Casen Lee Gullett

Casen Lee Gullett, age 8, of Manchester, was healed with eternal rest on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:33 a.m., at his home, wrapped safely in his mother’s arms with his daddy by his side, surrounded by love and close family, after a strong and brave battle with DIPG. He was born on January 24, 2018, in Maysville, Kentucky, the adored son of Adam and Haley Casey Gullett.

What began as what seemed like a simple school accident led doctors to look deeper, and in December 2023, Casen was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)—a rare, highly aggressive, and devastating brain tumor. Despite this diagnosis, Casen continued to live life fully, fiercely, and joyfully. Even as DIPG placed countless challenges in his path and slowly stripped away so much, Casen never lost his positivity, light, or spirit.

Casen was a bright, blue-eyed, sun-kissed little boy whose smile could light up any room. As he grew, he outgrew his shy stage and became a source of joy to everyone around him. In just eight short years, Casen lived a lifetime of unforgettable moments. He experienced incredible joy through vacations, cruises, a trip to Disneyland, deer hunting, four-wheeling, golf cart rides, and countless other adventures. Yet ultimately, Casen’s favorite place to be was gathered close with his friends and family—surrounded by love, laughter, and togetherness. Those moments meant more to him than any destination.

Casen was proudly named an honorary firefighter with the Manchester Fire Department, Unit 1350, a role he cherished deeply. He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and, in 2024, was blessed with the unforgettable opportunity to attend a Chiefs game as a special guest of the team. During that experience, Casen met his favorite player, Patrick Mahomes, and was honored to receive a game ball from him—a moment that brought him immeasurable joy.

A member of Island Creek Church, Casen had a deep and unwavering faith in Jesus and placed his trust fully in Him. His faith was evident in the way he lived—with love, joy, and hope. Casen especially loved worshiping through music, often singing praises and singing along to songs by his favorite artists, Brandon Lake and Anne Wilson. His faith carried him through every trial and now carries him home.

Casen loved playing sports until this illness took that ability from him. He played basketball, football, soccer, baseball, and ran cross country at Manchester Elementary School, where he was a student. Casen was truly loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Casen is now whole—no longer fighting, no longer struggling, no longer in pain. He no longer has to tilt his head to see or push through obstacles. He is running free, laughing, and restored in Heaven, wrapped safely in the arms of Jesus.

In addition to his loving parents, Adam and Haley Gullett, Casen is survived by his sister, who adored her big brother, Adalyn Gullett; and his loving big brother and best friend, Evan Gullett; grandparents Tim Casey, and Ron and Brenda Gullett; his grand-aunt Pam (Jim) Lewis; and his paternal great-grandmother, Bernice Gray.

He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Carrie (Shane) Gordon, Rainelle (Joe) Colteryahn, Andy (Carrie) Gullett, and Joey (Hailey) Casey; along with many cousins Jadon (Sierra), Addyson, Brody, Emery, Grace, Olivia, Noah, Becky (James), and Ashton.

Casen held a special place in his heart for friends who were more like siblings, especially Zayden and Elizabeth, as well as many others too numerous to list. He also leaves behind one very special girl whom he dearly loved, Jaidelyn. Casen was blessed with two very special people who became family, Kim Skaggs (best friend) and Mamaw K (Karen Blythe). The family gained countless loved ones during Casen’s eight years of life—so many that the list could go on forever.

Public visitation will be held from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Manchester High School Gymnasium, 130 Wayne Frye Dr., Manchester. Attendees should dress casually and wear your favorite Casen apparel or Casen green.  Attendees will enter through the Elementary School doors and be routed down the hall to the high school. A second visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, also in the gymnasium. Connor Darnell, Justin Maddox, and Kyle Moore will officiate. A procession will follow, leaving from the high school with Casen leading aboard Manchester Fire Department Unit 1350, passing by Casen’s home and concluding at Manchester Cemetery, where burial will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Manchester. 

Donations may be made to a pediatric brain cancer research organization of your choice in honor of Casen.

Please sign Casen’s online tribute wall at www.meekerfuneralhomes.com.

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