Kailyn Howard

Kailyn Celesta Howard, 14, met Jesus on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Her time with us was short, but the impact she made will be long-lasting.

Kailyn was born October 29, 2010 to Stephanie (Mitchener) Howard (Fort Wayne) and Andrew Howard (Huntertown).

Kailyn was a freshman at Carroll High School and a proud member of the Charger Pride Marching Band. Kailyn played the trombone and baritone. In addition to band, she was a talented artist though she rarely shared her beautiful creations with others. They were often found tucked into books or drawers haphazardly. She was a lover of music—all genres and across many decades. It was very rare to find Kailyn without her AirPods. Kailyn was an incredible big sister and friend. She was a safe friend. She never wanted anyone to feel left out or behind. She often pulled those standing along the periphery into the fold and became a fast friend. Kailyn was not only outwardly beautiful, but her spirit and heart for others was absolutely stunning!

In addition to her parents, Kailyn leaves behind her sister, Kinley M. Howard with whom she shared a very special bond; her beloved dog and best friend, Theo; maternal grandparents, Karie (Dunham) and Joe Merrill of Fairmount, IN; Tim and Kari (Denton) Mitchener of Upland, IN; paternal grandparents, Linda (Santner) Howard of Auburn, IN; Todd and Renee Howard of N. Webster, IN; maternal great grandmother, Darlene Dunham (Gas City); Uncle, Grant (Lilli) Mitchener; Aunt, Dawn (Matt Ousley) McGrade; Brianna (Nathan) Foltz, Rob (Ashley) Denton, Aaron (Anna) Denton; cousins, Keegan (Jennings) Fetters, Gracyn (Isaac and baby Nova) Farnsworth, Aiden Fetters and Ava McGrade, Wallace and Boone Denton; along with a large extended family of great aunts and uncles.

In addition to her family, Kailyn leaves behind some of the most amazing friends. She was love and was surrounded by love, always!

She was one of a kind and simply irreplaceable. May we all strive to love the way she loved and be the friend she was to so many. She was a bright light.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Pine Hills Church, 4704 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the church at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations can be made in Kailyn’s name to: Breakthrough T1D (breakthroughT1D.org), the American Heart Association (heart.org), Carroll High School Charger Pride Marching Band (Carrollbands.org).