Headstones in Dayton & the Miami Valley

Dayton, birthplace of aviation, is home to Woodland Cemetery — where the Wright brothers are buried — and Dayton National Cemetery. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base brings many military and civilian families to the Miami Valley.

Aviation and military families

Aircraft, wings and air force emblems are popular. See headstone ideas for an air force veteran and a pilot.

Winter and freeze-thaw

Cold winters and repeated freeze-thaw are hard on stone. Dense, polished granite with deep-cut lettering, on a foundation built to the cemetery's specification, lasts best, and most cemeteries install from spring to late autumn. See protecting a headstone in winter.

Cemetery rules

In the United States, cemeteries are regulated state by state, and every cemetery — municipal, religious, nonprofit or private — sets its own rules on memorial sizes, materials, foundations and installation. Before you order:

• Ask the cemetery for its rules and fee schedule in writing (foundation, setting and any permit fees).
• Confirm who installs — cemetery staff or an approved monument company.
• Submit the design for approval before production.

Our cemetery headstone rules guide has a full checklist, and headstone setting fees explained covers the extra costs.

Veterans

Eligible veterans can receive a government headstone, marker or medallion, and families can also choose a private granite monument that includes service details. See veteran headstones and VA rules, the VA medallion and military inscriptions.

Factory-direct to Dayton

Marwaa Memorials manufactures in our own factory and delivers door-to-door across the USA under DAP terms, with freight, customs and duties included in the quote. Plan the design in our Design Studio, request a quote, or call our US team via the contact page. Read how DAP delivery works.

Local pages: our Ohio headstone guide. See also our Cincinnati and Columbus guides.