Colton Cline, 18, was a whole-hearted and compassionate human, according to those who were closest to him. Cline, a senior, died on March 4 in an accident. He loved to be outdoors. Welding, shooting guns, looking at cars and trucks, spending time with animals — especially horses, practicing archery, helping others, spending time with family, and playing video games were just some of his favorite hobbies.

Senior Bailey Cline is Colton’s twin sister. They were very close and were always there for one another. Colton often reminded Bailey that he was 2 minutes older than Bailey.

“His heart was very happy and was loving and caring. He was always there for you when you needed it the most. Colton was a very strong-willed person,” Cline said.

It did not matter if you had wrong him; he would always care, and he would always help, according to his friends. Senior Dylan Carter was one of Cline’s good friends, spending spare moments they could find together at the river, in the woods or playing video games.

“He helped me through a lot, and he was always there, and having that person just go is rough, and it hurts,” Carter said. “I know a lot of people are hurting, and he has made an impact on everyone by just being a kind person and being there and knowing what to say.”

Math teacher Rachel McGowan was Colton’s teacher and friend.

“Listening and watching him and his sister cracked me up because some days they were getting along, and other days they were done with each other, and they would be so short with one another. The way he would care for his sister and then his sister would keep him in line — I really loved those interactions and watching them together was very enjoyable,” McGowan said.

Cline left a significant impact on many lives. He made countless memories with many people.

“One of my favorite memories with Colton is when he would come into my room, and we would sit there for hours and talk about anything and everything. We would have many jam sessions in my room. We would stay up all night long playing video games and watching movies. … We always had so much fun,” Bailey said.

Cline was a loving and caring person. As Nixa students endure the loss of Cline, they remember him with an open mind.

“Just trying to be more aware of the time I spend with people [helps], and I make sure to kiss my kids goodbye in the morning and care for my kids more — and truly making sure I focus on the things that count and trying to not worry about other things,” McGowan said.

He left behind his mom, dad, three sisters and other relatives. He was an organ donor, and his family will honor him every year on Fourth of July.