direct cremations if you want to keep things simple and private.
- Pre-Planning: Kinda morbid to think about, but a lot of folks do this so their kids don't have to make big decisions while they're grieving.
- Personalized Memorials: They’re pretty good about letting families bring in personal items. I’ve seen everything from fishing gear to quilts displayed to show what that person was actually about.
The Cost Factor: Let’s Be Blunt
Nobody likes talking about the bill, but funerals are expensive. It’s better to know what you’re looking at. In the Smithville area, prices can fluctuate, but a traditional full-service burial at Hixson-Klein usually starts around $7,905.
If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it is. But that includes the director's time, the use of the facilities, transportation, and all the legal paperwork that honestly no one wants to deal with when they're sad. For those looking at cremation, a direct cremation is significantly less, often around $1,695, while a full-service cremation (with a ceremony) might run closer to $5,990.
Prices change, obviously. You should always ask for their "General Price List" (GPL) because federal law says they have to give it to you. It’s the best way to see exactly where your money is going.
Making the Service "Theirs"
The thing about Hixson-Klein Funeral Home Smithville Missouri that sticks out to me is how they handle the small stuff. I remember reading about a service they held for a local woman, Jane Jones, who was known for her home cooking and holiday decorating. The funeral wasn't just some stiff, formal event; it felt like her. That’s the goal, right?
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They help with things you might not think of:
- Coordinating with local florists (there are several in Smithville that deliver right to Church St).
- Setting up the online obituary so people can share memories from far away.
- Helping veterans get the military honors they earned.
Dealing with Grief in Smithville
Sometimes the hardest part isn't the funeral itself—it’s the Tuesday morning two weeks later when everything is quiet. Hixson-Klein usually points people toward local resources if they're struggling. Smithville has a tight-knit community, and often the churches in town work alongside the funeral home to provide aftercare and grief support groups.
It's sort of a "neighbors helping neighbors" situation. Whether you're a member of the First Baptist Church or just someone who’s lived on the lake for twenty years, there's a sense that the people at Hixson-Klein actually give a hoot.
Practical Steps If You Need Help Now
If you've just lost someone or you're trying to get your own affairs in order, here's the best way to handle it:
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- Call them directly. (816) 532-9212 is the Smithville line. It’s staffed 24/7 because, well, life doesn't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule.
- Check the obituaries. If you’re looking for service times for a friend, their website (hkfuneralhome.com) is updated pretty much daily.
- Don't rush the big decisions. Unless there’s a religious requirement for a quick burial, take a breath. Talk to the funeral director about what you actually want versus what you think you're supposed to do.
- Gather the documents. You’ll need the person’s social security number, birth date, and any veteran discharge papers (DD-214) to get the ball rolling on the legal side.
Navigating loss is never going to be easy, but having a team that knows the layout of Smithville and the people in it definitely helps. It’s about finding that balance between professional service and actual, human empathy.
Next Steps for Your Family
If you are currently facing a loss, your first step is to contact the funeral home to initiate the transport of your loved one. For those looking toward the future, schedule a brief consultation to discuss pre-arrangement options. This allows you to lock in current pricing and ensures your specific wishes are documented, removing a massive emotional and financial burden from your family later on. If you are attending a service soon, check the official Hixson-Klein website for the most current service times and memorial donation preferences, as these are often updated in real-time.