Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Learn the legacy.
Cedarcrest Cemetery has been owned and operated by the Winemiller family since 1981. In 1981, John Winemiller Sr. and wife Elsie Winemiller purchased the cemetery with the intention of teaching their son the business and one day allowing him to take over.
John and Elsie served the community as owners for 5 years until 1986. In those 5 years they were able to establish a reputation of trust and loyalty to our community.
In 1986, son John Winemiller Jr. and wife Donita Winemiller took over the cemetery. In their nearly 30 years of ownership, they had to opportunity of serving many families and showing our community that we are not just another 'cemetery' but that we approach life and death differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
On February 27, 2016 John Winemiller Jr. went to be with the lord. The 3rd generation of the Winemiller family, son Jeremy Winemiller and daughter Chastity Newman now run the cemetery as a brother and sister team. We are committed to carrying the same tradition of trust and excellence that our parents and grandparents established. We will continue to operate in a manner that our name symbolizes integrity.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
Jeremy Winemiller
President / Owner
Jeremy Winemiller is the owner of Cedarcrest Cemetery and S.E. Texas Granite sales. Since becoming a part-time employee of Cedarcrest Cemetery at the age of 15, he has worked his way up the company to become president and took over ownership upon the passing of Father, John Winemiller. From the day Jeremy began working outside as just a groundskeeper he knew this industry was where he belonged. "The satisfaction of helping families within our community during such a difficult time and being trusted with the care of their loved ones is a feeling that is unmatched"
Chastity Newman
Office Manager
Chastity Newman, daughter of John Winemiller, has been an employee of Cedarcrest Cemetery and Southeast Texas Monument Sales for more than 18 years. Over the years, Chastity has become very proficient at designing custom memorial headstones and has been a major help to the company's success. She has always found it a blessing to be able to help families during their time of need and make the difficult times of their lives as least stressful as possible. Chastity is happily married and has two children. If you are in need of Cemetery plots, or a custom, unique memorial headstone, Chastity is the #1 option in the area.
John Winemiller Jr.
In loving memory
John was the owner of Cedarcrest Cemetery and S.E. Texas Granite sales for nearly 30 years. On February 27, 2016, John went to be with the lord. John left behind his wife, 3 children and 7 grandchildren. He also left behind a wonderful legacy of trust and devotion to our community for the service he provided to many families throughout his career. Cedarcrest Cemetery would not be held in such a high regard without his many years of dedication to this industry. We love and miss you, Dad.
Leslie Newman
Head Grounds Keeper
Leslie Newman is Cedarcrest Cemetery's head grounds keeper. He joined our staff in April of 2011. Some of his duties include: preparing for funerals, setting monuments, and maintaining the grounds of our Cemetery. Leslie is very compassionate about his job and goes out of his way to ensure that the Cemetery is always clean and presentable all while doing his best to keep our customers happy and satisfied in all aspects of his work. He is married to Chastity Newman and has two children. When not working, Leslie enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his children.
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.