Who is generally responsible for paying for funeral services in Missouri?

In Missouri, the responsibility for paying for funeral services typically falls on the person who arranges for the funeral. This principle is based on the notion that the person taking on the task of making funeral arrangements is also responsible for the associated costs. This can include immediate family members or other individuals closely connected to the deceased, as they are often in the best position to make decisions regarding the funeral and, by extension, the financial obligations that come with it.

The deceased person's employer and the state government have limited responsibilities in this context. Employers may offer some assistance or benefits to employees’ families in certain circumstances, but they are not generally liable for funeral expenses. Similarly, while state or local governments may provide assistance in specific situations (e.g., for indigent individuals), they do not typically cover costs for private funerals.

The funeral establishment itself does not bear the financial responsibility for the services it provides; rather, it is a service provider expecting payment from the customer who has engaged its services. Thus, the correct answer reflects common legal and practical practices regarding funeral arrangements in Missouri.