Kansas City Mourns the Loss of Efrain “Preacher” Gonzalez
On a beautiful sunny morning in Kansas City, Kansas, an outpouring of love and respect filled the air as hundreds gathered at The Cure Church to honor the memory of Efrain Gonzalez, a beloved pastor and community figure known affectionately as “Preacher.” As friends, family, and fellow lowrider enthusiasts filled the church, stories of Gonzalez’s kindness and impact echoed throughout the pews.
A Final Ride with the Lowriders
After the touching service, attendees streamed out of the church, their spirits buoyed by shared memories. They were greeted by a spectacular sight: 50 vibrant lowrider cars, their bright reds, greens, and blues glimmering in the sunlight. Each vehicle was a work of art, embellished with gold and chrome rims, and each was set to take one last joyous ride in honor of the pastor.
Gonzalez had a profound passion for cars, especially lowriders. For him, these beautifully modified vehicles were more than just machines; they were a bridge to connect with people from all walks of life, particularly those facing homelessness and addiction. He dedicated his life to understanding their struggles, offering guidance and hope in their darkest moments.
Community, Tradition, and Family
Gonzalez hailed from Mexicali, Mexico, and his journey to the United States brought him face-to-face with the rich lowrider culture he would come to adore. His son, Andy Gonzalez, 37, reflected on his father’s background, growing up in a challenging environment surrounded by addiction and hardship. “He came from a family with 11 children,” Andy shared. “My mom started going to church first, and then my dad found God and got clean.” Together, they moved to Kansas City, where Gonzalez was instrumental in building a small but passionate lowrider community.
Fernando Rivera, a long-time resident of the local lowrider scene, noted the growth of the community since his arrival over a decade ago. “The lowrider culture has been around since the 1940s,” he explained, tracing its roots back to young Hispanic individuals who sought to express their identities through creative car customization.
Breaking Stereotypes
Unfortunately, lowrider culture often brings with it unfair stereotypes. Many outsiders associate these stunning cars with gang culture, overlooking their genuine roots in tradition, family, and community support. “Gonzalez was a shining example of the true meaning of lowriding,” remarked Rivera, emphasizing how his presence challenged those misconceptions.
Ben Chappell, an American studies professor at the University of Kansas, pointed out the significance of lowriders in establishing a unique cultural identity for Hispanic communities. “There’s a lot of nostalgia in certain styles of interior like crushed velvet and the chain wheel,” he said. “In Mexican American communities, lowriding has become a badge of honor, representing where you’re from.”
The Irreplaceable Legacy of Preacher
Gonzalez’s approach to lowriding was one of community and tradition, passing down knowledge and fostering a supportive environment among younger generations. Andy fondly recalled the time spent with his father, learning the ins and outs of car maintenance, which ignited his own passion for lowriders. “Cars were just a way of life,” he reflected, and those cherished moments will stay with him forever.
As the procession of lowriders rolled through Kansas City, the vibrant colors and roaring engines commanded the attention of onlookers. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who had impacted countless lives. “He took the lowrider scene by storm when he came to Kansas City back in 1993,” said Marisa Moreno, who organized the procession. “He shared his story and brought everyone together.”
Honoring a Beloved Icon
The final tribute began at The Cure Church and stretched 18 miles to Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence. As the cars cruised through the city, residents stopped to watch, pulled together by the sight of the committed community gathered to honor their beloved leader. “It’s an honor more than anything,” Rivera expressed, feeling grateful to participate in this heartfelt moment.
After the burial, Gonzalez’s family and friends carried the sentiment for Preacher into a joyous cookout at a Kansas City park. Memories were shared, laughter filled the air, and old-school Mexican music provided a backdrop that would have made Gonzalez proud. For those close to him, the lighthearted celebration was a fitting finale to a life well-lived.
Continuing the Legacy
As his son Andy looks to the future, he finds solace in knowing that his father’s influence will live on. “He impacted so many lives,” Andy said, acknowledging the challenge of filling his father’s shoes. “It makes me very proud to see the way people respected him.” Now, he’s committed to ensuring that the teachings and love his father imparted will be passed down to the next generation of lowriders, keeping the spirit of community alive.
In Kansas City, Efrain “Preacher” Gonzalez’s memory will remain a beacon of positivity, reminding everyone of the importance of family, friendship, and the beauty of tradition within the lowrider culture.
