Devoted, brilliant, passionate, compassionate, adventurous, hilarious, athletic, competitive, loyal, witty, friendly, fried-chicken-loving, sushi-loving, animal-loving, motorcycle-loving, corvette-loving, vintage shoe-loving…and just flat-out loving!
These describe Caleb’s absolute desire to experience life to the fullest!
Caleb was the third-born child to Jon and Christi Essen, and growing up he loved following his older siblings, Hannah and Cameron around the house or yard for a constant dose of fun!
Caleb loved all kinds of sports: basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. On his 8th grade football team, after Caleb had experienced a growth spurt the year before, he became one of the best (and biggest) defensive players on his team, and even made the game-saving tackle in the final game of the season.
As a student, although he did incredibly well in his grades, Caleb found school to be an opportunity for him to express his vast social skills. It was common for him to be asked by the teacher to get back to work, as his deep, loud voice was unmistakable in the classroom, while he entertained his fellow classmates.
Caleb loved getting “scratches” from his mom while watching TV or a movie on the couch. It always started with “Mom, will you scratch my back?”, but then he took full advantage of her willingness, and it would progress to, “mom would you scratch my…neck…left arm…right arm…leg…side…other side…shoulder…other shoulder?” And then he would request a repeat session!
Caleb loved to take long drives with his dad around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He would have DJ playlist ready for the car stereo, and then would talk with his dad about all sorts of things, from food, to music, to girls, and so much more.
Caleb was passionate about all type of cars and motorcycles. A few months into working the drive-thru at his local Chick-fil-A, Caleb was a pro at not only taking orders (“My pleasure”)…but equally so at accurately identifying every type of car that came through the line. This love for cars continued to grow, and a highlight of Caleb’s life came in 2023, when he got to go to a massive exotic car rally and walk around, and even sit in the cars. His parents were convinced he took no less that 1231 photos and videos of the experience on his iPhone.
Caleb loved animals, but particularly dogs. His own dog, Willow, is a 9-pound house dog that loved to sit with Caleb on the couch. Caleb would routinely start a gentle wolf-howling sound, and without fail, Willow would throw her head back as if she was a wolf and join in with him!
Caleb made a decision to give his life to Jesus Christ at a young age. He loved being a part of his church and wanted to be there whenever the doors were open.
Caleb loved being in relationships, and spending time living life to the fullest with his friends and family. He had a strong relationship with his sister, Hannah, and his brother Cameron, and wanted to hang out with their friends too. He absolutely loved eating and having fun with his grandparents on a regular basis.
Caleb was like a lightbulb when he walked into the room and was incredibly caring towards others. It was always common in group pictures to see Caleb with his arms around all his friends.
One word could never describe Caleb, because he was absolutely one-of-a-kind!
STREAMING LINK FOR CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Sunday, April 7th
4:00 PM CST (available starting Sunday)
https://milestonechurch.com/memorial
(Link available starting Sunday Afternoon)
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS:
Caleb had an incredible compassion for helping single moms and would find ways to help friends or strangers. Please donate to the Milestone Single Parents Ministry in Caleb’s honor:
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