Darian Kendall Eckhardt was born January 15, 1999, at Memorial Herman Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas.   She was given life by her mother, Donna Lynne Thomas Eckhardt, and delivered by her father, Obstetrician Donald Kent Eckhardt, Jr.   She was readily welcomed by her brother, Donald Kent Eckhardt, III, and sister, Delaney Lynne Eckhardt. There was great joy when she was noted to have red hair like many of her mother's family, Billy, Rosemary and Grandma Fern. Her close family was later joined by stepmother, Kari Jill Wagnon Eckhardt, step father, Richard Wagner, sister, Gracie McKenna Eckhardt, a nd siblings, Sean Riley Wagnon Strakos, Josh Wagner, and Zach Wagner.

From the very beginning Darian brought Joy to all around her; she radiated a warmth and happiness that was overwhelming.

Darian spent her entire academic life in Magnolia Independent School District.   Darian was diagnosed with severe dyslexia when she was in 1st grade and with hard work and the aid of some wonderful staff and teachers was only months from graduating when her short life was tragically ended on Valentines Day 2017 on her way to school.

She participated in ballet, softball, swimming, and karate in her early years.   At eight years old, Darian was the first girl to play youth football at South County Football League. She helped lead her team to a Super Bowl berth. Darian played Tight End and Defensive Tackle and was always a bit afraid she would hurt the boys.  Coach Gunnell called her a "Flower" well before she blossomed into the strikingly beautiful young lady that she became.

Darian discovered her true talent in junior high when she began to sing. She and her sister, Delaney, wowed the junior high crowd with a beautiful duet and won the talent show when she was in 7th grade.

Darian soon started studying music and performing quickly becoming the lead singer for "The School of Rock" entertainment band, Dean's List.  One of the young students who had heard Darian perform was riding home when Adele came on the radio and he told his mother, "Wow Mom, I didn't know Darian was on the radio".  She had been working there as a vocal instructor for the past year.

At 15, Darian auditioned for "the Voice" and along with Delaney was one of only a very few that made it through the first round and asked to return to perform in a studio. She recently began studying at the Sara Kelly Music School and was just starting to write songs.

The summer before her junior year, through Colvig Silver Camp in Durango, Colorado, Darian went on a month long backpacking trip in the Rockies where she earned her Pathfinder certification. She once had to spend a night alone in a tent on the side of a mountain in a hail and lightning storm. She was raised a Christian, but grew closer to Jesus that night more than at any other time.

Darian was also a part of the Magnolia High School Drama Department and performed in multiple plays. She is well known at school for her sense of eclectic style.

Darian had a rare "heart" that allowed her to radiate warmth and kindness to anyone in her presence.  She was very loved and showed love to all that came into contact with her. Her smile could melt anyone's heart. Her greatest joy was bringing happiness to those around her.

For those who knew her, Darian's untimely death is like watching a red unicorn run over the edge of a cliff, but knowing her was like getting a chance to sail with Angels.   She was truly a gift that God shared with us for 18 years.

Darian is also survived by her grandparents, Van and Patsy Wagnon, Kent and Penny Eckhardt, Don and Pati Eckhardt, John and Dana Thomas, and Joan Eddleton; great-grandmother, Katy Cook; and numerous loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, and Friends. She was preceded in death by grandparents Lynda and Bobby Johns.

A memorial service and celebration of Darian's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 17 , 2017, at Wildwood United Methodist Church, 8911 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354.?