Historic cemetery needs TLC

Dear Editor:

"Gone, but not forgotten." That phrase is often used to express our feelings about the loss of a loved one. In fact, the phrase is often engraved on the headstones of deceased individuals, presumably because of the loss experienced by the remaining loved ones.

In the case of Callaway Cemetery, just north of Nevada at the edge of town, it appears that the phrase "gone, but not forgotten," is only half correct. Over the past few years the cemetery has fallen into severe disrepair. The only maintenance provided for the cemetery is mowing conducted by community members. These community members have no loved ones buried in the cemetery, but believe that the cemetery should be kept up.

In addition to the need for mowing there are many other maintenance issues in the cemetery. The fences surrounding the cemetery are overgrown with weeds and brush. There are sunken places in the ground from varmints digging. Many of the headstones have fallen over because of the uneven ground. Several stones are partially buried in the ground.

My hope is that other individuals or groups in the community will come forward to volunteer to help get the cemetery renovated and to keep it maintained. For those who want to help but are physically unable to do so they could contribute to the cost of upkeep.

I don't know if there are surviving family members of the people buried in the cemetery, but if there are, I would encourage them to go see the cemetery and decide how they want it to be kept up.

If you have an interest in helping in this project you can contact me at 417-448-7471, or Joe or Virginia Habjan.

John McGinnis

Nevada