Business Details
Emergency
services
Professional Funeral Services in East Kent
Established in 1891, our independent family-run business has provided professional and caring funeral services in East Kent for over one hundred years. We specialise in arranging funerals tailored to individual needs, offering both traditional and modern options including eco-friendly coffins and alternative funeral venues. Our team operates 24/7, providing support in the comfort of your home and maintaining strong relationships with local clergy, doctors, and legal professionals. With five generations of the Cole family dedicated to this sensitive work, we combine deep expertise with compassionate service.Our purpose-built premises in Minster house a chapel of rest, while our historical archives reveal over two centuries of community service. We prioritise transparency in all arrangements and documentation processes, guiding families through every step with professionalism and empathy. Our staff are trained to handle both local and overseas repatriation cases, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. The business continues to evolve while maintaining its founding principles of dignity, respect, and individual care for every family we serve.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Alternative Hearses
Funeral Plans
Coffins and Caskets
Chapel of Rest
Repatriation Services
Eco-Friendly Options
Cremation Services
Burial Services
Documentation Assistance
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of dedicated funeral service experience in East Kent
- Our family-run business operates with five generations of funeral expertise
- We provide 24/7 service including home visits for bereavement discussions
- Offering eco-friendly coffin options and alternative funeral arrangements
- Maintaining established relationships with local clergy and medical professionals
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create personalised funeral services that reflect individual lives. Our experienced team guides families through every decision, from venue selection to officiant coordination. With over a century of expertise, we ensure all legal requirements are met while maintaining dignity and respect throughout the process.
Eco-Friendly Coffins
Our sustainable coffin options include willow, bamboo, and cardboard designs. These biodegradable choices cater to environmental considerations while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. We help families select appropriate eco-friendly options that align with both personal values and budget requirements.
Chapel of Rest
Our purpose-built chapel allows families to spend time with their loved ones in a peaceful setting. The facility, originally a Methodist chapel since 1966, provides a dignified space for private farewells with appropriate seating and lighting for contemplation.
Repatriation Services
We handle international repatriation cases with sensitivity and expertise. Our services include documentation preparation, transportation coordination, and guidance through foreign registration processes. We advise on costs and requirements for returning deceased persons from overseas locations to the UK.
Documentation Assistance
Our team guides families through death registration and certificate acquisition. We explain medical examiner processes, coroner referrals, and benefit notifications. We provide practical advice on required documents and coordinate with registrars to streamline administrative procedures during bereavement.
People
Jonathan S Cole
Company Director
Fifth-generation funeral director with over 50 years' experience. Qualified master plumber who transitioned to full-time funeral services. Built new premises in Minster in 2007 while maintaining family traditions.
Christopher Cole
Funeral Director
Fifth-generation team member with 25+ years' experience. Manages vehicles and premises operations. Works alongside his father Jonathan to maintain family business standards while implementing modern practices.
Bernard J Cole
Former Director
Fourth-generation director who served until 2003. RAF veteran with photographic reconnaissance experience. Continued family legacy until passing away six days after conducting his final funeral service.
William S Cole
Founder
Established funeral business in Monkton in 1910. Combined carpentry skills with funeral services tradition. Operated until 1965, laying foundations for family business expansion and specialisation.
William J Cole
Patriarch
Moved to St Nicholas-at-Wade in 1891 to purchase original funeral and building business. Maintained Jonathan Grant's 200-year-old tradition. Continued operations until 1937, establishing family reputation for compassionate service.
Questions
What immediate steps should I take when someone dies at home?
Contact the deceased's GP surgery during hours or call 111 outside hours. We can assist with documentation and arrangements once the death is certified.
Do you offer environmentally-friendly funeral options?
Yes, we provide various eco-friendly coffins made from natural materials like willow, bamboo, and cardboard with biodegradable fittings.
Can funerals be held at locations other than traditional venues?
We arrange alternative funeral venues including our chapel of rest or other suitable locations that reflect the deceased's preferences.
How do you handle overseas repatriation cases?
We coordinate documentation, transportation logistics, and provide cost guidance for returning deceased persons from abroad to the UK.
What documentation is required for death registration?
You'll need the medical certificate of cause of death, identification documents, and payment for certificates. We can advise on specific requirements.
Are your funeral services available 24/7?
Yes, our team operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing immediate assistance and home visits when needed.
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Reviews (4)
Kate B.
Oct 25, 2021
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From start to finish, everyone here has been so kind, professional and honest at what has been a very difficult time. There has been absolutely no pressure to do anything we didn't want to do, and they even went the extra mile to find and play some military drumming over the crematorium speakers as Dad arrived. It was comforting to know that Dad was cared for and respected at every stage, and that Dad was given a lovely send off thanks to W S Cole and sons
Sarah Howard
Jul 25, 2020
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Having recently lost my father, I would like to say how wonderful Johnathan was when he visited the family home regarding the funeral arrangements. He was professional , empathic and a genuinely kind man. He made a very difficult time far easier to deal with. Thank you.
Michael Dowd
Jul 06, 2019
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Having to plan a funeral for my Mum after she passed away suddenly was the last thing we wanted to do. Grant and Jonathan were an oasis of calm professionalism in a sea of sadness and emotion. They did everything possible to make her funeral a special day that we know she would have been proud of and that honoured her memory. Nothing was too much trouble and we cannot thank them enough for making what was a difficult time a whole lot easier. With heartfelt thanks and much gratitude to you both.
Sue Twemlow
Jun 28, 2018
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Absolutely first class service throughout. Everyone at WS Cole and Son were so kind, calm, friendly and extremely professional. They took care of absolutely everything, and guided me sympathetically through the whole process. They were always happy to answer my many questions, and were so kind and reassuring. Ultimately professional, they made a very difficult time as easy as it could be, I cannot thank them enough. I was recommended to them by two of my own friends, and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who wants to achieve the best funeral possible for their loved one, but
