My name is Sonny Terrazas, my brother Jeremy and I are writing with a heavy heart to share the sudden passing of my dad Joe Terrazas and to ask for your assistance in providing him the farewell he deserves. My dad died unexpectedly of natural causes on Thanksgiving Day, just three days before his 75th birthday. The holidays meant everything to him. Even though he wasn’t feeling well, he insisted on having a family dinner with us and pushed through the best he could. He always cherished family time.

My dad lived on a fixed income and did his best to plan ahead. He purchased a life insurance policy with a high payout, believing it would cover his final expenses and relieve that burden from his family. Sadly, the policy only covers accidental death and because his passing was due to natural causes there is no coverage to help with his funeral and memorial costs. This has left me and my brother facing expenses we simply were not prepared for during an already painful time.

Joe was so much more than these circumstances. He was a Navy veteran who proudly served from 1975–1981 as a Boilerman Class A, earning the rank of E4. After the Navy, he worked hard as an operator at Amoco Oil, built a life, got married and raised a family of two. He came from a rough and traumatic childhood, yet he chose to break the cycle by being a loving, present and supportive father. That choice to rise above his past and create something better for his children is one of his greatest legacies.

Friends and family were everything to my dad. His passion was staying connected with everyone—cousins, uncles, nieces, nephews, and old friends—often through social media and Facebook. He loved photography and capturing moments, always snapping pictures at gatherings so no one would forget the good times we shared. Those photos are now some of our most treasured memories, little windows into his joy and the love he had for the people around him.

Some of my favorite memories with my dad are around baseball. His love for the Kansas City Royals and George Brett got me into the game and he spent years as my little league assistant coach, helping us win championships while teaching me respect, kindness and to always do good for others.

I am creating this GoFundMe to honor my father’s life and to raise enough to provide a proper send off, burial and memorial service that reflect the love he gave to so many. Any contribution—no matter the amount—will go directly toward his funeral expenses and related costs. If you are not able to donate, sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers also means so much.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my dad, Joe Terrazas. Your support helps us give him the dignity, respect and love he so deeply deserves in his final farewell.