Zane Billy Shannon Lewis, an 11-Year-Old Beacon of Light, Leaves an Eternal Legacy of Love, Wonder, and Kindness in Bulan, Kentucky

BULAN, KENTUCKY — With shattered hearts and an overwhelming depth of sorrow, the family, friends, and community of Bulan, Kentucky are mourning the loss of Zane Billy Shannon Lewis, a radiant and remarkable child whose life, though just 11 years in length, touched countless hearts and left behind a legacy far greater than many could in a lifetime. Zane passed away on June 8, 2025, leaving behind not just memories but a glowing imprint of love, laughter, and light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing them.

Born in the serene foothills of eastern Kentucky, Zane was a proud child of Bulan, a tight-knit Appalachian town known for its strong families, deep traditions, and enduring sense of community. From the moment of their birth, Zane exuded a brilliance and vitality that would grow to define their presence on Earth. With eyes wide open to the world and a heart full of empathy, Zane was the very essence of joy, compassion, and creativity.

A Childhood of Curiosity and Compassion

Zane’s early years were marked by a unique spark—a rare blend of intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence that made them wise beyond their years. Whether it was exploring nature along the creeks and trails near their home, constructing elaborate LEGO cities on rainy afternoons, or asking deep, thoughtful questions about the stars, Zane’s hunger for knowledge and wonder about the world was limitless.

Family and teachers alike often described Zane as “old-souled,” not in the sense of weariness, but in the profound way they carried a sense of peace, awareness, and emotional depth. Zane was a child who listened—really listened—to people when they spoke. They had a way of leaning in with those bright eyes and gentle demeanor that made you feel heard, seen, and completely valued.

An Unforgettable Smile and the Gift of Kindness

Those who knew Zane will tell you that their smile was something to behold. Not simply an expression of happiness, but a force of nature that could warm even the coldest moment. That smile could shift the energy in a room, ease the anxiety of a nervous classmate, or turn a bad day into a hopeful one. And Zane used it generously.

Whether offering their snack to a friend who forgot theirs, writing a note of encouragement to a teacher, or cuddling up with their beloved dog after school, Zane understood that small acts of kindness were the real magic in life. They lived each day with a heart that naturally reached for others—not for attention, but because it was simply who they were.

In their free time, Zane enjoyed drawing, writing imaginative stories, building model kits, and playing piano, often performing little concerts at home for their family. Their sense of humor was infectious, their storytelling vivid, and their hugs? The kind that healed.

Family Bond and Unbreakable Love

Zane was the cherished child of Paige Hoskins and Bill Deaton, two loving and devoted parents who gave their child the very best of themselves—every single day. Their bond as a family was one marked by tenderness, shared laughter, and deep mutual respect. Zane was the centerpiece of their world, and their home was filled with a love that could be felt from the outside in.

Also carrying a heavy heart is Zane’s beloved sister, whose name is respectfully omitted here, a young girl who shared countless memories of adventures, secrets, and quiet moments with Zane. Their sibling connection was pure and profound—a friendship rooted in unconditional love and forged through backyard games, whispered late-night conversations, and the comforting rhythm of growing up side-by-side.

The loss they now carry is immense. Yet even in this aching silence, the memories of Zane’s voice, laughter, and gentle presence live on as a source of strength.

A Community Mourns Together

As news of Zane’s passing reached neighbors and loved ones in Bulan and beyond, an overwhelming wave of grief and reflection swept through the community. This small town, where people know each other by name and show up without being asked, has come together in beautiful and moving ways to honor Zane’s life.

At the local Bulan Elementary School, where Zane was a fifth-grade student, the hallways now hold quiet tributes—artwork, letters, and memory walls filled with messages from classmates and teachers. “Zane was the kind of student you dream of,” said Mrs. Callahan, their homeroom teacher. “Smart, kind, curious, and full of imagination. Their absence is deeply felt in every corner of this school.”

Community members have gathered in parks, churches, and front porches to light candles, share stories, and comfort one another. A memorial vigil held on June 9 drew dozens of families, each one sharing how Zane’s kindness had made a lasting impression.

Legacy Beyond Years

Though Zane’s time on Earth was heartbreakingly short, the legacy they leave is both wide and lasting. They taught others—children and adults alike—how to live with open hearts, how to love without fear, and how to find beauty in the simplest things.

In their name, Zane’s family is establishing a youth creativity and kindness initiative to support local children with access to books, art supplies, music lessons, and emotional support programs. “Zane loved to create,” said their mother, Paige. “We want to carry that light forward—to help other kids dream the way Zane did.”

Plans are underway for a community garden in Zane’s honor, where children can learn about nature, plant life, and community care—things Zane deeply appreciated. It will serve as a living tribute, a space to gather, heal, and grow.

The Grief We Share, The Love That Remains

Losing a child is a sorrow few can comprehend, and for those closest to Zane, the pain is raw and constant. Yet the overwhelming outpouring of love and remembrance shows how Zane’s life continues to ripple outward. Their spirit lives in every shared memory, every act of kindness inspired by them, and every heart they softened with their gentle joy.

To quote a favorite line from one of Zane’s handwritten poems, recently found in a school notebook:

“The sky is not too big for dreams,
I hold the stars inside my seams.
I am not gone, just flying high—
My smile now lives in every sky.”

Final Farewell and Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Zane Billy Shannon Lewis will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Bulan Community Church, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 12:30 p.m. until the start of the service. All are welcome to attend, share memories, and support the grieving family during this profound time of loss.

The family encourages attendees to wear bright colors, symbolic of Zane’s vibrant personality, and to bring a small item for the memory box—something that reminds them of Zane’s light. This could be a drawing, a short note, a photo, or a token of love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zane Lewis Creative Kindness Fund, which will benefit educational, artistic, and emotional wellness programs for children in the Perry County area.

In Loving Memory

Zane Billy Shannon Lewis was a child of light. In their 11 years, they showed the world how to live with sincerity, love, humor, and a deep, openhearted embrace of life’s many wonders. Though they have departed this physical world, the story of Zane continues—etched in every heart they touched, every laugh they sparked, and every dream they helped another child believe was possible.

Rest in peace, sweet Zane. Your love shines on, eternally.