Family, friends say final goodbyes to Caleb Wilson

KENNER, La. (WGNO) — With heavy hearts, family, friends and loved ones attended the funeral of Caleb Wilson, a life many say will never be forgotten.

“Even though this time can be very tough for all of us as friends, we know Caleb wouldn’t have wanted us to be down in sadness right now. He would want us to be having fun, laughing, doing the things that he would have been doing,” said Rashad Thornton.

Deacon Aaron Jones was at a loss for words as he began the prayer.

He understands the family is hurting, along with the church community who watched him grow up to be such an outstanding young man.

“A caring person. Caleb Wilson was an affectionate person. Caleb Wilson was a person who loved god, and God loves him. This is not a sad occasion. This is a celebration of life,” said Jones.

Those who knew him best say, he was a person that could lift the spirits of anyone around him, even at their lowest.

“People were drawn to his leadership, his confidence and his coolness. He had a quiet strength. He knew he was. And he had a plan,” said Warren Easton High School former band director Asia Muhaimin.

“Thank you for being the brother I never had to ask for. I find peace and know I have a reason to continue. You would want me and all of us to continue on our journey, [to] keep grinding, keep pushing, keep working, keep loving,” said Mitchell J. Stevens.

With his band uniform on display, Lauren King says his love for music was indescribable. If you saw him, you likely saw his trumpet close by.

“Each breath. It’s a brand, a story untold, a bridge between hearts, a language of purity. A man who loves music in the wind, honor in the earth and silence, and still sings to this day in his absence,” said King.

“‘Is the child safe’ might be the question of the day, it might be the pain of the struggle of today.”

Those words echoed through the church as Caleb’s pastor, Dr. Mitchel Stevens says with God, Caleb will always be safe.

“Because the lord gives us hope beyond the pain. You may still be asking is the child is saved because up there he is. The promise of eternal life,” said Stevens.

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