Final Rest

“Typically the families that buy them are freethinkers, and like to do things differently,” says Thomas Hicks, president of Southern Caskets Direct. The Norcross, Ga., casket manufacturer offers caskets imprinted with custom graphic images that reflect the departed’s life. For instance, auto-racing fans can rest in a box imprinted with a checkered flag and race cars. Golfers can be interred in a “Fairway to Heaven” coffin. There are special versions for beach lovers, firefighters, and military personnel, among others. “But I haven’t yet sold the ‘Return to Sender’ [model],” Hicks says. (AP) ...Though surely there’s been plenty of call for fireproof linings.