The Texas Department of Transportation is highlighting seven families whose members work alongside one another in its San Angelo District, maintaining highways across West Central Texas from the same offices where their relatives report each day.
The agency described the arrangement in an Aug. 20 story written by TxDOT’s Jewel Schoppe, which noted that while employees often describe coworkers as family, in San Angelo the description is literal. The families have built careers together, according to the story, serving travelers in the region while strengthening bonds both on and off the job.
TxDOT identified each of the seven. In the Big Lake maintenance office, Geovanna Carrasco works with her brother, Isaiah Carrasco. In Sterling City, Betsy Tanner works with her nephews, Vance Davis and Tye Caldwell. In Robert Lee, John Simmons works with his grandson, Landon Haddock, and Amanda Wagner works with her daughter, Jayla Corley, while Chris Wagner, who works in district maintenance, is also part of that family tradition. In Eden, Jose Lozano works with his son, Moses Lozano. In Sonora, George Noriega works with his nephew, Robert Zook. And in District Special Jobs, Evan Morron works with his nephew, Danny Kasner.
The agency said the shared workplaces give the families more time together while keeping Texas roads safe, and that the arrangement creates opportunities extending beyond the job itself. Experienced employees can pass along knowledge and mentor the next generation, TxDOT said, while younger family members gain a greater appreciation for the dedication and service that define a career at the department.
For Simmons, the story said, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been watching his grandson develop professionally and personally. “I enjoy watching him grow, working with new people, and learning about safety. Especially that,” Simmons said. “I’m hoping he’ll stay with TxDOT and explore the other opportunities it has to offer.”
The San Angelo District maintains highways across West Central Texas, and the agency framed the families’ shared service as a reminder that the crews working those roads are drawn from the communities they serve.