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BORN
2005
DIED
2020
Caleb Sears Obituary
CALEB HENRY SEARS
June 6, 2005 ˜ January 8, 2020
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our sweet Caleb. Caleb Henry Sears passed away on January 8, 2020. He was born on June 6, 2005, to parents Shawn Sears and Marlana Sears-Gudgel. From the very beginning of his life, Caleb defied the odds and overcame many health challenges. His strong spirit and love for others was known by all who met him.
Caleb loved singing songs with his mom and Grandpa Dave (especially the Purple People Eater song), sitting outside on his lounge chair and playing with bubbles, taking walks with his Grandma Jo and her Goldendoodle, and helping Kody (stepdad) make fires in the fireplace. He loved cuddling on the couch with blankets, a cup of cocoa, books, in front of the fireplace, even in July.
In his 14 years, Caleb’s life made a great impact on many people. His resilience through seizures, cancer, surgeries and hospitalizations inspired others. When he was feeling well enough, he loved opportunities to go to school at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and see his classmates and teachers. He also loved attending church and Sunday school at Imago Dei Community. He would greet everyone he met with a smile, hug and usually a burp, too.
Caleb is survived by his parents, Marlana Sears-Gudgel, Kody Gudgel (stepdad), Shawn Sears, Allison Sears (stepmom); two younger sisters; maternal grandparents, David and JoAnn Eaton; paternal grandparents, Larry and Vicki Sears; and a host of family and friends.
A public Memorial Service will be held at Imago Dei Community, located at 1302 SE Ankeny St., Portland, OR 97214 on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The family encourages all who knew Caleb to attend to share memories and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Caleb’s honor to Imago Dei Community, The Elisha Foundation, or the Children’s Cancer Association. In the coming months, there will be an opportunity to donate to a physical tribute memorial for Caleb.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caleb Sears
Pete kurian
January 29, 2020
Praying for strength for Marlana and Kody and the rest of the family.My heart aches for all of you...Prayed so much for Caleb.I know Caleb is smiling at all of us..
If I have the emotional strength to be there at the memorial ,I will be there,Postponed my trip to Europe..Waiting for more strength.Pete
Julie Qualls
January 26, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are all going through. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this painful time. Caleb will forever live in your hearts.
Sue Kniffin
January 21, 2020
My thoughts are with your family. Caleb was a very special young man. I remember being his para in elementary school and having the purple people eater song on my phone to play to him. He'd put his finger on his forehead to let me know he wanted his song. His smile and laughter was contagious. So sorry for your loss
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Brooke Smith
January 19, 2020
Still holds the record for best hugger of all time. Praying for comfort to rush in and the supernatural peace of God to envelop your family as you grieve. Caleb was a treasure here on Earth and is now a grand treasure in the presence of perfect love. Thank you, Marlana, for allowing our family to have a few brief but precious moments in Caleb's life. He taught us what the pure joy of the Lord was and I can't wait to see him again on the other side. God bless your family.
Charity Bosso
January 19, 2020
Caleb's smile lit up the whole room. I haven't seen him in years, but I'll never forget how much joy I felt just being around him. What a beautiful soul. I'm praying for you all! Love,
Charity
Heather Zimmer
January 19, 2020
Hugs and prayers for all of you! Caleb's positive attitude and contagious smile will never be forgotten!
Tanja Bourinskie
January 19, 2020
I remember Caleb from Lake shore elementary. I was just a substitute but never forgot him...that smile..nonstop..he smiled over and over again. Never stopped smiling. He did not like his shoe's on..who needs shoe's anyway. I will never ever forget his sweet smile!!
Danielle Gorman
January 19, 2020
Love filled Grace abounds
Samantha Hicks
January 19, 2020
Sweet Caleb, you are now in a place where there is no more suffering and I know you are looking down on your family with so much love, as you play, unhindered. ❤ Wishing your family all the love and support during this difficult time of transition.
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