With great sadness, we announce the unexpected loss of our beloved son, Joshua Jared Salazar, age 19, on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

Joshua was born on May 5, 2000 and will be missed every day by his loving parents LaTrina Jo, Michael and Sharlee Salazar, his siblings Michael, Caitlin, Bradley, Aiden, Brooklyn, Dustin Salazar, a brother by choice Damyan Don Juan, two grandmothers and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and great friends. We know Josh is awaiting us with his baby sibling, paternal grandparents, Ernest and Elida Salazar and is loved here on earth as well as in heaven.

Josh will always be remembered for his big, beautiful smile and his even bigger heart. He had a charismatic personality about him that was bigger than life. If you knew him well or barely at all, he always left you thinking. Whether it was about how absolutely gorgeous his smile was, how kind and polite, ridiculously funny, or just down right outspoken he was, he always left his mark. 

Joshua tended to be quiet and although he acted tough he was always so good to those close to his heart and they knew without a shadow of a doubt that Joshua had their backs anytime they were in need. For Joshua, his family and friends who were family meant everything to him and it was so common to see him take loved ones under his wing; he loved to choose those who were picked last to play games to be on his team and he always knew if something was bothering one of his people, even in a crowd and through forced smiles, he would always offer a warm embrace and an ear to listen if they wanted to talk. No matter what he was doing and at a moments notice, Joshua could be counted on to drop everything and drive hours if called out for a rescue mission at 2am without hesitation.

Joshua knew who he was and he was proud of it; he knew his weaknesses and his strengths. Like how he was absolutely terrified of dogs, running scared from even the tiniest of ones if they barked at him, but out on a football field up against the biggest opponents, he was completely fearless. He loved sports, especially football, baseball and basketball but more than the sports he loved his brothers he battled with on the field. He was always running and playing around, having fun, smiling and laughing. Since his passing, so many loved ones have recounted how he was truly on of the best guys they have ever known and is one they could never forget.

In life, Josh would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He was so selfless, always worrying about the needs of others before he even considered himself. In death, our sweet boy has done the same, choosing on his own to give one last time selflessly of himself so others may live. Seven lives have received life because of Joshua’s generous spirit and we pray they are blessed with long, healthy lives and we are grateful to know our boy lives on in them.

So although his absence has left an undeniable void in our hearts that will never be filled, we take comfort in knowing he is now our family’s hero and guardian angel up there with his beautiful smile, laughing and cuddling his baby sibling telling us all “Wipe your tears ‘cause this ain’t nothin, it will all work out. I love you and will see you all real soon.”

We are SO proud of you and your heart, sweet boy. We LOVE and MISS you so much. FLY HIGH #5

The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 4th from 1:00-6:00pm at Kornerstone Funeral Directors.

Service will be at 2:00pm on Friday, July 5, 2019 followed by the graveside service at Plainview Memorial Park at 3:00.