History & Staff

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Dewayne began his funeral service career in 1970 when he founded and developed Rest Haven Memorial Park. In 1992, he built Rest Haven Funeral Home, later adding locations in Royse City and Rowlett. Guided by his positive attitude, dedication to work ethic, integrity and high standards, Rest Haven Funeral Homes continues to emerge as one of the premier organizations in the industry. “My mom and dad taught me early on that serving others is one of the most important things in life,” Dewayne said. “At Rest Haven, my staff and I share an unwavering commitment to serve every family with the highest standards of integrity and compassion.” A highly respected community and professional leader, Dewayne has brought vision and ingenuity to many organizations and associations. He has served as President of the Rockwall Noon Rotary Club and the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce; and has held leadership positions within the YMCA, Rockwall Independent School District, Texas Funeral Directors Association and the North Texas Funeral Directors Association. Dewayne and his wife Ann (Atkins) Cain, both born and reared in Rockwall, have enjoyed working together to grow Rest Haven. They love spending time with their family and friends, and are especially proud of their wonderful grandchildren.

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A member of the Rest Haven team since 2007, Lesli oversees the daily operations of all Rest Haven companies, directs the Human Resources Department and guides company finances and Risk Management. “I feel so blessed to work with the incredibly talented Rest Haven staff,” Lesli said. “The compassion and integrity they demonstrate every single day is an inspiration to me, and an invaluable help to the families we serve.” Married to her husband, James, since 2001, Lesli has been a resident of Rockwall since she was a child and is a proud graduate of Rockwall High School and Texas A&M University. A strong advocate for the local business community and passionate about local education, Lesli has served in leadership positions for both the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rockwall Independent School District. Lesli and James have two children, Mazie and Maddoc, and their devoted dog, Buster. They are active members of Lake Pointe Church and committed to their service to Christ. When they are not managing the kids’ busy sports schedules, Lesli and James enjoy attending Rockwall Yellowjacket football games and spending time with family and friends.

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Desiree grew up in Alamogordo, NM. After graduating High School in 2009, she was awarded a soccer scholarship to Eastern New Mexico University where she received her Bachelors of Criminal Justice in 2012. Desiree later enrolled at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service in 2015. “As a kid, I always knew I wanted to be in the funeral profession,” Desiree said. “I have a heart for families who are going through a difficult time, and just want to make things a little bit easier for them.” Desiree is a devoted mom to her one adorable daughter. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending as many sporting events as she can fit into her busy schedule.

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A proud Texan, Jonathan has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1993. During high school Jonathan grew an interest in the funeral industry, and had the privilege working in his hometown of Irving, TX, where he completed his apprenticeship. Holding a variety of titles, his career has been 100% in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “Like the changing community we serve, the industry has shifted from a one size fits all funeral service to personalized Celebration of Life events that can be as unique as the life that is lived. I am blessed to work with the Rest Haven family and honored to continue its legacy inside the community.” Outside the office, Jonathan enjoys time with his family, community events, golf, and getting on, or off, the road in his Jeep.

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Thomas was born and raised in El Paso, TX and moved to the area in 2008. He graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1995 and has been serving families ever since. Thomas’s interest in the funeral industry stemmed from childhood as he had opportunities to assist and serve as an acolyte during services in the Catholic faith. Thomas and his wife Rocio met in 1992 (high school sweethearts) and have been married since 2001. They have a beautiful boy, Thomas Jr., born in 2015 and in May 2018 they welcomed their second son, Aidan. Thomas enjoys spending every precious moment he can with his beautiful family.

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Haley Harmon was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she resided until she graduated high school in 2011. From there, she and her high-school sweetheart, Ryan, moved to Dallas to pursue higher education where they have resided with their fur babies. She attended Dallas Institute of Funeral Service where she graduated with her Associates Degree of Applied Sciences in 2012. Haley received her RYT200 Yoga Teacher Training Certification in 2017, and enjoys practicing whenever she can. Haley is an only child and her parents, Lisa and Willie, are her best friends. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting with family, hanging out with her friends, going to all types of concerts and doing yoga. Haley has wanted to be a funeral director since she was 14, and obtaining that license was a milestone. “It means so much to me to be able to meet with and serve families in their time of need. I have always felt a deep connection to those in pain, and my goal is to help alleviate as much as I can. I strive to do whatever I can to assist a family in celebrating the life of their loved one in a way that resonates with them and brings comfort in a rough time.” Haley is highly passionate about the work she does with those she meets along her path, and feels as though it’s a blessing to be entrusted with someone’s precious loved one. “Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness – Anonymous”

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Mike is from Mathis, TX where he graduated from Mathis High School in 1982. He spent 10 years working on offshore drilling rigs for Marine Drilling Company based out of Corpus Christi, TX. Mike was one of the top students in his 1993 class at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services. As one of Rest Haven's most tenured employees (over 20 years and counting), Mike has built a rapport and relationships with many of the families we serve. They reach out to Mike to just touch base with him, long after we have served them. When Mike is not helping families, he loves spending time with his wife Michele and their rescue kitty Asher. He also likes to go hunting and watch the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers games.

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Joseph is from Ennis, Texas where he graduated from Ennis High School in 1988. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 1994. Joseph met his sweetheart, Angela, in college. They were married in 1999 and now have two incredible children. Joseph graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2003 and joined the Rest Haven family in 2018. Joseph has a passion for working with families focusing on personalization to provide a memorable service that honors the family's loved one. When Joseph is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and hunting. He and his family are also active members of One Community Church in Plano, Texas.

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Will was born in San Antonio, TX, and moved to Rockwall County with his family when he was twelve years old. He is a graduate of Rockwall-Heath High School and the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Will also holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Texas A&M Commerce. He is married to Anna Young, previously of Terrell, TX, and they have one daughter, two cats, and an overly enthusiastic dog. After seeing how well the staff at Rest Haven Rockwall handled the funeral needs of his maternal grandparents, he was excited to join the Rockwall staff as a Funeral Director/Embalmer. Will believes in the dignity of all people and will serve your family’s needs with compassionate care.

“What is grief, if not love persevering?”

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A native Texan from San Antonio, Rick has been part of the Rest Haven team since 2010. He has a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Religious Education and has over 45 years of service in the ministry. As a Chaplain in the funeral service for the last 22 years, Rick’s experience and compassion are a tremendous comfort to families as they work with him to memorialize their loved one. “Every person has a story to tell – both in life and in death,” Rick said. “It is my goal to tell every story.” Rick is married to Sandi, who is also a native Texan and a member of the Rest Haven team. Rick and Sandi have a son, who serves as a Children’s Pastor in San Antonio, a daughter-in-law and four grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and are both avid Texas Rangers fans. When he’s not at Rest Haven, you can usually find Rick working with the cattle and chickens on their farm.

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Rob grew up in Houston, where he graduated from Klein High School. He attended Texas A&M University and later received a degree in Mortuary Science from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado. Rob has 30 years of experience in the funeral and cemetery field. He has a deep passion for helping people create meaningful personal tributes, and for planning ahead. Rob, his wife, Sara, and their sons, Beckett and Cullen, are excited to become part of the Rockwall community. Rob also has sons Konner and Riley as well as a granddaughter, Paisley. In his spare time, Rob enjoys cooking, travel and card games.

Reymundo is originally from Dallas, but had moved his family to the Baytown/Houston area several years ago. He recently moved back home to the Dallas area to take care of his elderly mom, and is happy to be the newest member of the Rest Haven family service team. Rey began his family service career in 2013 with Earthman Memory Gardens in Baytown, TX. It is very fulfilling for him to meet and work with families, helping them with arrangements that will best honor their loved one. “I am very passionate about helping families through the worst time of their lives, and giving them as much comfort as possible,” Rey said. He is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and he and his wife, Jennifer, love to take their family on special vacations or on cruises. They have three grown children and five loving grandchildren.

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Jason was born in Terrell, Texas and raised in Mesquite, Texas where he graduated from Mesquite High School. He has been with Rest Haven since 2015 and has been a Funeral Professional since 2013. He is the proud father of a beautiful daughter who attends Texas A&M. Jason is passionate and caring with all of the families he serves. He is honored to be a part of the Rest Haven Family. He has a servant's heart and enjoys helping families. When Jason is not working, he can be found in the outdoors fishing and spending time with family.

Jamie joined the Rest Haven family in 2021. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the families choosing Rest Haven during their most difficult time. She comes from a service background, where she was able to learn teamwork, leadership and event planning skills. Jamie worked at Outback Steak House many years, working directly with customers and training new employees, and still enjoys dining there. Yum. She was a certified CPR instructor through American Red Cross and loved teaching lifesaving skills to many. Jamie has a certificate in Disaster Preparedness, in which she learned how to deal with catastrophic situations, and she works well under pressure. She has been very active in the community, and one of her favorite accomplishments was planning, cooking, and serving 300 band members daily during her daughter’s summer camps. Jamie has three children who are the light of her life. Her eldest is studying biology at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Her younger two are attending high school in Royse City (let’s go Bulldogs). She enjoys cooking, going for walks with her two dogs, camping, and soaking up all the time she can with her two children still at home. She has a caring heart and is very sensitive toward families going through difficult times. Jamie has been very blessed in life, and she is looking forward to continuing her life of service with the Rest Haven family.

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Gene was born in Terrell, TX and raised in Southeast Dallas where he graduated from W.W. Samuell High School and attended Eastfield College. Gene has been involved in music all his life and was honored to record with Capitol Records during the mid-1980’s. Gene has worked in Event planning and Customer Service and Sales over the last 25 years. He served in the Ambassador Program here at Rest Haven Funeral Home in 2015. Gene believes that building trusted and caring relationships is one of our greatest callings in life. He and his wife Judy have 5 wonderful children, 1 adorable grandchild, and love being a part of the Rockwall Community and the Rest Haven Family.

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Valerie is a Texas native who has worked in Rockwall for several years. She has a varied background, studying forensic pathology and psychology in college, as well as obtaining her paralegal certification. Prior to joining Rest Haven, Valerie was in new home sales for seven years and is currently the HOA president for her neighborhood in Quinlan. Valerie is a mom to five wonderful children: Brant, his wife and their beautiful little girl, Taylor, Breeanna, Savanna and her youngest, Julian. Her niece, Sarah, and her mom, who lives on the property, round out her close-knit family. Having her mom so close has been a blessing and little Julian loves having his Granny next door. Valerie loves taking care of her animals - two miniature ponies, Lucy and Luna, a Weimaraner named Blue, a German Shepard mix named Ozzy and a hedgehog named Sonic. She loves to fish, camp, play pool, listen to all kinds of music and watch old episodes of the X-Files.

Valerie’s faith in God and Christ is the center of her life, and she believes we should give grace and treat everyone with respect and kindness. She tries to live by the adage, “What would Jesus do?”. She is a naturally empathetic person who feels a calling to help those who are grieving.

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Katy was born and raised in Dallas near White Rock Lake. She has played violin since the second grade and attended Booker T. Washington specializing in the orchestral music department in high school. She has a passion for working with and serving people and families. She has a Food and Beverage background of more than 15 years and will now be offering the great service of Director of Catering for our Rest Haven families. Katy and her husband, Clint, have been married since October 2011. They have two wonderful children. Charlie, born in March 2014 and Emma, born in June 2017. They have recently planted roots in Wylie! Katy adores animals including their lab mix, Gonzo and cat, Opie. When not working, the Justices have many hobbies, most of all they love to spend time with family and friends!

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Steve is originally from Van Alstyne, TX, and moved to the Rockwall area in 2010. He lives in the country and enjoys gardening, landscaping and taking care of his yard. Steve has a varied background, working as an armed security officer, heavy equipment operator, produce manager, and fire fighter / EMT, and also has a window tinting business. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his two beloved Basset Hounds, Boo and Hank, and they enjoy keeping him entertained on their long walks. Steve has been in the funeral industry for many years, but believes Rest Haven Funeral Home is a step above the rest. He enjoys being part of the team and is available to help anyone who needs it.

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Linda has been a member of the Rest Haven team since 1998. As Office Manager, most of her job entails tasks that are behind-the-scenes, but she also handles the accounting for pre-need and life insurance claims. Linda is a lifelong resident of Dallas County and has been married to her husband, Gary, since 1978. She and Gary love working on outdoor and home remodeling projects together (no job is too big or too small!) and working in their yard. They have a daughter, Crystal, son-in-law, Andy, beautiful granddaughter, Autumn, and rambunctious flat-coated retriever, Posey.

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Allison grew up in Rockwall, TX, where she graduated from Rockwall High School, and obtained an associates degree in Elementary Education. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her son, Dylan, and their fur babies! Allison loves being outdoors, eating Mexican food, and visiting with her friends and family. “I feel very blessed to work with such caring and hardworking coworkers,” Allison said. “Everyone’s goal here is to help and serve families. We feel privileged to assist them as they deal with a hard time in their lives.”

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A native Texan from Royse City, Sandi has been part of Rest Haven team since 2011. She has worked in the funeral industry for over 20 years. Sandi graduated from Baylor University and she and her husband Rick have been married since 1973. She has served in the ministry with Rick for over 40 years. Sandi has one son who is a children’s pastor in San Antonio and a daughter-in-law who is in nursing school. She is a very proud grandmother of four outstanding grandchildren. When Sandi is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, interior design and home decorating projects.

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Jennine grew up in Mesquite, Texas. She graduated from the Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences. In 2003 she married her husband William, and together they have 3 children. As a family, they love loading up in the car and taking road trips to explore new places. "It's always an adventure traveling in the car!" In Jennine's free time she enjoys crafting, painting, and creating art - "It soothes the soul." She feels blessed to be a part of the Rest Haven team.

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Melinda joined Rest Haven in November of 2000 and serves as administrative assistant at Rest Haven - Rowlett. She has a bachelor’s in Business Administration from McNeese State University in Louisiana where she was born. Spending time with her four grandsons is Melinda's favorite pastime, along with gardening and restoring antiques. Melinda is passionate about her faith in Jesus Christ and enjoys serving others through her association with Rest Haven.

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Julia grew up in Garland, TX, and feels blessed that most of her family are local. She moved to Rockwall in 2011 with her husband Kevin, who grew up in Rockwall. She has been married since 2010 to her favorite Aggie. She adores and spoils their only child, Emily, who was born in 2012. Emily is a black belt in taekwondo. She wants to help with the little kids in the class, so she is working on getting her green collar. Julia’s family has many hobbies, including spending time with their two-year-old wiggly Australian shepherd, Yeti, finding patios to enjoy at our excellent local restaurants, running her daughter to her activities, spending time with family and friends, and being a part of their local church. She is grateful to be working in such a beautiful location at Rest Haven in Rockwall, so close to home, with kind and friendly people. She feels blessed to be a part of the team at Rest Haven, having the opportunity to love on our friends and neighbors in their time of need.

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Daniela grew up in Boston, MA, and after moving to Dallas attended Bryan Adams High School. She married her husband, Ryan, in 2007, and they moved to Rowlett in 2008. Together they have two daughters. When she is not at work, Daniela loves to attend sporting events with her husband, listen to her older daughter play drums in the school band and does pottery with her younger daughter. She is also passionate about gardening, swimming and putting together puzzles. Daniela feels blessed to be a part of the Rest Haven family.