Caleb Anthony Means Shemwell

Caleb Anthony Means Shemwell peacefully passed away on June 7, 2024 surrounded by his family after a nineteen-month battle with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer. He was born on March 19, 2017, in Orem, Utah, to his mother, Erica, and his late father, Tony Means. The seventh child of Tony and Erica, Caleb was born a few months after the death of his father. He was a miraculous gift and healing balm to a young, grieving family. Caleb instantly lit up their lives with his sweet giggles, contagious smiles, and soothing cuddles. 

 

Shortly before Caleb turned two, he gained another father and four more siblings when Erica married Spencer Shemwell. Being the youngest child of eleven children, and never holding back his fun and sassy personality, Caleb helped blend the family together in his own unique way. Caleb’s big energy and determination earned him the nickname, “man of the house,” despite him being the baby. He loved to tease people and make them laugh. His low, growly voice was often accompanied by sweet and tender comments. His catch phrase, “Have a good day!”, was often shared with friends and strangers alike. Along with being sweet and sassy, he was known for his hilarious lip-syncing facial expressions and impressive dance moves. He loved spending time with his family and was the life of any party. 

 

Even before beginning his cancer journey at age five, Caleb’s favorite topic was talking about Jesus and how much Caleb loved Him. Caleb had a sure testimony that His Savior loved everyone, and this faith encouraged him to quickly say “I’m sorry” if he felt he’d hurt anyone’s feelings. He wanted to love as Jesus loves, and Caleb did this perfectly. Caleb has brought so much love, happiness, and light into the lives of his family and friends. In his short seven years, he truly lived life to its fullest. Everything he did was with his full strength and passion. To be loved by Caleb has truly been an honor and blessing.

 

Caleb is survived by his parents (Michael Spencer Shemwell and Erica Alyse Shemwell), siblings (Daryl Landon, Brayden Michael, Emma Alyse, Lily Kendall, Harper Lynn, Sophie Mae, Tanner Fielding, Avery James, Amelia Rose, and Bexley William), and a huge host of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends he knew as family. He is preceded in death by his father (Daryl Anthony Means) and grandmother (Sharese Thompson).

 

Services will be held on June 14, 2024 at the Lehi Meadow View Stake Center (851 North 1200 East, Lehi, Utah) with a viewing from 9-11 AM and a funeral at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at Orem Cemetery (1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah).

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to fund pediatric brain cancer research for The Cure Starts Now at https://p2p.thecurestartsnow.org/1793(https://p2p.thecurestartsnow.org/1793) or to Living LFS, a non-profit who helps support high-risk cancer families such as Caleb’s family at https://livinglfs.org/donate

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