Pastor Caleb B. Counterman

Age 48 of Morris, Illinois, died suddenly on Sunday, December 8, 2024 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Born July 25, 1976 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Caleb was the headstrong, eldest son of Dr. Andrew and Jo Ellen Counterman. He was raised in upstate New York spending countless hours in the woods making forts with his brothers. They moved to Maryland during Caleb’s high school years, where he graduated from Severna Park High School with the Class of 1994. Caleb finished his time in college at Maranatha Baptist University with a degree in business, a fervent burden for pastoral ministry, and a fiancé. He married the love of his life, Jess, and began working on his Master of Divinity at Lansdale Theological Seminary, graduating in 2005. For ten years, he served on the pastoral staff at Anchor Baptist Church (1998-2008); In 2003 and 2006 respectively, he and Jess welcomed their two strapping young boys, Levi and Jared. From 2008-2023, Caleb was pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Morris, IL, completing a Master’s in Apologetics, and nearly finishing his Doctorate of Pastoral Ministry. He and his family were currently serving at SouthField Church in Channahon, IL.

Caleb was fun-loving and always up for a family jeep ride, theological debate, political discussion, Cowboys football game, or some good hot wings. He fiercely loved his wife, telling and showing her daily that he loved her. He fiercely loved his sons, spending quality time teaching them to be men. He fiercely loved his family, his brothers and parents becoming some of his best friends as an adult. He just loved people. Most importantly though, he loved God and lived to know Him and make Him known to others. While Caleb’s life seems too short, his impact was far-reaching. His life of service included: Pastoral ministry, Grundy County Board member, soccer coach, counselor, Big Brother program, Child Advocacy Council, mission’s trips, and numerous other volunteer positions that allowed him a chance to speak God’s truth and love into people’s lives. He was known for his selfless, caring, wise, timely, patient, honest actions and words. He was a man of integrity. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Caleb wanted his life to reflect the good God he served. He succeeded. His life’s verse was found in Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people…(and we are) looking for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed and to purify for Himself a people for his own possession eager for good deeds.”

Survivors include his wife Jessica, sons Levi and Jared, parents, Andrew and Jo Ellen Counterman, brothers Luke (Liesl) Counterman and Simeon (Bonnie) Counterman, in-laws Gerry and Rae Ann Smith, brother in-laws Ed (Alyssa) Smith and Aaron Smith. Nephew and nieces: Elijah, Azriel, Eden (JP), Cana, Titus, Kezia, Lydia, Timothy, Ezra, Lucy, and Elliott.

Per Caleb's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded. 

A memorial visitation will be held at SouthField Church, 24557 West Eames Street, in Channahon on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Memorial services will follow the visitation at 4:00 p.m.

Those who wish to join the services virtually may view the livestream of the service provided on Caleb's tribute page at www.ReevesFuneral.com

Interment will be private.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Caleb's memory to the family for distribution to local charities of their choosing. If you wish to send flowers, the family requests that you send poinsettias in honor of Caleb's love of Christmas.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, and share Caleb's memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.