Family alleges funeral home cremated Macon pastor against his wishes, files suit

Children of an 86-year-old Macon pastor who died last year have filed a lawsuit seeking more than $250,000 in compensation, alleging that a Macon funeral home cremated their father after they’d paid for a casket and embalming.

The suit, filed against Bentley and Sons Funeral Home Inc. and 10 unnamed individuals, alleges that John Thomas Sr. was “cremated against his and his children’s wishes and religious principles.”

An invoice, filed in Bibb County State Court along with the lawsuit, showed the family was billed $3,625 for a casket and items needed for a casket burial. The bill also reflects a $595 embalming fee.

The family’s attorney, David Dorer, said Georgia law recognizes that Thomas’ children have a right to have their father laid to rest in a manner that fits with their religious beliefs.

The law also requires the funeral home to treat a body with “utmost respect and care,” he said.

“That did not occur,” Dorer said. “His body was irreparably destroyed.”

Reached for comment this week, the funeral home’s attorney, Sam Alderman, said, “It’s an unfortunate situation.”

Alderman said he plans to vigorously defend Bentley and Sons as the case goes to court.

He declined additional comment, citing the pending litigation.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Family alleges funeral home cremated Macon pastor against his wishes, files suit."