David’s Cemetery in Kettering adapts to the needs of today
While cemeteries may seem to be unchanging, that’s far from true, especially at David’s Cemetery, located at 4600 Mad River Road in Kettering. The cemetery, which has been serving the region for almost 200 years, has several new projects in the works so it can better serve residents and their loved ones.
New Monument Section
“I am very proud to announce the opening of a new monument section in the southern end of our cemetery—Section S. We are always looking for ways to offer our community more burial options as we look to the future,” says Steve Hopkins, superintendent of David’s Cemetery. This new section will make more of the 56-acre site available for burials.
Old Glory Plaza
Old Glory Plaza opened in 2015 as the newest option for those who wanted to memorialize members of the community, public servants and the military. The plaza flies a 30-foot-by-60-foot U.S. flag on 120-foot-tall flagpole over five tablets honoring the five branches of the U.S. military: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. While the military does have a place of honor at the site, you don’t have to have been part of the military to choose this columbarium. Military reservists, police, firefighters and EMTs can also reside there, along with all other members of the community.
“Old Glory Plaza continues to attract many families because of its patriotic beauty and I would like to reiterate that you don’t have to be a current member of the military or a veteran to purchase a niche. Any member of the community may purchase one of the niches, but we do offer a pre-need Appreciation Discount for our military members and first responders,” adds Hopkins.
Walking Paths
During the summer months, Terri Schimer, marketing coordinator for David’s Cemetery, says that the cemetery is also a great place to walk. A walking map can be downloaded from the cemetery’s website. In addition, print maps can be picked up on the board at the parking lot of the Mad River Road entrance.
Preparations for 200th Anniversary
While David’s Cemetery won’t celebrate its 200th anniversary until 2026, it is already preparing for this momentous celebration. Some of those plans include updating landscaping, new mausoleum furnishing, expansion of some sections and new architectural and sculptural features scattered throughout the cemetery. There are plans for many community activities like essay and photo contests, a time capsule and special tours.
“As our 200th anniversary approaches and our preparations for a year-long celebration in 2026 begin, it is truly an honor and a humbling responsibility that each of us at David’s Cemetery feel every day. I’m sure the staff who came before us in the first years could never have imagined what a beautiful and dignified place of rest that our cemetery has become. Knowing that sometimes the first interaction with our families comes during some of their most difficult days is not something we take lightly. For the past 200 years we have handled these relationships and responsibilities with deep compassion and look forward to doing the same for the next 200,” says Schimer.
