Below are two links to US Government documents relating to remains disposition.
The first spells out the order of next of kin of the deceased service member for the purpose of disposition of remains. In other words, who decides where and how the remains are interred. See chapter 4-4.
Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of Personal Effects
The second link is to a special powers of attorney. That is where the closest next of kin can specify someone to act on their behalf.
