Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Marion National Cemetery
In 1888, Colonel George W. Steele, Indiana's congressional representative, successfully convinced his colleagues in Washington, D.C. of the need for a Soldier's Home in Grant County. Subsequently, the 31-acre Marion Branch of the National Home opened in 1889 to provide shelter and comfort for the region's veterans. Along with the home, a cemetery was established for the interment of the men who died there. The first burial occurred two years after the home opened in May 1890. For most of its history, the cemetery at the Marion Home has quietly and efficiently cared for the needs of the nation's veterans with few significant changes.
In 1920, the home was renamed Marion Sanatorium and in 1930, administration of the home was transferred to the newly created Veterans Administration. Additional acreage was transferred from the Veterans Health Administration twice in the cemetery's history. Six acres were added in 1974 and six more in 1988. As of 1973, with the passage of the National Cemetery Act, the cemetery became part of the National Cemetery system and its name was changed to Marion National Cemetery.
Marion National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Monuments and Memorials The Remember the Maine monument was erected in 1901 in honor of the lives lost in Cuba's Havana Harbor during the Spanish-American War.
A monument dedicated to the Minnesota 2nd Regiment was erected at the cemetery in 1913.
A commemorative sundial was installed at the cemetery in the early 20th century.
The Carillon bell tower was erected around 1990 as part of the American Veterans international carillon program to provide living memorials in honor of American veterans.
The Vietnam Memorial was erected in 1990 and dedicated to those who fought or died in the Vietnam War.
The Blue Star Memorial Marker was donated by The Garden Club of Marion and Veteran of Foreign Wars San Mateo Post #60 and dedicated on April 23, 2005.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Marion 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:
Sergeant Henry J.
Hyde (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company M, 1st U.S. Cavalry, for gallant conduct during winter 1872–1873. Hyde died in 1893 and is buried in Section 1, Site 97.
Seaman Nicholas Irwin (Civil War).
Irwin received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the USS Brooklyn during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, August 5, 1864. He died in 1896 and is buried in Section 1, Site 382.
Captain Jeremiah Kuder (Civil War).
Kuder received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 74th Indiana Infantry, for actions at Jonesboro, GA, September 1, 1864. Kuder died in 1916 and is buried in Section 4, Site 2464.
Other Burials Private Gerald Dixon (World War I).
Dixon (1896–1967) was born in Seymore, IN. He never finished grade school and worked as a messenger in a railroad office until he enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 27, 1914, at the age of 17. He was one of 110 soldiers in the 24th Infantry Regiment who were convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the 1917 Camp Logan Riot. Dixon maintained his innocence, but was convicted through guilt by association and sent to Leavenworth Penitentiary. His sentence was later commuted by J. Edgar Hoover, and he was released on parole effective September 17, 1924. Dixon passed away in October 1967 and was laid to rest at the Estates of Serenity in Marion, IN. On November 13, 2023, the Army set aside the courts-martial of all 110 convicted soldiers, including Dixon, making him eligible for burial in a national cemetery. On October 28, 2024, Dixon and his wife were reinterred at Marion National Cemetery. They now rest in Section 12, Site 340.
William (Willis) H.
Furbush was born in Kentucky ca. 1840, and little is known of his childhood. He was literate and an accomplished photographer. Furbush enlisted in the Army in February 1865, joining the 42nd U.S. Colored Troops Infantry. Sgt. Furbush was honorably discharged in October, and in 1866, he went with the American Colonization Society to Liberia. Furbush returned to the United States when Reconstruction offered political and economic opportunities to African Americans. He was elected to the Arkansas General Assembly in 1872. Furbush's career received mixed reviews because he supported civil rights and was a conservative collaborator with white Democrats during this period. Furbush entered the Marion Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in October 1901 and died September 3, 1902 .
Section 1, Site 774
Eligibility for burial at Marion 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
Marion National Cemetery, located on the east side of the Department of Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System in the southeast section of the city, is bounded by 38th Street and Lincoln Boulevard.
From the South and Indianapolis Airport: Take the I-465 Beltway North to I-465E to I-69 North (Fort Wayne). Take Exit 259 (Gas City/Upland). Make a left turn on IN-22 (Gas City). At the intersection of 1st and Main Street, turn right and continue on 1st Street for approximately 1½ miles until it ends at a "T" intersection with 200 S. Turn left at 200 S, which becomes 38th Street. Cemetery is on the left.
Floral and grounds policy
Natural, fresh-cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations. Plastic floral cones are available for use and are located in containers throughout the cemetery.
Artificial flowers are permitted on graves only from October 10 through April 15. Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from December 1 through January 20.
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
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Marion National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Marion National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Marion National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex — Indianapolis, IN (55 mi · unknown)
- Crown Hill National Cemetery — Indianapolis, IN (56 mi · closed)
- Crown Hill Confederate Plot — Indianapolis, IN (56 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Marion National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Integrity Funeral Care is a premier funeral home located at 1606 West 26Th Street in Marion, IN. 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, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,820. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,740.
Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service - North Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1341 North Baldwin Ave. in Marion, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including north chapel, planning center, and storey chapel. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,245. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,450, while direct cremation is available from $2,245.
Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 1341 North Baldwin Avenue in Marion, IN. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 415 South Anderson Street in Elwood, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including foyer reception area, coat rooms, and chapels. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,275. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,400, while direct cremation is available from $2,275. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Nondenominational), Catholic, and Wesleyan.
Dunnichay Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1113 South Anderson St. in Elwood, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement office, lounge, and north chapel. Professional offerings include immediate burial, visitation, and funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $810. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,045. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Christian (Nondenominational), and Baptist.
Harper & Dunnichay Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 305 Sigler Street in Frankton, IN. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Grandstaff-Hentgen Manchester Avenue Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1241 Manchester Ave. in Wabash, IN. The property features well-appointed spaces including manchester avenue chapel, roann chapel, and bender chapel. Professional offerings include full service funerals, cremation, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,015. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,275, while direct cremation is available from $4,015. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic, Christian Church/Church of Christ, Evangelical Christian, and Church of the Brethren (Anabaptist).
Allen Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 115 South Elm Street in Bunker Hill, IN. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 1 reviews.