Writer and creator of Conan the Barbarian, Robert E. Howard, has had an affect on the lives of millions with the creation of his Sumerian hero, one of which was actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He even sited Conan in the May issue of Variety magazine that it was “God’s gift to [my] career, (Greenleaf, Hawkins).” Howard took his own life in 1936 and was interred at Greenleaf Cemetery and its board decided to take the bold step of reaching out to the actor to in hopes of saving the cemetery.

Greenleaf’s perpetual care fund has dwindled and its previous $1 million budget needs to reach $7 million in order to continue maintaining the cemetery. The cemetery has already partnered with Keep Brownwood Beautiful in order to fund raise for the cemetery and this past May helped raise $15,000 in 15 days. The board is also reaching out to the Texas Historical Commission and the business school at Howard Payne University. Both organizations have vested interest in the location, with the cemetery having a number of historical plaques located throughout the cemetery.

Established in 1868, Greenleaf Cemetery has approximately 22,000 graves and is one of the oldest perpetual care cemeteries in Texas. As of yet, there has been no response from the actor.

For the full article by Celinda Hawkins of the Brownwood Bulletin, click here.