March 10, 2021 – LSFH Policy based on the Re-opening of the State of Texas

Protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

Visible signage stating that masks are RECOMMENDED when entering our business establishment and visible signage posted to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and safe and social distancing. Physical barriers in front of the family’s receiving line will be used as a physical reminder to all for “safe and social distancing”.
LSFH’s seating capacity is now at 100% capacity in our “Chapel 1” large assembly room which allows for 250 attendees – including family members for funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. Outdoor drive-thru visitations at LSFH are still available by request from the client family.
LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
Client families who want to REQUIRE face masks for their events in our establishment are required to have a PRIVATE service or visitation and announce their event on an “invitation only” basis which needs to state the family’s requirements to attend their event(s).
Proper spacing between attendees “safe and social distancing” is expected by all attendees: If it is a largely-attended service where seating is nearing capacity, if one feels uncomfortable- then that person should excuse them self from the situation.
For client families needing to make arrangements, LSFH offers a variety of arrangement approaches and can be based on the comfort of the client family: drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or up to six family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with the director (masks are optional by director and family.) Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding church services and graveside services– rules by those establishments will be followed by all those in attending services at those particular venues. All attendees are expected to practice safe and social distancing.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public viewing, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is available for rental at 100% capacity which is 54 persons. Families also have the option to pre-package and distribute “take-home plates” as guests are leaving the service.

Lake Shore Funeral Home is dedicated to providing our family clients and their guests with the highest level of customer service and professional care in every way possible. Our implementation of these precautionary operating measures is a reflection of our care and dedication to you.

Together, we will get through these challenging times.

Brent & Carri Shehorn

March 1, 2021 – LSFH Policy Revision

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

Visible signage stating it is mandatory to wear masks when entering the business establishment and visible signage posted to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and social distancing.
LSFH’s mandated seating capacity is now back to 50% capacity in our “Chapel 1” large assembly room which allows for 125 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from their chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees “social distancing” will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Proper spacing between rows in front and rows behind attendees should also practice “social distancing”.
For client families needing to make arrangements, LSFH offers a variety of arrangement approaches and can be based on the comfort of the client family: drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or up to four family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with the director (masks are required by director and family.) Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services– it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10 persons at the graveside set up (under the tent at a time while all other attendees are practicing social distancing.
Public visitations continue to be available, but will be held in the large assembly room Chapel #1 with a maximum of 125 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. Smaller visitations may be scheduled at a different time frame from the visitation being held in Chapel #1 held in the visitation room which also at 50% capacity (12 people in the room at one time while social distancing) will be enforced; again, with a designated entrance and a designated exit. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is now available for rental at 50% capacity which is 25 persons. Families also have the option to pre-package and distribute “take-home plates” as guests are leaving the service.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices. Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and it is now mandatory to wear masks when meeting with client families and when in an area or performing an activity which involves close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where 6 feet of separation is not feasible.
Temperature checks may be performed at the company’s discretion for employees

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

December 3, 2020 – Controlling the spread of the Corona virus in the State of Texas, as it pertains to funeral homes (revised and adopted practices of Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory referred to as follows as “LSFH”) which follows the guidelines for places of worship.

“In accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-18 issued on April 27, 2020, the following are the minimum recommended health protocols for all churches, congregations, and places of worship in Texas. Churches, congregations, and places of worship may adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all Texans. The same minimum standard health protocols would apply to funeral services, burials, and memorials.”

“We know now that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of Texas. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable. Please note, public health guidance cannot anticipate every unique situation. Churches, congregations, and places of worship should stay informed and take actions based on common sense and wise judgment that will protect health and support economic revitalization. Churches, congregations, and places of worship should also be mindful of federal and state employment laws and workplace safety standards”.

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

LSFH’s mandated seating capacity has been reduced to 25% capacity which allows for 62 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from their chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Alternate rows between attendees (every other row left empty).
Attendees are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).
For client families needing to make arrangements: LSFH offers drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or two to three family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with masks worn by director and family. Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services- it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10, AND ONLY 10 PEOPLE at the graveside set up, as mandated by the state, while all other attendees are practicing social distancing from afar. Pallbearers generally will not be active- the casket shall be put in place on their behalf. A tent and a maximum number of 6 chairs will be available.
Public visitations are now available, but will only be held in the large Chapel #1 with a maximum of 50 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building. Visitations should be conducted as a “come and go” event.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is currently not available under Phase 1 Re-opening the State of Texas.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices.

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

July 2, 2020 State of Texas mandate by Governor Greg Abbott

State of Texas mandate as it pertains to funeral homes (revised and adopted practices of Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory referred to as follows as “LSFH”) which follows the guidelines for places of worship.

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

Visible signage stating it is now mandatory to wear masks when entering any business establishment and visible signage posted to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and social distancing.
Screen all attendees by asking for name and phone number (in the event an outbreak occurs that one can be notified), temperature check and screening questions answered. If screening is passed, one may enter.
LSFH staff will sign your name to the family’s guest book.
Hand sanitizing stations continue to be available for attendees
LSFH’s seating capacity has now reverted back to 25% capacity in our “Chapel 1” large assembly room which allows for up to 60 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from Chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; obesity; check and screening questions answered diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees “social distancing” will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Every other row is now closed off for proper distancing.
For client families needing to make arrangements, LSFH offers a variety of arrangement approaches and can be based on the comfort of the client family: drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or up to two to three family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with the director (masks are required by director and family.) Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services– it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10 persons at the graveside set up (under the tent at a time while all other attendees are practicing social distancing.
Public visitations continue to be available, but will only be held in the large assembly room Chapel #1 with a maximum of 60 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is currently not available under Phase 2 Re-opening the State of Texas.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices. Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and it is now mandatory to wear masks when meeting with client families and when in an area or performing an activity which involves close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where 6 feet of separation is not feasible.
Temperature checks are now performed for employees

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

June 19, 2020 – (June 3^rd REVISED BASED ON MANDATE BY CITY OF WACO.)

an excerpt Waco Trib staff reports, June 19, 2020 Waco to require masks in businesses, public spaces

Waco businesses must require employees and visitors to wear masks or other face coverings when multiple people are in the same room, according to an order Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver issued Friday night.

The order, effective Saturday, June 20^th also requires anyone age 10 or older to wear a mask when in a public place where maintaining 6 feet of separation would be difficult. Homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchiefs can serve as face coverings.

The order mandates that any business selling goods or services to the public within city limits create and post a COVID-19 health and safety policy by Wednesday that includes a requirement for masks. Failure to post and enforce the policy would result in a fine of up to $1,000 per day of violation, according to the order. No fine or enforcement mechanism is included for the requirement that the general public wear masks.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that local governments could create laws requiring businesses to require masks.

“At a minimum, this policy must require all employees or visitors to the entity’s premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which involves close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where 6 feet of separation is not feasible,” the press release states.

PDF: Read the Waco mask order

June 19, 2020 – LSFH Policy Revision of June 3^rd Announcement as it pertains to City of Waco’s Mask Order mandate on June 19, 2020.

Re-opening the State of Texas as it pertains to funeral homes (revised and adopted practices of Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory referred to as follows as “LSFH”) which follows the guidelines for places of worship.

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

Visible signage stating it is now mandatory to wear masks when entering the business establishment and visible signage posted to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and social distancing.
LSFH’s mandated seating capacity for this Phase 2 will be 50% capacity in our “Chapel 1” large assembly room which allows for 125 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from their chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees “social distancing” will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Proper spacing between rows in front and rows behind attendees should also practice “social distancing”.
For client families needing to make arrangements, LSFH offers a variety of arrangement approaches and can be based on the comfort of the client family: drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or up to two to three family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with the director (masks are required by director and family.) Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services– it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10 persons at the graveside set up (under the tent at a time while all other attendees are practicing social distancing.
Public visitations continue to be available, but will only be held in the large assembly room Chapel #1 with a maximum of 125 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is currently not available under Phase 2 Re-opening the State of Texas.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices. Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices and it is now mandatory to wear masks when meeting with client families and when in an area or performing an activity which involves close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where 6 feet of separation is not feasible.
Temperature checks may be performed at the company’s discretion for employees

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

June 3, 2020 – Re-opening the State of Texas as it pertains to funeral homes (revised and adopted practices of Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory referred to as follows as “LSFH”) which follows the guidelines for places of worship.

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

LSFH’s mandated seating capacity for this Phase 2 will be 50% capacity in our “Chapel 1” large assembly room which allows for 125 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from their chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees “social distancing” will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Proper spacing between rows in front and rows behind attendees should also practice “social distancing”.
It is the attendee’s discretion whether to wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).
For client families needing to make arrangements, LSFH offers a variety of arrangement approaches and can be based on the comfort of the client family: drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or up to four family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with the director (masks are optional by director and family.) Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services– it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10 persons at the graveside set up (under the tent at a time while all other attendees are practicing social distancing.
Public visitations continue to be available, but will only be held in the large assembly room Chapel #1 with a maximum of 125 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is currently not available under Phase 2 Re-opening the State of Texas.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices.

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

May 1, 2020 – Re-opening the State of Texas, Phase 1 as it pertains to funeral homes (revised and adopted practices of Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory referred to as follows as “LSFH”) which follows the guidelines for places of worship.

Health protocols for Lake Shore Funeral Home Visitors:

LSFH’s mandated seating capacity for this Phase 1 will be 25% capacity which allows for 50 attendees of the general public- including family members (not including funeral home staff members). This will be enforced at funerals, memorials and visitations that are scheduled for in-door funeral home activities. This does not affect an outdoor drive-thru visitation at LSFH.
LSFH strongly encourages the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely. LSFH offers “Live Streaming” of funeral/memorial services from their chapel #1 via secured, password protected access. This access will only be given to the immediate family; therefore, watching the streaming service is by invitation only.
LSFH has designated a separated area in Chapel #1 reserved for the at-risk population. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.
Proper spacing between attendees will be enforced: Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Alternate rows between attendees (every other row left empty).
Attendees are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).
For client families needing to make arrangements: LSFH offers drive-up arrangements, online and phone conference arrangements, or one to two family members maximum for indoor-face-to-face meeting with masks worn by director and family. Our hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website has worked nicely, and families have appreciated these efforts.
Regarding graveside services- it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10, AND ONLY 10 PEOPLE at the graveside set up, as mandated by the state, while all other attendees are practicing social distancing from afar. Pallbearers generally will not be active- the casket shall be put in place on their behalf. A tent and a maximum number of 6 chairs will be available.
Public visitations are now available, but will only be held in the large Chapel #1 with a maximum of 50 persons in the assembly area at a given time. A designated entrance and a designated exit (one-way traffic) and attendee headcount will be recorded. We ask that attendees do not linger so long as others are waiting to enter building.
Private scheduled viewings, decedents lying in repose for public view, witnessed cremations, and decedent identifications are still available.
LSFH Reception Center is currently not available under Phase 1 Re-opening the State of Texas.

Health protocols that LSFH is taking for employees

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees upon arriving at the workplace.
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon arriving.
Send home any employee who has any new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, then other measures including face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Require employees to wear a mask when dealing with the general public as well as for working indoor funeral services or visitations.
Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect areas between services.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.
Visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices.

Yours in Service and with thanks,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

Waco, Texas – March 23, 2020

Dear valued clients, friends, and business associates,

Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory remains open to serve our clients. Currently, our operating hours are Monday – Friday from 8AM to 6PM. Saturday is from 9AM to 12 noon. Sundays are by appointment only. This is a fluid situation so please look for further updates on limited office hours.

The health and safety of our family clients and staff is our highest priority. Given the latest public health updates concerning the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak, we want to share with you the steps we are taking to protect you and our staff against the spread of the virus, as well as everyday illnesses such as the common cold and the flu.

What Are We Doing to Protect You and Our Staff?

All new appointments made with our offices after March 23, 2020 shall be by phone conference or face time only, with some possible exceptions as needed. We have put in place a hybrid approach to making final arrangements via over the phone while working thru our website. It has worked nicely and families have appreciated our efforts.
Social distancing shall be maintained as much as possible between staff and clients.
Every funeral director, staff member and client is welcome to wear medical or cloth masks, of any kind, and all staff is encouraged to do so when meeting with client families.
There are no embalming restrictions or final disposition method restrictions – burial, cremation and entombment are all permissible.
Decedents should not be stored or held for future memorialization.
Regarding graveside services- it will be our policy as well as some cemeteries (some cemeteries may have more stringent policies) to allow up to 10, AND ONLY 10 PEOPLE at the graveside set up, as mandated by the state. Pallbearers generally will not be active- the casket shall be put in place on their behalf. Chairs will not be available, only a tent will be used. A thirty minute time allotment will be allowed for the services.
Public visitations are not an option at this time.
Chapel services are available. Again, mandates are in effect to limit to 10 persons. Time frame allowed is 30 minutes with social distancing.
Private scheduled viewings and decedent identifications will still be available for immediate family only.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate and try to be creative in serving families in this challenging, unprecedented time. This is a rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to actively monitor it and take precautions as necessary.

Lake Shore Funeral Home has always been dedicated to providing our family clients with the highest level of customer service and professional care in every way possible, and we believe implementing these precautionary measures is a reflection of our care and dedication to you.

Yours in Service,

Brent & Carri Shehorn

For additional information regarding the Coronavirus, here are resources from the CDC:

CDC – Coronavirus Overview
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

CDC – Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/traveler/faqs.html

March 19, 2020 WACO, TEXAS – McLennan County commissioners Thursday approved an amended order that includes stricter limits on the size of gatherings and restaurant operations. Later in the afternoon, Texas Governor Abbott put in force an executive order CLICK TO READ, particularly see Order No. 1 pertaining to funeral and memorial services.

The updated order bans gatherings of 10 or more people. Violators could be charged with a class C misdemeanor and fined as much as $1,000. The restriction does not apply to retail stores, malls or supermarkets. The stricter rules, which are effective for seven days, but can be extended, are in line with orders issued by cities in the county, including Waco. The county declared a local disaster and public health emergency Wednesday, but the county’s order was initially less restrictive that one issued Monday by the City of Waco. The order, which prohibits community gatherings of 50 or more people, did not supersede stricter municipal measures. Six cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the county, five of them travel-related.

Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) as of March 17, 2020

(Waco, Texas)— Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory’s priority is the safety, well-being and health of our families, communities and caring professional staff. We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation to ensure a safe place for the families we serve and our caring professional staff. We are taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of any illnesses. The information provided here represents our current response based on information available to us by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and the State of Texas. Just as the State of Texas has become a leader in aggressive measures to slow the spread of the illness, Lake Shore Funeral Home will remain a leader in funeral home proactiveness and cleanliness. We will continue to conduct regular business and hold services, operating with the following health and safety measures in place:

Our large location will follow increased infection prevention and control precautions, per CDC/OSHA guidelines.
While cleanliness is always a top priority for our location, we have increased our public and workspace sanitation schedules and frequency.
All employees are instructed to stay home in the event of illness. We’ve encouraged employees to refrain from coming to work should they feel any symptoms of COVID-19, influenza or any other illness.
We ask all families and individuals to assess their own health before visiting our facility or attending a funeral.

Our staff is to follow the public health authorities’ guidance regarding hygiene and personal care.

This applies to the care of the deceased. At this time, burial and cremation are accepted practices of disposition, including viewing of the deceased.
This also applies to the care of your family, and guests and personal hygiene at the workplace.
All staff will follow social distancing recommendations.
We will have a dedicated staff member to sign the guest book on your behalf to avoid cross-contamination.
We are staggering on-site gatherings. We will not have back-to-back or multiple services happening at one location at a time to avoid large gatherings. Our reception facility is no longer available during this crisis.
We ask that guests refrain from bringing any food products to our facilities. This includes any self-service items like cookie trays, or sandwich or deli trays brought in from outside sources.

In addition to the above, we are monitoring the CDC’s recommendation and the City of Waco’s mandate made on March 17, 2020 to reduce gatherings to 50 people or less for the next eight weeks (May 11, 2020)—a recommendation that could greatly affect the ability to hold or attend funeral services. We understand how difficult the COVID-19 situation is for all, especially those who are grieving during this time.

If you are unable to attend a funeral due to health, feel unsafe leaving your home at this time or are planning services for a loved one, we encourage you to:

Consider using our online arrangement options from the comfort of your own home. We have technology to complete death certificates and obituary approvals, and electronic execution of the cremation authorization—alleviating face-to-face consultations. You are also welcome to arrange these details by phone.
Also consider public or private on-demand options for streaming of the funeral/memorial service. For those who can’t attend a funeral for health restrictions, or who live far away and are facing travel restrictions, on-demand streaming allows them to experience the service and honor their loved one.
Share online condolences and converse via our online obituaries. Even if you can’t attend services in-person, you can still show your support by leaving a message on one’s online guestbook. To do so, navigate to www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com/obituaries, find or search your loved one’s name, click their obituary, and then select “Leave Your Condolence.”
View online the Life Tribute Video if the family chosen to produce one.
Send flowers. Consider sending flowers to either the funeral home holding services or directly to a family member’s home. We also have a small inventory of flowers in our funeral home for purchase and you may also order flowers thru our website.
And finally, we also have a state-of-the-art facility for safe confirmation identification viewings should the decedent been quarantined or died from the flu or other infectious disease.

As the situation quickly evolves, we will continue to keep you informed with any updates or changes. We’re here to assist families 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 254-752-5900.

ADDITIONAL CDC GUIDELINES: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/high-risk/high-risk-complications.html

As of March 13, 2020

Dear Waco area Friends,

As our country begins to handle this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic our staff is committed to helping you. Though we are seeing numerous events and schools cancelled or postponed, our staff of funeral professionals are committed to providing dignified and meaningful services to our community.

Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory remains committed and prepared to safely care for the families we serve during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whenever possible, Lake Shore Funeral Home will continue to enable families to participate in the rituals that are most important to them.

As a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA), Lake Shore Funeral Home regularly receives information via National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) from the CDC, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies about the evolution of COVID-19 in the United States. NFDA continues to lead the conversation with federal officials about the role of funeral service as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And according to the CDC, at this time, there is no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Depending on a family’s preferences, their loved one can be safely embalmed. Families may choose either burial or cremation as usual.

Our staff recognizes our responsibility to protect the health of those we are privileged to serve. We will continue to guide families, as we always have, in ways they can meaningfully and safely commemorate the life of their loved one, while adhering to the guidance issued by federal, state and local public health officials.

Our staff will remain vigilant about cleaning our facilities and ensuring we are following recommended healthy habits, such as staying home when sick, washing our hands, and covering coughs and sneezes. The CDC and our local public health officials have offered a lot of helpful guidance for businesses on this topic, which we continue to follow.

Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory is committed to serving our community during this time. We stand ready to serve families whenever needed and we will honor your loved one.

Yours In Service,
Brent & Carri Shehorn
Owners, Lake Shore Funeral Home and Crematory