Nevada Monument Company
Quality and Craftsmanship
Shadric Smith
Fort Dodge Area Representative
1-515-955-8659
DESIGN
YOUR
OWN
I have enjoyed working in the monument business as well as the music business. In 1985 I got a job with a local monument company and learned the trade by digging foundations, mixing cement, and running the wheel barrow to the dirt pile. For a few years I drove the setting truck and later ended up in the the plant where I sorted stock, mounted government markers, and learned to shape carve flowers and leaves. When back and wrist trouble got the best of me I transferred into the layout room to work on a design computer. In 1995 I decided to set out on my own and established Smith Cemetery Service, specializing in cemetery repair and restoration. I completed a number of restoration projects for area cemeteries and started working with Nevada Monument Company selling tombstones. Nevada is small family owned firm with a solid reputation for good workmanship, deep foundations and and customer service. Over the years I have been able to help many individuals and families with their memorial needs. Below you will find some pictures of several of my favorite designs.
This monument was set in 1999 for Frank and Dorothy Rieman, founders of Rieman Music in Des Moines. Across the top weaves a musical staff with the melody to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Frank's clarinet appears above his name and in between their names is the beloved airstream trailer which symbolized the best of times for them.
Every day the sun sets at Elkhorn Cemetery behind this monument designed by Char Gustafson for husband Rich. This rock shaped monument sits directly on the foundation and has a sawn unpolished face and back. Their beloved barn and angus cattle live on in the sunset with their memories.
A Celtic cross separates the names of Wayne and Rita Beshey on this black granite specially cut monument set in Corpus Christi Cemetery here in Fort Dodge. In her corner is her Mercy Hospital nursing pin, and in his the emblem for the Illinois Central Railroad. On the backside train rounds a bend towards a windmill watertank....bringing together two of their lifelong passions.
This marker for Millie Elam was set as a "pre-need" in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Her favorite flower is the dandylion which is etched into the middle of the stone. In the upper left corner is the Good Shepherd and in the right is her favorite airplane which she piloted.
I have a whole photo book of other beautiful monuments which I have helped to design. Please call for an appointment.
515-955-8659