Caleb Harris 'Always Had a Smile on His Face,' Family Says at Memorial Service After His Remains Are Found (2024)

• The remains of Caleb Harris, who went missing on March 4, were later identified by authorities on July 17
• A “celebration of life" was held for the Texas A&M student on July 23
• His obituary described him as “a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend”

Caleb Harris, the 21-year-old Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student who was missing for almost four months, was remembered this week at a memorial service after authorities said his remains had been found in the city's wastewater system.

Hundreds of people attended the "celebration of life" service held at Oakwood Church in New Braunfels, Texas, on Tuesday, July 23, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

The event, which was livestreamed, featured remembrances, musical performances and a montage of photos from Harris' life.

“Caleb was a happy go-lucky person,” his uncle, Jeff Wright, said in a eulogy at the service. “He always had a smile on his face. He was very close to his family, talking to his mom and dad daily.”

“In the last couple of years, Caleb embraced his dad’s passions,” Wright continued, “He shared the same joy of fishing and grilling."

But Harris also "had many passions throughout his life: guitar, music, cooking, cars, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, skateboard, Legos and anything water-related," his uncle said. "With these passions, he wanted his friends and family to experience the joy he got from them.”

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Indeed, Harris spent his final Saturday before he died showing his mom all his favorite spots in Corpus Christi.

Wright said their family knew he was exceptional from an early age.

“Caleb’s character will live through his family until we see him again in heaven,” Wright concluded in his remarks.

Authorities have said Harris was last seen in the early morning of March 4 leaving his off-campus apartment in Corpus Christi. An exhaustive search was conducted by police and volunteers following his disappearance

On June 24, police were notified that human remains were discovered at the Perry Place wastewater lift station in Corpus Christi.

About three weeks later, on July 17, authorities announced that the remains "most likely" belonged to Harris following a forensic analysis.

Authorities have said there were no obvious signs of a homicide, but an exact cause and manner of death have not been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police told PEOPLE he may have accidentally fallen into an open manhole not far from his apartment.

In a published obituary, Harris was described as “a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend” who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and loved music and the outdoors.

He was deeply connected to his religious faith as well and "he often led worship, touching many with his gentle spirit and heartfelt devotion,” the obituary states.

”His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 1:18, 'Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.' He loved the visual it gives of our sins being forgiven by Christ’s blood. His actions revealed his heart for people. Everyone knew he shined Jesus because of how he loved others.”

Harris is survived by his parents, Randy and Becky, and sister Andie along with his grandparents, uncles and aunts and relatives, per his obituary.

He was previously memorialized in a candlelight vigil held at Cole Park in Corpus Christi on Saturday, July 20. “I think it's very important for the community to come together,” said Nicole Owens, a co-organizer of the vigil, according to local TV station WOAI. “For one, if it was my child, I would expect the same. You know, I'd want everyone to come out and try to help my child. I think that's what everyone should do. It takes a village.”

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President Kelly Miller issued a July 18 statement remembering Harris as "a kind friend and a valued member of our campus community."

“His passion for adventure and his enthusiasm for life were just part of Caleb’s Islander impact," Miller said, adding, "As we navigate this difficult time, let us hold Caleb’s family, friends, and classmates in our thoughts and in our prayers.”