Rockwall Rotary presents Texas historic‑cemetery designation for Gardenhire Cemetery

Members of the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club presented a certificate to the city on Aug. 18 recognizing Gardenhire Cemetery (also known locally as Memorial Park) as a historic Texas cemetery following Texas Historical Commission approval.

Matt Gibson, president of the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club, introduced Tommy White, who led the committee’s research. White said most Rockwall residents are unaware of the cemetery’s location in a residential neighborhood and that the committee identified six graves belonging to World War I and World War II African American veterans. ‘‘Most residents of Rockwall are not aware that tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood is a cemetery where World War I and World War II African American veterans are buried,’’ White said.

White credited Travis Sales, Ryan Miller and Judge Mark Russo for assistance locating records, and acknowledged Jean Allen of New Caledonia Baptist Church, who helped find a key piece of information about family burials. The Rotary said the committee completed research and paperwork and that an official dedication ceremony will be scheduled within a few months.

Mayor McCallum thanked the Rotary Club and city staff for the work. Community members in open forum, including Vincent Harris of the Born Avenue Southside Coalition, publicly thanked the Rotary and city staff for the recognition and for honoring veterans’ legacy.

The designation recognizes the cemetery’s historical significance and signals a city‑supported preservation effort; staff and the Rotary plan to announce the dedication date when arrangements are final.