Utah County family honors son’s mission legacy with service project on Navajo Nation

SALEM, Utah County — A Utah County family is turning grief into service as they honor the life of their son, who passed away while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico. The Martin family of Salem is remembering Caleb Martin, 21, through meaningful acts of service — reflecting the compassion and dedication he showed while serving on the Navajo Nation. [gallery ids="916918,916919,916920,916921"] In their backyard, Jennah and Dave Martin, along with their daughter Kylee, recently planted two Asian pear trees with the help of family and friends. “He loved Asian pears. It was one of his favorite fruits,” Jennah said. The trees are more than just a tribute — they represent the kind of person Caleb was. “Those trees are going to stand as a memorial of him, reaching out, providing service to people,” Jennah said. Caleb passed away in his sleep on Jan. 3, just months before he was expected to return home. His mom said the family later learned he died from a rare genetic heart condition that had gone undetected. “I’m not going to lie. It was really emotional. It’s been very up and down,” Jennah said. In the weeks since his passing, the family has found comfort in the support of loved ones. They recently held a celebration of life with family, friends and neighbors. “It was just like a big extension of the family. That was beautiful,” Dave said. “I feel like we have so much peace and love that we’ve been able to experience,” said Kylee, Caleb’s twin sister. While serving in New Mexico, Caleb spent much of his time on the Navajo Nation, where he often helped families by cutting firewood, an essential resource in the winter months. “Wood-burning stoves are their sole source of energy during the winter. That’s their warmth, that’s their heat. So they have to have wood,” Jennah explained. Now, the Martin family is working to continue that mission of service. They are organizing a *fundraiser and service project to return to the Navajo Nation and build wood sheds, helping keep firewood dry and usable through the winter. They said it’s exactly what Caleb would have wanted. “We have felt him with us,” Jennah said. “He loved people. And we could all use a little more love,” Dave added.

*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

Related: ‘Backcountry Santas’ deliver Christmas to Navajo Nation families

Related topics