Zane Billy Shannon Lewis, Bright and Joyful 11-Year-Old From Bulan, Kentucky, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Love, Imagination, and Gentle Strength
BULAN, KENTUCKY — With deep reverence and aching hearts, the community of Bulan bids farewell to Zane Billy Shannon Lewis, an extraordinary 11-year-old child whose beautiful life came to a close on June 8, 2025. Though Zane’s journey ended far earlier than anyone imagined, their time on Earth was filled with light, laughter, and genuine care for others — a legacy that will endure long beyond their years.
Zane was more than just a beloved son, sibling, student, and friend — they were a bright presence in every space they entered. Known for their joyful nature and thoughtful soul, Zane touched countless lives with simple acts of kindness, an ever-present smile, and an unshakable sense of wonder.
A Life Overflowing With Wonder
Born and raised in the peaceful hills of Bulan, Zane’s childhood was one of curiosity, color, and connection. From their earliest days, it was clear that Zane saw the world through a lens of imagination and beauty. Whether peering at stars through a telescope or marveling at insects crawling along a tree branch, Zane never stopped asking questions or seeking meaning in the little things others often overlooked.
Their world was filled with creativity — drawings pinned to the fridge, stories scribbled in notebooks, towers of building blocks reaching skyward. They loved to read and spent hours immersed in fantasy books and science adventures, often blending their favorite stories into original tales they would share with their family.
A Heart That Made Others Feel Seen
Zane had a quiet wisdom that belied their age. Friends, teachers, and even adults often remarked on how deeply they listened and how effortlessly they offered comfort. If someone was having a rough day, Zane noticed. And they didn’t wait to be asked — they offered a smile, a kind word, or simply sat close by, creating space for someone to feel safe.
At school, Zane was known not only for their intelligence and creativity but also for their compassion. They included classmates who felt left out, stood up for peers who needed a voice, and constantly showed that kindness didn’t require permission — it was simply part of who they were.
A Family Filled With Love
Zane was the deeply cherished child of Paige Hoskins and Bill Deaton, whose love, patience, and devotion shaped a home where Zane could grow with confidence and warmth. Together, they created an environment filled with laughter, bedtime stories, music, and encouragement — a place where Zane felt wholly loved and truly seen.
Zane also shared an unbreakable bond with their younger sister, a relationship filled with play, secrets, support, and shared dreams. The two were often found curled up reading books, building forts from blankets, or inventing songs to sing to their dog. Their connection, built from pure love and friendship, is one that will remain strong in spirit even through this immeasurable loss.
An Entire Community Grieves
The loss of Zane has deeply affected everyone in Bulan and beyond. Teachers speak of Zane as a student who brought joy to the classroom; friends remember laughter-filled afternoons and kind gestures they’ll never forget. Neighbors recall a polite, thoughtful child who always waved and often asked how their day was going.
After news of Zane’s passing spread, the community came together in powerful displays of support. Candles were lit, letters were written, and murals were drawn at the elementary school in Zane’s honor. A memory wall now stands in the school hallway, where classmates have left notes like, “You always made me smile,” and “You helped me when no one else did.”
Celebrating a Life That Continues to Inspire
Though the sadness is immense, Zane’s family is committed to transforming grief into purpose. In the coming months, they will establish the Zane Lewis Creativity and Compassion Fund, a local initiative designed to provide children with access to books, art supplies, music lessons, and emotional wellness support. The program will encourage children to express themselves, explore their dreams, and embrace their uniqueness — all values that Zane lived every day.
Plans are also underway for a memorial learning garden, where children can explore nature, grow plants, and experience peace and growth. This space will serve as a living tribute to Zane — a place where beauty continues to bloom and lives are touched with kindness.
A Final Farewell, Full of Love
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Bulan Community Church, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m.. Friends, family, and all those touched by Zane’s life are invited to attend and share in honoring their memory.
In keeping with Zane’s joyful spirit, attendees are asked to wear bright, cheerful colors and bring small keepsakes — drawings, notes, or tokens — that reflect their memories or love for Zane. These items will be gathered into a memorial capsule that Zane’s sister and future children of the community will one day revisit.
Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Zane Lewis Creative Kindness Initiative, which will be managed through the Perry County Community Foundation.
Their Spirit Lives On
Though Zane’s time on this earth has ended, their influence lives on — not only in the memories they created but in the lives they inspired. In every story shared, every smile that comes from a fond recollection, and every child who finds courage through creativity, Zane’s essence remains.
In a journal found at home, Zane had once written:
“I want to build something beautiful with my days.
Not just big — but bright. Something kind.”
They did exactly that.
Zane Billy Shannon Lewis will forever be remembered not for the brevity of their years, but for the immense light they brought into the world. That light — gentle, radiant, and enduring — continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew them.
