Originally proposed to be incorporated as “Rest Haven”, Elmwood was known as the “new” cemetery until 1909 when it officially became Elmwood Cemetery. In the beginning most lots in the cemetery were either cared for by family members or the Perpetual Care Fund.

Since some lots fell into disrepair in the 1950s and 1960s the City of Mexico gradually became more involved in maintaining lots. The cemetery was governed by the Elmwood Cemetery Association until 1967 when, unable financially to maintain the cemetery, they disbanded.

Assets

The Association’s Perpetual Care Fund assets were transferred to the City of Mexico in 1969. Today those assets generate less than $5,000 annually toward the Cemetery’s budget.

1. Not more than 1 shepherds hook on a grave. Shepherds hook must be at base of monument and kept in good repair
2. No landscape timbers, brick, stone, metal, or plastic edging surrounding grave
3. No fences
4. No gravel, mulch, or landscape rock on grave
5. No glass items
6. No shrub roses, locust trees, or invasive plant species will be allowed
7. No flowerpots or containers that are not part of the monument
8. No signs, yard ornaments, or permanent decorations that are not on monuments. This includes all statues, figurines, trellis, arches, stepping stones, or decorations that are not part of the monument or placed on monuments. These will be removed during cemetery clean-up days or the first time the object interferes with the performance of maintenance. Official veteran plaques, signs, and placards will be allowed. The Parks and Recreation Director will have the final say in all disputes of this rule
9. A permit is required to set a bench. 66" of clearance on all sides is required to place a bench in the cemetery.
10. A monument permit is required to set any object, or decoration in concrete.. Permits may be obtained on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 300 North Coal, Mexico MO 65265
11. Removed items may be picked up until the next quarterly cemetery clean-up at the designated area in the southeast corner of the cemetery,
    Items remaining in storage after 90 days will be disposed.

Cemetery Clean-up

Elmwood Cemetery Clean-up will be held on the third Friday the months of March, July and October. Please remove all flowers, wreaths, vases, etc. on the ground around stones you wish to keep previous Thursdays.

Cemetery personnel will remove remaining flowers, wreaths, vases, etc. on the ground around stones. Hanging baskets, flowers in stone urns or attached to stones will be left by staff.

Please obtain a copy of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations pamphlet located throughout the cemetery, when returning flowers, wreaths and vases to the cemetery on Saturday after the cleanup.

Please help us to be more responsive to the needs of all our patrons. The following rules have been carefully crafted to reduce conflicts between patrons and to improve maintenance efforts. Our goal is to provide you and your family a clean, well maintained cemetery. If you have any questions, please contact us at 573-581-2100 or email us.