Rules & Regulations

The cemetery is open at all times for families and visitors. Inquiries, donations, or requests for information may be sent to:

Burkhart Cemetery, Inc. P.O. Box 871 Racine, Missouri 64858

Burkhart Cemetery is managed by a Volunteer Board of Directors, operating under established bylaws that require an annual accounting of funds received and their allocation.

Membership is defined as any individual who owns property in the cemetery and/or has made a contribution to the maintenance of the Cemetery. The cemetery relies on member support and public donations for its beautification.

The Board of Directors has prepared this information to help lot owners better understand the responsibilities and goals of the Cemetery’s officers and directors. While it is never our desire to limit personal preference or individual taste, certain rules and regulations are necessary to ensure the beauty, harmony, and respectful character of the Cemetery, as well as the long‑term stability of all improvements.

We recognize that the full scope of Burkhart Cemetery’s duties is not always visible, yet we remain committed to serving families with care and maintaining a peaceful, well‑kept resting place. With your cooperation, we can continue to preserve the beauty and dignity of the Cemetery for generations to come.

Cemetery Guidelines

Burial Records & Ownership

All burial spaces are documented on cemetery plats and in a card‑index system located in the work building. These records provide precise locations and support the proper administration of the cemetery grounds.

Any transfer of ownership of gravesites must be reported to Burkhart Cemetery. Proper documentation ensures accurate records and protects the rights of all lot owners.

Decoration & Maintenance Rules

Seasonal Decoration Policy

April 15 through October 15, excluding Memorial Day, all flowers and decorations must be placed on headstones, not on grass.

Mowers are not responsible for items left on the grass.

Flowers and decorations placed on the grass for Memorial Day must be removed by 5:00 PM on Thursday, following Memorial Day.

General Decoration Restrictions

Lot owners and visitors are asked to refrain from placing on graves or in the ground any items that obstruct proper care of the cemetery. This includes potted plants, crosses, baskets of flowers, boxes, glass, tin or wooden receptacles, urns, tables, or other miscellaneous objects. Vases are not permitted except where they are securely set on the tombstone.

Furniture & Large Items

To maintain a safe and well‑kept environment for all families, chairs, settees, benches, vases, urns, boxes, and similar items cannot be placed on cemetery lots. These items hinder mowing and trimming and may become damaged over time.

Enclosures

Copings, fencing, hedges, and other forms of enclosure are not allowed on any lot. Any object placed in violation of these rules that hinders mowing, trimming, or general grounds maintenance will be removed as necessary.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements and floral pieces placed on a new grave will be removed once they become unsightly. Any flower arrangements placed within the cemetery must be set on the tombstone, and containers for cut flowers must also rest on the tombstone.

Shepherd’s Hooks

Shepherd’s hooks must be maintained throughout the year or will be removed, name‑tagged, and placed in the cemetery office for members to pick up.

Authority to Remove Items & Useful Life Policy

To ensure the Cemetery remains safe, accessible, and well‑maintained for all families, the Board of Directors and/or the Sexton have full authority to determine when any item placed on a lot, grave, or within the Cemetery must be removed. This includes decorations, containers, ornaments, structures, or any object not permanently installed as part of an approved monument/tombstone.

Items other than headstones/tombstones have a limited useful life. Weather exposure, deterioration, safety concerns, or interference with maintenance may shorten this lifespan. Once the Sexton or a designated representative determines that an item has reached the end of its useful life, it will be removed and disposed of in accordance with Cemetery policy.

This authority ensures safe mowing, protects monuments, preserves the Cemetery’s appearance, and complies with Missouri non‑endowed cemetery standards and the Cemetery’s governing documents.

Trees & Landscaping

Certain lots include trees intentionally left in place as part of the cemetery’s landscape plan. Lot owners may not remove, trim, or prune any tree on cemetery property. Burkhart Cemetery may remove any tree, shrub, plant, or vine that becomes unsightly, poses a safety concern, or interferes with the care of the grounds.

Liability

Burkhart Cemetery is not liable for vandalism or damage to monuments, markers, or stones. Homeowner’s insurance policies may cover such items.

Burkhart Cemetery will make every reasonable effort to safeguard private property; however, the Cemetery cannot be held responsible for loss or damage resulting from causes beyond its control, including theft, vandalism, riot, malicious mischief, windstorms, tornadoes, cyclones, hail, snow, frost, or heat, etc...

Payment Default

When a purchaser defaults on payment, the Cemetery may issue written notice declaring all payments due. If payment is not received within one year, the Cemetery may terminate the contract and provide written notice of termination. Upon termination, the purchaser shall retain no right, title, or interest in the lot or any part thereof.

Volunteering

Volunteering and contributing to the cemetery’s upkeep is a meaningful way to honor loved ones and support the long‑term care of this historic resting place. Workdays are scheduled for spring and fall, and dates will be posted on Facebook or may be obtained by contacting a Board member.

Individuals or families wishing to volunteer, assist with grounds maintenance, or make a donation toward the Cemetery’s care are encouraged to contact any member of the Board of Directors. Your support helps preserve the dignity, beauty, and heritage of Burkhart Cemetery for future generations.

Governance & Compliance

Burkhart Cemetery, Inc. operates under:

The Articles of Incorporation (filed June 15, 2017)

The Bylaws (adopted June 12, 2017)

Missouri statutes governing non‑endowed cemeteries

IRS requirements for 501(c)(13) cemetery companies

The Cemetery is a mutual benefit nonprofit corporation, serving lot owners, families, contributors, and the community connected to the cemetery.

The Board of Directors may amend these Rules and Regulations as needed to ensure compliance with law, preservation of the grounds, and the respectful care of all burial spaces.

Closing Statement

Burkhart Cemetery exists to honor the memory of those laid to rest, preserve the historic and cultural heritage of Newton County, and provide a place of dignity, solace, and reflection for families and the community. With your cooperation, we can continue to maintain this sacred place with respect, care, and devotion for generations to come.