Central Texas Veterans Cemetery: Complete Guide to the Killeen State Veterans Cemetery (2026)
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is located at 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76542. It opened January 4, 2006, and is the final resting place for approximately 17,500 Veterans and family members. Burial benefits are identical to VA national cemeteries. The cemetery is managed by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Phone: 254-616-1770.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Burial at no cost to eligible Veterans; spouses and dependents may also be eligible |
| Eligibility | Honorably discharged Veterans; same rules as VA national cemeteries |
| Application | VA Form 40-10007 for pre-need; interment packet at time of need |
| Processing Time | Pre-need determinations typically 30–60 days; interments scheduled within days |
| Official Agency | Texas Veterans Land Board / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Required Forms | DD-214, VA Form 40-10007, Texas State Veterans Cemetery Interment Packet |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery?
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a state-operated veterans cemetery in Killeen, Texas, managed by the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) under the Texas General Land Office. It is one of five Texas State Veterans Cemeteries and opened on January 4, 2006.
The cemetery sits on 174 acres of land previously part of Fort Hood, donated to the State of Texas by the federal government. It is the first Texas State Veterans Cemetery and has the capacity for approximately 50,000 burial plots.
Why it matters: For Veterans in the Killeen-Fort Hood area and across Central Texas, this cemetery provides a dignified, local burial option with the same benefits as a national cemetery—without the need to travel to Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston.
What Veterans should do next:Â If you want to confirm eligibility in advance, submit VA Form 40-10007 for a pre-need determination. This prevents delays for your family at the time of need.
Who Qualifies for Burial at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery?
Eligibility rules for Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are the same as those for VA national cemeteries. There is no requirement for the Veteran to be a Texas native or to have retired from military service, but the discharge must be under honorable conditions.
Veteran Eligibility Requirements
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Active Duty | Died while on active duty |
| Veterans | Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; met minimum active duty service requirements |
| National Guard / Reserves | 20 years creditable service, or died while on active duty |
| Former POWs | Qualify regardless of discharge character |
| Purple Heart recipients | Qualify regardless of discharge character |
Source:Â VA burial benefits eligibility guidelines.
Spouse and Dependent Eligibility
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran is also eligible for burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Dependent children may also qualify if they are:
Unmarried children under 21 years old, or
Under 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or
Unmarried adult children who were physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support
Important note:Â A spouse or dependent may be buried even if the Veteran is not buried or memorialized at the cemetery.
What to do next: Use the VA’s pre-need eligibility determination process to confirm your family’s eligibility before the time of need.
Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
A pre-need eligibility determination confirms in advance whether you qualify for burial at a VA national cemetery or a VA grant-funded state cemetery like Central Texas. It is not required, but it simplifies the process for your family at the time of death.
How to Apply for Pre-Need Determination
Use VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery. The form revision date is March 2025.
Steps:
Complete VA Form 40-10007. You can apply online at VA.gov or download the PDF and mail it to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office.
Submit supporting documentation. Include a copy of your DD-214 or other military service documentation.
Choose a cemetery. Indicate Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery or any other VA national or state cemetery.
Receive your determination letter. The VA will notify you if you and your family members are eligible.
Processing time: Pre-need determinations typically take 30–60 days.
Who can apply:Â Veterans, service members, and some family members may apply on behalf of themselves or a Veteran.
What to do next:Â Submit VA Form 40-10007 today. There is no cost, and it gives your family certainty when they need it most.
Burial Options at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
The cemetery offers multiple burial options to meet the preferences of Veterans and their families. All options are provided at no cost to the Veteran’s family.
Available Burial Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Casket Burial | Full casket interment in a gravesite |
| Cremated Remains (Columbarium) | Inurnment in a columbarium niche |
| Cremated Remains (In-Ground) | In-ground burial of cremated remains |
| Cremated Remains (Scattering Garden) | Ashes scattered in a dedicated garden |
| Memorialization | For Veterans whose remains are unavailable |
Source:Â Texas State Veterans Cemetery pre-registration form.
What Is Included at No Cost
Burial benefits at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are identical to those for VA national cemeteries. The following are provided at no cost to the family:
A gravesite or columbarium niche
Opening and closing of the grave or niche
A government headstone, marker, or niche cover
A concrete grave liner for casket burials
Perpetual care of the gravesite
Military funeral honors
A burial flag
Note:Â There may be a minimal cost for spouse burial if the spouse predeceases the Veteran or is buried separately.
Cemetery Expansion Project (2025–2027)
A major expansion of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery broke ground on October 30, 2025. The project will develop nearly 20 acres and add significant capacity to the cemetery.
Expansion Details
| Feature | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pre-placed crypts | 4,700 |
| Columbaria niches | 4,000 |
| In-ground cremated remains plots | 2,700 |
| Total additional capacity | 11,000+ over the next decade |
Source:Â Texas General Land Office press release, October 2025.
Completion date:Â The expansion is scheduled for completion by May 5, 2027.
Why it matters:Â The expansion ensures the cemetery can continue serving Veterans in Central Texas for decades. The VA awarded a $12 million grant to fund the project.
Headstones, Markers, and Memorial Items
The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no cost for eligible Veterans buried in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The cemetery uses upright granite or marble headstones for casket burials and flat granite or marble markers for in-ground cremated remains.
Available Memorial Items
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Upright Headstone | Granite or marble headstone for casket gravesites |
| Flat Marker | Granite or marble marker for in-ground cremated remains |
| Columbarium Niche Cover | Cover for columbarium niches |
| Bronze Medallion | Affixed to a privately purchased headstone (for private cemeteries) |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | Gold-embossed certificate bearing the President’s signature |
| Burial Flag | U.S. flag provided to the next of kin as a keepsake |
Monument Worksheet
The Texas State Veterans Cemetery Interment Packet includes a monument worksheet. This document is required to order the headstone, marker, or niche cover from the VA. Completing it during the interment application process ensures timely ordering and reduces reorder errors.
How to Arrange a Burial at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
Arranging a burial involves working with the cemetery staff, a funeral home, and the next of kin. The process is designed to be efficient and respectful.
Step-by-Step Process
Contact the cemetery. Call 254-616-1770 to begin arrangements. The cemetery representative will guide you through the process.
Complete the Interment Packet. The packet must be filled out and signed by the next of kin or designated family representative. It includes the Interment Application and Monument Worksheet.
Submit documentation. Provide a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge documents to verify service times, rank, branch of service, and awards.
Schedule the service. Cemetery staff will coordinate with your funeral home to schedule the burial service date and time.
Forward documents within 48 hours. Once the Interment Application and Monument Worksheet are completed and signed, forward all documents to cemetery staff within 48 hours of scheduling the service.
Military funeral honors. The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors, including flag folding and taps. These can be requested through the funeral home or by the next of kin.
What to do next: Call the cemetery at 254-616-1770 to begin the process. Have the Veteran’s DD-214 ready.
Costs and Burial Allowances
Burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is provided at no cost to the Veteran’s family. The VA also offers burial allowances to help with funeral costs, even when the Veteran is buried in a state veterans cemetery.
VA Burial Allowance Amounts for 2026
| Type of Death | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service-Connected Death | Up to $2,000 | Plus transportation costs |
| Non-Service-Connected (VA facility) | $762 | $762 |
| Non-Service-Connected (outside VA facility) | $300 | $762 |
Source:Â VA burial benefits and 2026 rate announcements.
Outer Burial Receptacle Allowance
For qualifying interments in a VA national cemetery or VA grant-funded veterans cemetery during 2026, the VA provides an allowance of $387.00 for outer burial receptacles (grave liners).
Why it matters:Â These allowances help offset funeral home costs, transportation, and other expenses. Apply for burial allowances through the VA after the burial.
What to do next: The surviving spouse is typically paid the burial allowance automatically upon notification of the Veteran’s death. If not paid automatically, VA will pay whomever files the claim first.
Common Mistakes Families Make
Not obtaining a pre-need eligibility determination. Applying in advance with VA Form 40-10007 prevents delays and uncertainty at the time of need.
Forgetting the DD-214. The DD-214 is required to verify eligibility. Keep a certified copy with important documents.
Using obsolete interment packet forms. Using versions dated before November 2023 may result in delayed processing. Always use the current forms.
Missing the 48-hour document submission window. After scheduling the service, forward completed documents to cemetery staff within 48 hours.
Not requesting military funeral honors. Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost. Request them through the funeral home.
Assuming spouses are automatically eligible. Spouses and dependents are eligible, but they must be documented and verified.
Not knowing about burial allowances. Even with a free cemetery plot, families may qualify for burial and plot allowances for other costs.
Waiting until the time of need to learn about eligibility. Pre-need determination takes 30–60 days. Planning ahead prevents stress.
Not coordinating with the funeral home. The funeral home is the primary point of contact for scheduling and documentation.
Overlooking the Presidential Memorial Certificate. This free certificate honors the Veteran’s service and is available to next of kin.
Common Questions
1. What is the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery?
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a state-operated veterans cemetery at 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76542. It opened January 4, 2006, and is managed by the Texas Veterans Land Board. It provides burial benefits identical to VA national cemeteries.
2. Who is eligible for burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery?
Honorably discharged Veterans who meet minimum active duty service requirements are eligible. Spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children may also be eligible. Eligibility rules are the same as VA national cemeteries.
3. How do I apply for pre-need eligibility?
Submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery. You can apply online at VA.gov or mail the form with a copy of your DD-214. Processing takes 30–60 days.
4. What burial options are available?
Options include casket burial, cremated remains in a columbarium niche, in-ground cremated remains, and scattering garden. A memorialization option is available for Veterans whose remains are unavailable.
5. Is there a cost for burial at the cemetery?
No. Burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is provided at no cost to the Veteran’s family. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing, headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Spouse burial may have a minimal cost.
6. What documents are required for burial?
Required documents include the Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge documents, the completed Interment Application, and the Monument Worksheet. The next of kin or designated representative must sign all forms.
7. How do I schedule a burial?
Call the cemetery at 254-616-1770 to begin arrangements. Cemetery staff will coordinate with your funeral home. Complete the Interment Packet and submit all documents within 48 hours of scheduling the service.
8. Are military funeral honors provided?
Yes. The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors, including flag folding and taps. These can be requested through the funeral home or by the next of kin at no cost.
9. What is the VA burial allowance for 2026?
For non-service-connected deaths, the burial allowance is up to $1,002 in 2026, plus a $762 plot allowance if not buried in a national cemetery. For service-connected deaths, the allowance is up to $2,000 plus transportation costs.
10. Can my spouse be buried with me?
Yes. The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran is eligible for burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Dependent children may also qualify. A spouse may be buried even if the Veteran is not buried there.
11. Is the cemetery expanding?
Yes. A major expansion broke ground in October 2025. The project will add 4,700 pre-placed crypts, 4,000 columbaria niches, and 2,700 in-ground cremated remains plots, with completion expected by May 2027.
12. How do I contact the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery?
Call 254-616-1770 or fax 254-616-1769. The address is 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also contact the Texas Veterans Land Board at 800-252-8387.
Key Takeaways
Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is located at 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76542, and opened January 4, 2006.
Eligibility is the same as VA national cemeteries:Â honorably discharged Veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents.
Burial is at no cost to the Veteran’s family, including gravesite, opening and closing, headstone, and perpetual care.
Pre-need eligibility can be determined in advance using VA Form 40-10007; processing takes 30–60 days.
Burial options include casket burial, columbarium niche, in-ground cremated remains, and scattering garden.
A major expansion is underway, adding 4,700 crypts, 4,000 niches, and 2,700 cremated remains plots by May 2027.
VA burial allowances in 2026 include up to $1,002 for non-service-connected deaths and up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths.
Military funeral honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost.
Contact the cemetery at 254-616-1770 to begin arrangements or ask questions.
The cemetery is managed by the Texas Veterans Land Board under the Texas General Land Office.
Official Resources
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries:Â vlb.texas.gov/texas-state-veterans-cemeteries
VA Burial Benefits:Â VA.gov/burials-memorials
VA Form 40-10007 (Pre-Need):Â VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-40-10007
Texas Veterans Land Board:Â glo.texas.gov/vlb
VA Burial Allowances:Â VA.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance
Veterans Crisis Line:Â Dial 988, then press 1
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