Caleb Timothy Smith

age 32, rejoiced as he met His Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on January 14, 2021, after a brief illness. Caleb impacted the countless lives of others, while living with severe autism, unable to speak. There was no purer soul this side of heaven whose soulful eyes would captivate everyone he encountered. Caleb was born on January 5, 1989 to his parents, Denise Powers Fabian (Edward) and Timothy Smith (Lisa) in Akron, Ohio. He loved long car rides, McDonald's fries and milkshakes, his magazines, being with his housemates (Matt and Armon), watching Thomas the Train, and being in the company of his trusted caregivers.

Caleb is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Anne Powers, and George and Dorothy Smith, and his "big brother," Cliff Provitt.

Caleb was a teacher; we were his students. Caleb was a forerunner for those who would come behind him impacting Akron Public Schools special education, the disability community, and those with autism.

He is survived by his siblings (Lydia Smith of Hartville, Nathan Smith of North Canton, and Sara Kowalski of Euclid), his nephews (Noah Smith, Elijah Smith, and Gabriel Smith of Hartville) as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Caleb adored and will be deeply missed by those who provided his daily care needs in his group home at Blick Center, Inc., including Stacia Lawson, Latoya Flint, Tai'Janaya Brock, Rameka Strickland, A. J. Wade , Shannon Johnson, Lisa Waters, Rebecca Huron, Angela Hibbs, Sofia Bell, Wesley Sarpong, Fuseini Alhassan, Tai'Janaya Brock, Devine Brown, Shaprece Lewis, Alexis Boyd, Daemmanuelo McCray and too many more to name. Special thanks to the Blick Center, Inc, especially Carolyn Hall, RN and Rosie Howard, Director of Residential Services, that served Caleb for many years. The family is grateful to Max Wiznitzer, MD, who provided his medical care for nearly 30 years, as well as Joseph Lahorra, MD of Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center during his admission and Colin Drolshagen, MD who provided his primary care. Additional thanks to Mark VonGunten, Caleb's service and support administrator with Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities who was one of his greatest champions!

Cremation has taken place. Due to the pandemic, a celebration of Caleb's life and legacy for friends and family will be scheduled this summer. Donations can be made to The Blick Center, Inc. Residential Services.

Numbers 14:24 "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the Promise Land..."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Caleb Smith

10 Entries

Becky Pike

January 11, 2024

Sweet memories of you will always be in my heart.
Becky Pike

BL(H)W

January 12, 2023

This is the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. May my love flow through to you.

BLH(W)

January 11, 2022

Dear Denise, Tim and Lydia,
I was remembering Caleb yesterday and today in God´s love. Bless your hearts today and forever.

BL(H)W

February 26, 2021

Denise, please check your work email.

Wendy Gillespie

January 20, 2021

Dear Denise and Tim, family and friends -
May you always feel Caleb's love.
I was privileged to share time with Caleb and his family during his preschool years. He let me share his way of play and joined in mine. As surely as Caleb spoke volumes with his eyes, he taught me to listen with mine. As much as we longed to hear his voice, he inspired us to use ours to ask questions, seek solutions and advocate for support. I extend to you my deepest sympathy. - Wendy Gillespie

Karen

January 19, 2021

I have heard many beautiful things of Caleb. My prayers to Denise and Tim and all those who were close during this time.

Jake

January 18, 2021

I never met Caleb but worked with his mother. She was always so proud of him and would light up when she would talk about her son. My condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Denny and Becky Pike

January 18, 2021

Denise and Tim,
I know your hearts are breaking and yet I am sure it is a comfort to know the sweet peace Caleb now has with Jesus. We have such sweet special memories of him as a little boy...he was just adorable and those eyes...Wow. We are praying for all of you that God would give you His comfort and peace as only He can give. Denny and Becky

Someone who cares

January 17, 2021

As a mother with an Autistic son, reading about your WONDERFUL, SPECIAL Caleb brought tears to my eyes. I know he was the bright spot of life everyday!!! Now you have THE most special Angel watching over his LOVING family.

The Staff of Newcomer Funeral Home

January 17, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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