On San Antonio’s West Side, families say San Fernando Cemetery II is showing signs of neglect. They report sunken graves, tilted and weathered headstones, and patchy grass, making holiday visits difficult. Relatives say they have raised concerns for months and are now seeking clear answers and a timeline for repairs from the cemetery’s management.
According to News 4 San Antonio, visitors have noted graves that have sunk below ground level and markers that are cracked, shifted, or misplaced. “It's just it's shameful,” said Alexandra Zepeda. Her father, Richard Zepeda, said the family has been “passed back and forth” between city offices and church representatives for years.
San Fernando Cemetery II is listed as being owned and operated by Catholic Cemeteries & Mausoleums of San Antonio, the cemetery division of the Archdiocese, according to local listings. The property is located in City Council District 5, represented by Councilwoman Teri Castillo, as per the City of San Antonio. Castillo said that she also has relatives buried at the cemetery, has encouraged residents to contact the Archdiocese so that complaints can be addressed.
State oversight has limits
The Texas Funeral Service Commission notes on its consumer information page that it does not license or regulate cemeteries. As a result, state funeral regulators have limited authority over maintenance issues at church-owned burial grounds. Families seeking action on neglected plots are typically directed to the property owner rather than a state enforcement agency.
Where enforcement can come from
Under Texas law, cemeteries are regulated differently depending on their type. Perpetual-care cemeteries are overseen by the Texas Department of Banking, and additional regulations for cemetery organizations are included in the Texas Health & Safety Code. Families seeking guidance can consult the Texas Department of Banking’s consumer resources and the state’s cemetery statute chapter, which outline complaint procedures and key legal definitions.
How families can push for a fix
Relatives say they remain committed to seeing a clear, public plan for restoring the cemetery grounds. Families can contact Catholic Cemeteries & Mausoleums of San Antonio directly or reach out to the District 5 field office. The cemetery’s local listings provide the address and phone number for San Fernando Cemetery II, and the District 5 information page includes contact details for Councilwoman Castillo’s staff. For burial plots covered by a perpetual-care trust, families can also review complaint procedures with the Texas Department of Banking.
For the time being, West Side families say they will continue advocating for a clear repair schedule and greater clarity on responsibilities. The Archdiocese has not yet provided public details on how or when it plans to address the damage reported at San Fernando Cemetery II.
