By Blake Moren, CTCN Correspondent

Following a long history of mismanagement, Resthaven Memorial Gardens has been purchased by the City of Duncan. It has a history of being poorly managed.

Duncan City Manager said in a statement, “It was the right thing to do.” referring to the city’s purchase.

According to published reports, the city paid $1 to take over the property and will keep operations going.
The City of Duncan and the Duncan City Council felt it was important to purchase the cemetery to serve the families who have loved ones buried there. Resthaven Gardens, LLC’s owner lives out of state, and it became increasingly difficult for him to maintain and oversee the business. We believe the City of Duncan has the resources, and the ability, to maintain and operate this property and to continue its operations honoring the memory of those interred there.”

Along with the land came two funds with a combined value just under $220,000 to help with the
upkeep.

Local residents and those with loved ones buried there had taken it on their own to mow and help
maintain the grounds this past spring.

Duncan resident Archie Swanson said that headstones had been sunken into the ground and numerous
headstones could not be found. Many have been covered with grass.

“There’s a lot of friends buried here, military especially. Nobody was taking care of them,” Swanson said.