Deepwood Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri

05/20/2026

The Deepwood
Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri will host a walking tour on Saturday, May 30th. The tour is titled "Buried History" and will explore the hidden meanings of cemetery monuments. Tours start 11am and 1pm from the cemetery entrance at 800 S. Washington Street.
The event is free and open to the public but RSVP's are requested to select a tour time. RSVP to:
[email protected].

Tours last about one hour. Freewill donations can be made to the Deepwood Cemetery Association

05/20/2026

05/14/2026

Although I got sidetracked and didn’t get many photos of the students, Mrs Kim Greer’s Nevada middle school history classes (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) volunteered to get some service hours helping the historic Deepwood Cemetery. Using archival approved D2 enzyme cleaner and lots of elbow grease, the eight students cleaned around 15 headstones. Most showed immediate improvement and others took another round of treatment before they were readable. Some exhibited “blush” and we are excited to plan a trip back through the cemetery in a couple of weeks to see how they look. Although we encourage cleaning of veterans headstones as a priority, today’s effort was about 1/2 veterans and 1/2 not.
One Crowder education major student joined the effort. Ms. Kristin Thomas, Pittsburg high school K club sponsor brought her equipment and got the students off to a good start, talking about cemetery etiquette, cemetery history, and the important use of proper tools and supplies. Mrs Greer’s husband joined in the efforts after he arrived to lend a hand.
Thanks to all those involved for their hours of headstone cleaning.

05/07/2026

The Deepwood Cemetery Association will hold its annual public meeting on Monday, May 11th, 9am, at the Bushwhacker Museum, 212 W. Walnut Street in Nevada. Anyone interested in volunteering at the cemetery or learning about the upcoming history tour of Deepwood on Saturday, May 30th, is encouraged to attend.

04/19/2026

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Deepwood Cemetery will host special tours of the grounds, guided by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, retired history professor of Lindenwood University. Dr. Smith’s “Buried History” tour will explore the hidden meanings of cemetery monuments and how American “mourning” practices has changed over time.
Current Deepwood board member, Lois Pendrak, former Nevada High School and Crowder College history teacher commented that this effort matches Deepwood commitment to “ensure its future for generations to come—we feel very strongly that Deepwood is a major asset to the community”.

04/19/2026

Deepwood Cemetery begins an effort that is reminiscent of the original
“Gateway” entrance, which disappeared in the early years around 1920. Founded in 1869, Deepwood was the main burial grounds in Nevada for many years, but as the active board in modern times aged and/passed away, regular maintenance and improvements to the Cemetery declined. The newly reorganized leadership has focused on cleanup, improvements, repairs, and identifying and making the cemetery plots available to the public again.
The 2025 Nevada tornado tore through the south part of Deepwood, destroying many beautiful trees, as well as toppling historical headstones. Many local volunteers jumped in and worked for days on the cleanup efforts—others who either have family buried in Deepwood, or are financially committed to supporting renovation efforts, made valued financial contributions. Several committed future financial support for continuing improvement efforts. The board committed itself to support further improvements and repairs.
Deepwood sought out businesses who could create the arched signage that closely resembled the original design. Bids were taken and a Rich Hill business began work on the project. It involved a metal arch that bears the name “DEEPWOOD” on top of the existing brick columns. Wing fences will be added to closely resemble the original entrance, as well as matching plantings. A matching framed signage about the Cemetery rules will also be part of the project. Total cost will be about $20,000. In order to not deplete operational funds, the Deepwood board is seeking financial support from individuals and businesses to help pay for the arch. Anyone wishing to help with the cemetery entrance project may send contributions to Deepwood Cemetery, P O Box 147, Nevada MO 64772. Dt

10/18/2025

Deepwood Cemetery, Nevada MO, had lots of visitors last night, as the Vernon County Historical Society and the Bushwhacker Museum held the first night of their periodic Deepwood Cemetery Tour. Founded in 1869, the cemetery’s original purpose was to provide a burial space for Civil War soldiers. Since that date, many area residents, some who made notable contributions to the growth of Nevada and surrounding area, have been buried in Deepwood. After the aging and deaths of many of the active board members in the late 20th century, a new board was organized in 2020 and vast improvements and general upkeep have been undertaken.
Local “actors” portrayed Mary Daley Hildebrandt (Jane Ann Hancock), Horace Ridley (Ethan Copley), Royce Buckner (Isaac Hedges), Joshua Hightower (Darryl Wright), William Hill (Calvin Oyler), Hiram Tillotson (Johannes Brann, and AB and Mary Cockerill (Jon and Lucia Green), plus Frank Anderson’s story was told.
The weather was absolutely beautiful for the Friday evening tours, but Saturday’s had to be postponed due the rare all-day and much needed rain. It will be held Saturday October 25th. Numerous local volunteers led tour groups, did setup for the tour, and provided lots of support efforts to make the tour so successful. Many tour participants are regulars at the periodic Deepwood Tour.

05/03/2025

The Annual Meeting that’s open to the public, as required by the ByLaws, will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:00 am. It will be held at the City/County Community Center on North Ash. All residents who are interested in Nevada’s historic Deepwood Cenetery and the progress that’s been made in the past two years since it was reorganized, with Tax-exempt status restored.

Deepwood Cemetery is NOT a 501(C)3 tax exempt organization, rather the IRS required cemeteries to file and report as a tax exempt 501(C) 13 organization, which is just for cemeteries. If contributions are made to the cemetery, contributors may request a receipt and use it to file with their yearly Federal income tax for their contribution credit.

The Cemetery board wishes to extend appreciation to all who have helped the cemetery recover from all the previous storm damages and from the recent tornado which had a direct hit to a large section of the cemetery, damaging or destroying a number of trees, and toppling some headstones. Efforts continue to effect needed repairs, in addition to budgeted yearly maintenance.

Annual Meeting
May 17, 2025
10:00 AM
City County Community Center
Open to the public

04/09/2025

The Nevada Middle School History club volunteered yesterday to help with cleanup. Students gathered limbs and piled them to await pickup. Thanks to Kim Greer, Instructor, for providing this service to help with cleanup. It’s estimated that at least 25-30 volunteers showed up to help at the Monday cleanup effort. Another half dozen showed up Tuesday, with chain saws, tractors, trailers, etc. to make further progress. The Cemetery will probably need at least one more cleanup day before professional tree removal folks can start on the larger projects. Deepwood Cemetery is still taking contributions to help with the costs of the cleanup. Once all cleanup is completed, the first mowing is finished, headstone repair can be undertaken.

04/09/2025

Great response to plea for help with Deepwood Cemetery cleanup after the tornado damage. Thanks to all who helped. Another opportunity tomorrow morning (Wednesday). Once the damaged trees and limbs are removed, we can determine which headstones and markers will need repair. Additional photos will be posted as work continues.