A Temple family says the custom-made headstones for their parents have disappeared from North Belton Cemetery, including the military marker that listed Charles M. Beistel’s rank after 21 years of service. Daughter Kellie Sylvester says she recently stopped by to visit the graves and found them unmarked. She says cemetery staff later told the family the theft happened about two months earlier. The family has launched a fundraiser and is asking neighbors for tips and donations so they can replace the stones.
How the family discovered the graves without markers
As reported by KCEN, Sylvester said she arrived at North Belton Cemetery and realized "the headstones were not there." She described the moment as a shock and said the family only learned afterward that the stones had apparently gone missing roughly two months earlier. Relatives say the markers carried deep sentimental weight and honored military service, so the emotional loss goes far beyond the cost of the stone.
What was taken and why it matters
According to the family, the missing stones belonged to Shirley Sue Beistel and her husband, Charles M. Beistel. They say Shirley’s headstone had been hand-crafted by a family friend, a personal touch that is now gone. The family’s GoFundMe states that Charles’ marker displayed his rank after 21 years of service and says the cemetery company has refused to pay for replacements. The fundraiser sets a $5,000 goal to cover new markers and related expenses.
Pattern of thefts at North Belton Cemetery
Local families say the Beistels are not alone. They report that benches, memorial items and other grave markers have also vanished from the nonprofit cemetery in recent months. KWTX reported in April that several families had complained and that Belton police were contacted about earlier incidents. Residents told the station they believe limited staffing and security have left the grounds vulnerable to repeated thefts.
Family plea and fundraiser
The Beistel family is asking the public for help, both in tracking down whoever took the stones and in raising money to replace them. As reported by LoneStar 92.3, Sylvester pleaded, "If you know who did it, please, I’m begging you." The GoFundMe page, created on Wednesday and organized by the daughters and grandchildren, includes photos and background on the missing markers along with details on how donations will be used.
Authorities and what to do if you have information
Belton police have been publicly involved in earlier investigations into thefts at North Belton Cemetery, and officials have urged anyone with information to speak up. KWTX noted that officers previously asked for tips in similar cases, and the Beistel family says they are hoping a lead will either bring the original markers back or help them afford new ones. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Belton police or reach out through the family’s fundraiser page.
