Memory Lawn Memorial Park

[happy camper]

My husband I drove out to Memory Lawn Cemetery today to visit a grave and was shocked to see the gates closed and a No Tresspassing Sign on the gate. I did read the article in the Roswell Daily Record about a month ago but have not heard anything lately. Can someone get me up-to-date on what is going on?

Thank you.

Happy Camper

[Daisy]

I've not heard anything about this in awhile, either.

I tried to access past articles about Memory Lawn on the RDR website, but all I get is a 'Webpage has expired' message. I don't think their archive section is working on Internet Explorer for some reason.

I miss the old RDR website! :ohwell:

[Daisy]

My husband said he was told there will be another meeting on November 2nd. Tomorrow, he'll find out where that meeting will be held and I'll post it here.

[Daisy]

My husband's friend has several family members buried at Memory Lawn and many reserved plots, so he is very concerned about this issue.

He told my husband this morning that the meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., November 3rd at the Odd Fellows Lodge. The only address I could find for this was 1211 W. 1st Street.

This information is just by word of mouth, so y'all might want to be on the lookout for an announcement in the paper to confirm. I don't have a contact number for more info.

[RPD COP]

One of the head guys for the committee is Jack Ferguson from Fergies plumbing and heating. 622-2600. He is very informed on this subject and was glad to answer questions the other day about this issue

[Daisy]

Yay, a contact number!! Thanks, RPD Cop!! :)

[Daisy]

Here's the latest from the RDR.

Memory Lawn Water Rights (http://www.roswell-record.com/article/water_rights_are_drakes?id=28613)

[happy camper]

Here's the latest from the RDR.

Memory Lawn Water Rights (http://www.roswell-record.com/article/water_rights_are_drakes?id=28613)

I just wanted to thank you Daisy for all your help on this subject. It is very much appreciated!

[happy camper]

One of the head guys for the committee is Jack Ferguson from Fergies plumbing and heating. 622-2600. He is very informed on this subject and was glad to answer questions the other day about this issue

Thank you for taking the time to give me this information. I really do appreciate it!

[Daisy]

I just wanted to thank you Daisy for all your help on this subject.

You're very welcome!! If I find out more, I will post it here.

That's what Talk Roswell is all about - gathering and sharing information, as well as sharing our opinions and thoughts about what goes on here in Roswell.

[RPD COP]

Guess there have been some changes since the article in RDR. Mr. Drake made good on his threat that if the committee didnt back off he would remove trees and shrubs as he did today. He ripped them out of the ground with his backhoe. The only problem with this is, which was video taped, and copies can be obtained if needed was that he ripped a gravestone out of the ground, and left it laying there. The gravestone was that of a vetran of a war, and appeared to be one provided by the military for this soldier.

He appeares on video cursing and demeaning people that were out there today to see what he was doing. Apparently these people drove out after being called that he was using a backhoe close to their families graves. Several Deputies, and the Sheriff also showed up today.

I havent researched it, but am told that charges for desacration of a grave are now pending, and anyone with family out there may want to go check their loved ones grave site.

Might be a good story for the RDR to follow up on, since it appears that it will soon become a dirt lot with gravestones, and not the once respectful resting place of some.

[John M. Cleary]

I think Drake knows that he can whip up a frenzy, by being a jerk and then the city will write him a check.

His behavior has been scandalous, for once in my life I'm thinking imminent domain might actually be necessary.

Mr Drake should not profit from this

[RPD COP]

This is the first time that I have been really disappointed in the RDR. Their articles on this subject seem to make Drake sound like a decent hard working person. He might be, or has been in the past, but in this case he has done several injustices. He has dug up grave stones, sold concrete vaults to families, then just place the casket in the ground, and been so cheap on his running of the cemetery. Before being sued for placing the casket in the ground, not the vault he paid the family the $2200.00 back for the vault. Of course the grieving family took the money to be done with this loss of their loved one. He has restricted access by making it walk in only, then when the American with disabilities act lawyer contacted him and said they would sue he told everyone he felt bad so he opens the gates during the day to allow vehicle access. Fact of the matter is that the families who own deeded plots whether used or not should have a say so. Several families tried to take him up on his offer to just take over payments like he first said, then when they went to the bank to do so he changed the deal and wanted a lot of money to allow them to take over payments.

None of this has ever been printed and may not be known, and due to the size of the small cemetary maybe no one cares.