Rock Prairie Cemetery Halltown, Missouri
May 1, 2023
RockPrairieCemetery.com
417-234-4077
Page of 1 4
From its humble beginnings in 1888
when James N. & Sally (Nickel)
Downing deeded their 1-1/2-acre
“Graveyard on Family Farm” to
Lawrence county, Rock Prairie has been
blessed with very kind and caring
benefactors who have expanded our
borders section by section, road by
road, and dollar by dollar.
We would be remiss, if we
didn’t honor those folks
from time to time and share
publicly how much we
appreciate their patronage.
Inspired by the gift of our
latest good Samaritan, we
are including a brief history
of each of Rock Prairie’s
eight sections at the end of this
article . . . but first, let’s talk more about
how this latest gift from a most
benevolent donor came about.
As you know, Rock Prairie’s only source
of income is from plot sales. In a good
year, we might sell four or five plots and,
at $300 each, . . . well . . . you can do
the math. Donations and gifts from its
members are what has kept Rock Prairie
going for over 123 years. Last year,
however, we sold an unprecedented 24
plots. With the amount of full-burial
plots left to sell dwindling, the Board
knew the time had finally come to
purchase more land. At its October
meeting last year, the Board decided to
take $7,000 from the Endowment Fund
and make an offer for the little patch of
woods at the east end of the cemetery.
With no family connection to RPC nor
any plans to be interred here, the offer
was countered with, “You know, I’m not
using that land for a thing and you need
it, so how about I just give it to you?”
The only stipulation was that the donor
remain anonymous. Needless to say, the
Board was both thrilled and humbled by
this selfless act of kindness.
Jerry Tuttle has begun staking and
clearing out the underbrush, but tree
removal and lot platting will take place
at a later date to be determined by the
board.
On behalf of the entire Rock Prairie
Cemetery Association membership, the
Board would like to extend its most
heartfelt and sincere thank you to this
incredibly generous and altruistic donor
for theirs is the first gift from someone
with absolutely no ties to the cemetery.
Customarily, we honor land donors by
attaching their name to the
section; however, in this case,
we will honor the request for
anonymity and call the new
section, the “East Side”
section.
RPC Section History: From
1888 to 2009, eight patrons
led Rock Prairie’s expansion
from 1-1/2 acres to over 5 acres today.
Those kind folks and their gifts are set
forth below to once again express our
gratitude as well as enlighten you a bit
more about Rock Prairie’s storied past.
[Disclaimer: The information contained
herein is our best effort at deciphering
the archives. If you see an error or
omission, we welcome any input to set
the record straight.]
1/2 Acre Gifted to Rock Prairie!
New “East Side” section
Chapel Hours:
Fri Sat & Sun 9 - 4 & Mon. 9 - 3
Annual Meeting
May 27
th
, 2023, 2:00 P.M.
See History, Page 4
2022-2023 Board of Directors
Jim Carson / Jerry Tuttle / Roxie Sharpe /
Sherry Neeley / Josh Noggle / Mike Pyeatt
ROCK PRAIRIE CEMETERY
HALLTOWN, MISSOURI
Rock Prairie Cemetery Halltown, Missouri
May 1, 2023
RockPrairieCemetery.com
417-234-4077
Page of 2 4
CHAPEL: Evidently, the increase in
usage over the past few years has
disturbed our little chapel’s peaceful,
73-year sleep as the flooring on the east
side dropped after a large funeral was
held in 2021 — a cause a of grave
concern to the Board. The first hurdle
was finding someone skinny enough to
fit through the foundation openings.
The next was deciding the best time to
avoid any slithering occupants!
February was deemed a GO and two
brave, slim souls, Mike Pyeatt and son,
Kyle, wriggled under the chapel to
assess the situation. They found the
wall had bowed outward causing the
floor to slip off the sill plate. They also
saw where cables, eyebolts and a
turnbuckle had been used to reinforce
and stabilize the structure perhaps in
1927 when it had been rolled two miles
over farmland to get here. The fragile
nature of an old building requires a
delicate touch so Mike and Kyle began
ever so slowly to jack up the floor. As it
crept up inch by inch, the old nails,
boards and walls creaked and shrieked,
and moaned and groaned. As if it would
help, they held their breath . . .
Obviously, they made it out alive and
the chapel is still standing, but it will
require one more slithering and jacking
session before the floor can be set back
on the sill plate with the wall securely
back in place.
The Board wants you to know that
Mike and Kyle saved the cemetery a
considerable amount of money by
tackling this job — a job that NO ONE
wanted to do. Thanks guys, you’re the
best!
UPDATE: Veterans Memorial:
Veterans Memorial Committee: In 2022,
the Board had several meetings
regarding the Veterans Memorial
project, including two with a
monument firm. The price range for
such an installment is rather wide
depending on the quality and design
one chooses. The Board wants it to be
both beautiful and reflect the
quaintness of our cemetery in its
country setting. The proposal set forth
by the monument firm was extremely
detailed and helpful, but the Board feels
obligated to seek proposals from other
firms. The process of designing and
soliciting proposals and donations can
be quite a time-consuming task for a
small board such as ours. Therefore, the
Board would like to create a “Veterans
Memorial Committee” to better
research and develop the project. Please
let us know if you would be interested
in starting up or sitting on that
committee. The Board will offer its
services in total support of the
committee’s work. We would like to
meet with you to discuss the particulars
of the task at hand. Thank you.
UPDATE: Veterans Photo Wall:
The Veterans Photo Wall campaign is
being offered to supplement the
Veterans Memorial fundraising efforts.
A $50 - $100 donation is our goal, but
any gift will, of course, be accepted.
Details are being worked out, but we
hope to showcase all 99 veterans buried
here using a headstone or civilian
photo, if no official veteran photo is
available. For your donation, RPC will
scan your photo add the name, rank,
branch of service and birth & death
dates, furnish a frame, and hang via a
system designed by Josh Noggle making
photos easy to rearrange as they are
added.
BUSINESS: Your six-member Board
of Directors each serve three-year
terms that expire in yearly rotations of
two seats — this year, those two seats
belong to Jerry Tuttle (2014) and Josh
Noggle (2015). We are happy to report
that Jerry and Josh are willing to
commit to another three-year term
should you choose to re-elect them.
Please join us at the annual meeting to
show your support and cast your vote.
Seventh Board Seat: For the past several
years, the Board has been focusing on
revitalizing the cemetery from the
inside out diligently working on some
long overdue tasks including making
the chapel usable again, updating and
digitizing the cemetery database and
records, as well as tidying up and
repairing the cemetery grounds and
finding those pesky corner markers.
The Veterans Memorial project has
taken up a good deal of the Board’s
time, too. With several ideas for future
projects on hold, the Board would like
to open up a seventh seat. Not only is
the additional help sorely needed, but it
makes for a more democratic voting
process. An amendment to the Bylaws
to this effect will be presented and
voted on at the Annual Meeting this
year. Please make plans to attend to
cast your vote. Thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Naturally, the
year we decide to offer another seat on
the board, two other seats open up . . .
Our two most esteemed and tenured
board members, Sherry Neeley and Jim
Carson, will be vacating their seats on
the board effective May 2024. Together
they have served this association for a
combined total of 46 years! Sherry was
first elected in 1997 during Stanley
White’s last ten years at the helm. Six
years later, in 2003, Jim Carson was
elected. This longevity of dedication
will more than likely never again be
repeated. Though we are sad to see
them go, we certainly support their
decision and will do our best to
preserve their legacy going forward.
This means that we are in need of three
new board members. We would really
appreciate your input and assistance in
locating folks whose passion and
skillset matches our needs. If you would
like to serve a term on the board or
know someone who would be a good
fit, call any board member (our phone
numbers are on the chapel door or
online at RockPrairieCemetery.com.
Attending the Annual Meetings is also a
great way to make yourself known.
Names should be submitted in writing
The Board Report
See Board Report, Page 4
Rock Prairie Cemetery Halltown, Missouri
May 1, 2023
RockPrairieCemetery.com
417-234-4077
Page of 3 4
AmazonSmile Charity Program Ends
☹
TREASURER’S STATEMENT: The financial status of Rock Prairie Cemetery is very stable. Our endowment fund has
grown due to selling 28 plots in 2022 ($8,400). The Maintenance Fund and your generous donations have enabled us to
maintain the cemetery and plan for special projects in 2023. We appreciate your continued support and pledge to use your
donations for cemetery improvement and long term sustainability. A complete financial report for 2022 will be given at the
annual meeting on May 27th. If you have questions, please contact me, Sherry Neeley, at 417-827-0831.
Donations
Interest
SubTotal
Expenses
Year End
Total
Maintenance
$ 9,851.52
$ 4,744.69
$ 14,596.21
$ (13,828.45)
$ 767.76
Financial Overview As of December 31, 2022
For your convenience, there are 4 easy ways to donate:
By mail at: P.O. Box 45 Halltown, MO 65664
By credit card using the ‘PayPal Donate’ button
on our website: RockPrairieCemetery.com
By dropping your check in the mail slot at the chapel
By choosing something from the Wish List below
As many of you are well aware, I have been extolling the benefits of shopping through the AmazonSmile program for the
past couple of years. Just when I thought we were gaining ground, Amazon decided to end the program effective February
20, 2023, stating that after ten years the program did not “create the impact” they had hoped. We were a bit late in getting
started, but, after just a little over one year, we managed to accrue $147.84 in Amazon donations. Two more payments are
expected: one for the 1st quarter 2023 and a final payment equal to three average 2022 payments. Our total donations from
this effort should be over $200 when all is said and done. Thank you to all who participated. It was fun and fruitful while it
lasted - sigh . . . 😞
REMINDERS
1. For a simple donation or an obituary solicitation, the chapel is ready and available for funerals, memorial services,
celebrations of life, family gatherings, etc.
2. When planning your estate don’t forget Rock Prairie — “A gift to Rock Prairie Cemetery will live beyond your
lifetime.”
3. The days and weeks leading up to Memorial Day see a lot of activity by decorators and visitors to the cemetery.
Courtesy and caution are advised when using the cemetery roads. Be mindful of others needing to get around
you and remember that some graves are closer to the road than they seem.
4. The wind often blows our beautiful flowers all over the cemetery, and we have no idea where they belong. They end
up on the wrong headstone or in the chapel. Please attach a tag to your flowers or saddle indicating the name
on the headstone and the section so we can put them back in the right place. Thank you!
5. Don’t forget to contact Roxie Sharpe, if you move or change your phone number or email. We don’t want to lose
touch! — Roxie@RockPrairieCemetery.com or RockPrairieCemetery@yahoo.com or 417-234-4077.
WISH LIST: A brand new way for your to donate is from a “Wish List” of items or services needed like: (1) a guestbook
podium, (2) easels to hold picture boards, (3) portable heaters, (4) security cameras, (5) permanent section signage, (6) topsoil
from your farm, (7) your expertise in webpage design, (8) your time and energy for projects (just ask), etc. Simply put . . . the
Board needs you! A 135-year-old cemetery with 500 members needs a regularly rotating board and many volunteers to assist
that board.
Rock Prairie Cemetery Halltown, Missouri
May 1, 2023
RockPrairieCemetery.com
417-234-4077
Page of 4 4
Our flower recycling efforts raised $395 in
2022 so it will live to see another year!
Thank you to all who participated last year.
All we ask is a small donation in addition to
your regular yearly cemetery donation.
Remember, not only are we helping the
planet, but we are raising additional funds
for the cemetery AND it just might help
instill the joys of grave decorating in your
children and grandchildren as you let them
handpick the flowers to put on grandma’s
grave. Start your own family tradition while
supporting Rock Prairie!
REMINDER: The chapel will only be open
May 26
th
thru 28
th
this year from 9:00 am
to 4:00 pm and Memorial Day from 9:00
am to 3:00 pm.
On Nov. 11, 1899, eleven years after
the original graveyard was deeded to
the county, GJ McCoy donated one-
half acre (85‘ x 250’) growing the little
graveyard by one-third northward.
[Deed dated 1901]. Today, that
boundary is seen in the fence running
parallel to I-44 and is called the
“McCoy” section.
Just before the first meeting of our
newly-formed association in 1900, the
McCoy section was surveyed by A.B.
McCray and platted into blocks and
lots along with an unused strip of land
(21’ x 255.5’) on the west boundary of
the old cemetery. This strip of land
was handily called the “West Side
Strip” as it was the first and only part
of the old cemetery to ever be platted.
The SW corner of the West Side Strip
was reserved as a turnaround for
wagons, but today is a half lot with
four plots.
In 1919, after a few burials had been
placed outside the cemetery’s east
boundary, the HT Parnell family
donated .75 acres pushing the eastern
boundary outward by 96 feet. This
land was divided into two sections:
“Downing I” to the south and
“Downing II” to the north. The
deed was either never filed or lost so
in 1936, son, Ross & wife, Gladys,
Parnell had a second deed recorded.
[To date, neither deed has been
located]. In 1927, when the chapel
was purchased and rolled on logs two
miles north to the cemetery, it was
placed at the very edge of this new
boundary line.
In 1935, the JN Downing heirs
donated a large section of land that
would once again move the entire
eastern boundary out another 180
feet. This gift created the “Pearl
Downing” section and left room for
the Mausoleum (1965), the outhouses
(1990s) and the current-day parking
area down to the old crumbling rock
wall. It was named after JN & Sally
Downing’s daughter, Pearl J.
Downing, who never married and
lived to be 97.
In 1941, HW & Mildred (McCoy)
Garoutte, gave the cemetery a 15’
Grassy Roadway extending the
north and west boundaries of the
McCoy section and the south and
west boundaries of the Old Part.
The grassy road is still evident
along the fences today and still very
useable.
In 1953, John A. & Thelma B.
Stewart donated a 16-1/2’ wide x
320’ long Road at the west end
converting that part of the old grassy
road into a nice firm, mud-free, gravel
road.
In 1960, the HP Morris family
donated a 341’ x 80’ plot of land that,
after 61 years, moved the west
boundary to the present-day fence at
Highway O and was simply called the
“New Part” section. As those things
go, the name stuck, but is, obviously,
quite the misnomer today.
Officially named Rock Prairie in
1900, it was often called Halltown
cemetery. By 1975, after 80 members
pledged and paid $3,231 to install the
chainlink fence, Zona Wilkerson
clinched the name Rock Prairie once
and for all by donating the RPC
sign.
In 2009, the RC & Pat Downing
family gifted the little hill on the far
east side for cremated remains only.
Aptly named, the “RC & Pat
Downing” Cremated Remains
section, it is 188’ x 114’. They also
allocated $10,000.00 to the perpetual
care of the cemetery.
Now, in 2023, our latest donor’s gift
has given us pause to be ever mindful
of and grateful to you, our members,
both past and present who have made
Rock Prairie the truly special place it
is today. Thank you.
in advance of the Annual Meeting or given
directly to any board member for
consideration. Thank you.
Jerry, Josh, Roxie and Mike are all ready,
willing and able to step up and take the
reins from Sherry and Jim. With your
support, they look forward to continuing
the business of preserving Rock Prairie’s
heritage while keeping our little cemetery
both beautiful and financially sound. Thank
you.
History . . . continued from page 1
Board Report . . .
continued from page 2
Recycled Flowers
