Kodah Zayne Faller

Kodah Zayne Faller

July 22, 2007 – May 18, 2026

Kodah Zayne Faller, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026, at the age of 18.

Born on July 22, 2007, Kodah was welcomed into the family as the sixth of what would become nine children in a large and loving household.

From the beginning, it truly took a village to raise Kodah. His parents, extended family, friends, church family, and many others in the community surrounded him with love and support. Their investment in his life was instrumental not only in helping Kodah, but also in bringing positive change and growth to the entire family. In recent years, his biological mother, Cassandra Maynard, became a meaningful source of encouragement and connection, helping strengthen family bonds in beautiful ways.

Kodah faced many challenges throughout his life. His family worked tirelessly to help him develop emotional regulation and find the support he needed. Due to the limited services available for autistic individuals in southeast Kansas, he spent significant time in residential treatment programs as his family searched for the best resources possible. Despite these difficulties, Kodah always did the very best he could. Special friends he would want mentioned; Paul Perrini, Janine "Jan" Moore, Mary Eibes, and Melissa Thornton.

Faith was an important part of his journey. One of his favorite Bible stories was David and Goliath. Like David facing his giant, Kodah faced his own challenges with courage. As David declared in 1 Samuel 17:45, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty." The Bible Holiness Church, Independence Bible School, and many others provided tremendous guidance, love, and stability for Kodah and the entire family. These communities helped anchor him and reminded everyone of God's grace and faithfulness.

Kodah had a friendly and outgoing personality and truly never met a stranger. He loved to read and could easily become lost in a good book—often setting aside his responsibilities, much to his parents' dismay. He was passionate about cars and dreamed of one day becoming a sports car salesman.

Though his time on earth included many challenges, Kodah's life reflected resilience, love, and the power of a supportive family and community. He now joins his baby sister, Linlee Jane, in Heaven. We can only imagine the stories he will have for her; he is so fortunate to be the first to meet her in Heaven .

As a Christian family, we find comfort in knowing that Kodah is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, where there is no more pain or hardship. We hold tightly to the promise found in Revelation 21:4:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are passed away."

Kodah is survived by his loving parents, John and Reonna Faller; his siblings, Corgan (Jansis), Zavery (Zoe Mitchell), Maddix, LCpl Rylan, Leyli, Timber, and Legend Faller; niece Josie and nephew Oliver; grandparents Steve and Linda Neill, Grandpa Dennis Levin, Aunt Denina (Aric) Journot, Uncle Ernie (Deana) Faller, biological mother, Cassandra Maynard (Joe Colonnese) and half-siblings, Hayden Lopez and Calliegh Young; many, many other dear family members, friends, and members of his church family who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his baby sister, Linlee Jane Faller, and his biological father, Larry Brett Maynard, biological maternal grandmother, Anita Tracy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Independence, 220 S. Penn Ave., Independence, Kansas. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by the Life Celebration service officiated by Reverend Troy Snyder of Kids TLC. A meal provided by the Robinson family will follow. Side dishes are welcome but not required.