In 2011 we applied for and received a grant from the Collin County Historical Commission for the purpose of repairing and leveling grave markers.
We believed, and the Commission agreed, that the repairs would greatly help toward the preservation of the cemetery, the memory of the people buried there, and the history of the Empire Community in Collin County. Bear Creek Cemetery is the only physical representation of the original Empire Community that was located west of Nevada.
In March 2012, with additional donations, we were able to repair 23 markers. The excellent work was done by Rusty Brenner and his crew from Texas Cemetery Restoration LLC.
We hosted a reception at the cemetery on Sunday, April 15, 2012, to celebrate the work on extending the fence and repairing the markers. Read or download the full invitation.
 |
 |
 |
| Before: pieces stacked but not mortared together, and not level. | During: upper pieces are removed so that the base can be leveled on a dry-Sakrete foundation. | After: upper pieces are attached with epoxy and mortar. |
| This stone marks the graves of Sarah, Leroy, and Easter Mayfield. | ||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Before: 3 separate pieces, base not level. | During: base lifted out, re-installed on a level foundation. | After: upper pieces are attached with epoxy and mortar. | |
| This is one of the largest markers in the cemetery, and we never saw it standing until now. It is for the grave of Roswell Biggers. Since the large tree has grown up between the headstone and the footstone, they moved the headstone six inches away from the tree. | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Before: Upper pieces stacked loosely, base not level. | After: Base level on good foundation, upper pieces joined with epoxy and sealant. | Before/During: Base was buried and broken in pieces. Top now reset and braced while new mortar sets. | After: Base restored and above ground on good foundation, top stone set vertical. |
| Marker for 39-year-old J. McH. Faulconer. | Marker for 17-month-old Allie M. Martin. | ||