Forever Enshrined Never Forgotten

Facilities Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery is a sacred place where the memories and sacrifices of our brave men and women are forever enshrined. As a final resting place for our nation’s heroes, this hallowed ground serves as a poignant reminder of the valor, dedication, and selflessness exhibited by those who served our great nation and their unwavering commitment to defending our freedom. 

Mission

 As stewards of this hallowed ground, it is our mission to uphold the highest standards of care and reverence as we offer a place of eternal rest and honor for our nation’s heroes while ensuring that the sacrifices made by our veterans are never forgotten. Our commitment extends beyond the burial grounds, as we strive to support and uplift veterans’ families during their time of grief. Together, we preserve our veterans’ memory and demonstrate that the spirit of gratitude and admiration will forever thrive within the heart of Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery.

History

Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery is the first federally funded, state-owned and operated veterans’ cemetery in Oklahoma. Its official dedication date was June 4, 2022, with the burial of Seaman First Class Billy Turner who died at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941. His remains were finally laid to rest after being identified through familial DNA.

Established in 2022, Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery is part of the VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, which is a federal-state partnership that provides Veterans a final resting place that is befitting of their service and sacrifice. In 2020, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration awarded the State of Oklahoma a $7,355,463 grant to establish a State Cemetery in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Located on twelve beautifully landscaped acres, the cemetery will serve approximately 25,570 Veterans and their eligible family members. Included on the grounds are waving flags at its center, paved roads, an administration building, maintenance facility, committal shelter, a memorial walkway as well as a few Canadian geese that freely roam the property.  

Volunteers and Support

Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery welcomes volunteers who wish to contribute their time and effort to maintaining the cemetery’s grounds, aiding administration, and assisting during special events. We are also grateful for any donations made to support our mission of honoring our veterans.

Email ArdmoreCemetery@odva.ok.gov or call us at 580-490-6489 to learn more about volunteering or donating. 

Cost & Eligibility

Veteran
$0

Spouse/Eligible Dependents
$0*

*Fees for spouse/eligible dependents are subject to change.

A place at Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery cannot be purchased. It is earned by a Veteran’s honorable and faithful service to our country. 

Eligibility

• Honorably discharged Veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces
• Certain members of reserve components and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
• Certain members of the National Guard
• Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Public Health Service
• Qualifying World War II Merchant Marines
• Certain members of the Philippines Armed Forces
• Qualifying spouses
• Qualifying dependents (dependent children's burial is limited to unmarried children under 21 or 23 if full-time students at approved educational institution)

While it is not possible to reserve a burial space, you can apply for preapproval by completing an Eligibility Precertification Application online, in person at the Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery Administration Building, or by mailing your application and documents directly to the cemetery. You will need to include a copy of your military discharge document, typically a DD-214, and a copy of your marriage certificate if applicable. It is important to provide all documents that reflect all dates of military service. Cemetery administration will review your submission, verify eligibility, and send a letter of status. Some applications may require additional documentation or further research by the Eligibility Verification Division at the National Cemetery Administration. However, most applications are processed within 1-2 weeks of submission.

Eligibility requirements for Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery are the same as for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery. Detailed eligibility requirements can be found at the VA Website. If you have any questions about eligibility, please call us at 580-490-6489.

What To Expect

We are honored you have chosen Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery as the final resting place for your loved one. Military funerals are solemn affairs. Clothing should be respectable mourning attire with comfortable shoes. Food and drinks are prohibited at the Committal Shelter. Only service animals as defined by 38 CFR 17.148 are allowed on cemetery property. If you have any questions, a cemetery representative will be happy to assist you.

Here is what to expect on the day of the service. The next of kin or family representative should provide funeral start time to guests.

30 minutes prior to the scheduled service time:

•  Family and guests arrive at the cemetery.

•  Proceed to the Administration Building, where a representative will review the order of service with the next of kin and procession protocol.

10 minutes prior to the scheduled service time:

•  The family's assigned representative provides guidance on the funeral procession. If not participating in the procession, the family and guests will proceed to the Committal Shelter.

•   Procession departs from queuing lanes, led by the family's assigned representative.

The service (generally 20 minutes):

•  Committal Service is conducted.

•  Military Honors are rendered.

•  Family departs Committal Shelter.

For safety reasons, family and guests are not allowed at the gravesite during burial. All burials are completed by end of day. Families and guest are welcome to go to the gravesite once burial is complete if it does not interfere with other processions or services.

Headstone Orders inPrivate Cemeteries

For assistance with ordering a headstone for a veteran buried in a private cemetery, please contact the National Cemetery Administration at 1-800-697-6947 or visit the National Cemetery Administration website.

Burial Arrangements

Burial arrangements for eligible Veterans, spouses, or dependents can be initiated by the funeral director or the next of kin by contacting the Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery. For Veteran eligibility verification, a copy of the military discharge document or DD214 is required. In instances where these documents are unavailable, the cemetery will cooperate with the federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine eligibility. The date and time for the Committal Service will be tentatively scheduled pending verification of eligibility. Final approval of the date and time will be confirmed only upon the cemetery's successful authentication of eligibility and definitive arrangements will be made at that time.

Please be aware the cemetery is not authorized to distribute copies of a military discharge document or DD214. Funeral directors may contact the National Personnel Office at 314-801-0800 for immediate assistance, and the next of kin may request a copy of service records through the National Archives.

Contact Us

The Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery is operated and maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

Contact us for information:

Address:
1555 Myall Street
Ardmore, OK  73401

Phone: 580-490-6489

Fax:      405-930-4078

or email us at: ArdmoreCemetery@odva.ok.gov