Christopher Michael Caldwell went to be with his Lord and Savior late Sunday evening, July 17, 2011 at The Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, from complications of a congenital heart condition. He was 16 years young and of Cardington.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:28-29
Despite his small physical stature, Christopher Michael Caldwell “would overwhelm you with his larger than life personality and spirit.” “You couldn’t find a more outgoing young man”, who simply “was all about life” and everything that went with it. He was “vibrant”, “sweet” and had “an infectious smile and laugh”.
On October 22, 1994, Chris was born just before his twin brother, Timothy, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Parker) Caldwell.
Chris had attended school at Cardington Lincoln, Gilead Christian, and he had just completed his sophomore year River Valley High School. In high school, he loved being a part of the show choir stage crew and being a behind the scenes helper on their news team.
Filled with faith and devotion, Chris was an active member of the Trinity Baptist Church, where he was loved, appreciated and cherished. He also loved being a part of the Trinity Baptist Youth Group, where he enjoyed “pestering the youth pastor Tony”, joining their mission trips, participating in the VBS every summer, and just being a part of the group. He even loved joining the elders of the church for their “coffee and crumbs” group. When he was younger, he had formerly attended the Berean Baptist Church. Though Chris may be best known for his love for the Lord, as “no one could escape his presence without him sharing the Gospel” and “wrapping it up with a hug.”
Having been born with Alagille Syndrome, causing abnormalities of the liver, heart, skeletal structure and more, Christopher was proud to be a public and national speaker for the Alagille Syndrome Alliance. He had a huge heart for others with his condition, and he enjoyed lifting their spirits with his love for life. He was also a member of the Boy Scout Troop 33.
With a love for cooking, Chris loved to not only be his parent’s helper, but he also loved to cook on his own. It could be said too “that he was all about pasta, and most especially fettuccini alfredo”, as he had his own special homemade recipe that he prepared just the way he wanted. He was also an aspiring photographer, who loved taking “pictures of life”.
A fan of anything his father enjoyed, including Starbucks coffee, Chris loved rooting for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. Though, his favorite pastime was probably “pestering his grandpa” Walter, whom he was always playing little pranks on.
Always being silly, Chris had a great sense of humor and often would surprise you with something like a random text message to get you going. He also made sure everyone knew he cared every day, as he never missed an opportunity to at least say “hi”!
Sharing an overwhelming close bond with his family, Christopher Michael will forever be dearly missed by his parents: Richard and Beth Caldwell of Cardington; his three brothers: Zachary, Timothy, and Matthew Caldwell of home; paternal grandparents: Walter and Linda Caldwell of Marion; two aunts: Cathy Caldwell of Marion, and Rhonda Parker of Enon; two cousins: Cory and Brittany Parker of Enon; a special friend, Arica Gruber; and many other loving relatives and special friends.
Christopher was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Carl E and Sharon A Parker Sr; and uncle, Carl E Parker Jr.
The Caldwell family will greet friends from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at the Trinity Baptist Church, 244 S. Main St., Marion. Services celebrating his life and giving glory to God will also be held there on Friday at 10:00 a.m., with Dr. Richard Farmer and Pastor Anthony Gualiteri officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Cardington.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Christopher's family.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Alagille Syndrome Alliance or to the Trinity Baptist Church, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
For those wishing to share your thoughts and feelings about Christopher, his family would love for you to visit his visit his Facebook page. They also would appreciate if you would bring any kind of frog (of the non-living sort) to his services, to add to their special collection for Christopher.
For more information or to share private condolences to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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