Dylan Joseph Higgins

Dylan Joseph Higgins, 17, of Wamego, Kansas, left us far too soon on September 13, 2026. He was born on October 6, 2008, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Chelsi Sterling and Robert Higgins.

Dylan was larger than life, with an outgoing and animated personality. He danced his way through our world everywhere he went and could talk his mom into anything he wanted. He was a friend to many and deeply adored. He cherished his time with his friends, loved them fiercely, and was always eager to get to them as soon as he could. There isn’t a story they tell without his goofy, carefree spirit shining brightly.

He loved to torment his sisters; it brought him great joy, and they gave it right back. But if anyone tried to mess with them, he was quickly by their sides, ready to defend them.

Dylan could play any sport with ease. He particularly enjoyed golf and excelled in football. He loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer. He could learn any job he was tasked with and enjoyed tinkering in the garage with his stepdad, sharing long talks about life, music, and whatever was in their hearts. He loved learning new things and eagerly taught himself whatever he wanted to know, especially when fixing something he had broken.

He was an excellent student and so intelligent. What he couldn’t pull off on his own, he could finesse from his teachers. His cousins remember him fondly as a favorite playmate, best friend, and ornery jokester who enjoyed getting a rise out of his sisters and other cousins whenever he could. They remember him playing video games, going swimming, and bouncing around all over the place. His family holds on to memories of his sweet nature and playful attitude, always reassuring them, “It’s chill, it’s chill.”

Dylan was proud to begin training as a volunteer firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department. His family watched him grow into a curious, headstrong, driven young man who could not wait to get out into the world and start his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Joe Lynch; his grandparents, Bill and Cheryl Barnett; his grandfather, Jimmy Good; his great-uncle, Bob Bartholic; his aunt, Tracie Dingemanse; his cousin, Brandie Max; and all of his loving great-grandparents.

Dylan leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Chelsi and Robert Sterling of Wamego; his father, Robert Higgins (Anna Tracy) of Salina; and his sisters, Kayden Higgins (Matthew Dye) of Newton and Savannah Sterling of Wamego.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Michelle Ciesilski (Bret) of Canton, Tammy Higgins (Ron Jellema) of Ogden, Cindy Smith of Manhattan, and Alba Higgins (Sandy) of Plevna, Montana.

His surviving great-aunts and great-uncles include Tina Bartholic (Rebob) of Ogden, Denise Lamb (Tim) of Lee’s Summit, Jacque Hodge (Alan) of Florida, Tom Linderman (Elizabeth) of Colorado, and Tim Linderman (Mary) of Missouri.

His surviving aunts and uncles include Kathy Deutsch (Rick) of Manhattan, Kim Beyer (Terry) of Manhattan, Catherine Feldt (Lloyd) of Monroe, Iowa, Joetta Glessner (Mike) of Manhattan, Leslie Dugan (Joe) of Wamego, and Maurice Dingemanse of Manhattan.

He is also survived by an abundance of beloved first, second, and third cousins. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning (September 23, 2026) at 10:30 at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego with Pastor Jol Klein officiating. Private burial will be at a later date

Visitation will be Tuesday evening (September 22, 2026) from 4:00 to 7:00 at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego.

Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.