On Friday, August 7, our lives were forever changed when our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, Jason Meran, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Jason was 45 years old and deeply loved by so many.

Jason was a loyal friend, a great listener, and someone with an endless curiosity about the world around him. He had many interests and hobbies, including his love for animals, especially dogs and cats, growing plants and BIG banana trees, music, chemistry, and so much more. When something interested Jason, he wanted to learn everything he could about it.

Jason had recently made an exciting change in his life, leaving his career delivering hazardous materials to pursue a career in nursing. He was looking forward to beginning nursing school later in August and was excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to care for and help others.

Jason is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jill and Tom Petrzelka; his sister and brother-in-law, Lyndsay and Jason Henderson; his nephews, Layne Cook, Isaiah Henderson and Isaac Henderson; and his nieces, Gracie Cook and Isabella Henderson. He is also survived by his special friend, Megan Merrill; and his aunts, Kris Veneski, Robin Meran Lucas and Peggy Sue Webb.Jason was preceded in death by his father, Tim Meran, and his grandparents.

Jason's unexpected passing has left an enormous hole in our hearts and in the lives of everyone who loved him. We will miss his conversations, his curiosity, his friendship, his humor, and simply knowing he was there.Jason was one of a kind, and he will be loved, remembered and missed more than words can express.

A celebration of Jason's life will be held at a later date.