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I knew Maddox since pre-school.  He always made me happy and his laughter made me feel better.  I enjoyed all our classes together  through the years and helping his service dog July.  I'll miss you.

Lindy

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When I heard about this I knew it was going to be hard. I had been working with Maddox for about 2 and half years. Me and him became really close and I knew things about him that a lot of people didn’t know and the relationship that we had was inseparable. The day I saw him I knew that me and him were going to connect in a way that nobody else has connected with him before. To see him in the morning and for me to say hi and we would scream my name there is just nothing like it. It is so sad that he had to go now when I knew that he was going to do great things for people around him and for the world. At job Olympics there was a memory were me and him really connected. He had been sick for the weeks preparing for it and he was really nervous about the stuff that he had to do. So me and him sat down and me and him talked about all of the things that could happen. But all he wanted to talk about was the chiefs and there mascot. His laugh would just make everyone around him happy and it is a feeling that can never be forgotten. He was a reason that I got up every morning and how I motivated myself to get up and do school work. He was such an angel and there is no way that I will ever stop thinking about him. He holds a very big place in my heart and I want to do great things for him. I wish me and him could have graduated together and be able to celebrate that together. But the day we graduate will be all for him. He was an amazing kid and had an awesome smile and he was just an amazing part of this world. The people around him will never forget him and I won’t forget him ether. Rest easy buddy❤️

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I am so incredibly saddened to hear of Maddox's passing. I was a paraprofessional that worked with him back in 2006-2007. That year was simply one of the greatest experiences of my adult life. It's funny, we were there to teach him a variety of things. It was Maddox that taught me. He showed me how to overcome obstacles both big and small and that all it really took was a smile and that infectious laugh. He reminded me to appreciate the little things in life, those things that are often overlooked but frequently are of greatest importance...like seeing past any differences and just being thankful to have people to call friends and family. In the spring of that year, I lost my mother to cancer. Being back in the building and seeing Maddox enjoying life for simply what it offered that day---brought into perspective the importance of not letting a minute pass by that you don't appreciate all that you have. I'll always remember the winter party where we made him up to be a snowman by wrapping him in toilet paper as he giggled almost uncontrollably. I will miss the opportunity to see him again. I will remember in my mind and heart the joy that his laughter and smile could bring to any room and any person. I will miss him. But I will always be thankful that God placed him with Nancy, Tracey, and Jackson. Although his life here was far too short, he was so blessed to have had the family he has to love and care for him over the years. My deepest condolences to the Truitt family and my prayers for you that you will feel God's loving arms wrapped around you at this incredibly difficult time. Maddox is safely home with the Lord, and how sweet heaven must be today.

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I've known Maddox since Elementary school, but I didn't know him very well. It's said you can know someone by their closest friends though. Maddox had the most kind, caring, and fun friends I knew of; I have no doubt he was all of these and more. Their testimony on here speaks further volumes to just how incredible and amazing Maddox was. Maddox's life shined with incredible beauty, greatness, and most of all joy. I, like many others, can still remember his joyful laugh though it's been years since we've last met, and I remember well his ability to light up a whole room. I deeply regret that I didn't spend more time with him. It's unbelievable that he's gone. My condolences and prayers to the Truitt family; I'm so sorry for your loss. Again my condolences and prayers to all of his friends, especially those who had the great blessing of being with Maddox for so many years. Know that from now on, Maddox will be in my prayers.

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I never knew Maddox well but every time I saw him he just always seemed like such a bright and lovely person. I know how much he meant to everyone around him and how dearly he will be missed and remembered. Thank you Maddox for all you did for those around you. I hope you rest knowing that the world is a better place because you were in it.

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I knew Maddox since kindergarten. We knew each other for awhile. I wish I could’ve seen him more. I loved mentoring him in middle school. I remember when I volunteered to helped him out in the special olympics in 2014 and I’ll never forget that moment. I loved his laugh so much. Everyone did. He would make class a lot better. His personality made everyone happy. I missed the days when he would see me in the hallway and he would yell out “JORIAN!!!” It always made me happy. I remember when he would always ask me “Jorian where’s you creeper hoodie at?” All the time. And he would always ask me about the show Steven universe because I liked that show at the time. I miss you so much Maddox. Rest easy my my friend❤️
- Jori Sanchez

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I first met Maddox in an acting class my Freshman year, I thought it was cool that he joined in all the time. He always had so many things to say and while I didn't see him much after the semester class, I still thought about how awesome it was that he was taking the class in the first place. I am glad I got to meet him briefly, and hope it eases your minds that he was a very talented soul with the ability to bring smiles to a whole room. He will be missed.

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I got to teach Maddox in middle school science. Well, we taught each other.  I taught him about cells and ecosystems, energy and physics.  He taught me to be more grateful and more cheerful each day.  He modeled it.  He lived it.  If you spent any amount of time with Maddox, you know he would get tickled and laugh a lot.  His laughter was joyous and infectious.  I sometimes had to coach the class to help me help Maddox laugh at the right times, but he made us all crack anyway.  He would get redirected by me or his paraeducator so we could get back to the learning task at hand.  More than once he would turn to the para after we resettled, as if to privately tell her he didn’t mean to interrupt, and say in the LOUDEST voice -- still energized by the laughter -- “MR.BURTON IS FUNNY!”  And the class would start rolling again with laughter!  He would greet me with the same zeal if I passed him in the hallway, his voice a joyous chortle, “GOOD MORNING MR. BURTON!”  I am grateful for our time together and the joy he brought with him everywhere he went.

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His presence could light up any room he entered. He truly made a difference and never failed to make me smile. I remember all the way back in 3rd grade sitting with Maddox during lunch and getting to learn a new geography fact everyday. Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel. I love you Maddox

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I directed SOAR Camp for a few years, and whenever something happened that was stressful (pizza being cold, something breaking, etc.) I would always seek out Maddox for a few minutes to help me feel better. His smile and positive energy truly lit up the entire room and made my day every day for that week. I just wanted you to know that Maddox made a difference in people's lives and will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend.

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i never really got the chance to really know maddox. i’ve talked to him once or twice and he was always filled with joy and happiness. he was a ray of light in everyone’s life and lived his life to the fullest. heaven gained a beautiful angel.

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In middle school I went to the BV Rec Center with Maddox and the rest of Mrs. Listers classroom. I held Maddox while we swam together and I instantly felt happier because of his smile, laugh, and jokes. He will forever be missed. Love you buddy.

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I remember I first met him back in elementary school. My friends and I would always walk around with him and mater during recess. It never took much to make him laugh, because he was always happy. There are no words in the English language to describe the joy that he brought. He never let anything slow him down, upbeat no matter what. If he recognized you in the hallways at school he made sure to tell you hi, and your day would be better because of it. If you were lucky enough you might have been able to hear his laugh down the hall and you’d always know that it was him. His laugh could lift even the lowest mood. Never has there been anyone more joyful than Maddox. He was truly always happy.

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The first time I ever met him I remeber how shocked and impressed I was by his geography skills and since I was still new I loved to ask him about many different places to see if I could catch him off guard and I never did. He had such a wonderful air around him and whenever he was happy, it would make everyone around him happy. Im so glad I was lucky enough to meet and get to know him because his light will forever be missed but never forgotten. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and anyone was close to him.

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Although I didn’t know him well, he always lit up a room with his contagious laugh, and even got himself in trouble sometime because of it. I can’t believe he is gone so soon, and it pains me to say good bye to him.
fly high maddox

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i never got to know maddox as much as i wanted to but he was definitely a person to remember. he would light up any room he came into, last year i had ceramics with him and with every creation he would make, came along with a story. it was so amazing to hear the things he would come up with and truly amazing that he had the imagination he did. what a great loss everyone has had today but heaven gained a very special soul. maddox was so loved and i hope the best for his family and friends as they go through this loss, just remember you are never alone and there’s always someone to talk to💙

jillian rogers

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one morning, i was crying in the empty hallways of the high school. at the time, i had recently been discharged from the hospital for anorexia complications. needless to say, i was insecure, even more so because i was visibly upset, and i hoped no one aside from the friend comforting me would notice.
we were startled by the suddenness of a distant voice yelling, “diarrhea” excitedly, followed by laughter and hesitant “shhh”-ing from another. it continued repeatedly as the voices drew nearer, and i saw that Maddox was the boy who had been exclaiming that mild vulgarity so passionately. in spite of my usual, characteristic reserved-ness, i laughed with him, his entourage, and my friend — unashamed. i smiled and gave a greeting gesture as the group passed me by, and only as their presence left did i realize that the tears had stopped.
i learned something very valuable from that moment.
this memory is my most valued reminder to not be afraid of vulnerability — of silliness, of authenticity. this is what Maddox taught me.

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i’ve gone to school with maddox since elementary, and i wish i would have gotten to know him. i don’t know if i ever even spoke to him. however, i knew his laugh. hearing it from in a classroom or down the hall. that boy can light up an entire building with that infectious laugh in an instant. even though i didn’t get the pleasure of knowing him, i know for a fact he had a genuine heart and happiness in his life.

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I didn’t know him very well but he was always so nice and upbeat! The world was better with him in it. Rest In Peace to this beautiful soul

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i am devastated that i only got to meet maddox once, but as soon as i did i was drawn in by his wittiness and ability to make everyone happy without even trying. it’s sad that i didn’t get more time with him, but i hope he rests in peace and is never forgotten.

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i never really knew maddox, but seeing his smile in the hallways at school always made my day better. he was the kind of person that lit up every room he was in. his laugh was contagious and it never failed to bring a smile to my face. the world won’t be the same without his beautiful soul. he and his family will be in my thoughts.❤️

mariah perrigo

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My sophomore year we had beginning acting together and his smile lit up the room. It breaks my heart something so tragic can happen to such a sweet soul. I am sending love to his family and friends ❤️

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i have only seen maddox once in my life. my older brother went to school with him for years. i remember being young and  thinking how wonderful his smile was, i wish i was more mature than my 1st/ 2nd grade self so i could have talked to him. to know him was to see what joy was, why one would want to be on this earth. and there was never a time where his little commercial for the movie theater made me grin.

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I  had never met Maddox but much as I heard about him throughout  this sad day ... I felt I knew him all along...
May his souls Rest In Peace .
May God bless parents and loved ones left behind  patience to bare  this irreplaceable  loss.

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In Maddox's short lifetime, he inspired many people--including me. His heart was big and he enjoyed the interactions with everyone around him! It's been a few years since I've heard it, but I can still hear his infectious laugh in my head. I always looked forward to his joyful greeting as he spotted me down the hall, "Hey, Principal!" Then, there were his curious questions like, "Are you going to pull the fire alarm today?" (It took me months to realize that he just wanted to talk to the firefighters! ha!) I am heartbroken for the Truitt family and hope they are finding peace in great memories. Hugs to all who were lucky enough to know him!
~Amy Farthing (Mrs. Farthing)

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i’ve gone to school with maddox for as long as i can remember. he has one of the sweetest souls and when he rolled into a room or said anything everyone would light up. he always shared the most random but amazing facts about geography and science. my heart will always have a spot for maddox:)

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One of my favorite memories of Maddox was from a Halloween parade at SPE...he was dressed in a Nemo costume and had the biggest smile on his face! He used his walker to make his way down the hallway and his fins swished back and forth. He was the picture of pure joy! Over the past 6 weeks, I have had to use the handicap parking spaces because my son was needing to use a wheelchair...and I loved seeing Maddox’s picture on the signs. Thank you for sharing your joy and light with the world...we are all better people because we knew you! All my love and prayers!

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I had the pleasure of having Maddox as a student in the art room at Sunrise Point Elementary for a few years. He always brightened the room with his smile and silly personality. Rest In Peace sweet Maddox and sending big hugs to all his family and friends.
Love,
Lizzy Boyle (Miss Horsley)

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Our hearts are truly broken today. Maddox and his family are not only our neighbors but dear friends. Anyone that knew Maddox knew his laugh was infectious and his kind heart and sense of humor was one of a kind. We will miss him tremendously.  Thank you Maddox for touching our hearts with your incredible spirit we will forever be grateful for the times we spent with you.
All our love- Matt , Amy, Harrison, Jackson and Ashton
(Peanut, ET, Rashton)

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I didn't know Maddox very well, but I always loved talking to him. He was incredibly sweet, incredibly kind, and his smile lit up wherever he was. He is dearly missed.

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I knew Maddox pretty well. I hung out with him and cared for him through all of elementary school and some of middle school. I was very close to him along side Harrison. I remember everyday in 4th grade, Harrison, Maddox, and I would go out for recess and go to swings, take a walk around the path throughout the playground, or just sit and talk on a near by bench. He would always love to play Pirates with us and he would chase us around the play set, even his para Ms. Dana would get involved.  He was so much fun to be around. He was always so happy when i visited him at home with some friends. he loved showing us new toys he got for Christmas and wanted to show all the toys he could find. He had so much energy and good spirit with him anywhere he would go and shed so much light into other people’s world. My prayers are being sent.

Connor Stasieluk

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I didn’t really know him that well but whenever he was around he always put a smile on my face. Condolences to his family and Rest In Peace

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I never knew Maddox personally, but I did have one encounter with him. I was temporarily in a wheelchair after an accident and when he saw we he asked me with concern and curiosity what had happened to me. I remember overhearing the conversations he had with some of my friends and they were always incredibly joyful. His laugh was infectious. Whenever I heard him in the hallways, he was always happy and laughing. Maddox truly loved everyone. It would do the world much good to have more people like him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I wish you peace and healing as you continue during this time. Much, much love

Stephanie K.

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i didn’t know him that well but he was one of the happiest people i knew. his smile and laugh would always cheer me up. even though (again) i didn’t know him that well i’m definitely going to miss him. i don’t understand why bad things happen to good people. i’m sorry to all of those who were closer to him and i’m sending you all good vibes. ❤️

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I didn’t know him personally, but he had the brightest smile and he radiated joy through the hallways. Rest In Peace Maddox, sending my condolences to family and friends.❤️

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Maddox was the best person in my life. His personality was very enchanting and he captivated everyone he came into contact with. Every moment with him was a memory in itself. I have so many memories of him that makes my heart completely full. My favorite thing about him was his amazing memory, he never forgets something when told to him once. One of his favorite pastimes was singing songs, his voice was so amazing to listen to and always brought a smile to my face. Maddox thank you for all the joy and happiness you have brought into my life. I love you. I leave with the words of one of Maddox’s all time favorite songs “Islands in the stream That is what we are No one in between”.

Sarah Hallock

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Maddox was in my World Geography class my freshman year. He was always so passionate about the topics we were learning. He knew more than any of us in that class. I also always remember him throughout elementary and middle school being such a joy to everyone’s lives. He could make anyone laugh.

Grace Billman

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I didn't know Maddox very well but he always made everyone smile and had such a kind heart. He really was a really neat person and was so loved.

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I didn't know Maddox very well but he always made everyone smile and had such a kind heart. He really was a really neat person and was so loved.

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sending my condolences to his family

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I remember in elementary school he would laugh really hard in class and still in hs i would hear his laugh in the halls, I will miss you so much,god has you know and you will show your smile now forever.
Jule'Ahna Hayes-Nigro

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I’ve never met Maddox, but he seemed like such a wonderful person.

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i remember feeling nervous to go to school in kindergarten because i didn’t know anyone at spe. i am social, but was uncomfortable being alone at lunch. i remember sitting with maddox for the first time and how included and happy i felt to have someone to talk with at lunch. he always made me smile at school and i will never forget that. he is so genuine and kind. i remember we would always have chocolate milk or even grape juice at lunch. he was so sweet to me despite not knowing me before. if it weren’t for maddox i wouldn’t have made friends with nearly as many people as i did in elementary school. he was always happy and always made me smile. it may seem like a small impact, but to elementary-school-me it meant the world. i will NEVER forget how kind he was to me. i will be keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and i am so sorry for your loss. ❤️

emily oppold

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Maddox was truly the kindest human you could ever meet. His smile and laugh were contagious and he loved anyone no matter what. He lived an amazing life and was able to live it to the fullest. Without Maddox I don’t think I would’ve ever experienced true and unconditional love like he showed. Thank you Maddox, I’ll miss you forever.

Condolences to anyone who he has ever impacted.

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When I felt rejected from my friends during middle school not having somewhere to sit I decided to one day sit next to Maddox and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I sat next to him for at least half a year and we’d just talk about stuff like spongebob and cars. Maddox is one of the biggest reasons I got into theatre as he helped me realize how much fun it is to entertain someone. The thing I’ll remember most about Maddox was his laugh, it was the type of laugh that you’d end up laughing with and the laughing would just grow and grow and grow. Love you Maddox

Joey Compton

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Always remember Maddox being so good about coming to the ice rink for years at Pepsi and KCIC. Always a trooper and kept us laughing.

Condolences to Nancy, Tracey, and Jackson.

Kevin, Melissa, Nicholas & Zachary Downey

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I remember meeting Maddox, his service dog, and mom at our appointments at Children's Mercy.  Maddox was always happy to chat and say hello.  Sending a big hug and prayers to the family from ours.

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I remember meeting Maddox, his service dog, and mom at our appointments at Children's Mercy.  Maddox was always happy to chat and say hello.  Sending a big hug and prayers to the family from ours.

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The Borisky Family

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I was working in PSM for a while as para and had the luck to work with Maddox sometimes. He was so funny and enjoyed the time I spent with him learning. His memory always make me smile! My consolences for the family, he was so loved.

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Maddox was such an amazing child who brought joy wherever he went.  I remember him as a little boy with such a kind and loving spirit.  His laugh was contagious.  He has always shown such strength and curiosity.  Thinking of you and your family.               Mrs. Walrod 

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Maddox was such an amazing child who brought joy wherever he went.  I remember him as a little boy with such a kind and loving spirit.  His laugh was contagious.  He has always shown such strength and curiosity.  Thinking of you and your family.               Mrs. Walrod 