200th Anniversary

In 1826 Christian Creager, a local gentleman, donated the first section of the cemetery specifying the land to be used for a place of worship and burial. During the early years the cemetery was owned by David’s Reformed Church. The name David was selected to honor the Rev. David Winters. Rev. Winters was a circuit rider preacher who served David’s Reformed Church and other area churches for more than 50 years.

The first burial was registered on August 5, 1831, a 6-year-old boy, Noah Darner.

In 1890, the cemetery and church separated and David’s Cemetery became a non-profit corporation.

David’s Cemetery encompasses more than 55 acres-36 acres of land were purchased between 1891 and 1945 with the latest purchase was in 2019.

WANTED: 200 STORIES

Our 200 Stories Campaign is about sharing and celebrating the stories of the loved ones buried here since 1826. This campaign invites individuals, families, and organizations with a connection to, or interest in, our cemetery to get involved. Anyone with a story that they would like to share is asked to submit it through email or by mail to:

David’s Cemetery’s 200 STORIES Campaign
4600 Mad River Rd
Kettering, OH 45429

along with the 200 STORIES Permission/Release Statement.

Stories will be collected through November 1, 2026.

1826—1925

In 1826 Christian Creager, a local farmer, donated the first section of the cemetery. The first burial was registered in August 1831, a 6-year-old boy, Noah Darner. There were more than 800 burials in the cemetery during the first 100 years. Originally the cemetery was part of David’s Reformed Church but they separated in 1890 and David’s Cemetery Association was formed. The first superintendent was elected in 1891, E. F. Freeman, and there have only been seven superintendents since. In 1913 the cemetery became a non-profit corporation. In 1917 the cemetery purchased 2.2+ acres from Martin H. Young at $500 per acre.

1926-1982

In 1945 the cemetery added additional acreage by purchasing another 32 acres at the cost of $750 per acre from Bessie Kress.

In November of 1952, the voters of Van Buren Township approved the incorporation of the Village of Kettering, A special census in 1955 recorded the village population of 38,118 qualifying it for city status.

1983

Our first mausoleum, David’s Mausoleum, was opened on October 16, 1983 with 168 crypt spaces and 263 niche spaces that have completely sold out. David’s Mausoleum was heralded as “A STATELY COLONIAL STYLED MAUSOLEUM” that “combines the most enduring modern materials and the most advanced construction principles. The internal structure is of rugged reinforced concrete covered by attractive Travertine marble. The exterior is a combination of the finest Italian Granite and colonial brick”

1990

The Remembrance Circle (scattering garden) was dedicated in 1990 and consists of an obelisk monument covered with the names of the loved ones scattered there. There is a circular path surrounding the obelisk and the path is surrounded by plantings where the cremations are scattered. Services for cremains (ashes) that are to be scattered may be held just like any other service or it can be held in the Remembrance Circle itself. The cremains may be scattered by a family member or by our staff. It can truly be a touching and memorable event with as much or as little participation the family prefers.

1991

The Memorial Mausoleum is completely dedicated to entombment.

Just inside is a quiet common area beautifully decorated with a comforting atmosphere for rest and reflection.

Surrounding the common area are four great halls of crypts. The crypts in each hall are covered with distinguished and unique marble.

2008

The Community Mausoleum was designed with a quiet dignity and grace that creates an atmosphere that is welcoming, calming and peaceful. The niche fronts of rich wood or beautiful glass and the stunning marble crypt fronts compliment the beautiful grounds that the community has become accustomed to.

2011

David’s Columbarium is a monumental structure that is over 33 feet tall, covers over 1000 square feet and is home to 704 niches. The attention to detail such as; glass panels in the cupola, compass rosette in the center of the floor, standing seam metal roof and vessels for plantings around the outside, all combine to make this a place of grace and dignity. During inclement weather, the columbarium can provide shelter for funeral services or family visitations. The architectural details, materials and colors complement the other buildings in the cemetery for a unified appearance.

2015

Old Glory Plaza was built to memorialize members of our community, our public servants and our beloved military. Old Glory Plaza is open to everyone and will be home to over 1800 cremations housed inside stainless steel niches covered with beautiful black granite fronts. The niches surround a ring of five 8’ granite tablets. Each tablet pays tribute to one of the five branches of our military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. At the core of Old Glory Plaza flies a majestic flag that measures 30’ X 60’ atop a glorious 120’ tall flagpole.

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200 Stories Campaign

The 200 Stories Campaign is about sharing and celebrating the stories of the loved ones buried here since 1826. See Shared Stories

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