Deepwood Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri

10/06/2026

Deepwood cemetery always appreciates when volunteers want to contribute to the needed upkeep. Cottey College Rotaract Club (the college arm of Rotary) had three ladies assist in cleaning headstones with archival approved enzyme (and lots of elbow grease). While volunteers are usually encouraged to clean mostly veteran headstones, this group of young ladies picked a row of markers that included veterans and cleaned about 15 headstones. Volunteers included two local Rotarians, three Cottey students, and one Pittsburg Kiwanis. It’s always rewarding to clean away the alge, dirt, minerals, and grime and be able to read headstones again.

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