What is the vital record for Missouri that relates to death?

The vital record in Missouri that specifically relates to death is the death certificate. This document officially records the fact of a person's death and provides essential details such as the date, cause, and location of the death, along with personal information about the deceased. The death certificate is a legal document that is often required for settling estate matters, claiming life insurance benefits, and for various other legal purposes.

Unlike the birth certificate, which records the birth of an individual, the death certificate serves a different function by acknowledging the end of life and documenting the circumstances surrounding it. A funeral service contract, while related to the arrangements made for a deceased individual, is not an official state record. An autopsy report may provide information about the cause of death but is not a vital record; rather, it is a medical document that may be utilized in specific circumstances, such as investigations or legal matters. Therefore, the death certificate is the correct answer as it is directly tied to the acknowledgment and documentation of death in Missouri.