Finding a funeral home isn't exactly how anyone wants to spend a Tuesday afternoon. It’s heavy. It’s confusing. Most of the time, you're making these massive financial and emotional decisions while your brain feels like it’s full of static. In the middle of that fog, Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City has occupied a very specific, very vital space for generations of families. They aren't just a business; they’re a landmark on NE 22nd Street.
Trust is hard to build. It’s even harder to keep for over 75 years.
When Earl M. Temple founded this place back in 1947, Oklahoma City was a different world. Segregation was the law of the land. For Black families in OKC, finding a place that treated their dead with dignity wasn't just a matter of preference—it was a necessity of civil rights. Temple didn't just open a shop; he built a sanctuary. Today, that legacy is carried on by the family, notably Mark and John Temple, who have maintained a reputation for what people in the neighborhood simply call "The Temple Way."
The History You Won't Find in a Brochure
It’s easy to look at a funeral home and see a fleet of black cars and some somber suits. But look closer at Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City. This firm grew up alongside the civil rights movement in the Deep South and the Midwest. During eras where mainstream white-owned funeral homes often refused service to Black families, the Temple family stepped in. They provided more than just a casket; they provided a community hub.
History matters.
The building itself tells a story. Located at 2801 NE 22nd St, it’s a sprawling facility that has seen thousands of mourners pass through its doors. It’s not just about the square footage, though. It’s about the fact that they’ve managed to stay family-owned in an era where massive, faceless corporations are buying up local funeral homes left and right. You know the ones—they keep the old family name on the sign to trick you, but the profits go to a boardroom in Houston or Pittsburgh. Temple and Sons didn't sell out.
What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes?
Most people think funeral directing is just about the "viewing." Honestly, that’s about 10% of the job. The staff at Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City handles a dizzying amount of logistics that would make a project manager quit. We’re talking about social security notifications, veterans' benefits coordination, and the delicate art of restorative care.
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Restorative art is a specialty here. It’s the stuff no one wants to talk about but everyone cares about when they look into that casket. They take pride in making sure your loved one looks like them. Not a doll. Not a stranger. Just them, at peace.
- They handle direct cremations for those who want something simple.
- Traditional homegoings are their bread and butter, often featuring horse-drawn carriages if the family wants that extra touch of Victorian-era dignity.
- They manage the "Pre-Need" side of things, which is basically a fancy way of saying "pay now so your kids don't have to freak out later."
The paperwork is a beast. Death certificates in Oklahoma can be a bureaucratic nightmare depending on whether a physician or a medical examiner needs to sign off. The folks at Temple basically act as your legal scouts, navigating the Oklahoma State Department of Health requirements so you can just... breathe for a second.
The Cultural Significance of the "Homegoing"
If you aren't from the community, you might not get the weight of a "Homegoing" service. It’s not just a funeral. It’s a celebration, a spiritual transition, and a massive social event all rolled into one. Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City understands the rhythm of these services. They know when the music needs to swell and when the silence needs to hold.
The staff understands the "Repast." They know that after the graveside service at Trice Hill or Hillcrest Memory Gardens, the family needs a place to eat, cry, and laugh. They facilitate that. They aren't just "directors"; they’re more like cultural stewards.
Understanding the Costs Without the Fluff
Let’s talk money. It’s awkward, but necessary. Funerals are expensive.
The Federal Trade Commission has this thing called the "Funeral Rule." It says every home has to give you a General Price List (GPL) if you ask. Temple and Sons is known for being transparent here, but you still have to be a smart consumer. A full traditional service in OKC can easily run between $7,000 and $12,000 once you factor in the vault, the plot, the flowers, and the limos.
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Cremation is the "budget" option, but even then, there are levels to it. A "Direct Cremation" is the cheapest because there’s no viewing or embalming. But many families at Temple opt for a "Cremation with a Service," where they still have a formal gathering with an urn present. It’s a middle ground that’s becoming huge in the 2020s.
Why Choice of Cemetery Matters in OKC
When you work with Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City, you’ll likely be looking at a few specific cemeteries. Trice Hill Cemetery is a big one. It’s historically significant for the Black community in Oklahoma City. Riverside and Arlington Memory Gardens are also common stops.
The funeral directors have to coordinate with these groundskeepers. If the ground is frozen or if there's a backlog of burials, the Temple team has to juggle the schedule. It’s a silent dance. If they do their job right, you never even know there was a problem. You just see a tent, some chairs, and a peaceful final resting place.
Navigating Grief in the Digital Age
Things have changed. Temple and Sons now offers online obituaries where people can post photos and "light a candle." It sounds a bit cheesy to some, but for family members in California or New York who can't fly back to OKC on three days' notice, it’s a lifeline. It creates a digital archive of a life.
They also help with "Life Tributes"—those slideshows that play during the wake. You know, the ones that make everyone cry when the 1980s polaroids start scrolling? They handle the tech side of that so you aren't fumbling with a USB drive in a dark room.
The Reality of Pre-Planning
Most of us avoid talking about our own death. It’s human nature. But honestly, the kindest thing you can do for your family is to walk into Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City while you’re still healthy and pick out your own casket.
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Why? Because when someone dies, the family is "at-need." They are vulnerable. They might overspend because they feel guilty or because they want to "show out" for the neighbors. If you pre-plan, you lock in today’s prices. You take the "what would Mom want?" guesswork out of the equation.
Common Misconceptions About Funeral Homes
People think funeral directors are like the guy from The Addams Family. Creepy, cold, and calculating.
In reality, the Temples are members of the community. You’ll see them at the grocery store. You’ll see them at church. They are small business owners who happen to work in a very difficult industry. They deal with trauma every single day. That takes a specific kind of mental fortitude.
Another myth: You must be embalmed.
Fact: Oklahoma law doesn't always require it, especially if you’re doing a quick cremation or burial. However, if you want an open-casket public viewing, the funeral home will usually require it for public health and aesthetic reasons.
Practical Steps for Families in Oklahoma City
If you find yourself needing to call Temple and Sons Funeral Directors Oklahoma City, do these things first:
- Find the Will: See if they left instructions. You’d be surprised how many people have a "burial pod" or a specific cemetery plot already paid for that the kids don't know about.
- Gather Documents: You’ll need the deceased’s Social Security number, birth date, mother’s maiden name, and veteran discharge papers (DD-214). This speeds up everything.
- Set a Budget: Before you walk in, have a "walk-away" number. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment and buy the mahogany casket when the 18-gauge steel one would have been just as beautiful.
- Think About the Eulogy: Who is actually going to speak? Sometimes the "best" person is too emotional. It’s okay to have the funeral director or a minister read your words.
The legacy of Temple and Sons is built on the idea that every life, regardless of how much money was in the bank, deserves a dignified exit. They’ve seen Oklahoma City through its darkest days—from the era of Jim Crow to the 1995 bombing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through all of it, they’ve stayed at that 22nd Street location, answering the phone in the middle of the night.
In a world that feels increasingly temporary and corporate, there is something deeply comforting about a family business that stays put. They know the streets, they know the families, and they know how to say goodbye. That’s why they’re still here.
To get started with arrangements, contact them directly to request their General Price List. This document is your right as a consumer and will help you compare costs for various service levels. If you are a veteran, ask specifically for the coordinator who handles VA burials, as there are specific transport and headstone benefits that can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses. Finally, ensure you have a designated "point person" in your family to handle communications with the director to avoid conflicting instructions and unnecessary stress.