Perez Family Mission: Honoring Ancestors, Restoring History

By A. Govea alberto@holatexas.us

Most people spend their weekends catching up on rest, family obligations, or simply enjoying time away from work. For some, the “weekend boss” might even be a spouse or significant other. Many choose to relax, party, or recover from a long week—only to regret it on Monday morning.

Pero there is another group of people who use their free time to invest in something larger than themselves: community.

Across Texas, volunteer coaches introduce children to team sports, advocates work to improve their cities, and dedicated neighbors knock on doors supporting candidates they believe will make life better. As a LULAC member for more than forty years, I’ve spent countless weekends giving out books, school supplies, and more. People often ask why anyone volunteers so much.

For me, the answer is simple: we are here, in large part, to serve others. Everyone finds their own path to service—some quickly, some slowly, and some are still searching.

A Story from Garza’s Barber Shop

This brings me to the Perez family, whose story I first heard from my friend Henry at Garza’s Barber Shop in Dallas. I stopped by to drop off copies of our Hola Texas print edition and casually asked him, “Heard any good stories lately?” If you know barbers, you know they always do.

Henry told me about a group of brothers who were quietly doing extraordinary work: cleaning and restoring old cemeteries, including neglected Mexican cemeteries. That immediately caught my attention. I asked for their contact information and began learning more.

Meet Los Hermanos Perez

The crew includes brothers Richard, Manuel, Caterino, Alfred, and Samuel, along with nephews John and Jasper, other family members, and good‑hearted volunteers.

One of the first things I asked was why they chose this work. Richard Perez explained that the Oaklawn Cemetery in Dallas had been abandoned, prompting him and his girlfriend Gloria to begin cleaning five sections. He also shared that his father’s headstone had been placed in the wrong plot, something Mr. White the caretaker, helped correct.

Caterino later discovered through ancestry research that a great uncle was buried in the Gurley Cemetery, which was also abandoned and in disarray. It didn’t even have a proper sign marking it as a final resting place.

Manuel focused on restoring the entrance and installing a clear marker identifying the cemetery. Caterino built an information station so visitors could sign in. Others restored the old Grotto of the Virgin Mary and worked to ensure the grounds were safe for visitors.

Unexpected Discoveries

As often happens when you dig deeper—no pun intended—the brothers uncovered remarkable pieces of history. One was the unmarked grave of José Flores, who, astonishingly, had the distinction of being hung twice for the same crime.     This was a real head turner and once I research further will share with our readers. The Perez brothers also discovered long-forgotten relatives buried there.  

In addition, they found numerous unmarked graves of children who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918–1920, evidence of a nearby Catholic church named Santa Rita, and signs that a stagecoach once passed through the area. The nearby unincorporated community of Satin was established in 1830 and grew when they became part of a railroad route. Many of the residents worshiped at Santa Rita and had their final resting place in Gurly cemetery.

When asked why they chose this work, one brother answered simply: “Our ancestors.” A response both honest and noble—because their efforts benefit not only their own family, but all families whose loved ones were lost to time.

A Family Effort Across Texas

Coordinating the work is not easy. The brothers live in Dallas, Austin, and Dripping Springs, and gathering everyone is often the hardest part. Still, each contributes however they can, and all expenses are shared by the family. They receive no funding, though community members like Mr. and Mrs. Parker have donated items such as the marker for José Flores.

Caterino, who lives in Dripping Springs, is a Hays County Naturalist, has worked with the Gault Archaeological Research Laboratories, and volunteers with the Williamson County Cemetery Restorers. Their work has been recognized by the Marlin Historical Society, the Falls County Museum, and others.

More to Come

There is much more to this story, and we will likely publish Part 2. For now, the Perez family reminds us that preserving history is not just an act of service, it is an act of love, honor, and cultural memory.

Their mission ensures that forgotten cemeteries, ancestors, and stories are brought back into the light, where they belong.