Hi, I’m Des.
I’m an Austin local who became a funeral director, and I made this site for one reason: so you know what to do before you ever need someone like me.
In five years of sitting with families, I’ve watched the same thing happen again and again. People walk in during the worst week of their lives and have to make dozens of decisions they’ve never thought about. What does cremation actually cost? Do we need a casket? What happens first? Nobody taught them, because nobody talks about it.
So let’s talk about it. Here you’ll find plain answers about burial, cremation, memorials and planning ahead, with real costs and no sales pitch. Whether you’re planning for yourself, helping a parent, or grieving someone right now, you’re welcome here.
My background is in forensic anthropology, and I’ve written a book on grief. Both taught me that the more we understand about death, the less power fear has over us.
This is an independent educational site. It isn’t affiliated with any funeral home, and nothing here is legal or financial advice.