Caleb Timothy Smith, age 32, rejoiced as he met His Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on January 14, 2021, after a brief illness. Caleb impacted the countless lives of others, while living with severe autism, unable to speak. There was no purer soul this side of heaven whose soulful eyes would captivate everyone he encountered.
Caleb was born on January 5, 1989 to his parents, Denise Powers Fabian (Edward) and Timothy Smith (Lisa) in Akron, Ohio.
He loved long car rides, McDonald's fries and milkshakes, his magazines, being with his housemates (Matt and Armon), watching Thomas the Train, and being in the company of his trusted caregivers.
Caleb is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Anne Powers, and George and Dorothy Smith, and his "big brother," Cliff Provitt.
Caleb was a teacher; we were his students. Caleb was a forerunner for those who would come behind him impacting Akron Public Schools special education, the disability community, and those with autism.
He is survived by his siblings (Lydia Smith of Hartville, Nathan Smith of North Canton, and Sara Kowalski of Euclid), his nephews (Noah Smith, Elijah Smith, and Gabriel Smith of Hartville) as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Caleb adored and will be deeply missed by those who provided his daily care needs in his group home at Blick Center, Inc., including Stacia Lawson, Latoya Flint, Tai'Janaya Brock, Rameka Strickland, A. J. Wade , Shannon Johnson, Lisa Waters, Rebecca Huron, Angela Hibbs, Sofia Bell, Wesley Sarpong, Fuseini Alhassan, Tai'Janaya Brock, Devine Brown, Shaprece Lewis, Alexis Boyd, Daemmanuelo McCray and too many more to name.
Special thanks to the Blick Center, Inc, especially Carolyn Hall, RN and Rosie Howard, Director of Residential Services, that served Caleb for many years. The family is grateful to Max Wiznitzer, MD, who provided his medical care for nearly 30 years, as well as Joseph Lahorra, MD of Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center during his admission and Colin Drolshagen, MD who provided his primary care.
Additional thanks to Mark VonGunten, Caleb's service and support administrator with Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities who was one of his greatest champions!
Cremation has taken place. Due to the pandemic, a celebration of Caleb's life and legacy for friends and family will be scheduled this summer. Donations can be made to The Blick Center, Inc. Residential Services.
Numbers 14:24 "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the Promise Land…"