Noah James Burrow

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Noah James Burrow, age 17, who passed away on December 6, 2025. Born on January 1, 2008, Noah was a remarkable young man whose presence brought light, joy, and a unique kind of love into the world. A senior at Nixa High School (Class of 2026), Noah touched many lives with his gentle spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering resilience.

Noah is deeply cherished by his parents, Joshua and Jena Burrow, and his brothers, Elijah and Joseph. He is also loved by his grandparents: Dallas and Arlene Burrow, Timothy and Mary Jones; his great-grandmothers Geneva Moore and Joyce Huso (Jerry); his uncle and aunt Jacob and Jessica Burrow; his uncle Chad Jones; and his cousins Lily, Sydney, KJ, and Ellie McGill, London Burrow, and Mason Gomez.

He now joins in Heaven his great-grandparents Carroll Moore, Bobbie Burrow, Evan and Joan Jones, Richard and Marie Gray, and Patricia Gray, who surely welcomed him with open arms.

A Heart Full of Love

Despite the many challenges Noah faced in life, he radiated joy and knew how to bring a smile to everyone around him. Though non-verbal, he communicated in ways that went far beyond words—through his bright expressions, his spirited laughter, and his unmistakable zest for life. Noah loved unconditionally. He was trusting, forgiving, and always ready to move forward with love, even when the world made it difficult.

His ornery side was pure delight. That twinkle in his eye, his sheepish grin, and those sudden bursts of laughter could fill any room with instant happiness. He often laughed at just the right moment—sometimes right after someone shared a joke—leaving his family wondering just how much he truly understood behind his communication barriers. Noah had a way of reminding everyone that connection is deeper than spoken language.

A Love Only He Could Give

Noah expressed affection in ways uniquely his own. At bedtime, he would come find his family for a gentle kiss on the forehead. Out in public or at home, he often reached for the comfort and security of his parents’ hands. No matter how big he grew, he delighted in curling up in the shopping cart basket, patiently waiting for help climbing out when the errands were done.

Noah was kind, smart, handsome, strong, incredibly agile, stubborn when needed, adaptive, determined, and wonderfully persistent. He was irreplaceable—utterly unique—and an immeasurable blessing to all who knew him.

Proudest Accomplishments

Noah’s courage shined in his ability to trust and accept care from family, friends, teachers, bus drivers, and healthcare providers. His family watched with deep pride as he learned to face fears and adapt to changes—like switching shoes with the seasons, moving from long sleeves to short sleeves, or pants to shorts.

Other accomplishments that made him proud included:

• Allowing his face to be shaved
• Having labs drawn without a multiple-person hold
• Navigating loud noises with growing confidence
• Learning to use his communication device

These were victories that revealed Noah’s quiet strength and extraordinary heart.

Favorite Activities & Joys

Noah adored anything involving movement, speed, and rumbling sounds. His favorite activities included:

• Swinging high on his glider swing—often beyond what most would consider comfortable
• Rocking in his glider chair while watching endless episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Exploring the outdoors and mountains with his family on ATVs
• Swimming in warm water, relaxing in hot tubs, and taking exciting rides in the family’s hot rod—always giggling, squealing, and rocking with delight
• Loving on his dogs, who climbed over him, nibbled him, and covered him in kisses
• Snuggling under blankets with his car pillow and his beloved stuffed giraffe, “George,” who had been with him since infancy

Noah also had a deep love for food and treats such as fruit snacks, M&M’s, Skittles, grapes, and bananas. Just when you thought he was done, he would sign “More.”

A Beautiful Faith

Noah possessed an understanding of Jesus Christ that his family can’t fully explain but deeply cherish. At times he stood smiling at pictures of Jesus and gently touching crosses, captivated and peaceful. There were moments when his eyes would follow something unseen across the room, as if watching guardian angels move gently around him. His faith, pure and unspoken, was a gift—a quiet assurance of God’s presence in his life.

Noah’s time on earth was far too short, but the love he shared was infinite. His spirit, his laughter, and his unique way of loving will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He taught everyone around him about patience, joy, resilience, and unconditional love.

As Isaiah 35:5–6 promises, “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” For Noah, this verse holds a special meaning—a beautiful reminder that he is now free, whole, and rejoicing in ways he could never express on earth. His family takes comfort in knowing that his voice now rings in Heaven with joy.

He will always be cherished, always be remembered, and always be loved.

A celebration of Noah's life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 20, at Hope Church, 2000 S. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas. Casual attire is acceptable. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Noah Burrow Scholarship Fund c/o Meritrust Credit Union, 151 N. Main, Wichita, KS 67202.