About Farmington Memorial Park
Farmington Memorial Park is a licensed cemetery in California. The Cemetery has provided a resting place for loved ones for many generations. Burials date back to the 1850’s. The original area was organized as the Farmington Cemetery Association on July 2, 1888. At that time, it consisted of a collection of family plots owned by local families. Each family was assessed a small fee for the Association and entitled to burials in their plots. The maintenance was primarily burning off the dry grass in the summer, that the families took turns completing.
The Association operated until 1960 seeking additional maintenance and improvements, the trustees conveyed the property to “professional” cemetery operators. Additional land was acquired, lawns, trees, fences, roads, and the features were installed. A sales force sold plots and burial services. After establishing a first-class cemetery and viable business, the cemetery was sold to a series of less scrupulous owners who dissipated the funds earmarked for promised services and upkeep. Eventually in 1973 the cemetery was abandoned.
A group of citizens with family members buried here took over the operations. This was coordinated by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, following hearings by the State Assembly. The vast majority of the work was done by volunteers until 2009 when volunteers became less prevalent.
Farmington Memorial Park acquired the Cemetery in 2009. It has made steady progress even with the setback by the five-year drought when water was restricted. Local assistance continues to support the operation as activity is picking up again.
Recently the irrigation system has been revamped, new plots created with a subdivision map, and a columbarium installed for cremated remains above ground.
The owners and trustees continue to be local, with family members buried here.
