What to Do When a Loved One Dies in Kansas City: A Step-by-Step Guide

When someone you love dies in Kansas City, the hours and days that follow can feel overwhelming. If you’re in that moment right now, this guide is for you. It covers exactly what to do, step by step, in the first 72 hours — from the initial calls to beginning funeral or cremation arrangements.

You don’t have to figure everything out at once. Take it one step at a time.

Step 1: The First Hour — Who to Call

If the Death Occurred at Home

If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice provider first. Hospice will send a nurse to confirm the death and handle the immediate medical documentation. There is typically no need to call 911 if hospice is involved.

If the death was unexpected and there was no hospice involvement, call 911. The dispatcher will send paramedics and, depending on the circumstances, may involve the local medical examiner or coroner. Do not move the body or disturb the area until officials have arrived.

If the Death Occurred in a Hospital or Care Facility

The facility staff will handle the initial steps: confirming the death, notifying the attending physician, and beginning the death certificate paperwork. They will ask you which funeral home to contact for transportation. If you don’t have a funeral home selected yet, it’s okay to tell them you need a moment to decide — there is no rush.

If the Death Occurred Elsewhere

Call 911. Law enforcement and/or the medical examiner will respond. In Jackson County, MO, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office handles investigation when the cause of death is unclear or the death was unattended. In Johnson County, KS, the Johnson County Medical Examiner performs the same function.

Step 2: Choosing a Funeral Home or Cremation Provider

Once the immediate medical and legal steps are underway, you’ll need to select a funeral home or cremation provider to transport your loved one and begin making arrangements.

If your family doesn’t already have a provider in mind, here’s what to consider:

Get at least two quotes. Prices for the same service can vary by $1,000 or more across the KC metro. Request an itemized General Price List from each provider.

Ask about their crematory. If you’re choosing cremation, ask whether they operate their own crematory or contract with a third-party facility.

Choose based on your needs, not pressure. A good provider will give you space to make decisions. You don’t have to decide on service details right away — the first step is simply transportation.

You can browse trusted Kansas City funeral homes in our directory or get a free quote from multiple providers.

Step 3: Notify Family, Friends, and Employer

In the first 24–48 hours, focus on notifying:

Immediate family and close friends who need to know right away. Designate one family member as the primary contact to avoid confusion and repeating difficult conversations.

Your employer (and the deceased’s employer, if applicable). Most employers offer bereavement leave — typically 3–5 days for an immediate family member. Ask HR about your company’s policy. If the deceased was employed, their employer will also need to be notified to stop payroll and address any benefits.

Religious or spiritual leaders if a faith-based service is planned.

An attorney, if you know the deceased had a will, trust, or estate plan. This doesn’t need to happen on day one, but it should happen within the first week.

Step 4: Getting Death Certificates in Missouri and Kansas

Death certificates are essential — you’ll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, and more. Here’s how the process works in the KC metro:

In Missouri

Your funeral home files the death certificate with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Vital Records. Certified copies cost approximately $15 each. Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks after filing, though some funeral homes can expedite the initial copies.

For deaths in Jackson County, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office coordinates with the funeral home on cause-of-death documentation.

In Kansas

Your funeral home files the death certificate with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Office of Vital Statistics. Certified copies cost approximately $15 each. In Johnson County, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment may also be involved in the filing process.

How Many Copies Do You Need?

Most families need 5–10 certified copies. You’ll need one for each: life insurance policy, bank or financial institution, retirement or pension plan, real estate transfer, and vehicle title transfer. Your funeral home can advise on the right number based on your specific situation.

Step 5: Begin Making Arrangements

Within 24–48 hours, you’ll meet with the funeral home (either in person or by phone) to discuss:

Type of disposition: Cremation or burial? If cremation, will it be direct cremation or cremation with a service? If you’re unsure, read our guide to cremation vs. burial in Kansas City.

Services and ceremonies: Will there be a visitation, memorial service, or celebration of life? Where will it be held?

Budget and payment: Ask for an itemized estimate. Understand what’s included and what costs extra. If cost is a concern, ask about direct cremation, which is the most affordable option in the KC metro — see our cremation pricing guide.

Obituary and notifications: The funeral home can help you draft and publish an obituary in local Kansas City outlets.

Step 6: What Can Wait

Not everything needs to happen in the first few days. These tasks are important but can typically wait one to two weeks:

Social Security notification. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. The funeral home often handles this as part of their service.

Insurance claims. Contact each insurance company with a certified death certificate. Most allow 30–60 days.

Financial account closures. Banks, credit cards, and investment accounts will need a certified death certificate and, in some cases, letters testamentary from probate court.

Mail forwarding and subscriptions. Cancel or redirect as needed.

Digital accounts. Social media, email, streaming services, and other online accounts may have legacy contact or memorialization options.

Kansas City-Specific Resources

Here are local resources that can help during this time:

Jackson County Medical Examiner: (816) 881-6600 — for deaths in Jackson County, MO that require investigation.

Johnson County Medical Examiner: (913) 715-4600 — for deaths in Johnson County, KS that require investigation.

Missouri Vital Records: (573) 751-6387 — for death certificate inquiries.

Kansas Vital Statistics: (785) 296-1400 — for death certificate inquiries.

KC Hospice: (816) 363-2600 — bereavement support and grief counseling services.

If you need help choosing a funeral home or cremation provider, browse our Kansas City directory or call us at (913) 210-0597. We’re here when you need guidance.