On January 4, 2024, Brayden Kirk Cavanaugh, of Early, an amazing son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, could no longer wait to join his Da (grandpa) and the Lord in Heaven, at the age of 15.

Brayden Kirk Cavanaugh was born on October 2, 2008, in San Angelo to Chelsea Cavanaugh. Although Brayden was an only child, he grew up very close to his cousin, Hagen Dirk Cavanaugh. Even though Brayden was the taller of the two he looked up to his cousin so much, they always had each other through the good and the bad times. Most recently both boys dedicated their hearts to God and were baptized together out at the family tank, in a trough, in front of their Da’s cross. Brayden grew up going to Awanas at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, then switched to Early First Baptist Church where he attended the youth group on Wednesday nights and church camps. On Sundays, Brayden attended service at Gouldbusk Baptist Church and was also part of a men’s bible study group.

Brayden had attended Early ISD since kindergarten where he currently was a freshman. Over the years Brayden had participated in U.I.L, Robotics, Student Council, National Honor Society, Art Club and Future Problem Solving, where he had made it to state every year. He was looking forward to hopefully making it to state again as an individual but he was most excited about his Community Problems Solvers Team. He was very passionate about the entire Future Problems Solvers program. Brayden was so bright and inquisitive and he was a straight A student. He loved learning different things and trying to learn from other people’s point of view. He attended STEM camps at Texas A&M the last two summers where he won the engineering and design award. Brayden enjoyed reading, but also loved hanging out with his friends, whether it be at school, games, movies, youth group, or just playing video games together. He and his friends could always be heard laughing, talking, and just having a great time.

Brayden had a huge heart and such a kind soul. He also had a wonderful sense of humor; he would keep everyone laughing for hours especially during board games. Brayden was always a helper, particularly when it came to helping the ladies and men at church, his classmates with schoolwork or his Grammaw with the cattle.

Brayden was such a blessing, especially to his tight knit little family who he loved fiercely, most notably, his grammaw. While he leaves a huge hole in our hearts, we know he is in good hands with his Da. I’m sure he is already talking Das’ ear off as they walk down some dirt road going to check on cows grazin the nice green pastures up in Heaven.

Brayden was preceded in death by his Da (Kirk Cavanaugh); his birthday buddy and great grandpa, Jackie Cavanaugh; great grandmas, Nancy Cavanaugh (Nana) and Linda Meece (MeeMaw).

He leaves behind mother, Chelsea Cavanaugh; grammaw, Lisa Cavanaugh; uncle, Cody Cavanaugh; and his cousin, Hagen Dirk Cavanaugh. He will also be greatly missed by extended family, his school family, his church families, and his many friends.

He was so loved by all who knew him!

Sunday, January 14, there will be a viewing at Heartland Funeral Home from 2:00-3:30 pm for anyone who wishes to see him one last time. A Celebration of Life at Early First Baptist Church will follow at 4:00 pm, where we will remember Brayden exactly as he was!

If you have any special memories of Brayden that you would like to share with the family, write them down. If you have anything that reminds you of him, such as pictures or items, bring them with you and we will have a jar for you to put it in!

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Cavanaugh family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com