Kevin Salisbury

After meeting Kevin Salisbury, it didn’t take very long to see that he was on fire for the Lord. He lived a life filled with love for others, and his spirit of generosity was unmatched. Kevin treasured his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. In many ways he was a kid at heart, and a friend of Kevin’s was a friend for life. A longtime resident of the community he called home, he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. Life will never be the same without Kevin here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1970s were a time unlike any other in American history. Disco and rock bands like Aerosmith and Pink Floyd were among the trends in music while shows like Dallas and the Brady Bunch entertained us in our own homes. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1979 when Dean Salisbury and JoEllen (Fish) Wells were blessed with the birth of the baby boy they named Kevin Dean on October 29, 1979, at McCray Hospital in Kendallville, Indiana. He was one of six children in his family as he was joined by his siblings, Stacy, D.J., Nadine, Terra, and Scott.

Raised in the family home in Garrett, Indiana, Kevin was all boy. He loved watching He Man and Thundercats, but most times he was outside. He loved sun and the lake, and he was forever tearing things apart to see how they worked. Kevin played t-ball as well as football, and his father made him keep playing even with a broken thumb. He has been compared to Dennis the Menace while growing up as he was once found guilty of putting rocks and twigs in the neighbor’s lawnmower. Kevin enjoyed WWF including Randy Savage and the Undertaker. He made huge bonfires and was so obsessed with fire that his family was convinced that he’d one day become an arsonist or a firefighter. Always up for a good time, he often gave D.J. rides in the wagon he was pulling behind the mower. As a teen, Kevin was quite the ladies man who enjoyed long summer days on Lake James and Jimmerson Lake with his friends, Scott, Ames, Andy, and Tyler. Kevin was always the captain of the boat as he was the only one who ever drove the boat. Scott was his partner in crime, and they had been best friends since the second grade. In fact, they were more like brothers than friends. Kevin and Scott practiced to become firefighters together as well. He attended local schools, graduating from Garrett High School in 1999 and later from Louisville Technical College.

The most important thing in Kevin’s life was his faith. Reading “The Shack” impacted his life and gave him the perspective he needed. Kevin was also deeply impacted by his brothers is Christ, Nate, Kevin, Chad, Ray, and Aaron. He was a member of Elevate City Church where he was also on the production team. Jesus was single 2 (JWS2). Kevin loved Jesus and loved sharing the love of God with others. He was forever telling others how they could have a relationship with Jesus as well. Faith was more than just religion to Kevin, rather, it was all about a personal relationship with Jesus. His life was focused on pursuing and finding a deep intimacy with Christ.

As his family and friends can attest, Kevin was always about family and having fun. He was there to help Nadine and her family move to California, made a trip to Missouri with Stacy for Terra's bootcamp graduation, and took camping trips to Yogi Bear Campground in the summer. Kevin also went on camping trips to Chain-O-Lakes and Pokagon State Parks. Kevin was always eager to help, was an active part of all events, and was very involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Kevin was always there for his close friend, Scott and prayed the health of his newborn baby. He had nicknames for everyone, too, as Stacy was Doc, Julia was Wing Woman, Terra was GI Jane, and Elizabeth was Peep Squeek. Of course there was also his dog, Yukon Cornelius, that was more like a son to Kevin. The two were inseparable and best friends. Kevin loved bonfires with friends and family, watching Indianapolis Colts football, and listening to music. His favorite band was We Are Messengers, and his favorite song was “It is Well with My Soul.”

When reflecting on the life of Kevin Salisbury, it is clear to see that his heart was as big as they come. He was compassionate, humble, and kind with a spirit of generosity that was unmatched. Kevin was deeply devoted to his family and there to help others in ways both great and small. With a mission to bring others to the Lord and Savior he loved, he exemplified what it means to be a man after God’s own heart. Deeply loved, Kevin will never be forgotten.

Kevin Dean Salisbury, went home to his heavenly Father on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Kevin’s family includes his mother, JoEllen “Jo” Wells of Garrett; father, Dean Salisbury of New Market, Alabama; grandmother, Helen Watson of Kendallville; dog and best friend, Yukon Cornelius Salisbury; sister, Stacy Smith of Albion; brother, D.J. Wells and Christine Kessler of Avilla; sister, Nadine and Corey Kline of Kendallville; sister, Terra Salisbury of New Market, Alabama; brother, Scott and Chenell Nusbaum of Garrett; nieces and nephews: Julia Mead, Kelly Mead, Anthony “Tony” Mead, Elizabeth Lott, Kyleigh Frye, Wilhelmina “Mina” Frye, Kaydence Wells, DaeMynn Kessler, Lyreck Wells, Gage Kline, Ethan Kline, Sophia Kline; Jada, Xavier, Brayden, and Gracin Nusbaum; uncle, Gordon “Nut” and Allene Salisbury of Kendallville; uncle, Hoie “Bud” and Cosby “Cob” Salisbury of Kendallville; aunt, Flora and Rick Borger of Kendallville; aunt, Pelinnia and Allen Dirrim of Scottsboro, Alabama; aunt, Shelvia “Sissy Jake” Short of Kendallville; uncle, Ishmeal “Wicker” Wicker of Scottsboro, Alabama; uncle, Jeff Fish of Bloomington, Indiana; aunt, Jan and Paul McKee of Fort Worth, Texas; aunt, Jaci Gordon of San Diego, California; uncle, Tony Fish of Colorado; uncle, Christopher Fish of Fort Worth; uncle, Danny and Kara Fish of Fort Worth. Kevin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dean Fish in 1982; step grandfather, Fred Watson in 1996; paternal grandparents, Velvia (Younce) Salisbury in 1988 and Arnold “Squirrel” Salisbury in 1989; uncle, Paul “Pete” and Linda Salisbury; uncle, Raymond Salisbury; aunt, Ora Wicker; aunt, Vernice and George McDaniels; and an infant aunt, Claire Salisbury. Visitation will be held Monday, March 13, 2017, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Kyle Mills officiating the funeral service. Burial will take place at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Memorials may be made to Kevin’s family to help with expenses. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.