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Caleb Lufkin Obituary
KNOXVILLE - Private First Class Caleb A. Lufkin, 24, of 403 Timber St., Knoxville, Ill., died Thursday, May 25, 2006, at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
He was born Dec. 9, 1981, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of Tammy E. and Marcy D. Shenaut Lufkin.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Marcy (Dennis) Gorsline of Knoxville; father and stepmother, Tammy (Karen) Lufkin of Galesburg; maternal grandmother and stepgrandfather, Pat (Terry) Houston of Galesburg; paternal grandfather, Ted Lufkin of East Galesburg, Ill.; paternal stepgrandmother, Ruby Smith of Monmouth, Ill.; two brothers, Lance Lufkin and Taylor Lufkin, both of Knoxville; and four stepsisters, Alyssa Gorsline of Galesburg, Artie Jo Gorsline of Pekin, Ill., Nichole Gorsline of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kirsten Bruns of Galesburg.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Carol Lufkin; maternal grandfather, Jerry Shenaut; and paternal stepgrandfather, William Smith.
He graduated in 2000 from Knoxville High School, where he was a member of the conference champion baseball team. He then attended Illinois Central College, receiving his volunteer firefighting certification.
He served as a volunteer firefighter for the East Galesburg and Knoxville fire departments. He worked with his father for many years for Lufkin Concrete Construction.
He was an avid banjo player and enjoyed fishing, hunting and motorcycles.
He served in the United States Army Company B, 5th Engineer Battalion, from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he graduated from basic training and AIT receiving a Trail Blazer Award and Sharpshooter Award. He was then stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.
During his time in Iraq, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Services Ribbon and Combat Action Badge.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2006, at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. Pastor Dan Doty of Orange Chapel Church will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bethel Baptist Church. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Ill., with military services conducted by the Fort Leonard Wood Funeral Detail Team.
Memorials can be made to the family for an education fund for his brothers.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at h-p-w.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caleb Lufkin
November 16, 2014
Never forgotten.
Javier Vigil
February 28, 2014
I spoke with March over chat and she was one of the most friendliest loving customers and now friends I have ever met. She mentioned her son in the chat and couldn't help writing on this guest book as I have so much respect for Caleb and what he has done for our country. Thank you Caleb and Marcy thank you for being such an amazing mom and person. I know he is your gaurdian Angel
Cal Perry
August 22, 2013
Not a day goes by when I don't remember Caleb. I met him in a fleeting moment ... while wounded in Baghdad, his courage carried so many others through.
Cal Perry
- Journalist
Agnes Peterson
May 30, 2011
I want to thank God for u because he bs brought two households together at a very difficult time. Ur mom has been an angel in my family's eyes and I know u to r looking down on urs watching over them. May u continually rest in peace for all eternity.
jackie underwood
May 30, 2011
Thank you caleb for yr our freedom.your a wonderful person you will never be forgotten.your memory lives on forever in our hearts.
May 29, 2011
It's that day once again, May 25th....just another day to some but a day of remembrance for us. We miss you every day, night and day, but at the same time, I try to focus on the happy memories,all the skinny pancakes, Winnie the Witch, the ice cream....and just having the joy of spoiling you from babyhood on up to adult hood...I don't regret a minute of it.
The ice cream lady will never forget!
Love you forever
Deb Schierer
May 29, 2011
I never met Caleb, but I will never forget him. Thank you, Caleb for making the unlitmate sacrifice. To the family... You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Stegall
May 28, 2011
To Caleb...."You will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you've done for us! I'm sorry it ended like it did for you, You were such a brave person! You will be missed!"
Becky Nash
May 28, 2011
You were one of the nicest guys I've ever had the honor of calling a friend. We all miss your smile and ability to make others laugh. You were one of a kind. We all miss you every day, and can't wait to see you again.
Barb Slaton
May 28, 2011
I did not know you like I wish I had, but if you were anything like your brothers, you were an awesome guy! You have left everyone you knew with such happy memories, and I know they all have a special place in their hearts for you.
B.J. Main
May 28, 2011
We miss you buddy. Just the other day I was thinking about the days when all we did was play baseball at the little league diamond all day. I will always remember that cardinals team. I will also never forget the day you bailed me out against rock island alleman. Wasn't a pretty catch but probably the best i've ever seen. Maybe someday we can play ball again all day. Miss ya buddy.
aaron mills
May 28, 2011
Caleb,
You are a true hero. You gave the ultimate sacraficeso that we can live our lives the way that we always have. I think about you everyday. You will never be forgotten. I still remember all the good times we had. I miss you brother. Rest in Peace. I will see you again someday.
Cindy Owen
May 28, 2011
Love and Miss you Cabes.. Thank you so much for all you have done. Gone but never ever forgotten. Always in our hearts and always on our mind.
May 28, 2011
Caleb we will forever honor, remember, miss, and love you.
Becky Conner
May 28, 2011
I did not know you, but my brother Lance served with you on the Fire Department. He enjoyed your company very much. My daughter was also in frst grade at MWES and collected "Coins for Caleb" when she was in 1st Grade. I have the privilege of knowing your mom on a professional and personal level.
God Bless You and the many others who sacrificed all for our freedom.
jackie and bob wagher
May 27, 2011
caleb, wish you could be here with your family, but we know you are always with them.. just keep looking in on them and showing your beautiful face from time to time.. they can smile for ever because of the wonderful memories of you.. you were taken way too early but you will all see each other again.. thank you so much
Always, Forever and No Matter What!
Mom
May 27, 2011
The tears we shed are for selfish reasons. We want you here with us. Shame on us for wishing someone back from the glory of Heaven. I know now, that you are not gone.....you are still here participating in everything we do. You laugh when we laugh, you pick us up when we become weak. You guide us when we make a mistake. You listen when we talk to you and comfort us when we cry for you. You were my "first duck" that God sent to me. He chose you so that I could learn how to be a mom. I tried Cabes, I really did. Would never make "Mother of the Year Award" but there is NO mother anywhere that could love her boys more than me. Five years have passed since that horrible day. I can still relieve every minute of it----including the pt. who stopped me on our way back to our guest room......he hugged me and told me in my ear that "he can see you and hear you. Do you understand what I am telling you ma'am? I have died twice and know this to be true." I keep those word forever in my heart and now, I know it's true. You make yourself known in many ways. I will continue to look for your signs until the day it is my turn to "cross over." Thank you for watching over Lance and Tay!
As, I told you before you went into surgery that day.....I love ya, bud.
Peggy Childers
May 25, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin:
Please accept my remembrance of Caleb on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
May 4, 2011
Remembering you.
Pat Houston
February 19, 2011
The Ice Cream Lady will never forget!!
January 2, 2011
Remembering you missing you.
July 24, 2010
thinking of you and the void you left. rest in peace
you will Not be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
May 25, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin:
Remembering Caleb on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
May 13, 2010
Rest in peace- you are not forgotten...
sheila
November 26, 2009
Just to let your loved ones know that you are rememberd and thought of. Today is thanksgiving and I can only imagine how difficult a day it is for them without you.
Rest in peace and know you are missed.
November 15, 2009
Caleb is thought about and missed.
Michael Iezzi
June 26, 2009
Father we entrust our brother Caleb to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Caleb in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Peggy Childers
May 25, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin:
Caleb gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
April 10, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
March 25, 2009
Even though to this day it doesn't feel real that you could actually be gone, Caleb i will always remember, miss, and visit(when i come home) you.
tater
nj
December 5, 2008
remembering you and missing you.
rest in peace.
Pastor Frank Noyes
September 16, 2008
Dear family of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin,
We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.
Very Sincerely
Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)
August 23, 2008
To the family and friends- please know that Caleb will not be forgotten. I still remember vividly the coverage on CNN and I read many heartfelt comments that you all shared about him, and I was deeply touched. May his sweet soul rest in eternal peace.
I am so sorry for the loss.
July 22, 2008
Forever in my thoughts and heart. I miss you sooo much.
Love from the ice cream lady.
Before being deployed
July 9, 2008
Caleb home on leave 3-06
July 9, 2008
All Gave Some, Some Gave All
July 9, 2008
June 30, 2008
Rest in peace- rest easy.
May 29, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Lufkin!
In Memory of Caleb ~ (Debra Estep)
May 25, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Caleb, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
Visit this link to hear the song.
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
MSGT ROY WOODS, USAF (RET.)
April 16, 2008
Caleb you are a stand up guy, thank you for serving. Freedom is not free; never was, never will be.
Cortnay K
March 21, 2008
THANK YOU CALEB FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
February 24, 2008
lufkin now that im done and moving on from all of this army stuff i feel i can leave you a message and i just wanted to say good bye you will forever be in my heart
british soldier
January 19, 2008
Virtutis fortuna comes
fortune favours the brave
to one soldier from another
never forgotten
at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them
Torchy & Jerry Massie
November 11, 2007
I saw CNN Combat on TV this a.m. It brought tears to my eyes when I read the words that he passed away. Know in your heart that he is with God, as the Bible states: "Absent from the body, present with the Lord". He is in no pain now, he is with God. I want to thank him with all my heart for his unselfishness in giving up his life so that we can all have freedom. God Bless you Caleb and we love you. Sincerely, Torchy & Jerry Massie Elba, Al 11/11/07
September 11, 2007
Remembering you - never forgotten.rest in peace.
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 29, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Lufkin and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
July 18, 2007
thinking of you. so sorry you are gone.
shawnee (Austin, TX)
May 27, 2007
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry-
I am not there... I did not die...
Michelle MdodanaWhite
May 26, 2007
I too watched CNN tonight...and was drawn to put a face to the voice...and what a handsome face. I then quickly realized that the one year anniversary is upon you and wanted to let you know that I appreciate what your son and your family has given so that I and my family can live. You will be in a special prayer tonight...as I light a candle in Caleb's honor.
Lois Frainer-Way
May 10, 2007
Caleb, you were like a son to me and I think about you daily. My family Tim, Jamie, Joshua, and myself will always Love you and Miss you. We know you are in a better place. Thank you Caleb for your service to our country.
Garnet Jenkins
May 4, 2007
May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin, remain in your heart always.
Please know how deeply sorry I was to learn of the loss of this Brave Young Soldier.
A Multitude of Thanks, for Caleb's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
claudio garcia
March 24, 2007
we will miss you much lufkin
Marian Granby
February 5, 2007
To the Lufkin Family,
I watched the CNN special, which was heartbreaking. There are no words which can lighten your loss- just know that fellow Americans appreciate so much the willingness of our young people to support our country. Since our country was founded, our survival has depended on brave young men and women who are willing to give their lives for freedom for all Americans. Your son joins a gallant fellowship of all of those who have died for America.
My daughter's best friend, Tom Tucker died in Iraq a month after Caleb; her life will never be the same, as yours will not. She tries to remember all the good times, and
to be thankful for the years she and Tom had as friends.
Perhaps someday the world will be a place where there are no wars, where young people can live to old age in peace. That is my hope.
Thank you so much for your brave son's sacrifice.
Jane Graydon
January 15, 2007
God bless you for the sacrifice you have made with your son. I saw him injured on CNN Combat Hospital and was saddened beyond words at your loss. I am Canadian but nightly watch CNN's coverage of the war in Irag and feel heartbroken at the loss of all these wonderful caring young men and women. I pray that all of this will make sense to us one day, that we will truly understand why we have to lose these wonderful young people. I am so sorry for your loss and I wish you peace. Thank you for this sacrifice and please know that what Caleb did was appreciated by all. Take care.
Corrine Ccooper
January 2, 2007
What a beautiful young man. My heart goes out to all his family.
Kathy Lycan
January 2, 2007
Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to share in your grief. I am the mother of a young soldier and want you to know that you have my heartfelt condolences for your loss, and I wish you peace, strength, and love. We are proud of your son, are holding his memory in our hearts, and are sending prayers of support to you and your family.
Mike Winder
January 1, 2007
To Caleb's Mom: May peace find your heart this new year.
Sincerely,
The Winders
December 25, 2006
I just want to let his family know that Caleb is remembered.
Joseph Lufkin
December 18, 2006
The Lufkin family has served our country proudly in every conflict since before the Revolution. Pfc. Caleb shows that this long and great tradition continues in his generation. May he rest in peace and may we all in his family, both near and more distant, take pride in him and his legacy to us and to the United States.
nj
December 14, 2006
I am another one who saw the CNN special with Caleb. I was so upset to learn he passed. My gratitude and sympathy to his family. Rest in peace, Caleb. You deserve it
Jo Anna Stryker
December 10, 2006
Watching CNN Combat Hospital I was heartbroken to learn of Caleb's death three weeks later. His words ring in my ears and I pray for his family and friends that they may find some solace in knowing that he was a very brave soldier. Many of us in this country acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifice of all those serving to make sure the war ends and stays over there. May God be with you as he sits next to Caleb in Heaven.
C McHugh
December 9, 2006
In your honor, I will challenge myself to live my life with the same compassion that I am feeling for you at this moment. You made the ultimate sacrifice for every American and I will forever be grateful. Rest in Peace.
Melissa
November 18, 2006
Hello! Just like some other people that have signed this guest book I too watch Combat Hospital on CNN and saw Caleb's story. My hand went to my mouth and tears came down my face when I learned of what happened to your son and friend! My heart is with you and I will never forget Caleb. I have printed out his photo, which I will put in my journal and he will remain in my heart!! He was a brave young man!
Anna Pinnell
November 15, 2006
I wanted to say that Caleb will always be in my heart and in my prayers along with his family. My love for Caleb will never end.
Brad Main
November 14, 2006
To the Lufkin Family, I saw the CNN tribute on combat hospitals.. and it just tore me apart. I still feel the loss of caleb today as if it was yesterday. and i just wanted you to know that Caleb and your family is still very much so in my mind. I hope all is well with the family. And i pray for your family in the loss of not just a great Son, brother, friend, but as a great person in general. Thanks for sharing his life with me.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
November 13, 2006
To the Lufkin family; I previously signed Caleb's guest book. While watching the CNN special my heart was broken. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry Caleb was taken from you. Caleb you put up a good nobel fight and you will NEVER be forgotten. You are my hero
Chuck
November 12, 2006
I had just seen a CNN story on medics in Iraq and Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin had been thorugh there. I was so moved after knowing that he passed during surgery several weeks after the IED. I'm grateful for his service and my sympathies go to family and friends.
nj
November 6, 2006
Gratitude to Caleb and his family on this Veterans Day. May his family find comfort remembering his life and may Caleb rest in peace.
Carolyn Evans
October 18, 2006
Blessings to you. When I lost my son in 1991, I was told you don't get over this but you get through it. Gold Star mother
October 12, 2006
Remembering Caleb. Rest in peace.Taken too soon.
Marvin Purser
June 28, 2006
I was pastor of Knoxville Christian Church (l966-67). I buried Sgt. Kovar in Ft. Leonardwood with his parents present.Then my first son died at 8 mo.
So we moved. Mel Sayrs owned the grocery store there. Grace McGrew was a member as I recall, wonderful retired lady. So, I feel for your family and relate very well. We owe a great debt to our boys who give their lives for us.
Prayerfully,
Marvin and Connie
Rebecca Walters
June 18, 2006
To the Lufkin Family,
Caleb, I am blessed to know of your memory through my friend Carissa and I promise to keep in touch with her, so I know that she will be okay. I wanted to take some time to leave a message for the family and pass on my deepest regrets. It is our soldiers greatest sacrifices that keeps us safe in our every day life. May you all find comfort and strength through your loss as you spend time together as a family.
Nancy Hardin
June 8, 2006
Thank you for your loved ones service to our country. He is a true hero. I wish you peace and comfort to ease your pain.
Linda Flannery
June 8, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss.
I hope you find comfort in your memories of Caleb. He will not be forgotten.
Proud mother of 2 Marines and widow of Army Ranger.
Delia Herr
June 7, 2006
To the Lufkin Family,
My thoughts are with you all at this time. My son is a Marine and about to be deployed for the first time. It is because of people like Caleb that we are able to enjoy this wonderful country we live in. I know my words won't ease your pain, but please know, that even though I didn't know him personally, I am grieving with you and for you all. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Carole Reinke
June 7, 2006
To Calebs Family--
Many times today we hear about heros with regard to sports figures, but in my book Caleb was the definition of a true American Hero. There is no greater love and honor than what he gave for all of us and his country. It gives us little comfort to know that he is in Heaven now because he is missed so much here. I know he is there with Gavin and Bryan and they are looking down on us down and smiling. He will never be forgotten.
Love-
Carole Reinke
Linda Grzanich
June 6, 2006
To Caleb Lufkins's family: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each and everyone of you. I was saddened to learn of Caleb's death. It is due to many fine young men like him that I continue to enjoy the freedoms I take for granted each and every day. May God give you all the strength to look forward. I am sure that is what Caleb would have wanted. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
June 5, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Lufkin family in the loss of Caleb. I did not know Caleb, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Caleb my heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Rudy Jones/Family
June 4, 2006
Lufkin family,
Look at the wonderful smile on this young man's face need i say more?This soldier i'm sure made his whole family proud. Your loved one gave his life ( THE ULTIMATE SACRAFACE )for his countries freedom so people like myself can walk around in today's world and feel save and i thank him for that and i thank your family for letting him protect his country.Always remember there are somethings that can never be taken away from you.One is the memories be it good or bad that your family has made together.The other is being the PROUD PARENT OR THE PROUD FAMILY MEMBER OF A FINE YOUNG MAN Pfc.Caleb A. Lufkin. I know words can not bring a loved one back but the memories can live forever.I hope all of you can stay strong and pull together in this time of need i'm sure Caleb would want it this way.Take care and God Bless from a Gulf War Veteran.88-91
1LT Erica Erickson
June 2, 2006
To the family of Caleb Lufkin-
Throughout the week I have been thinking of your son, and you the family. I worked with Caleb on Ward 57 as a RN several night shifts. Once patients get to WD 57, the process is usually rehab and recovery. In the past 3 years I have worked as a Army Officer, I have not experienced a death. I was shocked when I came into work and heard that Caleb was no longer in Rm 33. I, as well as several coworked, cried several times that night and have been grieving as well. Although I did not know your son for very long, he has a special place in my heart. I enjoyed caring for him and talking with you the family. Know that you are in my prayers. God Bless.
Cindie Walker
June 1, 2006
I"m so sorry to hear of another great loss.
Pfc. Caleb A Lufkin, you are a true hero. Not only did you fight to defend our freedoms, but you also fought to defend the freedoms of the Iraqi people.
I'm saddened that we've lost yet another great soldier, but I always know, they did it to keep us safe and for our freedoms.
You are loved!!
Pat Canfall
June 1, 2006
My condolences to the Lufkin family.
Caleb may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.
May 31, 2006
May God bless you and your family in your time of need. I feel so bad for you and cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling. Your son paid the ultimate price for defending our country. You will be in my prayers
Lori Lufkin and Amber Wallace
May 31, 2006
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Jackie (Soper) Watson
May 31, 2006
Your family is in my prayers. I worked with Pat at Peel, Henning, Mathers & McKee when Caleb was born. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Linda Mitchell
May 31, 2006
Marcy and family
My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I didn't know Caleb but you Marcy, had been my nurse at Dr.Maer's office and I always remember you with a smile on your face and a great sense of humor. I am sure Caleb was the same way. He will always be remembered and loved He is our hero.
Karen Smith
May 31, 2006
I didn't know your son, but I have a son of my own and know how hard it must be. I am very proud of him for being so brave and giving his life so I as well as the rest of America can be free! Thank you and God Bless you and your family.
Marybeth Otto
May 31, 2006
My heart is with you and your family. I also have a son who is serving in the Army. Keep his memory alive and God Bless.
Mike Mucciante
May 31, 2006
I salute a fallen hero. His soul shall reside beside with Good Lord and the fallen hero's before him. God bless this courageous young man.
linda munoz
May 30, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Maureen R. Covey
May 30, 2006
Marcy and family, I wish to express my sincere condolences for your huge loss. Caleb was a pleasant young man and he and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Maureen, David and Danny Covey. Marcy, Fred (Rocky) Haehnel also sends his deepest sympathies.
Steven Hunt
May 29, 2006
I didn't know PFC Caleb Lukin, but I am a soldier currently serving in Iraq as well. This year my unit lost 4 of our own and it's a constant reminder that this is still a very violent country. My heart goes out to your family and friends. May God bless you and keep in his ever loving arms. And remember, Caleb is, was and always will be a hero to us all.
SPC Hunt, Steven M
243 Eng. Co.
Keldrick (SFC/Drill Sergeant Moore
May 29, 2006
I would like to send my condolences to the family of PFC Caleb A. Lufkin, he was an good soldier, I was his Drill Sergeant/ Platoon Sergeant during his training at Fort Leonard Wood, A/35th Engineer Battalion. I know that he's looking down on all that touched his life while here on earth. He will always be my HERO in my book of life. May God continue to touch your family in a special way and in prayer.
May 29, 2006
To the Family of Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin;
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
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