Help Give Ted Courter a Funeral with Honor

About Ted:

On Christmas morning 2005, Ted Courter woke up, excited to go pick up his 11-year-old daughter. On the way there, his car spun out on ice, and hit a tree. The driver’s seat broke, resulting in Ted being paralyzed from the neck down. But Ted fought to live for his three daughters, ages 6 to 13, and his 3-year-old son. Strong and resilient, he was their rock and lived another 16 years. Prior to the accident, he served in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a Corrections Officer.

Ted’s Passing:

Ted was strong, and when unforeseen medical complications arose in early 2022, he held on as long as he could. His children and family took turns being with him and were determined to keep him as comfortable as possible. Eventually, Ted’s body couldn’t fight any longer, and he passed away on July 13, 2022, at age 50, surrounded by his children and loved ones. He died with his well-known happy smirk on his face.

The Need and How You Can Help:

Because Ted couldn’t work for the past 16 years, expenses caught up with him. He was unable to leave his children, now ages 19 to 29, with any financial assistance. His children are planning his Mass and funeral services, which will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. They are hoping to give their father a Mass and burial to honor the unconditional love he gave to them. But the expenses are overwhelming. $12,700.00 will cover the funeral home services, music, casket, cemetery plot, and cemetery services. His military blues will be buried with him.

I have been close to this family for over 25 years and have witnessed their strength despite much adversity. Over the last few days, I have watched his 27-year-old daughter, amid so much grief, step up with grace to honor her father’s wishes and bury him with honor and dignity. They need our help.

No one should have to go into debt to bury a loved one.

Please consider giving a financial gift. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated!

What if More Than What is Needed for the Funeral is Raised?:

All donations given go directly to the children. Because Ted struggled financially, he was behind on three years of house taxes, nearly totaling $20,000. If enough money is raised to cover the funeral and burial costs, the remaining amount will go toward helping his children and 1-year-old granddaughter who lived with Ted to stay in their family home.