Oklahoma couple sues to overturn law restricting casket sales
A couple in Oklahoma is challenging a state law that prevents them from selling custom caskets directly to customers, arguing it creates a monopoly for funeral homes.
A couple in Oklahoma is challenging a state law that prevents them from selling custom caskets directly to customers, arguing it creates a monopoly for funeral homes.
An Oklahoma couple is suing to overturn a state law that prohibits them from selling custom caskets directly to customers, claiming it unfairly restricts their business and benefits funeral homes.
Candi Mentink and Todd Collard, owners of Caskets of Honor, said their legal battle began in 2021 when they tried to display their custom caskets at the Tulsa State Fair, only to learn it violated Oklahoma’s Funeral Services Licensing Act.
“That’s when we realized that legally, you can’t even display a casket to the public unless you’re a funeral director,” Mentink said.
The law prevents them from selling directly to Oklahoma customers, forcing them to move their main operations to Texas to keep their business alive.
“Most of our customers do come from out of state; we ship them all over the United States, because we can’t advertise here, we can’t do anything,” Mentink said.
“They purchase it online, the transaction happens out of state, and that’s what makes it legal for us to sell our caskets back into Oklahoma,” Collard said.
The couple argues the law creates a monopoly for funeral homes.
“Right now, the funeral homes have a monopoly on this, and they don’t want to lose that. They mark these caskets up anywhere from 200 to 600%,” Collard said.
The issue was debated during the 2025 legislative session, where lawmakers discussed whether the law should be changed.
“I do understand that for funeral directors, that’s a serious source of revenue for them as well,” said Rep. Meloyde Blancett.
Blancett raised concerns about customer protections and quality control, suggesting that providers could register with the state to ensure accountability.
“Those providers could register with the state, so there is assurance that these are good actors?” Blancett said.
Rep. Gerrid Kendrix argued that the law limits consumer options and creates barriers to the free market.
“You can go on Amazon and purchase a casket, or Walmart, or any number of online suppliers,” Kendrix said.
“We talk a lot about regulation and licensing and all these things, and in a lot of cases, this is a barrier to the free market, as opposed to an encouragement to the market,” Kendrix said.
Despite the challenges, Mentink and Collard said they are determined to continue their fight.
“When you have a family reach out to you and tell you what a difference it makes to your family and atmosphere for what we’re able to provide, that’s the reason we continue our fight,” Mentink said.
A judge ruled Thursday that the couple’s case can move forward.