Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery
Forever Enshrined Never Forgotten
Honoring Those Who Served
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.
Our 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 in Private 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
CEMETERY ADMINISTRATOR
Jamee J. Smith
Visiting Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery
We welcome visitors to our cemetery to pay their respects and find solace in the peaceful surroundings. Our grounds are meticulously maintained to provide a serene and beautiful atmosphere for contemplation and remembrance. The cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset.
To find the resting place of a Veteran or their dependent, we offer a grave-locator kiosk for easy access to burial information. It can be found just inside the entrance of the Administration Building. If you need assistance, please ask any of our cemetery staff. You may also visit the Nationwide Grave Locator to search for a specific Veteran gravesite by selecting “Burial Locations” and below that will be “Search All Cemeteries.” Scroll down to OKLAHOMA and select “Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery.” You will then have the option to search by “Last Name.” The Nationwide Grave Locator will also allow you to search all National Cemeteries as well as federally funded State and Tribal cemeteries.
Thank you for joining us in paying tribute to the men and women who have served our great nation. May their sacrifices never be forgotten.
PLEASE NOTE
If you choose to apply for and receive the NCAs COMMEMORATIVE URN OR PLAQUE BENEFIT, you will lose your eligibility for burial in Oklahoma’s State Veterans Cemetery or a National Cemetery. This benefit is for those who wish to never be interred in a Nation Cemetery, Oklahoma’s State Veterans Cemetery, or a receive a government marker. For more information, Commemorative Urn and Plaque: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - National Cemetery Administration
What is Provided
- Gravesite or Columbarium Niche
- Pre-placed Grave Liner
- Opening/Closing of the Gravesite
- Headstone/Niche Cover/Memorial Plaque
- Committal Service
- Perpetual Care
Casket
A preplaced grave liner is provided by the cemetery for all casket burials. All casket burial sites have double-depth, preplaced crypts. Casket gravesites are permanently marked with an upright, marble headstone. Veteran, spouse, and eligible dependents are buried in the same gravesite.
Cremation (In-Ground)
In-ground cremation gravesites provide a traditional burial option for cremated remains. In-ground cremation gravesites are marked with an upright, marble headstone. The choice for the placement of cremated remains either in-ground or above-ground will need to be determined by the next-of-kin. Veteran, spouse, and eligible dependents are buried in the same gravesite.
Cremation (Columbarium)
The Columbarium/Columbarium Wall provides an above-ground option for cremated remains. Columbarium niches are marked with a marble niche cover. The choice for the placement of cremated remains either in-ground or above-ground will need to be determined by the next-of-kin. Veteran, spouse, and eligible dependents are buried in the same gravesite.
Memorial Wall
The Memorial Wall is designated for those whose remains are unavailable for burial. A bronze memorial plaque will be mounted to the Memorial Wall as a grave marker. Specific eligibility requirements must be met for this option.
Floral Policies
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Plastic vases are provided in the brown receptacles labeled “FLOWER VASES” found throughout the cemetery. Floral items will be removed from graves by cemetery personnel as soon as they become faded or unsightly. Artificial flowers may be placed on graves during the periods specified in the Floral Regulations. Plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects of any kind and similar commemorative items are not permitted on graves at any time. Floral items or other type of adornments are strictly prohibited from being placed on or attached to the headstone. The aforementioned items will be removed and disposed of by cemetery personnel. The Government is not responsible for the safeguarding, maintenance, replacement or return of any containers, flowers, or items left at the cemetery. Please consult the Administrator for clarification of any regulation. Please click the link below for a full review of the Floral Regulation.
Obtaining Military Service Records
To obtain military service records, visit the National Personnel Center (NPRC) website to apply online or you may contact your local Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000.
Military Honors
A funeral with military honors is a profoundly traditional ceremony extended to all members of the armed services upon their passing. The military ensures an honor guard detail comprised of at least two service members, one of whom must belong to the same military branch as the deceased. Respectfully, a flag will be draped over the casket or meticulously folded and placed in front of the urn. When military honors are rendered, Taps is played by a bugler or recording. The honor guard will ceremoniously fold the flag and present it to the next-of-kin at the end of the Committal Service.
Committal Services
Committal Services are Monday – Friday*, on a first come first serve basis, every hour from 9 AM to 3 PM (3 PM services are reserved for urn only.) Committal Services are limited to 20 minutes. All Committal Services should be brief and need to start on the hour at the scheduled time. Families who extend their services can greatly affect others who have reserved the following time. All Committal Services are held in the Committal Shelter. This ensures the family's safety and provides a fitting location for military honors and the ability of our staff to continue cemetery operations. The remains are removed from the Committal Shelter for burial following the family's departure and are never left unattended by cemetery staff. Clergy services and other arrangements are the responsibility of the family or family representative. These arrangements are normally coordinated through the chosen funeral director.
*Committal Services are not held on State holidays or weekends.
Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery - Wreaths Across America
Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery - Phasing Plan
Click here to view the phasing plan for the cemetery. (Coming soon)
