Established in 1846, the IOOF Cemetery or the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, bears witness to a substantial historical legacy for both local and regional communities. Its origins go back to 1846 with the burial of Bennie Jones, making the cemetery over a century and a half old. The cemetery's oldest section, situated in the northeast corner, dates back to the mid-19th century. The cemetery was developed as a community cemetery in 1855. Since opening, over 9,000 people have been buried in the cemetery. The City of Neosho took control of the cemetery on November 5, 2019. Today, the city is dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of the cemetery, ensuring its continued maintenance and respect for those interred within its grounds.
Maintenance Efforts & Time Line
In recent years, the cemetery had become difficult to maintain by the Neosho IOOF Board, Inc. due to financial and employment deficiencies.
The City of Neosho accepted the IOOF Cemetery on November 5th, 2019 per Missouri State Legislative actions, ultimately local political subdivisions must assure the continued presence, care, and upkeep of its cemeteries.
On January 21st, the City Council approved the new Code Ordinance for the City of Neosho IOOF Cemetery.
On February 18th, 2020, a City of Neosho IOOF Cemetery Board was formed in order to help in the updating of Cemetery records, as well as to serve as an advisory board.
The City of Neosho has been working to improve the grounds of the IOOF Cemetery. Over the next year, there will be ongoing road improvements, particularly in the front area surrounding the older sections of the cemetery. Signs have been added throughout the cemetery to help find the section of your loved one.
We are working on a software program that will direct you to any grave you are looking for in the cemetery using your phone.
You might notice the flags as you enter the IOOF Cemetery, these were a vision of Paul Richardson who served on the Cemetery Board. We appreciate the time Paul took with our City and our board and the visions that he had for it. He was always quick to lend a hand when needed. Paul Richardson passed away on December 16, 2021 and will be dearly missed.
Landscaping and mowing the cemetery costs the city approx. $108,000.00 per year, donations are greatly appreciated to help off-set this expense.
