Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery: A Family Guide to Burial and Cremation Options

For families choosing Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery for a loved one's final resting place, this guide walks through the cemetery's history, sections and pricing, what's required vs. optional, the burial process, and how to coordinate a visit or burial. Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, established in 2000, is one of approximately 155 national cemeteries managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Located in southwest Dallas, it serves honorably-discharged veterans and eligible spouses across the entire DFW metroplex and surrounding north Texas. The cemetery offers free burial benefits for eligible veterans, including the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and a government-furnished headstone or marker. Vargas-London handles all VA paperwork at no charge.

Vargas-London coordinates burials at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery regularly. We do not own or operate the cemetery, do not earn referral fees, and have no financial interest in any specific burial location. We help families compare options based purely on what serves the family.

About Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery

Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211
Type: National Cemetery; managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; for honorably-discharged veterans and eligible spouses

Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, established in 2000, is one of approximately 155 national cemeteries managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Located in southwest Dallas, it serves honorably-discharged veterans and eligible spouses across the entire DFW metroplex and surrounding north Texas. The cemetery offers free burial benefits for eligible veterans, including the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and a government-furnished headstone or marker. Vargas-London handles all VA paperwork at no charge.

The cemetery covers approximately 638 acres and includes:

• Free for eligible veterans: gravesite, opening/closing, and headstone all provided at no cost
• Eligible: veterans with honorable discharge, eligible spouses, and certain dependents
• Government-furnished headstone or marker provided at no cost (selected after burial)
• Full military honors available: bugler, color guard, three-volley salute, flag presentation

Burial sections and pricing in 2026

Plot and burial pricing at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery varies by section. Approximate 2026 pricing:

• Standard in-ground plot: FREE for eligible veterans, depending on section and location within the cemetery.
• Premium garden or feature plots: $10,000–$25,000+ for prime locations with mature landscaping or special features.
• Mausoleum entombment: Available for eligible veterans (FREE for spouse and one dependent). Eye-level crypts are typically the most expensive; lower or upper crypts are often less.
• Columbarium niche for cremated remains: Available for cremated remains.
• Cremation garden ground interment: $1,500–$4,500 for ground burial of cremated remains in a designated section.
• Family lot (multiple plots together): variable pricing depending on number of plots and location.

Additional fees separate from the plot purchase:

• Opening and closing of grave: $1,500–$2,800 per interment
• Vault or grave liner: $700–$3,500 (required by most cemeteries' policies)
• Saturday or holiday opening: typically a 25–50% surcharge on opening/closing
• Monument or marker: $1,500–$5,500+ from a separate monument company, ordered 4–12 weeks after burial

What's required vs. what's optional

Common cemetery requirements (varying by cemetery and section):

• Vault or grave liner: most cemeteries require this. The vault prevents ground subsidence as the casket decomposes. Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery typically requires a vault for in-ground burial, though specific section policies vary.
• Casket specifications: most cemeteries accept standard caskets but may have requirements for certain religious sections (e.g., plain wood for Jewish sections; specific Catholic specifications for Catholic cemeteries).
• Section-specific rules: certain sections require religious affiliation (Catholic sections require baptized Catholic; Jewish sections require Jewish identity in some cases).
• Embalming: not typically required by cemeteries; required only by family choice or for transport.

What's NOT required:

• Embalming is not legally required by Texas (Texas Health & Safety Code §711.011)
• A casket is not required for cremation (Texas allows cremation containers)
• Multiple certified death certificates are not required by the cemetery (the cemetery typically receives one copy)

Burial process at the cemetery

The graveside service or Rite of Committal at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery typically lasts 15–30 minutes. The process:

• The procession arrives from the church or funeral home
• Pallbearers carry the casket to the graveside
• Family is seated near the graveside; broader gathering stands behind
• The clergy or officiant leads prayers, scripture, and final commendation
• The casket is lowered into the grave (or placed in the mausoleum)
• Family may shovel earth onto the casket (Jewish tradition); place flowers (Christian tradition); or simply observe
• The clergy or officiant offers final blessing and dismisses the gathering
• Family typically stays briefly at the graveside before departing

The cemetery completes the actual burial after the family departs. The grave is filled, the marker (if already placed) confirmed, and the area cleaned. A monument or headstone is typically added 4–12 weeks later.

Visiting the cemetery: practical notes

For ongoing family visits to a loved one's grave at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, practical notes:

• Hours: most DFW cemeteries are open 7 AM to dusk, daily. Specific hours vary; call ahead for confirmation.
• Parking: typically free at on-site visitor parking
• Floral arrangements: most cemeteries permit flowers placed at the gravesite. Check policies on artificial flowers, glass containers, candles. Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery's policies on flower placement should be confirmed before the first visit.
• Decorations: birthday balloons, religious items, photo frames — varying policies by cemetery and section
• Pet visits: typically permitted on leash; check specific cemetery policy
• Maintenance: most cemeteries handle ground maintenance; family does not need to weed or mow
• Annual flower programs: many cemeteries offer subscription flower placement programs — the cemetery places fresh flowers on the grave on holidays, anniversaries, etc.

How Vargas-London coordinates with the cemetery

For families using Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery for burial, Vargas-London handles:

• Initial cemetery contact and section selection consultation
• Pricing comparison between sections, plots, and mausoleum options
• Timing coordination between the funeral home, the church (if applicable), and the cemetery
• Transportation of the casket to the cemetery
• Procession coordination with police escort if requested
• Casket selection that meets cemetery requirements
• Vault or grave liner ordering through the cemetery
• Monument or marker referral to a separate monument company
• Family follow-up after the burial

There is no upcharge for Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery coordination. Our published packages cover all cemetery coordination at any DFW cemetery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for burial at DFW National Cemetery?

Honorably-discharged veterans, their spouses, and certain dependents. Specific eligibility includes: honorable or general discharge from active duty (regardless of length of service for veterans of certain conflicts), spouses of veterans buried at the cemetery, and certain unmarried children. The VA's National Cemetery Administration determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Vargas-London helps families confirm eligibility and file VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Allowance) and other required paperwork at no charge.

What does the family pay for at DFW National Cemetery?

Nothing for the gravesite, opening/closing, or government-furnished headstone (these are FREE for eligible veterans). The family is responsible for: the funeral home services (transportation, casket, embalming if elected, etc. — Vargas-London charges per published pricing), the casket itself (a basic casket meeting VA requirements is included at $1,500-$2,500 from a casket distributor; no specific funeral home requirement), the religious service costs (clergy honorarium, music if applicable). Total veteran burial typically saves $4,000-$8,000 compared to non-VA cemeteries.

Are full military honors automatic?

Yes for eligible veterans, but the family should confirm with the VA. Standard military honors include bugler (live or recorded 'Taps'), color guard, three-volley salute, and flag presentation to the next of kin. Vargas-London coordinates with the VA's military funeral honors program at no charge.

How do I purchase a plot at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery?

Contact Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery pre-need office directly to purchase a plot in advance, or work with Vargas-London at the time of need to purchase. Plot purchases require selection of section, completion of cemetery contract, and payment. Pre-need plot purchase locks in today's pricing for future use.

Can I be buried at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery if I'm not affiliated with a specific religion?

For non-denominational sections, no religious affiliation is required. For denominational sections (Catholic, Jewish), specific affiliation requirements apply. Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery's pre-need office confirms eligibility based on section choice.

Does Vargas-London receive a referral fee from the cemetery?

No. We have no financial relationship with any cemetery. Our recommendation reflects what we believe serves the family. Cemetery costs are paid directly to the cemetery, not through us.

Can I order a monument from a non-cemetery monument company?

Yes, in most cases, though some cemeteries (especially Catholic cemeteries) require monuments to come from their on-site or approved monument company. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering. See our DFW vendor directory for monument company options.

Watch — Cemetery Choice

How to choose a cemetery.

A consumer's guide to evaluating cemeteries — type, location, rules, and pricing — so families can make an informed long-term choice.

Source: Essential Buyer's Guide to Family Mausoleums · embedded for educational use.