Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Houston National Cemetery
The Houston Veterans Administration Cemetery was dedicated December 7, 1965. It was the only government cemetery constructed in the United States during the 1960s.
The present-day Houston National Cemetery was the largest of its kind at the time of construction. Designed entirely by VA staff, it was also the only new VA cemetery not located on the grounds of a VA hospital. Prior to Houston's opening, the last VA cemetery established was at Eagle Point VA Medical Center, Oregon, in 1952. The largest VA cemeteries at the time were in Los Angeles at 114.47 acres, and Leavenworth, KS, at 113.15 acres. At 419.2 acres, the Houston facility was slightly smaller than the 450 acres or so of Arlington National Cemetery, to which it was compared.
Houston became a national cemetery in 1973 after the passage of the National Cemetery Act.
In 2017, the Houston National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
Monuments and Memorials The Hemicycle at Houston National Cemetery is its largest memorial and the most visible structure on the landscape. It is the only NCA-managed hemicycle memorial and is one of only three known hemicycles located in national cemeteries. The others are located at Arlington National Cemetery, VA, operated by the U.S. Army, and at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines, operated by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
At the keystone, or center, of the hemicycle are the chapel, carillon and speaker's stand. David Parsons, a professor of art at Rice University, sculpted a 20' x 6' bas relief of three interlocking forms—a fallen soldier supported by two comrades. The sculpture, made of crushed quartz, was installed at the chapel entrance in 1965. The 75-foot tower, 305-bell, Schulmerich "Americana" carillon was dedicated May 30, 1970.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Houston National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Captain James H.
Fields (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 10th Armored Infantry, 4th Armored Division, for actions near Rechicourt, France, September 27, 1944. Fields died in 1970 and is buried in Section H-B, Site 6.
Sergeant Major Macario Garcia (World War II).
Macario Garcia, native of Mexico, enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 11, 1942. He was a staff sergeant with Company B, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, until October 8, 1945. On November 27, 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, a wounded Garcia single-handedly destroyed two enemy machinegun emplacements. He received the Medal of Honor on August 23, 1945. Garcia worked as a counselor with the Veterans Administration for twenty-five years, until his death on December 24, 1972. He is buried in Section H-A, Site 1.
First Lieutenant Raymond L.
Knight (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army Air Corps in recognition of actions in a series of missions in the Northern Po Valley, Italy, and self-sacrifice trying to fly his shattered aircraft to its home field. Knight crashed and was killed on April 25, 1945. His remains were reinterred on April 25, 1992, in Section H-B, Site 11.
First Sergeant David H.
McNerney (Vietnam). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, for actions at Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam, March 22, 1967. McNerney died in 2010 and is buried in Section H-A, Site 4.
Specialist Fifth Class Clarence Eugene Sasser (Vietnam).
Clarence Sasser (1947–2024), a native of Rosharon, TX, enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1967. SP5 Sasser served as a medical aidman with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, and received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on January 10, 1968. On that day, while his unit was under attack, Sasser ran across an open rice paddy to render aid to his wounded comrades, receiving multiple wounds in the process. He continued to treat the wounded, despite severe loss of blood, until evacuation helicopters came the next morning. Sasser received his Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on March 7, 1969. After the war, he married and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Houston. Clarence Sasser passed away on May 13, 2024, and is buried in Section H-A, Site 3.
Other Burials The most renowned veteran buried in the cemetery is the late Honorable Albert Thomas, United States Congressman from Texas.
Congressman Thomas served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I, and served almost 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was instrumental in getting this cemetery established by Congress. "Congressman Albert," as his many friends knew him, died in Washington, D.C., on February 15, 1966, and was buried in the mall area of the Houston National Cemetery, on February 18, 1966.
Hazel Juanita Shofner (1918–1966) was born in Texas and for most of her life made Houston home.
She graduated from Northside High School in 1937 and joined the war effort in September 1943. She was the first woman from the city to enlist in the U.S. Navy reserve corps or WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Shofner served from 1943 to 1948 and attained the rank of chief yeoman. Her career began at Gulfport, Missisippi, in November 1943 and finished at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. As a civilian, she returned to Houston and married Everett Murray Wilson, also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. They raised two children there and she worked for the police department in the data-processing bureau. Hazel Shofner Wilson died February 16 and was the first woman buried in Houston National Cemetery .
Section C, Site 59
Eligibility for burial at Houston National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
Cemetery is located 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. From Bush Intercontinental Airport take John F. Kennedy Blvd. South to Beltway 8. Turn right onto Beltway 8 West and exit at Ella. Follow the feeder road West to the third traffic light, and turn left on Veterans Memorial Drive. Proceed to the first traffic light and turn left on T.C. Jester. The cemetery entrance will be on your right.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing. Flowers will be picked up on the first Thursday of each month
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Houston National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Leesville, LA (155 mi · open)
- Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen — Killeen, TX (157 mi · open)
- Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Jennings, LA (172 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Houston National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 13102 North Fwy in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include funeral service video production, catered events, and event planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,885. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Secular.
Elite Life Celebrations by Barnes & Co is a premier funeral home located at 14000 Chrisman Road in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Brookside Funeral Home At Champions is a premier funeral home located at 3410 Cypress Creek Pkwy. in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and modern funeral home. Professional offerings include funeral service video production, event planning, and catered events, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian Services, Catholic Services, Jewish Services, Muslim Funerals, Hindu Funerals, Buddhist Funerals, and Secular Celebrations.
Houston Service Center is a premier funeral home located at 1220 West 34Th Street in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including veterans cemetery section, flexible chapel space, and outdoor pavilion. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Non-denominational (serving all faiths).
Klein Funeral Home & Memorial Parks is a premier funeral home located at 9714 Fm 2920 Road in Tomball, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral chapels, perpetual care cemeteries, and mausoleum. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,730. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,730. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Gospel tradition) and All faiths served.
Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 9926 Jones Road in Houston, TX. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and immediate need assistance, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, and Various faiths and cultural traditions.
Waltrip Funeral Directors is a premier funeral home located at 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, celebration of life center, and modern funeral home. Professional offerings include traditional funeral, cremation, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Protestant (Christian) Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 62 reviews.
Earthman Funeral Directors is a premier funeral home located at 8303 Katy Fwy in Houston, TX. The property features well-appointed spaces including modern funeral home, large-capacity chapel, and piano or organ on-site. Professional offerings include funeral & cremation pricing, pre-planning, and grief support, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.