LCRA awards $20,000 grant to help renovate Wharton County Veterans Memorial
Wharton Rotary Charity is restoring downtown memorial to continue honoring local veterans
Dec. 16, 2025
The community grant, along with more than $99,000 in matching funds from the Rotary and other charitable organizations and individuals, will help restore the memorial using durable granite and steel to address the mold, crumbling materials and overall deterioration that developed since the memorial was constructed in 1987.
“There are many veterans throughout Wharton County, and the restoration of the memorial will show our deep appreciation for their service and commitment to our nation,” said Ron Sanders, chair of the Citizens for the Restoration of the Wharton County Veterans Memorial, a committee formed in collaboration with the Wharton Rotary Club. Wharton Rotary Charity is the Wharton Rotary Club’s fundraising arm of the organization.
“As we bring this memorial back to its original vision, we want this space to reflect the pride we have in our veterans, and we hope it inspires the younger generation to honor service, understand the sacrifices made for our freedom and recognize that serving our country is a noble and worthwhile endeavor,” Sanders said.
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said LCRA is proud to join the Wharton Rotary Charity in honoring local veterans.
“The memorial is an excellent way to pay tribute to the many veterans who served and continue to serve our country,” Wilson said. “We appreciate their bravery and dedication to protecting our nation, and LCRA is honored to play a role in making the memorial a sturdy, permanent fixture at the courthouse.”
Sanders said the changes would not have been possible without strong support from the community and LCRA.
“When the memorial was first built in 1987, there weren’t enough funds to use the durable materials that were originally wanted, and over time it began to deteriorate,” Sanders said. “With the generous support of LCRA and other community organizations, we can now restore the memorial to its original design using granite and steel, ensuring it will honor our veterans and serve as a lasting symbol of their sacrifice for many years to come.”
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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