Caden J. Phillips

“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.” – Julie Hebert

Caden J. Phillips, age 29, of Juab County, Utah, passed away unexpectedly in Payson, Utah, on July 3, 2025. He was born on July 28, 1995, in American Fork, Utah, to Chad Phillips and his late mother Shanna Hunt Phillips.

Caden grew up in Juab County, where he was known for his bright humor, kindness, and sweet soul. As a child, he proudly served as a student ambassador in elementary school, a recognition he often spoke about.

He graduated from Snow College with his Associate of Science degree in 2021 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Utah Valley University in 2023, along with a certificate as an Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor. At the time of his passing, he was over halfway through his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He was employed with Wasatch Behavioral Health with the Utah County Probation program, helping those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.

On September 27, 2014, he married McKayla Elcock. They shared nearly 11 years of marriage and two sons: Liam J. Phillips (born 2015 in Nephi, UT) and Grayson Shaun Phillips (born 2020 in Provo, UT). Caden loved going to the gym, weightlifting, playing World of Warcraft, and cooking. He enjoyed music by artists like Blackbear, D at Sea, Of Mice & Men, and Trevor Hall. In his younger years, he loved horseback riding, sports, motorcycles, and working on the family farm. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, bright personality, and the kindness he showed to everyone. Though he faced his own struggles, he inspired many with his determination and compassion.

He is survived by his wife McKayla; sons Liam and Grayson; father Chad (Kristine) Phillips; grandparents Leslie (Dyana) Phillips, Alex (Janette) Hunt, Susan (Jack) Crannell, and great-grandmother Veloy Pulley; siblings Chantal (Austin) Rowley, Ethan (Sadie) Phillips, and Colton Phillips; numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws, including Michelle Stephenson and Eric (America) Elcock. Caden was preceded in death by his mother, Shanna Kaye Hunt Phillips, and his grandmother, Vicky Phillips.

An open viewing will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held later this month, with details forthcoming. Caden will be laid to rest in the Levan Cemetery.

The family offers special thanks to Stephanie Stevenson for her generous support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in McKayla’s name to help with funeral expenses at GoFundMe.