Terry Lee Havens

Terry Havens, originally from Gardena, California, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at his home in Prescott, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Leilani (Cooper), his daughters Monica (Michael) Maynez & Marlene (Will) Diaz, two grandchildren Emiko & Milo, mother in law Betty Cooper, sister in law Cheryl (Don) Bowers, niece & nephew Natalie (Russell) De Jong & Michael Bowers, his trusted companion Oliver, and many cousins and friends.

Terry was born in Gardena, California on October 10, 1957 to Floyd & Lula (Blakeman) Havens. He attended 186th Street Elementary, Perry Junior High (where he first met his future wife), and graduated from Gardena High School in 1975. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from California State University Dominguez Hills. While in college & after graduation, he coached football at Gardena High & University High, "threw boxes" at UPS, and helped out part time at Gardena Parks & Rec.

In 1999, he reconnected with his high school crush, Leilani, and they married a year and a half later. Over the next 25 years, he helped raise his new daughters, he took Leilani and the family on vacations to National Parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and The Grand Canyon. He took the family to Colorado, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, Walt Disney World, Texas, Kentucky, New York, Hawaii, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, and even got stuck on a cruise ship during Hurricane Katrina. He enjoyed seeing the natural wonders of the country & exploring the world; his next trip was an African Safari in May.

While he enjoyed seeing the world, he also enjoyed history & was an expert WWII historian. While in France, he was able to see Normandy & Omaha Beach, which he had always wanted to see. He was a sports stats genius, was able to quote old movies, a logistics master, and loved being outdoors. He was an amazing chef & a grill master (which was perfect because Leilani can't cook). He was always experimenting with new recipes and using different wood for the smoker.

He was full of wisdom & always willing to help; he had a way of offering great advice and making you think it was your idea. He had the best sense of humor & was the best at making up funny nicknames (mostly for Oliver). He was curious & inquisitive; he enjoyed watching informational YouTube videos about everything from RVs, must see destinations & American History to trivia games and funny animal videos (mostly with Leilani).

Words cannot express how much he is missed. We will find comfort in knowing he will always be with us - in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we live our lives. We will carry his love and his example forward and strive every day to live in a way that would make him proud.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the South Bay at a later date.