'A gift to everyone who knew him': Funeral set for Prairie Central's Dylan Bazzell
Visitation and funeral services are set for Dylan Scott Bazzell, one of two Prairie Central High School student athletes who died in a sledding accident at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Frisco, Colo.
Visitation services will be held from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, March 26, and 10-10:45 a.m. Monday, March 27, at First Baptist Church of Fairbury, 701 N. Seventh St. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Monday, March 27, at the church with Pastor Daryl Evans officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Fairbury.
Bazzell is survived by his parents, Darin and Lynette Aberle Bazzell, and his brother, Trey. Dylan was a member of First Baptist Church of Fairbury and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Prairie Central High School.
He was also an Associated Press first-team all-state basketball selection this season. He helped Prairie Central post a 31-3 record and claim the No. 1 spot in Class 2A polls. The Hawks basketball team also finished the season as Illini Prairie Conference champions and captured a regional title.
Bazzell also played football for a Prairie Central team that went unbeaten in the regular season en route to an Illini Prairie Conference title. Bazzell was a defensive back, kicker and wide receiver for the Hawks, who finished with an 11-1 record and made the Class 3A quarterfinals.
"Dylan was a gift to everyone who knew him. He was a special boy that grew into a special young man," his obituary stated.
"Dylan was an adventurous spirit who could always find something to climb, a prank to pull, and a furry dog to love on."
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Bazzell was described as a creative artist who loved nature, especially in the mountains. He enjoyed spending time with his family and providing laughter and smiles to relatives, teammates, classmates and friends.
"Dylan was a talented, yet humble, athlete who brought joy to all who watched him play," his obituary said. "He had a heart for The Lord, and has now won his biggest victory yet, as he is safe in the arms of Jesus."
Memorials may be made to the Dylan Bazzell Memorial Fund, made payable to Prairie Lands Foundation.
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Read the entire obituary here.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Visitation, funeral services made for Prairie Central's Dylan Bazzell
