West Texas State Veterans Cemetery Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery open?

A: The best estimate is that it will be operational in June 2025.

Q: Who is eligible for interment at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: Eligible veterans, their spouses, and the veteran’s eligible family members are authorized interment.

Q: What costs are involved with interment at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: From the moment that the remains arrive on cemetery grounds, there are no costs to the family for opening the plot, interment, closing the plot, and perpetual care. However, there are likely funeral home costs and transportation costs not covered by the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

Q: What are the costs for a family member to be interred at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: In Texas, there is no cost for an eligible veteran, spouse, or child to be interred at any of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

Q: When can I pre-register?

A: We will be accepting pre-registrations six (6) months prior to opening, so January 2025.

Q: What should I do now if I need to pre-register?

A: You can pre-register at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Once the cemetery in Lubbock begins taking pre-registrations, you can transfer your pre-registration from Abilene to Lubbock.

Q: What do I need to pre-register?

A: For the veteran, the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty is all that is needed and will be used to confirm eligibility. For the veteran’s spouse, the Marriage Certificate is sufficient. For eligible children, the birth certificate is all that is needed. For adult children, medical documentation from the unmarried adult child’s physician or qualified medical professional will be needed, along with a letter from the parent or guardian. (Please contact any of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries for additional information)

Q: Can I transfer a loved one from the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene or from another State Veterans Cemetery or national cemetery to the new cemetery in Lubbock when it opens?

A: Yes, there is no cost associated with opening the plot at Abilene or any Texas State Veterans Cemetery or national cemetery, and no cost for re-interment at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock. However, there may be costs associated with transportation, and those costs are not covered by the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

Q: Can I transfer an eligible loved one from a private cemetery to the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock when it opens?

A: Yes, there will be no cost for eligible interments at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock. However, the private cemetery may charge for opening the plot, and there may be transportation costs, both of which are not covered by the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

Q: What kinds of plots will be available at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: We will have traditional casket plots available as well as options for cremated remains, including placement in a Columbaria niche, cremated remains in-ground with an upright headstone, and the option of a scattering garden with an inscription on a Memorial Wall.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for interment at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: The Texas State Veterans Cemeteries follow the same eligibility requirements for interment as at a national cemetery. The eligibility requirements are found at https://www.va.gov/burialsmemorials/eligibility/. Additional help is available at the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1–800–535–1117 or the Texas VLB Call Center at 1–800–252–8387 or by calling or visiting any of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. https://medium.com/texas-veterans-blog/west-texas-state-veterans-cemetery-frequently-asked-questions-f4a7174ba15e

Q: I would like to visit and discuss eligibility at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. How can I do that?

A: The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene is located at 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, Texas, 79601, and the phone number is 325–673–4446. You can also visit the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene’s Facebook page.

Q: How can I best stay informed of developments with the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: The best way to stay informed is to follow the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery Facebook page and to sign up for the Texas VLB Newsletter at https://vlb.texas.gov/ (click Newsletter Sign Up at the top of the page). The newsletter allows you to tailor the information you would like to receive by email.

Q: If I was in the National Guard or Reserves, do I qualify to be buried at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery?

A: You may qualify for burial benefits if you were placed on Title 10 and served on active duty (active duty time must be other than for training) or you retired from the National Guard or Reserves. (Please contact any of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries for additional clarification.)