Caleb Andrew Belden was born on August 28, 2002, in San Angelo, Texas, and decided to end his life on March 13, 2024, at his home in West Des Moines. He was an old soul from the start. He was quiet and contemplative, had a dry, sarcastic wit, and hated having his picture taken. As a teen, he was diagnosed with autism and wore that diagnosis as a badge of honor, often referring to himself as an “autistic son of a bitch.” He cared deeply for others but rarely shared his thoughts and feelings. You were truly blessed if he gave you his big smile, enveloped you in one of his perfect hugs, had a nickname for you, or if he called you spinch.
Caleb graduated from Norwalk High School in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Though he missed out on prom, he was very active as a drummer in the band, on the bowling team, and on the golf team. He even dipped his toes in acting with IHSSA. Caleb truly shined when it came to games and puzzles of any type. He was always interested in coding and even planned to design his own game. He loved video games, anything Japanese, Anime, and Manga. He continued to learn instruments even after high school, always dreaming of one day owning a marimba. He was planning on returning to college this fall to train to be an aviation technician.
Caleb had a huge family and more friends than he realized. He is survived by his mother, Shannan Belden (McCleese), siblings; Bethany, Christian, Caitlin, and Wyatt Belden, and grandparents; Didi and Matthew Loynachan, Vickie Belden, and Mike (Claudia) Belden. He is also survived by 11 aunts and uncles: Jenni Liston, Sam Loynachan, Nicole (Andre) Verdin, Casey (Todd) Fryer, Jeffrey Moniz, Jonathan McCleese, Scott (Laura) Belden, Angi Lively, Aimee (Cory) Paturno, Brian (Bonne) Belden, and Becky Smith. He is survived by 41 cousins: Ani Liston, Sam Loynachan, Kylee Loynachan, Carly Saiers, Cole Fryer, Chloe Fryer, Cooper Fryer, Alex Verdin, Sophia Verdin, Ellie Verdin, Noah Purdon, Levi Purdon, Solomon Purdon, Luke Purdon, Melodi Lively, Alec Paturno, Ellie Paturno, Alaina Kitano, Kennedy Kitano, Tristan Kitano, Ammon Paturno, Airck Paturno, Aiden Paturno, Peyton Autrey, Dani Autrey, Beckett Autrey, Layne Belden, Nick Belden, Brette Belden, Matt Belden, Mary Belden, Riley Belden, Charley Belden, Lydia Smith, Lissie Smith, Nate Smith, Cami Smith, Lonny Smith, Katerina Belden, Cora Belden, and Christine Belden.
We will be having a visitation at Merle Hay Funeral Home 4400 Merle Hay Rd on March 25, 2024 from 1-3 pm with a service following from 3-4 pm. Caleb’s brother, Christian will officiate with the service focusing mostly on sharing memories and stories of Caleb. Following the service, please join us for dinner at Old West Mexican 4138 Fleur Dr. if you would like; however, meals are not complementary.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to help cover the cost of funeral expenses.
