Headstone and Monument Options in DFW (and the VA Free Headstone for Veterans)

The headstone or grave marker is one of the most lasting decisions a family makes after a death. Unlike the funeral, which is over in hours or days, the headstone marks the deceased's resting place for decades or centuries. This guide walks through the options DFW families have, the practical process, and the money-saving option for veterans.

Vargas-London does not sell headstones — this is intentional. The funeral home and the monument company should be separate to ensure the family gets independent, comparable options.

Types of headstones and markers

The major categories:

• Flat (lawn) marker: a flat granite or bronze plaque set flush with the ground. The most common modern style. $1,500–$5,500 depending on size, material, and engraving.
• Slant marker: a stone that slants slightly upward at the back. Often around $2,500–$6,500.
• Upright monument (headstone): traditional vertical stone. $4,000–$15,000+ depending on size, material (granite vs. marble vs. bronze), and design.
• Bench monument: a stone bench, typically with engraving. $5,000–$20,000+. Allows family visitors to sit at the gravesite.
• Family monument: a single large monument for multiple family members in adjacent plots. $15,000–$50,000+.
• Mausoleum entombment marker: bronze or granite plaque on the mausoleum crypt. Typically $1,200–$4,000.
• Cremation niche plaque: bronze plaque on the columbarium niche. Typically $400–$1,500.

Cemetery requirements and approved monument companies

Different cemeteries have different requirements:

• Catholic cemeteries (Calvary Hill, Mount Olivet, Gates of Heaven, Mount Carmel): typically require monuments to be ordered through the cemetery's on-site monument office. Family does not have full freedom of choice.
• Restland Memorial Park: has on-site monument office; outside companies allowed with approval.
• Sparkman/Hillcrest: on-site monument office (Sparkman Stone & Monument).
• Other non-denominational cemeteries: typically allow outside monument companies.
• DFW National Cemetery: government-furnished headstone provided at no cost (see veterans section below).

Common DFW monument companies (separate from cemetery on-site offices):

• Texas Memorials (Dallas): granite, bronze, marble; bilingual staff
• Mathis Stone & Monuments: serves Collin and Dallas Counties; on-site at multiple cemeteries
• Allen Monument Co.: works with Ridgeview, Resthaven, and other Collin County cemeteries

Materials, design, and engraving

Monument materials:

• Granite: most common; durable, available in many colors. Black granite is most popular; gray, pink, red, and others available.
• Marble: traditional; less common today due to weather erosion in Texas climate.
• Bronze: typically used for flat markers and mausoleum plaques; less for full upright monuments.

Engraving and design:

• Standard engraving: name, dates, brief inscription. Typically included in base monument price.
• Custom design: photographs etched into stone, religious symbols, custom artwork. Adds $500–$3,000+.
• Religious iconography: cross, sacred heart, Mary, star of David, crescent (Islam), Aum (Hindu), other traditions. Standard at most monument companies.
• Photographs: porcelain photo cameos or laser-etched portraits. $300–$1,500.
• Multi-language inscriptions: bilingual (English/Spanish) or trilingual common for multi-cultural families.

VA free headstone for veterans (the major money-saver)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a free government-furnished headstone or marker for any honorably-discharged veteran, regardless of where they're buried. This is one of the largest cost savings available to veteran families.

Eligibility:

• Veterans with honorable or general discharge from active duty
• Eligible spouses (the spouse must be buried with the veteran or in a national cemetery)
• Certain family members of military personnel

What the VA provides:

• Flat granite marker: 24" x 12" x 4". Free to family.
• Flat bronze marker: 24" x 12". Free to family.
• Upright granite headstone: 42" tall. Free to family.
• Upright marble headstone: traditional white marble (less common today).
• Bronze niche plaque: for cremation niches.
• Medallions: for placement on existing private headstones, identifying veteran status.

The savings: $1,500–$5,000+ saved per veteran headstone. Vargas-London files VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) at no charge. Processing time from VA: 60–90 days.

For veterans buried at DFW National Cemetery, the marker is automatically included; no separate paperwork needed.

The timeline for monument ordering

Typical timeline:

• Burial: day of the funeral. The grave is filled; no marker yet.
• Weeks 1–4 after burial: family rests, processes grief, and isn't expected to make immediate monument decisions.
• Weeks 4–8: family begins comparing monument options, visiting monument companies or cemetery on-site offices.
• Weeks 8–12: family selects, designs, and orders the monument.
• Weeks 12–24: monument is created (granite cut, engraved, polished). Bronze monuments take 12–16 weeks; granite typically 8–12 weeks.
• Months 6–12 after burial: monument is installed at the cemetery.

For VA headstones, the timeline is similar but the VA processes the order: family submits paperwork, VA approves and produces the marker, the marker is shipped to the cemetery (or to the family for private cemeteries), and the cemetery installs it.