How is Llano Cemetery governed and operated?

Llano Cemetery is owned by each person who has purchased a burial space or mausoleum crypt. Each owner, regardless of how many spaces he owns, is entitled to cast one vote at the annual meeting to elect the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors consists of nine members, who are also property owners. Members of the board serve without compensation. Board terms are three years and a member can be re-elected once. It is a rotating board.

The board meets monthly and sets overall cemetery policy. Committees oversee personnel, financial affairs, grounds upkeep, cemetery improvements and sales of monuments, lots, crypts and mausoleum crypts.

Committee actions and recommendations are presented for overall board approval.
The actual operation of the cemetery is handled by the General Manager, office staff, sales staff and grounds and monument personnel, under policies set by the Board of Directors.

How is the cemetery maintained?

Funds for maintenance of the cemetery are derived from the sale of cemetery properties (lots, crypts, mausoleums, monuments), interments and interest from the Everlasting Care Fund and Mausoleum Care Trust Fund.

What are the Everlasting Care and Mausoleum Care Trust Funds?

These trust funds were established in 1946 and 1966, respectively, to provide monthly income from dividends and interest, plus gains from sales of investments. The corpus, or principal, of the trusts cannot be invaded or distributed. The combined market value of the trusts as of Dec. 31, 2005 was $4,425,087.

What type of burial property is available at Llano?

1. Memorial or Grass Flush property - for ground burial. Markers on this type of property must be grass level (flat) markers.

2. Traditional or Upright Monument property - for ground burial. Markers on this type of property may include a family monument, as well as the grass level markers.

3. Mausoleum Crypts - for above-ground burial. Indoor crypts are available in the Pantheon Mausoleum and outdoor crypts are available in the Garden Mausoleum.

4. Columbarium - a 96-niche structure for the placement of urns following cremation.

5. Lawn Crypts – similar to mausoleum crypts, lawn crypts are pre-installed concrete receptacles for in-ground burial.

Are areas of the cemetery designated for various religions?

In the past, Llano Cemetery has had certain areas set aside for specific religions, if requested. Today, religious groups leave the choice of location to the individual.

How are spaces purchased?

Spaces may be purchased prior to death, which is called a pre-need purchase, or after death, which is called an at-need purchase. Pre-need spaces may be purchased by making a down payment and paying the balance monthly over a period of 60 months. Minimum monthly payment is $25. There are no interest or finance charges. The purchase of at-need space requires all costs be paid prior to burial.

Are there charges in addition to the price of the space?

Reasonable competitive charges are made for the opening and closing of burial spaces. Llano charges a setting fee for all markers and monuments.

Are grave liners required?

Grave liners are required to help avoid the settling of graves, to deter burrowing animals and to provide a clean, dry receptacle for the casket. Llano Cemetery requires a minimal liner made of concrete.

Can property be transferred?

Yes. Property at Llano is transferable through the American Cemetery Association’s Credit Exchange Plan. This plan allows dollar-for-dollar credit at a new cemetery for what was paid at the original cemetery. Property may also be transferred from one individual to another with no exchange of money.

What options does a property owner have who no longer needs the burial space?

There are 4 options:
1. Donate the property to the cemetery to be resold.
2. Sell the property back to the cemetery for the original purchase price minus a small percentage to cover operating expenses of the cemetery.
3. Transfer the property to another individual with no exchange of money.
4. Sell the property to a new owner at the original sales price. This transaction is monitored to prevent speculation on the burial property. All sales must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to sale and require a Warranty Deed.

Are markers or monuments available from the cemetery?

As a service to property owners, Llano provides markers, monuments and vases at a competitive market price. These top quality memorials may be purchased by making a down payment and paying the balance monthly with no interest or finance charges.

Can monuments be altered or repaired?

Yes. Alterations can be made to correct misspellings or incorrect dates. Names and dates may also be added. Chipped or broken corners and edges can be replaced. Markers can also be cleaned. Water marks, deposits of lime, calcium or rust can be removed. It is also possible to restore a shiny surface or give a shiny surface to a marker which originally had a rough surface. For further information, contact a counselor in the sales office.

Does Llano Cemetery accept donations?

Yes. Memorials and contributions made to Llano are deductible as charitable contributions. Memorials and gifts will be appropriately acknowledged and listed in the quarterly newsletter. Make checks payable to: Llano Cemetery Association. Mail donations to: Llano Cemetery P.O. Box 563 Amarillo, TX 79105 or make a donation online by clicking here.

When are the cemetery gates opened and closed?

Gates to the cemetery are opened daily at 7 a.m. The gates on 27th Street and 34th Street are closed at 5:30 p.m. The Arthur Street gate for the main cemetery and the gate to Llano East are closed at sunset.

What are the Llano Cemetery office hours?

Monday thru Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m
Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m
Sunday Counselors are on call