Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Burkhart Cemetery is a historic, nonprofit cemetery serving families with dignity and transparency. Below are answers to common questions. As our website grows, more FAQs will be added.

Endowed‑Care vs. Non‑Endowed Cemeteries what is the difference between the two?

Endowed‑Care Cemetery (Perpetual Care)

An endowed‑care cemetery is one that operates a state‑regulated trust fund. Missouri law requires endowed‑care cemeteries to:

Establish a formal trust with a bank or trust company

Deposit a required portion of every lot sale into the trust.

File annual reports with the state

Follow strict investment rules

Use only the interest for maintenance

Never spend the principal

Advertise “perpetual care” only if legally registered

This model provides a regulated source of long‑term maintenance funding, but it comes with strict legal obligations and state oversight.

Non‑Endowed Cemetery

A non‑endowed cemetery does not operate a state‑regulated perpetual‑care trust. Instead, maintenance is funded through:

Voluntary donations

Lot owner contributions

Community support

Board‑managed reserves (if any)

Non‑endowed cemeteries cannot advertise or imply perpetual care. They may maintain voluntary funds, but:

The principal may be accessed if needed

The fund is not a trust

The cemetery is not guaranteed perpetual maintenance

The Board manages funds according to nonprofit rules and bylaws

Burkhart Cemetery is a non‑endowed cemetery.