Monument Repairs
The original section of the Cemetery dates back to 1872, and includes the founding families of Rockwall. A large number of the headstones in this section have fallen into disrepair. Staff received recommendations from Resthaven Cemetery regarding a monument company capable of cleaning and repairing these headstones. Vandagriff Monument Company has documented the conditions in this section of the Cemetery and has begun the process of cleaning and/or repairing several hundred headstones. This work will require several weeks of labor which is being coordinated with city staff.

Funding
The city recently received a bequest of $123,500 from the estate of Mr. Henry R. Squires. The City Council agreed to undertake projects to improve the landscaping at the Memorial Cemetery, in order to honor this gentleman’s gift. Revenues derived from the sale of plots and burial permits have been added to the project to allow the City to undertake the projects now reaching completion.

Signage/Fencing/Landscape
The City Council reviewed conceptual drawings and agreed to upgrade the entrance to the Cemetery. The project includes a new entrance sign, a small fountain and seating area for meditation, new landscaping items and “historic” solar lighting in the cemetery. The light poles will allow us to place signage to identify the various sections of the cemetery. We have a significant number of people in the cemetery doing genealogical research and section signage should be helpful in this endeavor. In addition, a brick column/wrought iron fence is being installed on the Washington Street side of the Cemetery.

Dedication
In early 2003, Henry R. Squires bequeathed more than $123,000 for a Rockwall Memorial Cemetery rehabilitation.

On Monday, May 30, 2005, more than 50 area residents and city staff members gathered around the cemetery's new fountain to remember Squires, honor his dedicated service and marvel at improvements to the 130-year-old facility.